Let us tell ourselves the truth – Nigeria cannot win the Russia 2018 World Cup diadem, with the lackadaisical manner in which our players prosecuted the first half of their last three international friendly matches. That they are playing safe is an unacceptable excuse, given how other players slated to participate in the Mundial approach their countries’ games. What our last two friendly matches have shown is that Nigeria will be at the Mundial on an excursion, except something drastic happens to the players’ attitude. For now, it is despicable. Sad.
Gernot Rohr should fix the defence. Our players are slow to react to crosses. The taller ones, particularly who wait until the ball gets to them before reacting. At the Mundial, strikers will snatch the ball by reacting first. And bang the ball or nod it into the net for goals. The flank defenders are left vulnerable because those who man the midfield and the flanks upfront never fall back when they lose the ball.
Those who attempt to fall back to mark are slower than the millipede. It is ironic watching taller Nigerians marking shorter opponents. Are the players expecting Rohr to teach them what to do? Please, senior national team players ought not be taught this basic skill. It should come to them naturally.
The roof top of The Nation Sportinglife’s office almost came down as Neymar riffled home Brazil’s opening goal in their 2-0 victory over Croatia at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool FC of England. The game was Neymar’s first since he copped an injury that almost ruined his chances of participating in the Mundial. I leapt onto my feet watching Germany’s goalkeeper Neuer show no traces of being rusty, even when he had been off the pitch for over 249 days due to an injury. Neymar and Neuer are big stars whose countries must feature those games. Neuer, in particular, is a World Cup winner. But they chose to subject themselves to scrutiny. That way others in the teams wouldn’t feel cheated.
Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr goofed by allowing Victor Moses a few days to celebrate his wedding anniversary instead of going to Nigeria’s World Cup camp which opened in Uyo penultimate Monday. Rohr has unwittingly created an Animal Farm setting in the Eagles. I hope it doesn’t haunt him when the chips are down in Russia. Moses is an integral part of the Eagles and should be made to play in all our friendly games, especially as Wilfred Ndidi is still recuperating.
Moses was a shadow of himself and rightly so, because he didn’t subject himself to the training drills others had in Uyo and Port Harcourt when DR Congo held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw inside the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium. Moses’ penchant for missing Nigeria’s friendly matches is legendary- when he isn’t injured, he is asking for days to rest or feigning injury. Yet, he gets fielded in our matches and becomes a cog in the wheel of progress.
Moses is Nigeria’s poster boy to the Mundial and he has not applied himself to the team’s build-up matches. Moses’ conduct reminds us of John Mikel Obi’s days at Chelsea. Sadly, other nationals who play for the Blues don’t behave like the Nigerian duo with their countries? ‘’Why are we so blessed?’’
Rohr has been fine with his selection, but his decision to field Moses ahead of Kelechi Iheanacho defied tactics as the Chelsea star was lost in the game in England. He neither marked nor provided the passes to free the strikers to score goals. Moses had only one moment, where he dribbled an English defender who fell on his knees. He lost the ball shortly, making such a dribbling, a foolish act.
Iheanacho trained more with the team than Moses before the game against England. He even played in the first half of the game against DR Congo and was definitely in form than the latter. Perhaps, Rohr’s excuse would be that Iheanacho had a knock, yet he shouldn’t have played Moses for that long. Good player, no doubt, but he selects matches and may not be part of Nigeria’s subsequent matches, given what we saw from the boys who drilled Europa Cup champions Atletico Madrid inside the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo. The Spaniards won the game but they confessed that those young Nigerians stretched them to their limit.
However, England’s game served its purpose. It has forced Rohr to adopt the 3-5-2 formation which he employed against Argentina and the English in the second half. It worked for the Eagles against the Argentines with their historic 4-2 whiplash of the former World Cup champions. But England’s manager Gareth Southgate opted to park-the-bus, like they say in coaching, by putting enough men behind the ball. This defensive net held the rampaging Nigerians after their early goal in the second half, scored by Alex Iwobi.
Nigerians watched in awe as the Eagles wobbled against a starless Czech Republic that didn’t have former Arsenal FC of London’s ace Rosiky and goalkeeper Petr Cech. With such a team, it should be a stroll in the park for the Nigerians, given our players’ pedigree. The Czechs exploited our weakness in aerial battles to score their only goal. What stood out was the failure of our central defenders to mark their men during set pieces, such as the corner kick which resulted in the goal.
Indeed, the most difficult balls to contend with by goalkeepers are close range headers. And it behoves on our defenders to pick the nearest free opponent during such goalmouth melee. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho did well with the first header but the rebound fell on an unmarked Czech who riffled the ball into the net. That was a cheap goal, which could have been averted had a defender stayed with the scorer. Our players must be told that our group opponents sent spies to watch our matches. Teams wobble when the opposition attacks them at their weaknesses. I hope this won’t be our portion on June 16 against Croatia.
