coogar:

i would give keshi 6/10. he did good but he can do better.
we were too monotonous - the routes to attack ivory coast were too few. we were only hitting hit/miss long balls and ivory coast dealt with those threats comfortably. seriously, what happened to our expansive wing play of yore?

keshi was part of the 94 team - he knew how deadly amuneke and finidi were on the flanks. we used to have elahor, tijani babangida, pius ikedia, etc. there has been no brilliant wing play from us this tournament! the wing backs don't overlap to create options for our wingers and on another day, we could have drawn n settled for a shoot-out!

i wouldn't quite agree keshi's tactics worked - ivory coast were just too poor by their high standards. the winner was just a brilliant piece of individual play, nothing to do with tactics or system. if mba had lost the ball with his mazy run, we could have conceded a goal easily cos he left a big gap at the back which was quite risky.

Why must we complain even when we are blessed or have succeeded? It took Westerhof 4 years to get Amuneke and Finidi to play the kind of football they played between 1993 and 1994. Westerhof came to Nigeria in 1989 and met the Eagles led by Henry Nwosu. We had Etim Esin and co. Westerhof could not get a much needed draw against Cameroun at away to top the group in the world cup qualifying match at away. Nigeria went out. Then the next year, he took his Eagles to Algiers '90 nation's cup, he finished second even though he had lost his first match 1-5 to Algeria. Between 1990 and 1993, he brought Uche Okechukwu, Ben Iroha, Finidi George, Amuneke, Mutiu Adepoju, Dan Amokachie, and some others. By 1993, the likes of Etim Esin, Andrew Uwe, Yisa Sofoluwe, Richard Owubokiri, etc, were no longer needed. Before nation cup '94 Sunday Oliseh was discovered, also is Mike Emenalo. Nigeria won the nations cup, then Chidi Nwanu was included in the defence for the world cup. Also just few days to the world cup, Nduka Ugbade was considered not good enough to make the 23 man team, I think Victor Ikpeba was included in the last minute.

We should give praise to Keshi, he is building very well. He hasn't even lost a match, home away or neutral ground. I dont know when last Nigeria played qualifying series and not lost at away. I rate Keshi 9.5/10

VellyG: its funny how all those pessimist have suddenly disappeared. Now i can see alot of them here making good comment about the team. How unpatriotic can Nigerians be.

Nigerians are very unpatriotic and it irritates. Imagine fans whose EPL teams are struggling or haven't been doing well calling Eagles chickens. Two days ago, Keshi said he was very confident he would win and that he was ashamed the way Nigerians were talking badly (unpatriotic) of the team. Now he delivered and beaten one of the best teams in the world, yet people are trying to coach him that he is not doing well, that he is not playing wing football, etc. I don't get it. As far as I am concerned about this tournament, Eagles have already surpassed expectations. After the tournament, the team will be strengthened with time. Some players will fit out while new one will come and fit in. That was how Westerhof built for 5 years.

elampiro:

Why must we complain even when we are blessed or have succeeded? It took Westerhof 4 years to get Amuneke and Finidi to play the kind of football they played between 1993 and 1994. Westerhof came to Nigeria in 1989 and met the Eagles led by Henry Nwosu. We had Etim Esin and co. Westerhof could not win against Cameroun at away to top the group in the world cup qualifying match at away. Nigeria went out. Then the next year, he took his Eagles to Algiers '90 nation's cup, he finished second even though he had lost his first match 1-5 to Algeria. Between 1990 and 1993, he brought Uche Okechukwu, Ben Iroha, Finidi George, Amuneke, Mutiu Adepoju, Dan Amokachie, and some others. By 1993, the likes of Etim Esin, Andrew Uwe, Yisa Sofoluwe, Richard Owubokiri, etc, were no longer needed. Before nation cup '94 Sunday Oliseh was discovered, also is Mike Emenalo. Nigeria won the nations cup, then Chidi Nwanu was included in the defence for the world cup. Also just few days to the world cup, Nduka Ugbade was considered not good enough to make the 23 man team, I think Victor Ikpeba was included in the last minute.

