Icon4s:


I understand you perfectly. In fact I am not arguing with your points. I am just looking at the issue from another angle.

Starting with your last. this is Africa. A lot of countries' economy are just hanging by the thread. The "improving facilities" you mentioned is it not based on financing? I iterate the point again that having to host with 6 venues will only mean only certain 'prosperous' countries can host.

Out of 55 or so African teams only 5 qualifies for the world cup. If you make the AFCON once in 4 years it means More than half of African teams may not kick football for 3years! Because even WC qualifiers group stage may be played by only 20 countries.

Europe can host there Euros every 4 years bc they present 16 teams to the WC. More than half of South American teams play in the WC so they too can have their copa America once in 4 years. Besides all South American teams play the WC qualifiers and they play a total of 18 matches each! Meaning no space for Copa America once in 2years. In Europe also all teams take part in WC qualifiers.

I must admit that I didn't really look at it from this angle, I was just thinking about it from the dramatic point of view, I like waiting for a top tournament. we should consider changing our world cup qualifying procedures, even Europe does theirs in such a way that all teams even Azerbaijan participates, no offence to them, that is what we should adopt if we want to start a new era

Guys, will it be a good move by CAF to increase the participating AFCON teams to 24, and move the tournament to June/July?

Mickael2:


I am damn sure you only watched highlights of that game so I will not reply your first point which is laughable at best.
Your second point is just crazy, of course playing a long ball to a target man is way easier than playing a defence splitting pass, your point is?

everyone except you watched only the highlight of the game, secondly i did not ask which is easier because we all know even the worst midfielder can lob the ball, my question was which produce better result.

A Nwakaeme brace and Ogu opener guaranteed Beer Sheva ran away with a 5-3 aggregate win over Honved of Hungary in UEFA Champions league qualification

Mickael2:


I must admit that I didn't really look at it from this angle, I was just thinking about it from the dramatic point of view, I like waiting for a top tournament. we should consider changing our world cup qualifying procedures, even Europe does theirs in such a way that all teams even Azerbaijan participates, no offence to them, that is what we should adopt if we want to start a new era

That is another good alternative. If you Make the AFCON once in 4years then all African teams must take part in WC qualifying.

PDPGuy:
Guys, will it be a good move by CAF to increase the participating AFCON teams to 24, and move the tournament to June/July?

June/July is good idea to me.

However, If the tournament is to be hosted in the tropical regions then the stadiums must have covers or excellent drainage facilities because of the heavy rains experienced at this time of the year. This also means increased cost of construction of facilities.

On the issue of 24 teams CAF may need to re-introduce co-hosting because not so many African countries can produce up to 6 standard stadiums especially as the tournament is being hosted every 2 years and also the increased cost of facilities construction as mentioned above.

Icon4s:


June/July is good idea to me.

However, If the tournament is to be hosted in the tropical regions then the stadiums must have covers or excellent drainage facilities because of the heavy rains experienced at this time of the year. This also means increased cost of construction of facilities.

On the issue of 24 teams CAF may need to re-introduce co-hosting because not so many African countries can produce up to 6 standard stadiums especially as the tournament is being hosted every 2 years and also the increased cost of facilities construction as mentioned above.

You're spot on in your analysis.

The move to June/July would force the hosting nation(s), especially those in West and Cebtral Africa, to spend hundreds of millions of $$ to retrofit their stadia with retractable roofs.

Moreover, as you said, we will most likely have many future AFCONs being co-hosted due to th increased facilities requirements. But countries like Nigeria, SA, Morocco or Egypt can easily provide 6-8 stadia that would be required for the tournament.

another goal from sadig umar hope he gets his chance these forthcoming season

Sadq umars goal against psg

Germans intensify Ujah chase, City drop Iheanacho

Published July 18, 2017

German Bundesliga newcomers Hannover 96 have stepped up their pursuit of out-of-favour Nigeria forward Anthony Ujah who is reportedly eager to ditch his relegation-bound Chinese Super League outfit Liaoning Whowin this summer.

Hannover manager Andre Breitenreiter, who is scouring the transfer market for a proven goalscorer to ensure the Reds retain their top-flight status at the end of the season, has set Ujah out as a key transfer target.




