Rohr Debunks Rumours Of Mikel Stripped Of Super Eagles Captaincy




Gernot Rohr has dismissed speculation in some quarters that former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has been relieved of his duties as captain of the Super Eagles.

Since the appointment of Rohr as coach of the three-time African champions, three different players Eddy Onazi, Obi Mikel and Elderson Echiejile have worn the captain's armband.

The German has explained that the Trabzonspor and Monaco stars took on additional responsibilities because Mikel was recovering from injury.

''No, the problem for Obi Mikel was his injury for six months so he needed time to come back physically,'' Rohr said to HipTV .

''Against Cameroon, it was only the beginning of him playing after his injury, he wasn't able to play ninety minutes at a high level, so I didn't want him to pick up an injury again.

''Now he is better and can play ninety minutes.''

Mikel was first appointed the substantive captain of the Super Eagles by caretaker coach Samson Siasia in March 2016, ahead of an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt.

The Tianjin Teda midfielder and defender was Team Nigeria's captain at the 2016 Olympic Games.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25074

Onyekuru excites against mighty PSG, swaps jerseys with Angel Di Maria
By ScoreNigeria admin

Henry Onyekuru posted a decent performance for Anderlecht even though the Belgian champions were thumped 4-0 at home by mighty PSG with Neymar the star again.

Everton loanee Onyekuru saw his goal-bound shot crash against the crossbar in the second half and before the interval he forced a fine save from the PSG goalkeeper.

The Nigeria international played the entire game and was bright and lively operating from the left flank and dashing into the heart of his team’s attack.

However, he was later booked for a needless foul.
Anderlecht coach blamed the heavy home loss to his team’s lack of efficiency in front of goal against a top level team like PSG, who took the chances well.

He said his team played a perfect first half and have taken a lot of positives from this thrashing in front of over 19,000 spectators.

Onyekuru’s souvenir from the big-spending Parisiens was the jersey of Argentina and former Manchester United star Angel Di Maria, who came off the bench to score his team’s fourth goal with a clever chip.

Source: http://googleweblight.com/i?u=http://scorenigeria.com.ng/2017/10/19/onyekuru-excites-against-mighty-psg-swaps-jerseys-with-angel-di-maria/&hl=en-NG&tg=202&tk=O3sV1ujdrDEijNEc

(Photo) Victor Moses Gutted To Miss Roma Clash, Says He'll Be Back ASAP



Victor Moses has suffered bad luck with injuries in recent seasons which ruled him out of games for club and country.
Last weekend, the Chelsea number fifteen suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him on the sidelines for up to four weeks, if everything goes according to plan.

For the first time since the Nigeria national-teamer damaged his hamstring against Crystal Palace, he made a public statement on Wednesday, saying he is working hard to return to the training pitch soon.

Moses posted on social media : ''Gutted to pick up an injury. Working hard to get fit&back on the pitch as soon as I can! Good luck to the boys tonight come on the Chels #CFC''.

It is thought that the base case scenario is a return to action after the third international break of the season, meaning he is set to miss Nigeria's final Group B fixture versus Algeria in the World Cup qualifiers.

The 26-year-old went the distance against Atlético Madrid on match day two in the Champions League.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25072

Nigeria Planning To Cap-Tie Dutch-Born Defender Against Algeria



The Nigeria Football Federation are planning to cap-tie ADO Den Haag defender Tyronne Ebuehi by handing him a competitive debut against Algeria on November 10.

The Haarlem, Netherlands-born right back might not be pleased with his role on the bench for the national team, with television pictures confirming as much during the closing minutes of Nigeria's 4-0 rout of Cameroon in September.

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has hinted that Ebuehi could debut against the Desert Foxes because of the injury suffered by Elderson Echiejile.

''Echiejile is injured, had an injury at the end of the game against Zambia and he will be out for about four weeks,'' Rohr told HipTV .

''So he can not come for the next game, which is an opportunity to see another player, perhaps Ola Aina and Tyronne Ebuehi, some young players in this position.

''Echiejile we can enable him rest, his experience is very important, he did so well against the best player for Africa at AFCON, Bassogog.

''He needs to be fit and I hope that soon he will come back''.
The 21-year-old Ebuehi made his non-competitive debut for the Super Eagles in a 3-0 friendly win over Togo on 1 June 2017.