We should give praise to Keshi, he is building very well. He hasn't even lost a match, home away or neutral ground. I dont know when last Nigeria played qualifying series and not lost at away. I rate Keshi 9.5/10

Mike Emenalo before then had featured for the Green Eagles team led by Onigbinde in 1984 nations cup in Ivory Coast. Emenalo and his eagles team mate from Rangers-Chibuzo Ehilegbu left Nigeria to go and study in the U.S.

Good game but let us not get carried away with euphoria.The coaching needs to improve.
In particular our attackers need to realise they need to help the defence and midfield in modern football.
There were a few nervous moments following pressure from the wings.
The other concern is defenders putting the keepeer under pressure with back passes.
They need to show more composure in bringing the ball out from defence.
It was a close game and they did well to beat a very strong side but Keshi needs to note areas for improvement.
This only helps us to appreciate the 1994 winning squad more those guys were GREAT all round

Keshi's game plan, turn out well. I give the game to the bench and pray they quickly get out of the celebration mood and develop a plan for Mali. Any team in a semifinals of a nations cup is no push over. We need to win our next two matches.

Andre Uweh:
Mike Emenalo before then had featured for the Green Eagles team led by Onigbinde in 1984 nations cup in Ivory Coast. Emenalo and his eagles team mate from Rangers-Chibuzo Ehilegbu left Nigeria to go and study in the U.S.

OK, I am sure you get my point. People are too impatient and are quickly to refer to 1994 Eagles. It was built over time. Lest I forget, Westerhof needed just a draw in Cameroun to win the group at the time. We lost and Nigeria kept faith. By 1994, we had only Yekini, Keshi, Okafor and Oliha surviving from the old Eagles.

Oliha and Keshi mostly played from the bench and were introduced to soak pressure when Nigeria needed to protect a lead. Uche Okafor had to be relegated to the bench when Chidi Nwanu arrived. So, I will say it was only Yekini who kept his position throughout. Keshi went to world cup with injury, so he had only a few games. Peter Rufai also returned after a long absence.

When a coach has stayed long in a team, he is able to utilise his players better because he would have known their capabilities and shortcomings. He also know players that should be waved good bye from the team.

Panter215: Keshi's game plan, turn out well. I give the game to the bench and pray they quickly get out of the celebration mood and develop a plan for Mali. Any team in a semifinals of a nations cup is no push over. We need to win our next two matches.

Correct.

Andre Uweh:
Mike Emenalo before then had featured for the Green Eagles team led by Onigbinde in 1984 nations cup in Ivory Coast. Emenalo and his eagles team mate from Rangers-Chibuzo Ehilegbu left Nigeria to go and study in the U.S.

Just saw your profile name, are you the Andrew Uweh that played for Green Eagles?

elampiro:

OK, I am sure you get my point. People are too impatient and are quickly to refer to 1994 Eagles. It was built over time. Lest I forget, Westerhof needed just a draw in Cameroun to win the group at the time. We lost and Nigeria kept faith. By 1994, we had only Yekini, Keshi, Okafor and Oliha surviving from the old Eagles.

Oliha and Keshi mostly played from the bench and were introduced to soak pressure when Nigeria is needed to protect a lead. Uche Okafor had to be relegated to the bench when Chidi Nwanu arrived. So, I will say it was only Yekini who kept his position throughout out. Keshi went to world cup with injury, so he had only a few games. Peter Rufai also returned after a long absence.

When a coach has stayed long in a team, he is able to utilise his players better because he would have known their capabilities and shortcomings. He also know players that should be waved good bye from the team.

I AGREE WITH YOU. KESHI SHOULD BE ASKED TO STAY ON

elampiro:

Just saw your profile name, are you the Andrew Uweh that played for Green Eagles?

Noops, we both share the same first name. My own Uwe is actually DIKAUWE.

At the Eagles dressing room,Drogba asks Mikel "TO WIN THE CUP FOR THEM"

Andre Uweh:
Noops, we both share the same first name. My own Uwe is actually DIKAUWE.

ok. Thanks. Have a nice night rest.

Good night.

In today's football, no team sticks to just one formation come rain or shine. You choose formations according to your capabilities, the tactics of the opposition or change things around when your formation is thwarted. Man Utd also like the wing play but sometimes your wingers get frozen out. Remember, how the Italians clipped our wings at USA 94?