The 26-year-old, who joined Liaoning from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on July 5, 2016 on a four-year deal worth around €13m, wants a fresh start and has reportedly agreed terms with Hannover to return to Germany where he made a name for himself between 2012 and 2016.

READ: Man City exit good for Iheanacho – Okocha

Ujah scored 14 goals in 35 games for Cologne while on a season’s loan (2014-15) at RheinEnergieStadion from Mainz 05, before scoring 11 goals in 32 Bundesliga games to help Werder avoid relegation last year, after joining them on May 25, 2015.

The former Warri Wolves frontman has hit the back of the net just five times for Liaoning in 14 league appearances this term.

With the North-Eastern Chinese side just two points above the league’s relegation zone, Ujah, who reportedly signed a €5.6m-a year-deal with the Tigers, doesn’t want to play in the second-tier of the Chinese football and is looking to dump Liaoning.

Reports in the German media on Monday said Hannover boss Breiterreiter had redoubled his efforts to push Ujah’s deal over the line – and had exerted pressure on Liaoning to release the Nigerian.

The Reds’ sporting director Horst Heldt, who expressed his confidence that Ujah will move to the HDI-Arena this summer, told the influential German sports magazine Kicker that the club would win the battle.

“The manager is still working intensively on the transfer. Let’s see if it works, we need patience,” the former Stuttgart midfielder was quoted as saying by Kicker.

Meanwhile, Manchester City star Kelechi Iheanacho was omitted from the squad who travelled to the United States on Monday for their pre-season tour.

READ ALSO: Man City accept £25m Leicester bid for Iheanacho

The Citizens manager Pep Guardiola surprisingly including Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala, Gael Clichy and Jason Denayer, who have been declared surplus to requirements, shunning Nigeria striker Iheanacho and Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Bony.

His omission from the pre-season tour may have confirmed that Iheanacho will leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 20-year-old fell out of favour under Guardiola during the second half of last season, following the arrival of rising star Gabriel Jesus.

Iheanacho has been linked with a £25m to Leicester City, while Bundesliga clubs Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim are also said to be interested in the UAE FIFA Under-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner.

Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Icon4s:


I don't support this move by CAF. Not that quality will drop but because it means players would stay longer away from their respective clubs and that will necessitate the unwillingness on the part of the clubs to release these players.

Secondly it implies an increased budget for the hosting nations as we may need a minimum of 6 venues instead of the former 4. This may also lead to inclusion of substandard venues due to budget constraints.

IMO what needs to change about the AFCON is it's timing.

I still maintain that CHAN should be scrapped and an U21 tourney introduced in its place.

They are want to move it to the summer to avoid that clubs doing that.

More games would equal more money from tv rights.

My idea for CHAN would be to allow countries select players based in Africa.

Alex Iwobi provides Wenger with a timely reminder as Arsenal step up £50m Thomas Lemar chase


ShareByCharles Watts19:00, 19 JUL 2017Arsenal

footballlondon | 2017-07-17T11:25:39Z

We take a look at the key talking points from Arsenal's victory against Bayern Munich in China

Alex Iwobi is a rare talent - a player who has everything to make it to the top.

He’s strong, quick, has excellent technique and can make his mark in the final third - both in terms of goals and assists.

He burst onto the scene at Arsenal - almost out of nowhere - towards the end of the 2015/16 campaign and quickly established himself as a first team regular under Arsene Wenger.

But then, as so many youngsters often do, Iwobi seemed to hit the wall in 2016/17. His performance levels dipped and his confidence clearly took a knock.

The player we had seen take to the Premier League in style was beginning to struggle and he really should have been taken out of the side sooner by his manager.

There were some bright points - the away win at Swansea comes to mind - but they were few and far between and eventually Iwobi did have to take a back seat, something he admitted was tough to take.

But that disappointment helped him focus and this summer he has returned with a renewed sense of determination and belief - something that is obvious by his performances on the pitch.

He was bright in both of the games in Sydney and today he delivered a fine second half showing against Bayern Munich, one he capped by scoring a last minute equaliser to take the game to penalties.

His goal encapsulated everything that Iwobi has to offer. Receiving the ball from deep, he broke through the lines with his pace and drive, then showed great anticipation to get into the box to receive Aaron Ramsey’s return cross. It was also an excellent finish.