**Igho Kingsley

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25075

Will Obafemi Martins Make Nigeria's World Cup Roster? Rohr Answers




Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has refused to categorically rule out the option of taking former Newcastle United and Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The German tactician has stated that majority of the players that helped the national team qualify for a sixth World Cup won't be omitted from the 23-man roster.

''We will call the best men, but now everybody wants to come because we are in the World Cup,'' Gernot Rohr told HipTV when asked if Martins will be called back to the Super Eagles

''The players who brought us to the World Cup, I don't forget them.''

Obafemi Martins also played a role in Nigeria's qualification for next summer's showpiece, having made two substitute appearances against Swaziland in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers in November 2015.

The Shanghai Greenland Shenhua frontman debuted for the Super Eagles at the World Cup against Argentina on June 12, 2010.

This season, Martins has contributed to 11 goals (8 goals, 3 assists) in 15 appearances for his Chinese club.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25073

Conte Blames Roma Draw On Absence Of Moses And Two Other Important Players



Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has blamed his side's 3-3 draw with Roma in the Champions League on the absence of three key players in his squad, including Victor Moses.
A brace from Eden Hazard and an additional tally from David Luiz counted for nothing, with the Italian opponents replying through former Manchester City stars Aleksandar Kolarov and Edin Dzeko.

Moses picked up a hamstring injury in last weekend's defeat to Crystal Palace, former Leicester man Danny Drinkwater is out with a calf injury and Frenchman N'Golo Kanté suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty.

''We must realise we had three important players out, Kante, Drinkwater and Moses, and this gives us problems, but I am not looking for excuses now,'' Conte was quoted as saying by chelseafc.com.

''I tried an extra defender to protect more the team, but in terms of the style and system I want to see, it must always be the same.''

Antonio Conte won't be able to utilize Moses, Kante and Drinkwater when his side host Watford in the Premier League on Saturday, October 21.


**Igho Kingsley

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25076

Opponents Watch


Algeria FA Confirm Legend Madjer As New Coach




The Algeria Football Federation have announced Algerian football legend Rabah Madjer as their new national team coach.
Madjer’s appointment was confirmed by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) on their verified twitter handle on Thursday.

Madjer, 58, who takes over from sacked Spanish coach Lucas Alcaraz becomes the country’s fifth national coach in three years.

Madjer first took charge of his country in 1994, with his most recent spell ending in 2002 after an early exit from that year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
His first assignment will be Algeria’s final African qualifying Group B FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on November 10.

Madjer captained the Algerian team that won the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts, beating Nigeria 1-0 in the final.
He won the 1987 UEFA Champions League with FC Porto where they stunned Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final.
He was in the Algerian squad that debuted at the FIFA World Cup in Spain 1982.

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/algeria-confirm-madjer-new-coach/

Nigeria's Most Productive Teenager In The History Of Champions League Revealed



With PSG striker Kylian Mbappé etching his name into Champions League folklore with his goal against R.S.C. Anderlecht on Wednesday night, allnigeriasoccer.com has checked the history books for the most productive Nigerian teenager in the history of Europe's flagship club competition.

Mbappé netted his eighth Champions League goal against the Belgian team, and broke the record of the famous Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert by becoming the most productive teenager (up to 19 years) in the history of the competition.

The highest scoring Nigerian teenager in the history of the Champions League is Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who notched five goals before he clocked 20 while defending the colours of Maccabi Haifa.

Born November 22, 1982, Aiyegbeni bagged a hat-trick, the only Nigerian teenager to achieve the feat, against
Olympiacos on September 24, 2002, and scored his fourth and fifth goals against Manchester United (October 29) and Olympiacos (November 13).

The second highest scoring Nigerian teenager in Champions League history is former Inter Milan wonderkid Obafemi Martins, who scored four goals representing the Italian outfit.

Born October 28, 1984, Martins grabbed his first Champions League goal against Bayer Leverkusen, aged 18 years, 4 months and 19 days, before finding the net against AC Milan (May 15, 2003).
The following season, the FC Ebedei product tallied his third goal against Arsenal (Sept 17, 2003), before scoring against Anderlecht on September 29, 2004.