Jarus:
No, martins played that match. I'm very sure. Yes, I know Ogbeche also played and did well.
I think it was 2004 though, after ANC of that year. Can't remember (and too excited to consult Google now), but I watched that match from Awo hall common room in school.

Bros...ŋa̶̲̅ UI Ɣøû go?

.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/02/eagles-sweep-awards/

Super Eagles midfeilder, Sunday Mba yesterday won the Man of the Match award in the AFCON quarterfinal match against Cote D’Ivoire at the Royal Bafikeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
Mba, an home-based player with Warri Wolves of Delta State, scored the second goal as they Eagles ran out with a surpirse 2-1 win over the highly rated Ivorians, featuring the likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Cheik Tiote.

Adding his name to the list of award winners was central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, whose partnership with Godfrey Oboabona of Sunshine Stars, held the Ivorians at bay, won for  him the fair play gong.

Is anybody forgettin the referee?

JideTheBlogger: Jarus, you've said it all. 100 gbosas for the home-based players in the team.

how many home base dey inside? Are you a learner? Obo, mba, onazi odas na foreign

NAIJA 4 LIFE! . . .How are the mighy fallen! . . .kudos 2 d SE 4 their gallant performance i've always believe things can always get better,let the boys keep it up 4 nothing is won yet IT IS NOT OVER UNTILL IT IS FINALLY OVER

@shymexx

Why are you so obsessed with hating Echiejile?

He's rubbish, he's this,he's that, but he did his DAMN job which was to defend. the goal yesterday was not caused by him and he also went forward a couple of times.

had some shots too. if you're better or have someone better than him, kindly recommend him/yourself to the coach AFTER the tournament and stop hating!

They all tried while disappointing most of nigerians themselves.

rockiedink:

Bros...ŋa̶̲̅ UI Ɣøû go?

Great Ife

una dy current o

elampiro:

Why must we complain even when we are blessed or have succeeded? It took Westerhof 4 years to get Amuneke and Finidi to play the kind of football they played between 1993 and 1994. Westerhof came to Nigeria in 1989 and met the Eagles led by Henry Nwosu. We had Etim Esin and co. Westerhof could not get a much needed draw against Cameroun at away to top the group in the world cup qualifying match at away. Nigeria went out. Then the next year, he took his Eagles to Algiers '90 nation's cup, he finished second even though he had lost his first match 1-5 to Algeria. Between 1990 and 1993, he brought Uche Okechukwu, Ben Iroha, Finidi George, Amuneke, Mutiu Adepoju, Dan Amokachie, and some others. By 1993, the likes of Etim Esin, Andrew Uwe, Yisa Sofoluwe, Richard Owubokiri, etc, were no longer needed. Before nation cup '94 Sunday Oliseh was discovered, also is Mike Emenalo. Nigeria won the nations cup, then Chidi Nwanu was included in the defence for the world cup. Also just few days to the world cup, Nduka Ugbade was considered not good enough to make the 23 man team, I think Victor Ikpeba was included in the last minute.

We should give praise to Keshi, he is building very well. He hasn't even lost a match, home away or neutral ground. I dont know when last Nigeria played qualifying series and not lost at away. I rate Keshi 9.5/10

May God bless u 4 this. Keshi is really tryin and we need to give him more time to build this team properly. I've never been a fan of sacking coaches under one year.

Ninilowo:
Yeah! with a scissors kick that deceived Onigbinde to take him to the world cup

Lol. Oh boy that scissors kick deceived a whole lot of people!

elampiro:

Why must we complain even when we are blessed or have succeeded? It took Westerhof 4 years to get Amuneke and Finidi to play the kind of football they played between 1993 and 1994. Westerhof came to Nigeria in 1989 and met the Eagles led by Henry Nwosu. We had Etim Esin and co. Westerhof could not get a much needed draw against Cameroun at away to top the group in the world cup qualifying match at away. Nigeria went out. Then the next year, he took his Eagles to Algiers '90 nation's cup, he finished second even though he had lost his first match 1-5 to Algeria. Between 1990 and 1993, he brought Uche Okechukwu, Ben Iroha, Finidi George, Amuneke, Mutiu Adepoju, Dan Amokachie, and some others. By 1993, the likes of Etim Esin, Andrew Uwe, Yisa Sofoluwe, Richard Owubokiri, etc, were no longer needed. Before nation cup '94 Sunday Oliseh was discovered, also is Mike Emenalo. Nigeria won the nations cup, then Chidi Nwanu was included in the defence for the world cup. Also just few days to the world cup, Nduka Ugbade was considered not good enough to make the 23 man team, I think Victor Ikpeba was included in the last minute.