With all the talk this summer about Sanchez, Giroud, Lacazette and Lemar, it’s easy to forget about Iwobi - but today he gave everyone a timely reminder of the talent he possesses

Okocha reveals how Super Eagles died in 2002

Former Super Eagles skipper and captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has revealed how the dwindling fortunes of the Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles started.

The former PSG legend traced the disbandment of the Super Eagles after the floppy performance of the team at the Mali 2002 African Cup of Nations as the beginning of the misfortunes for the national team.

Okocha, who is in Morocco at the ongoing CAF symposium on African football, said regrettably, that decision to disband the team caused the ‘death of the team’.

He said, “Everytime I remember that decision to disband the Eagles, my heart bleeds because it set back the hands of the clock in the growth of the team. It shattered the succession plan of the team and that has affected the growth of the team up to now”, Okocha, who is the toast of many Moroccans here, said.

“The Super Eagles third place finish at the 2002 African Cup of Nations forced Government to disband the team to assuage the anger of fans after the Semi- final loss to Senegal.

“A second string team of the Super Eagles managed to beat Mali by a lone goal to grab the bronze medal. Coaches Shaibu Amodu, Stephen Keshi and Joe Erico who handled the team, then, were also sacked. Okocha feels strongly that the decision to sack the team turned around to destroy the growth of the team.

‘’When you disband a team, you start from zero. It upsets all the progress you have made”, he insisted. Okocha who dazzled with his amazing skills was to be made captain of the team, taking over from Sunday Oliseh and their relationship waned.

“Those who disbanded the team pegged their relationship on curtailing the excesses of the so-called mafia in the team. They believed that some players were instrumental to fomenting trouble and holding officials to the jugular because of bonuses.

“That is not true. We were just like any other worker. We wanted our wages to be paid, our bonuses and ticket allowances refunded. We know our officials too well. If you listen to their sweet talk and don’t get your dues, that automatically disappears.

“What they call mafia was the love and understanding we had in the team. All the players were one and agreed in getting what was owed us from them. They didn’t like that and gave us a bad name. Mafia. It was like giving a dog a bad name.

“We also knew that they got more allowances than us and still wanted to deprive us our own. It was inhuman. We closed ranks to fight for our rights. Imagine flying on economy class without leg room.

“And they expect you to do magic on the pitch. Some players ended up getting injuries before the match or not giving their optimal best.”

http://dailypost.ng/2017/07/20/okocha-reveals-super-eagles-died-2002/

NFF set to hire foreign goalkeeper trainer

The NFF are reportedly considering hiring a foreign goalkeeper coach for the Super Eagles.

Published: 19.07.2017
Steve Dede

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are set to hire a foreign goalkeeper training ahead of the crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon.

The Super Eagles are facing a goalkeeping crisis with first choice Carl Ikeme on the long-term as he continues treatment for acute leukaemia.

His replacement Daniel Akpeyi failed to impress in the shocking 2-0 home loss to South Africa in June.

With the just Ikechukwu Ezenwa left, the NFF are considering hiring a foreign goalkeeper training to work on the goalkeepers.

“The goalkeeper trainer is expected to train NPFL goalkeepers ahead of the crucial games with Cameroon and there are talks for him to stay after the encounter,” a source is quoted to say by Naija Football Plus.
“Super Eagles are running short of goalkeepers and the NFF is leaving no stone unturned, the foreign goalkeeper trainer is expected to groom NPFL goalkeepers to the international standard.”

According to Naija Football Plus, the foreign goalkeeper training is expected to work with the Super Eagles keeper coach Alloy Agu.

It is known if the appointment will be permanent or just for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon.
Nigeria will first host Cameroon on Thursday, August 31 in Uyo before a return leg on Monday, September 4.

The Super Eagles top Group B (Africa) of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers while Cameroon are second with two points.

Zambia and Algeria both have just a point.

Russia 2018: Carl Ikeme vows to be in goal for Nigeria
Author: Akinshilo Ayomide


- Carl Ikeme thinks he can beat Leukemia like other footballers before him
- The goalkeeper was diagnosed with the disease during pre-season tests
- The 31-year-old is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment in London

Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has assured Nigerians that he would be fit to come back and guard the sticks for the country at the 2018 World Cup. The Super Eagles and Wolves goalkeeper was diagnosed after it was discovered during a blood test following his return to his club Wolverhampton Wanderers for pre-season training. Leukaemia is a progressive disease in which the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce increased numbers that damage the immune system. A source who spoke to the Vanguard said Ikeme was looking to follow the footsteps of notable players who beat Leukemia and came back to play football.