Nigeria cannot afford to lose her first game, especially against the background that the Argentines will be battling newcomers Iceland in their opening game. Should the Argentines whip Iceland, the losers will pull all the stops to avert another defeat against Nigeria in the second game. A win for Nigeria over Croatia will not only be a morale booster with three points, it will also give us the impetus to beat a losing Iceland, even if they lose to Argentina.
With six points, Nigeria would have equalled her best performance at the Mundial, leaving the last game against Argentina a mere formality. But, the permutations by iconic manager Jose Mourinho raises an interesting poser in the event that Nigeria and Argentina win their two matches in the group.
The two countries will be fighting for the group’s leadership but the critical question will be which of the two countries will like to draw France in the second round? Argentina won’t like to play against France, ditto the French, won’t cherish a fixture against the Argentines. So, which country will love to play the French? I pray we draw Australia in the Round of 16, following Mourinho’s prediction. Nigerians would be glad to have the Aussies. If it does happen, Nigeria will join the league of African nations that have played in the quarter-finals.
In the last edition, the French eliminated Nigeria in the second round and didn’t look like the team to beat us. We have the players to beat France if they play to their potential. Indeed, our players spent the night leading to the French game in Brazil sharing $3.8 million cash instead of training or resting. If there wasn’t the money distraction, perhaps we would have given the French the fight of our lives, reminiscent of what we did to Brazil at the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games, where we turned the table against the Samba Boyz in one of the semi-final matches. The Samba Boyz led us by 3-1 but the Nwankwo Kanu-led squad turned it around to 4-3. The Brazilians were sobbing like kids after the final whistle. Nigeria went on to win the Olympic Games’ gold medal, beating Argentina 3-2 in the final game.
Rohr has challenged us not to press the panic button based on the last two losses. He took Moses, Mikel and Iwobi through the gym work while their colleagues trained. It is clear that the trio are our best. When they are not fit to compete, we are always in trouble.
“We’ve nine days to be ready for our first match vs Croatia, as at today, we are not ready. I am not sad because of this result, the result that matters will be in Russia,” Rohr said after Wednesday’s match.
Good to know that Ndidi is fit because he would bring steel into the defence, a quality missing in the team while Ndidi was injured. Onazi was too fat to cope with the demands of the position. He has promised to improve. Will he get a second chance? That is neither here nor there.
The writer of this article thinks that quarterfinal is Nigeria's birthright.....I really feel for rohr....if he loses....the vultures will be out to kill him
While it is getting obvious Nigeria should use a 352 formation...my questions are....
1 should victor moses start the match?
2 if yes, what position can he play in, so as to get the best out of him?
Because as I dey see am so....the guy is really annoying sometimes and may have to be benched so as we can use the players who played against Argentina, to good effect
I normally don't rate anything from Ade Ojeikere but I must confess that he did make some good points in this article. Our players play with ZERO football intelligence, and these guys are supposed to be professional footballers. Having said that, I still believe in this team to over perform in Russia!
Good morning folks, just 4 days to go to the start of the world cup. We bless God for keeping all of us safe till this moment. Many started the year with high hopes of watching the mundial, sadly they are no longer with us. I want us all to.keep the faith and forget about what we have seen in the past few weeks. HAS THIS GERNOT RORH'S TEAM EVER LET US DOWN WHEN IT MATTERD MOST? NO!!!!!!.
did i quote you?? was i referring to you?? why do you choose to just be an ass licker??
Sorry! Didn't know you are a Twerp. I won't quote you again, but if you wanna tow the childish Lane, I'm ready to play with Clay and Sand along with you.
Icon79: I normally don't rate anything from Ade Ojeikere but I must confess that he did make some good points in this article. Our players play with ZERO football intelligence, and these guys are supposed to be professional footballers. Having said that, I still believe in this team to over perform in Russia!
O pari
He should go and sit down, Let's watch dem play with Croatia ist..
I just watched the Czech vs Nigeria friendly a couple of times more and I must say Ighalo has been criticized unfairly pertaining to that match. He was always in position for a goal but teammates spoilt things for him; Brian being the major culprit.
Just a simple low cross to a waiting Ighalo and Brian would shoot directly to the keeper. A very poor shot at that. It would either sail way up over the cross bar or directly to the keeper's hands. This occurred up to three times.
You could see Ighalo startle out of perplexity, bitterness and disappointment at each occurrence. Dude would have gotten a goal at least if not for Idowu's utter selfishness.
Oghalo had no clear cut chance. Of the half chances, he would shoot at goal from a tight angle due to the defenders cover but the keeper was up to the task.
No clear cut chances ( midfield inexistent) but there came numerous time I dowu could have set him up for a goal either by a cross or pass-in. What about the cross.. for where...? Na straight to the spectators. Idowu Was very poor with deliveries. And funny enough most of our attacks orchestrated en route his own side of the flank.