We should give praise to Keshi, he is building very well. He hasn't even lost a match, home away or neutral ground. I dont know when last Nigeria played qualifying series and not lost at away. I rate Keshi 9.5/10

I beg to be corrected. Green Eagles(Super Eagles) were doing well when Westerhof joined Nigeria. He was just a Stubborn Coach who wanted to instill discipline into the team. No team could dear Nigeria in Africa not even Cameroon which they had beaten 2-0 in world cup 1990 first leg qualifier at Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan. Before he joined Nigeria in 1989,we had almost qualified for the world cup needing just a draw in the last two away matches against Gabon and Cameroon. Nigeria could conveniently beat Gabon on their soil and with Cameroon it could go either way if he had paraded the real team which he dropped. In fact,he hated the likes of Peter Rufai,Chidi Nwanu, Humphrey Edobor,etc(he sent their mates to early retirement) with passion preferring the inexperience players. He had gambled with Eagles for 4 years only for him to call back Rufai, Chidi Nwanu and Agbonivbare and Eguaven when it was obvious that he might fail to deliver when mattered most especially against big teams. Nigeria would have won AFCON and be in the world cup before 1994.

Lesson to Learn: Let Keshi know that the inclusion of Osaze, Anichebe, Obafemi amongst other senior players should not be over ruled if they are still inform.

Dnt bet on eagles cos there's no difference btw dem n arsenal.Let's jst pray 4 dem cos it's bn a while we won d trophy.

coogar:

i would give keshi 6/10. he did good but he can do better.
we were too monotonous - the routes to attack ivory coast were too few. we were only hitting hit/miss long balls and ivory coast dealt with those threats comfortably. seriously, what happened to our expansive wing play of yore?

keshi was part of the 94 team - he knew how deadly amuneke and finidi were on the flanks. we used to have elahor, tijani babangida, pius ikedia, etc. there has been no brilliant wing play from us this tournament! the wing backs don't overlap to create options for our wingers and on another day, we could have drawn n settled for a shoot-out!

i wouldn't quite agree keshi's tactics worked - ivory coast were just too poor by their high standards. the winner was just a brilliant piece of individual play, nothing to do with tactics or system. if mba had lost the ball with his mazy run, we could have conceded a goal easily cos he left a big gap at the back which was quite risky.

You can never satisfy man. You will score Keshi 6/10, we were monotonous etc. So Nigeria won the match because Cotedivorie were just too poor by their high standards. Haa !! Human Being. I fear you oo. So Mba left a space at the back to score a risky goal. My man I score your analysis 1/160000000 because that is the percentage of Nigerians that watched your own version of the match. Olodo Rabata!!!

aribisala0: Good game but let us not get carried away with euphoria.The coaching needs to improve.
In particular our attackers need to realise they need to help the defence and midfield in modern football.
There were a few nervous moments following pressure from the wings.
The other concern is defenders putting the keepeer under pressure with back passes.
They need to show more composure in bringing the ball out from defence.
It was a close game and they did well to beat a very strong side but Keshi needs to note areas for improvement.
This only helps us to appreciate the 1994 winning squad more those guys were GREAT all round

I don't know how old you were in 1994. I clearly remember that we beat Cotedivorie via penalties in the semifinals of tunisia 94 and we conceded to Zambia in the first five minutes of the final game only to come back to win 2-1. See brother, there is no perfect team or perfect game. You will score goals and you will concede goals. That is football. Let us stop this pessimism and support and pray for the team to succeed. Even if we don't win the cup, the boys will be given a heroes welcome back home.sebi we dey there till end of tournament. The worst we can get is 4th place abi?