Daniel Akpeyi replaced the Super Eagles number one but endured a torrid time out as he conceded two goals against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a Nations Cup qualifier. Ikeme told those close to him that he was sure that he would come back to keep for Nigeria at 2018 World Cup in Russia. The source said: "He was looking hale and hearty and was in a good mood. He promised that he will be back to keep for Nigeria". The 31-year-old is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment in a London hospital.NAIJ.com reported that Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr and NFF president Amaju Pinnick paid a visit to the goalkeeper in the hospital. Read more: https://sports.naij.com/1115940-russia-2018-carl-ikeme-vows-goal-nigeria.html

Sadiq Umar had a sensational game against PSG. The guy is a real talent. If only, he can work on his finishing. He is the real deal.

N

.

Time for Chelsea's Kenneth Omerou To Settle Down


lt must come as something of a mild surprise
that little-seen Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo
has already made 31 appearances for Nigeria.
For Omerou, a 23-year-old at the relative
beginning of his career, that is an impressive
number to hold for one so young.


For perspective, that is around half the
appearances made by some former Nigeria
defending greats. The legendary Stephen Keshi
made 64 appearances, Ben Iroha made 50. Uche
Okechukwu recorded 46 caps, while Celestine
Babayaro made just 27 appearances.
Despite the impressive number, though, there
remains the nagging suspicion that Omeruo has
not quite settled at either international or club
level.


He made his international debut at 19, helping the
Super Eagles win their third Africa Cup of Nations
in 2013. Since then, he has been a regular
member of the team without exactly stamping his
authority as a defensive bulwark, largely due to
injuries.


At club level, Omeruo has been shipped from club
to club by Chelsea since joining them in 2012
from Standard Liege, and could be on the move
this pre-season again.


So far, he has been loaned out to ADO Den Haag
in Holland, Middlesbrough in the Championship,
and Turkish sides Kasimpasa and Alanyaspor.
He's never appeared for his parent club's first
team.


To his credit, he has shown up brilliantly
everywhere he has been loaned, making regular
appearances for each of the clubs and earning
wonderful reviews, for both his ability and his
character.


Kasimpasa even had an option to buy him, but
decided to pass when they could not find the
money to meet Chelsea's valuation.
Each pre-season, Omeruo has returned to
Chelsea to mark time before being sent out again
on loan, and this time appears to be no different.
Last weekend, he captained a team of loanees
and development squad players to a 1-1 draw in
a kick-about with Crawley Town, while the main
team scrimmaged with Fulham.


It was a clear indication that the Nigeria defender
would be on his way out on loan again.
This follows a disappointing summer with Nigeria
where he was left to warm the bench in favor of
20-year-old Chidozie Awaziem as Nigeria lost 0-2
at home to South Africa.


Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr justified the decision,
according to a source close to the team, by
saying Omeruo's confidence would be shot from
his previous experience with the South African
strikers in 2014. As dubious as the argument
sounded, it was still a poor reflection on
Omeruo's mental strength.


At 23, Omeruo should be on the verge of his most
productive years as a footballer. Being loaned
from club to club does not help that development
and consistency.


It doesn't do him much good at international
level either. He has to put his imprint on that
Super Eagles defense. At 6ft2", he has the build
to be an imposing centreback, and is nimble
enough to operate as a quick central defender or
a decent full back.


His contract with Chelsea is up in 2019. Omeruo
has to either find a way to establish himself at
his parent club, or push for a permanent move
elsewhere. His career will be better for it. http://kwese.espn.com/football/nigeria/story/3161254/time-for-chelseas-kenneth-omeruo-to-settle-down/?ex_cid=Omeruo_fb_gb_ng_pd_RC

He wasn't impressive while on loan to Middlesbrough. However, a thought-provoking write up. I believe Omeruo will reach his full potential.

jieta:


Time for Chelsea's Kenneth Omerou To Settle Down


lt must come as something of a mild surprise
that little-seen Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo
has already made 31 appearances for Nigeria.
For Omerou, a 23-year-old at the relative
beginning of his career, that is an impressive
number to hold for one so young.