Nwankwo Kanu (Ajax Amsterdam), Daniel Amokachi (Club Brugge), Yussuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev) and Kelechi Iheanacho (Man City) are the other Nigerian teenagers who have scored in the Champions League.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : starsixes.com

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25077

Moses Simon Open To Gent Exit, Wants EPL Move
By Johnny Edward



Super Eagles star Moses Simon has revealed to Completesportsnigeria.com that he will be open to a move in January if any prospective club meet his valuation.

The KAA Gent winger who also admits he will still prefer a move to the English Premier League after deals to West Brom fell through last summer believes it’s time for him to move to next level.

“I’m in my third year in Belgium and I have won the Belgian Jupiler League title and I have helped the team play in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League competitions,” Simon told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“There were lots of offers from England and I was a bit unhappy it didn’t work out in June.”

The 22-year-old Nigerian international believes Gent, currently in the 12th position with nine points from ten games in the Belgian top flight, will qualify for a playoff spot despite a poor start to the season.

“We started slowly but we are getting back gradually. We won our last game and I believe we will win again on Saturday,” he added.

Gent are away to KV Kortrijk in their next game on Saturday. They have won two league games, lost five and drawn three.

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-simon-open-gent-exit-wants-epl/

PSG Star Dani Alves Admits Struggling To Defend Against Everton Loanee Onyekuru



PSG Brazilian full back Dani Alves has admitted that on loan Everton forward Henry Onyekuru was quite difficult to handle in their Champions League encounter even though they thrashed Anderlecht 4-0.

Alves said Anderlecht were very lively in the first half, but they were always confident of breaking the Belgians down due to their superior power when it comes to attacking and scoring goals.

” They (Anderlecht) didn’t do badly especially in the first half but we were confident of ourselves, and we know we have the abilities to score goals and we did so before half time, and that gave us balance in the second half “, Alves said during the post match interview.

The Brazilian was up against Nigerian forward Onyekuru who is on loan to the Belgian side from Everton, and in his statement Alves said he didn’t attack much in the first half because they needed to keep it tight at the back.

” In the first half, I have to do some defensive duties, but after our goals we got the freedom to play just as we want to. Anderlecht have some very quick players and they attacked down my end, so it was difficult to join the attack in the first half”, he concluded.

Onyekuru was among the players who attacked from the left for Anderlecht, where the Brazilian is stationed for the entire duration of the game, where he came close to scoring in the second half but his effort came off the bar.


**Michael James

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/19/psg-star-dani-alves-admits-struggling-to-defend-against-everton-loanee-onyekuru/

Ex Nigeria U20 Striker Alhaji Gero Scores For Oestersunds Against Athletic Bilbao



Former Nigeria U20 forward Alhaji Gero scored his third goal in this season Europa League with a goal for Oestersunds in their 2-2 draw against Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao .

Gero who represented Nigeria at the 2013 U-20 World Youth Championship drew his side level in the 52nd minute , twelve minutes later Curtis Edwards put them 2-1 up.

Oestersunds thought they had picked up a memorable win over the Spanish giants but Inaki Williams scored a late goal, one minute from full time to bring scores to 2-2.

Despite sharing the points the Swedish side are still leading the group with seven points, two more than second place Zorya who were 2-1 winners over German side Hertha Berlin.


**Michael James

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/19/ex-nigeria-u20-striker-alhaji-gero-scores-for-oestersunds-against-athletic-bilbao/

Player Ratings – France Football Rates Everton Loanee Onyekuru Higher Than Neymar



Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru has been rated as one of the best players on display by authoritative French football news outlet France Football despite Anderlecht suffering a 0-4 drubbing at the hands of PSG.

Onyekuru was on for the entire duration of the game, and although he twice failed to score when he had the chance to do so, he was very lively for the Belgium champions with PSG full back Dani Alves admitting he had a torrid time keeping the Nigerian quiet.

His display earned him a 6 out of 10 rating, a score higher than that of the world most expensive player Neymar who scored one of the goals for PSG, but was rated 5 out of 10.

French forward Kylian Mbappe got the highest rating with a score of 7/10, a figure only better than that of Onyekuru and his teammate Adrien Trebel who were a point short.

“The young Nigerian still has a lot to learn but Henry Onyekuru was daring, dribbling at ease for his team. He could have scored in the 12th minute but for a save by Areola after he left Dani Alves rooted to the spot.