For perspective, that is around half the
appearances made by some former Nigeria
defending greats. The legendary Stephen Keshi
made 64 appearances, Ben Iroha made 50. Uche
Okechukwu recorded 46 caps, while Celestine
Babayaro made just 27 appearances.
Despite the impressive number, though, there
remains the nagging suspicion that Omeruo has
not quite settled at either international or club
level.


He made his international debut at 19, helping the
Super Eagles win their third Africa Cup of Nations
in 2013. Since then, he has been a regular
member of the team without exactly stamping his
authority as a defensive bulwark, largely due to
injuries.


At club level, Omeruo has been shipped from club
to club by Chelsea since joining them in 2012
from Standard Liege, and could be on the move
this pre-season again.


So far, he has been loaned out to ADO Den Haag
in Holland, Middlesbrough in the Championship,
and Turkish sides Kasimpasa and Alanyaspor.
He's never appeared for his parent club's first
team.


To his credit, he has shown up brilliantly
everywhere he has been loaned, making regular
appearances for each of the clubs and earning
wonderful reviews, for both his ability and his
character.


Kasimpasa even had an option to buy him, but
decided to pass when they could not find the
money to meet Chelsea's valuation.
Each pre-season, Omeruo has returned to
Chelsea to mark time before being sent out again
on loan, and this time appears to be no different.
Last weekend, he captained a team of loanees
and development squad players to a 1-1 draw in
a kick-about with Crawley Town, while the main
team scrimmaged with Fulham.


It was a clear indication that the Nigeria defender
would be on his way out on loan again.
This follows a disappointing summer with Nigeria
where he was left to warm the bench in favor of
20-year-old Chidozie Awaziem as Nigeria lost 0-2
at home to South Africa.


Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr justified the decision,
according to a source close to the team, by
saying Omeruo's confidence would be shot from
his previous experience with the South African
strikers in 2014. As dubious as the argument
sounded, it was still a poor reflection on
Omeruo's mental strength.


At 23, Omeruo should be on the verge of his most
productive years as a footballer. Being loaned
from club to club does not help that development
and consistency.


It doesn't do him much good at international
level either. He has to put his imprint on that
Super Eagles defense. At 6ft2", he has the build
to be an imposing centreback, and is nimble
enough to operate as a quick central defender or
a decent full back.


His contract with Chelsea is up in 2019. Omeruo
has to either find a way to establish himself at
his parent club, or push for a permanent move
elsewhere. His career will be better for it. http://kwese.espn.com/football/nigeria/story/3161254/time-for-chelseas-kenneth-omeruo-to-settle-down/?ex_cid=Omeruo_fb_gb_ng_pd_RC

BascoVanVeli:


They are want to move it to the summer to avoid that clubs doing that.

More games would equal more money from tv rights.

My idea for CHAN would be to allow countries select players based in Africa.

@bolded. You are a genius!

I think the frequency of the tournament should be changed to every 4 years like every other serious major tournaments. Every 2 years for CHAN -- understandable.

PDPGuy:


You're spot on in your analysis.

The move to June/July would force the hosting nation(s), especially those in West and Cebtral Africa, to spend hundreds of millions of $$ to retrofit their stadia with retractable roofs.

Moreover, as you said, we will most likely have many future AFCONs being co-hosted due to th increased facilities requirements. But countries like Nigeria, SA, Morocco or Egypt can easily provide 6-8 stadia that would be required for the tournament.

Any reports on Orji Okonkwo? Is he also back with Roma?

tbaba1234:
Sadiq Umar had a sensational game against PSG. The guy is a real talent. If only, he can work on his finishing. He is the real deal.

Joebie:
Any reports on Orji Okonkwo? Is he also back with Roma?

He is not a Roma player, Sadiq was loaned to his club.

Joebie:
Any reports on Orji Okonkwo? Is he also back with Roma?

Orji is in Bologna. I think I read a report that he got injured.

And also lets copy CONMEBOL's World Cup qualifying format, where the finalists all play each other in a league format.

Icon4s:


That is another good alternative. If you Make the AFCON once in 4years then all African teams must take part in WC qualifying.