“He could also have reduced the deficit late on in the game but was denied by the crossbar.At only 20, this Everton loanee has a bright future ahead of him, a piece on his 6/10 rating reads.


**Osas Mahawi

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/19/player-ratings-france-football-rates-everton-loanee-onyekuru-higher-than-neymar/

COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF NFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD IN THE PLATEAU STATE , 18TH OCTOBER 2017



The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation held a meeting at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge on Wednesday, 18th October 2017 to deliberate on important issues in Nigerian Football and resolved as follows:



1. Executive Committee expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Assembly, various stakeholders in Nigerian Football and Players and Officials of the Senior National Football Team, Super Eagles, for Nigeria’s qualification for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. Committee pledged to do all that is necessary to ensure adequate preparation of the Super Eagles to set a new record of performance for an African country at the FIFA World Cup come Russia 2018, to the glory of Nigerian and African Football.

2. The Board resolved to ensure that negotiations with the players with regards to World Cup bonuses are firmly concluded and agreement signed before the end of this year, for the sake of stable preparations and credible participation at the World Cup finals without any distractions.

3. Committee made a resolution that adequate and intensive preparation of the Super Eagles for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, including the arrangement of quality friendly matches for the team, is non –negotiable. To this end, a comprehensive plan of action would be released after the World Cup Draw in Moscow on 1st December 2017, which would encompass training camps, friendly matches, marketing and funds drive to ensure a great outing at the World Cup finals.

4. The Committee reiterated that henceforth, only the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons will be entitled to bonus payments per match. Players, Coaches and backroom staff of other teams will earn daily allowances, approved bonuses at the end of successful qualifying campaigns and approved allowances (including daily allowances) at championships.

5. Board approved the Consolidated and Revised Balance Sheet and Profit-and-Loss Statement of the Federation for the Year 2016 as submitted by the auditors (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and also approved the 2018 Budget of the Federation.

6. Executive Committee endorsed the results of the Staff Promotion exercise for the year 2017. All twenty –eight (28) Members of Staff who took the examinations passed, and thus promoted to the next grade level.

7. The Board approved the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee for the appointment of Mr. Randy Waldrum as Technical Adviser of the Super Falcons, and directed the Secretariat to immediately conclude negotiations with Mr. Waldrum.

Source: http://www.thenff.com/2017/10/communique-meeting-nff-executive-committee-held-plateau-state-18th-october-2017/

In-form Super Eagles GK Akpeyi Shutting Out South African Based Strikers



Daniel Akpeyi kept another clean sheet in Chippa United's goalless draw with Maritzburg United on Wednesday night, bringing his total for the 2017-18 season to three from five matches.

Only two players, Supersport United's Siyabonga Nhlapo and Golden Arrow's Zimbabwe star Knox Mutizwa, have managed to score against him in the current season.

Akpeyi has not allowed a goal at home this term, keeping Bloemfontein Celtic and Maritzburg United strikers quiet in 180 minutes on September 24 and October 18 respectively.

The 31-year-old needs only six more clean sheets to set a new personal record for shutouts in the ABSA Premiership, with 22 games left before the end of the season.

He was imperious against Maritzburg United, making a sterling save to deny The Team of Choice the opener in the 42nd minute before denying Van Wyk from scoring in the box in injury time.

Akpeyi was an unused substitute in Nigeria's last competitive fixture versus Zambia, and withdrew from the squad against Cameroon after failing to recover from an injury.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25081

CD Feirense Set Oghenekaro Etebo's Release Clause At N4.19 Billion



Oghenekaro Etebo extended his contract with Portuguese setup CD Feirense in the summer, penning a deal that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2019.

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that CD Feirense have set a release clause of ten million euros (N4.19 billion) on the head of the Nigeria international.

It is envisaged that Etebo will see out the whole of this season at CD Feirense but his stock will rise if he features for the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup.

The 21-year-old would have departed the Estádio Marcolino de Castro outfit as a free agent in June 2018, given that he was in the final year of his former contract, if he had not prolonged his stay.

While the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Leicester City and West Bromwich have watched him in action in the past, no bid has been received by CD Feirense.

Galatasaray S.K and Young Boys are keeping tabs on Etebo ahead of a possible move for the versatile midfielder.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel.

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25080

(Exclusive Photo) Troost-Ekong, Mikel Meet With Nigerian President Buhari & Turkish Leader



Bursaspor star William Troost-Ekong met face-to-face with President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari and Turkish ruler Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey on Thursday, October 19, allnigeriasoccer.com understands.


The Super Eagles star, who has been playing in theTurkish Super Lig since the summer, was one of the few guests invited alongside teammate Mikel Agu to the 9th D-8 Summit.
Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father, and has built up an outstanding track record on and off the pitch and is also well known for his charity work in the community.


''We are really proud that Troost- Ekong honored the invitation. He is not only a top football player but also a role model for the youth due to his outstanding character,'' a top source told allnigeriasoccer.com .

Troost-Ekong has started the last eleven matches played by the Super Eagles, including five World Cup qualifiers when he went the distance.

The 24-year-old central defender helped Nigeria secure their only medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25082

Gero States His Pleasure At Scoring Against Athletic Bilbao, Dedicates Goal To Mom



Former Flying Eagles striker Alhaji Gero was pleased after netting his second goal in the group stage of the Europa League against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday and has dedicated his second-half strike to someone very special to him.

Ostersunds FK continue to lead the way in Group J of the Europa League with seven points in the kitty, and Gero has stressed that they can maintain their focus in the remaining matches in the competition, despite the Allsvenskan season ending on November 5.

The Ostersund based club would have claimed their third successive win in the group but had to settle for a 2-2 draw after they conceded with one minute remaining.

''I am dedicating the goal to my mom because she is very special to me,'' said Alhaji Gero to allnigeriasoccer.com.

''Athletic Bilbao is really a big club and great players. We conceded a last minute goal because it happens when you play against a really big team like them.

''We will maintain and keep working hard in the remaining matches.''

Ostersunds FK face IFK Göteborg and Elfsborg before a trip to Spain for the second leg against Athletic Bilbao on November 2.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : Private

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25085

Nigerian Players P-Index

Samuel Adegbenro (Rosenborg): Featured for 80mins in the UEL as his side fell 3-1 to Zenit St.Petersburg.

His Stats Infographic is seen below....

Nigerian Players P-Index

James Adeniyi (Skenderbeu): Played all 90mins for Albanian top guns, Skenderbeu in the UEL they secured a goalless draw against Partizan Belgrade. The no.78 played from the left of attack and had a decent outing.

J.Adeniyi's overall match rating Infographic compared to his teammates.....

Nigerian Players P-Index

Ubong Moses Ekpai (FC Fastav Zlin): Featured for all 90mins of UEL action as his Czech side secured a 1-1 home draw against Danish Side, FC Copenhagen. The no.28 also bagged an assist.

His Overall match ratings compared to other teammates...

Nigerian Players P-Index

Peter Olayinka (Zulte Waregem): Played the whole 90 as his team drew 1-1 at home against Vitesse Arnhem in group K of UEL action.

Olayinka's Stats Infographic.....

Nigerian Players P-Index

John Ogu (Hapoel Beer Sheva): Played only the first 30mins as he left the pitch injured and this partly contributed to his side falling 2-1 at home to Steaua Bucaresti in the UEL on Thursday.

Ogu had 100% passing accuracy before he was subbed off early due to the injury.

Ogu's stats Infographic below....

Nigerian Players P-Index

Anthony "Tony" Nwakaeme (Hapoel Beer sheva): Played all 90 as his side fell 2-1 at home to FC Steaua Bucaresti in GRP G UEL action. He was lively and really impressed but could not salvage his team.

Nwakaeme's Stats Infographic as seen below....

Nigerian Players P-Index

Patrick Friday Eze (Konyaspor): Featured from the start for 62 mins as the point man (CF) as hia side fell 2-0 to Red Bull Salzburg of Austria in the UEL.

PF Eze's Stats Infographic.....

Nigerian Players P-Index

Imoh Ezekiel (Konyaspor): Came on as a 76th min sub and played the final 14mins + of his side's 2-0 home loss to RB Salzburg.

Ezekiel's Stats Infographic below.....