Exciting forwards -- both of them. It's not easy to play in the Serie A

tbaba1234:


Orji is in Bologna. I think I read a report that he got injured.

great to see him doing well in pre-season hope he can stake a place in roma this year. i remember how i always defended him during the rio olympics dude has potential

tbaba1234:
N

I hope this is a joke! Instead of scouting for a talented goalkeeper, these morons are busy looking for a goalkeeper coach who's expected to turn our hopeless goalkeeper into world class with less than 1 week of camping!

As much as I agree that the team needs a real goalkeeping coach, this fire brigade approach isn't the solution. Over the past several year the NFF has maintained this bizarre assumption that being a former goalkeeper automatically makes you a goalkeeping coach. Sorry, it doesn't work that way.


O pari

BascoVanVeli:
NFF set to hire foreign goalkeeper trainer

The NFF are reportedly considering hiring a foreign goalkeeper coach for the Super Eagles.

Published: 19.07.2017
Steve Dede

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are set to hire a foreign goalkeeper training ahead of the crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon.

The Super Eagles are facing a goalkeeping crisis with first choice Carl Ikeme on the long-term as he continues treatment for acute leukaemia.

His replacement Daniel Akpeyi failed to impress in the shocking 2-0 home loss to South Africa in June.

With the just Ikechukwu Ezenwa left, the NFF are considering hiring a foreign goalkeeper training to work on the goalkeepers.

“The goalkeeper trainer is expected to train NPFL goalkeepers ahead of the crucial games with Cameroon and there are talks for him to stay after the encounter,” a source is quoted to say by Naija Football Plus.
“Super Eagles are running short of goalkeepers and the NFF is leaving no stone unturned, the foreign goalkeeper trainer is expected to groom NPFL goalkeepers to the international standard.”

According to Naija Football Plus, the foreign goalkeeper training is expected to work with the Super Eagles keeper coach Alloy Agu.

It is known if the appointment will be permanent or just for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon.
Nigeria will first host Cameroon on Thursday, August 31 in Uyo before a return leg on Monday, September 4.

The Super Eagles top Group B (Africa) of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers while Cameroon are second with two points.

Zambia and Algeria both have just a point.

i support increasing the number of teams to 24 would be more interesting to watch. alot of african teams have improved so the competition would be intense you won't see too many scorelines showing the big countries hammering the smaller ones.

june/july date would be ideal for our players but the weather of most african countries during that period would be a huge problem. how many countries can afford to renovate existing stadiums, not to talk of building new ones or constructing retractable roofs? or maybe fixing the competition to late july to early august considering that the AFCON wont be played during a world cup year so the european season won't start until mid to late august and by then the rains should have subsided.

the four year gap is ok. it's just a matter of tweaking our qualifying schedule to accommodate more more matches especially for smaller teams.

CHAN should be rebranded into an U23 tournament

Well the coach now is Alloy Agu. And we can't expect to see him do anything different now and in the future. The new goalkeeper coach should be given the responsibility to at least assess the abilities of our current keepers. I think it's a step in the right direction especially for the long run.

Icon79:
I hope this is a joke! Instead of scouting for a talented goalkeeper, these morons are busy looking for a goalkeeper coach who's expected to turn our hopeless goalkeeper into world class with less than 1 week of camping!

As much as I agree that the team needs a real goalkeeping coach, this fire brigade approach isn't the solution. Over the past several year the NFF has maintained this bizarre assumption that being a former goalkeeper automatically makes you a goalkeeping coach. Sorry, it doesn't work that way.


O pari

We already have an U23 tournament. CHAN is a good idea, but it should be stretched to accommodate players playing in Africa and MAYBE as well as uncapped players usually ignored especially because they ply their trades in lower/obscure leagues.

chrisooblog:
i support increasing the number of teams to 24 would be more interesting to watch. alot of african teams have improved so the competition would be intense you won't see too many scorelines showing the big countries hammering the smaller ones.

june/july date would be ideal for our players but the weather of most african countries during that period would be a huge problem. how many countries can afford to renovate existing stadiums, not to talk of building new ones or constructing retractable roofs? or maybe fixing the competition to late july to early august considering that the AFCON wont be played during a world cup year so the european season won't start until mid to late august and by then the rains should have subsided.

the four year gap is ok. it's just a matter of tweaking our qualifying schedule to accommodate more more matches especially for smaller teams.

CHAN should be rebranded into an U23 tournament