Nigerian Players P-Index

Alhaji Gero (Oestersunds FK): Featured for all 90mins for his Swedish side, bagged a goal in the 52nd min and got booked in the 72nd min as his side played out a 2 all draw with Spanish side, Athletic Bilbao in Group J of the UEL GROUP STAGE. Gero had an impressive outing.

Gero's Stats Infographic as seen below....

Nigerian Players P-Index

Henry Onyekuru (Anderlecht RSC): Played all 90mins on Wednesday of UCL action and turned in a strong performance despite his side's 4-0 bashing at the hands of Neymar and Mbappe's PSG. He was a menace down the left for RSCA and bested Dani Alves on a good number of occasions. He also had two good chances to score one of which came off the post. He even nutmegged Marco Veratti...


Henry's Stats Infographic as shown below.....

Russia 2018 Draw: Super Eagles Must Be Ready For Tough Group
MoreGoals By Nnamdi Ezekute




If I was in a debate to speak in favour of the notion, ‘With An Easy Draw, The Super Eagles Can Do Well At Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup’, I would come last.

There is nothing to say in support of what I don’t believe in.

Every group at the Word Cup will be tough. Period. The top seeds and the other big name teams are wary of the supposedly minnows with their element of surprises. And vice versa.

I love the Super Eagles just as the millions of the team’s’ faithful do. We become one united Nigeria while celebrating the team’s success or anticipating one. But do we really need faith that binds us but blinds us?

Super Eagles qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in style by beating a gallant Zambian team 1-0 in Uyo on October 7, with a game to spare in the African qualifying Group B. I celebrated that Nigeria’s qualification for a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance at Russia 2018. But the celebration was over for me after two weeks the Eagles bagged the ticket, for obvious reasons.
If you dwell in celebrating one achievement, your sense of reasoning might be blighted from performing a fair self appraisal and doing the needful for the bigger task ahead.

Many Nigeria fans are still celebating, carelessly, the Super Eagles’ qualification for Russia 2018.

There have been frivolous prayers for an ‘easy draw’ for the Super Eagles to make headway and equal or beat their Second Round personal best record at the FIFA World Cup finals.

I have treated this fans’ mindset as just pedestrian. But I found it disturbing when the ‘eggheads’ – Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, and some NFF chieftains also joined the bandwagon, praying for an easy World Cup draw.


Pause to ponder: does this age-long cliche, ‘Easy Draw’ hold sway in today’s football?


Methinks that an ‘easy group’ from a FIFA World Cup draw exists only on paper, and feebly on the minds of people who harbour them. In practical terms, every game at the World Cup, will always be won by the better team which hungered for it the more and fought for it, and sometimes by the luckier side.
Good coach, talented and technically gifted players, united team, hard work, motivation and adequate preparation are the sine qua non for a strong World Cup team. A typical strong World Cup team is one with this makeup, not necessarily one wearing the toga of former World Champions, defending champions, 20-time World Cup appearance, et al.


What I’m saying in essence is that the Super Eagles shouldn’t anticipate an ‘easy group’ when the 2018 World Cup draw gets underway at the State Kremlin Palace Moscow on on December 1.
There will be no easy group, and to anticipate one is like taking a defeatist stance. To prepare well and be ready to play any opponent with confidence is the way to go.

World Cup history is already awash with upsets, and Russia 2018 will record its own surprises. Some average teams will go through hot mills in their preparation and and come out smoking at the World Cup. Some debutants and minnows will swallow live wasps and come out disdaining some big boys with killer stings. That’s what modern day football has become.

Sunday Oliseh reacts after scoring a ‘Tv goal’ against Spain at France 98

There are remarkable African examples to motivate Gernot Rohr’s team. Dark horses Algeria smashed West Germany 2-1 in a 1982 World Cup Group 2 match. Cameroon pipped Argentina 1-0 at Italia ’90. Debutants Senegal beat former World champions France 1-0 at France ’98, just as minnows Nigeria thumped star-studded Spain 3-2. It was Spain’s 11th World Cup appearance at France ’98 and Nigeria’s second.

The Super Eagles should brace up, be strong and brave to lead Africa’s quest for bigger stardom at the FIFA World Cup.

It’s high time Nigeria stopped brandishing carelessly, ‘World Cup experience’ as though it’s a formula that will add a dash of flair to the Super Eagles’ performance in Russia. Sixth World Cup appearance is just an item in Nigeria’s football profile.
At Russia 2018, only the team that has achieved much less might look at this record and hold the Super Eagles in awe.

We can only hope that the few players in the current Nigeria squad who have the experience of playing at the World Cup will be resourceful and fire up their debutant teammates with sterling performances. Only five players in the Gernot Rohr’s current squad who have chances of making the final list to Russia 2018 can boast of World Cup experience. John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa and Elderson Echiejile, are in view for now.

For me, what is important is having a set of players who have experience from playing for clubs in the competitive foreign leagues where they have rubbed shoulders with great talents.

Nigeria is blessed with such experienced and talented players who can be honed into a strong World Cup team.

Gernot Rohr has done very well so far as Nigeria coach. Handling a team that beat off the challenge from Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria in the 2018 FIFA World Cup African qualifying Group B, was a great task expertly and professionally dispatched. Now, it’s important that the NFF continue providing all that the coach needs to prepare the Super Eagles well and go to the World Cup in Russia with a much stronger team that can assert itself in group, qualify for the Round of 16 and possibly reach the Quarter-finals.



I’m personally setting a Quarter-final target for the Super Eagles at Russia 2018. I’m sure that Rohr and his players know that the Round of Eight is the milestone that will better Nigeria’s personal best at the World Cup finals.

Dutchman Clemens Westerhof, Bora Milutinovic (Yugoslav) and the Late Stephen Keshi (Nigerian) led the Super Eagles to the Second Round at USA “94, France ’98 and Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup finals respectively. Nigeria failed to advance from the group stages at Korea/Japan 2002 when Adegboye Onigbinde (Nigerian) led the team, and at South Africa 2010 when Lars Lagerback (Swede) was in charge.

The ball is now on the court of German manager, Rohr.

Hopefully, he will play it very well by taking Nigeria to new heights at the World Cup. That he is in the threshold of making his first World Cup appearance, is enough motivation to get cracking with the Super Eagles.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/76685-2/

Nigerian Players P-Index

Ademola Lookman (Everton FC): Came on a second half sub and played 45mins + of Everton's disappointing 2-1 home loss to Olympique Lyonnais. He was booked 10mins after he came on at the break.

Lookman's Stats Infographic....

Wolfsburg German-Nigerian Defender Uduokhai Turns Down Fresh Approach From Rohr



Highly rated Wolfsburg defender Felix Ohis Uduokhai has turned down a fresh approach from Nigeria to be a part of their squad to the World Cup 2018 in Russia.

Uduokhai who is presently a German youth international has grown into one of the best young defenders in the German Bundesliga since his move from second division side 1860 Munich to Wolfsburg.

His performance made Nigeria who are already through to the World Cup to approach him to switch allegiance to them, but according to Germany based Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba, Uduokhai turned down the approach.

” He (Uduokhai) does not seem interested. He is more focused on playing for Germany, where he is a youth international. He says he has been approached but wants to focus on his game for now”, Akatugba told Owngoalnigeria.com.

” When you hear this kind of statements you know what they mean”, Akatugba concluded.


**Osas Mahawi


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/20/wolfsburg-german-nigerian-defender-uduokhai-turns-down-fresh-approach-from-rohr/

Super Eagles Coach Rohr Gives Hint About Make-Up Of World Cup Roster


Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has strongly hinted that he plans to name up-and-coming young players and experienced stars in his roster for the 2018 World Cup, saying Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents.

Of the 23 players invited for the World Cup qualifier against Zambia, only five have World Cup experience : John Obi Mikel, Eddy Onazi, Elderson Echiejile, Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa.

Based on the pronouncement of Rohr, promising U21 players Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, Oghenekaro Etebo and Chidozie Awaziem will be considered for the World Cup despite their youthfulness.

''I knew that we had good players in this country before I accepted to coach Nigeria, I saw a lot of young players,'' said Rohr to HipTV .

''What I wanted to do is to have a good mix between young and experienced players. In our first game a year ago, there were a lot of young players, we found a good harmony in the team.

''With this harmony we can go very far and we have the support of the crowd, when we play in Uyo it is very wonderful.

''We have made the right decision to have a young team, players who are hungry and who want to fight. ''

Since the Nigerian Federation handed over coaching reins to Rohr, the German has lost only one match, which was against South Africa in June.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel.

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25087