Our best chance in the entire game fell on Moses. Right in front of the keeper unmarked, he received a volleyed pass from Ighalo but he was unable to control it as it somehow escaped through his legs. Just a little hit could have been a goal.
MetalJigsaw: I just watched the Czech vs Nigeria friendly a couple of times more and I must say Ighalo has been criticized unfairly pertaining to that match. He was always in position for a goal but teammates spoilt things for him; Brian being the major culprit.
Just a simple low cross to a waiting Ighalo and Brian would shoot directly to the keeper. A very poor shot at that. It would either sail way up over the cross bar or directly to the keeper's hands. This occurred up to three times.
You could see Ighalo wince out of perplexity, bitterness and disappointment at each occurrence. Dude would have gotten a goal at least if not for Idowu's utter selfishness.
Oghalo had no clear cut chance. Of the half chances, he would shoot at goal from a tight angle due to the defenders cover but the keeper was up to the task.
No clear cut chances ( midfield inexistent) but there came numerous time I dowu could have set him up for a goal either by a cross or pass-in. What about the cross.. for where...? Na straight to the spectators. Idowu Was very poor with deliveries. And funny enough most of our attacks orchestrated en route his own side of the flank.
Our best chance in the entire game fell on Moses. Right in front of the keeper, he received a volleyed pass from Ighalo but he was unable to control it as it somehow escaped through his legs. Just a little hit could have been a goal.
All in all not a very bad game.
you guys felt aina was not ripe for the world cup....right?
one thing I like about that boy is what he tends offers offensively...his cross and passed are well intact.
oloriooko: Watching WC '98 Spain vs Nigeria and one wonders why Spain has developed so much while Nigeria seem to be on same spot cuz the SE 98 could have been our foundation to more formidable world beating team Spain developed its local league with consistent developmental programs while we have done nothing.
oh this match comes back to mind; mutiu adepoju was my man of the match that day. we weren't formidable against that Spanish side they hard more possesion and controlled the game than we did. our saving grace was that we had a formidable midfield, all thanks to oliseh and mutiu adepoju. okocha troubled my nerves that day for he didn't live up to expectations, he was always making unnecessary dribbles and in so doing lost possesion of the ball cheaply. he couldn't even string successful long passes. Spain also fielded an agein team, the likes of hiero, zubizretta,Nadal e.t.c were in their late 30s I think only Raul and campo were the young guns then.
the Spanish national team as blossomed in football today because they made sports an industry there, while its a ministry here.
We have all it takes to top group D but our problem is with the players especially those players that led us through the qualifiers. The zeal they exhibited during the qualifiers is missing. They no longer play as a team. Everyone is after his own individual glory. Right now my expectations for those players have waned.
Rockyrascal: oh this match comes back to mind; mutiu adepoju was my man of the match that day. we weren't formidable against that Spanish side they hard more possesion and controlled the game than we did. our saving grace was that we had a formidable midfield, all thanks to oliseh and mutiu adepoju. okocha troubled my nerves that day for he didn't live up to expectations, he was always making unnecessary dribbles and in so doing lost possesion of the ball cheaply. he couldn't even string successful long passes. Spain also fielded an agein team, the likes for hiero, zubizretta,Nadal e.t.c were in their late 30s I think only Raul and campo were the young guns then.
the Spanish national team as blossomed in football today because they made sport and industry there, while its a ministry here.
Heirro was just 30 then and Luis Enrique was 28,the team was not that old
Rockyrascal: oh this match comes back to mind; mutiu adepoju was my man of the match that day. we weren't formidable against that Spanish side they hard more possesion and controlled the game than we did. our saving grace was that we had a formidable midfield, all thanks to oliseh and mutiu adepoju. okocha troubled my nerves that day for he didn't live up to expectations, he was always making unnecessary dribbles and in so doing lost possesion of the ball cheaply. he couldn't even string successful long passes. Spain also fielded an agein team, the likes for hiero, zubizretta,Nadal e.t.c were in their late 30s I think only Raul and campo were the young guns then.
the Spanish national team as blossomed in football today because they made sport and industry there, while its a ministry here.
Adepoju was wonderful in that match, recently i had garuba lawal saying we played 4-4-2 though the coach ask them to play 4-5-1 though i disagree...the formation was obviously 4-5-1, with finidi and lawal always joining the defense when they are on pressure.
Iwobi is an exceptional case, we all should know,his Uncle is JJay he was in the national team before he even played one senior game for Arsenal.
Victor Moses was born in Nigeria and actually played for a local academy in Benin City before coming to England.
Consider the way Sone Aluko, Danny Shittu and Hope Akpan ( actually dislocated his shoulder playing for Nigeria) were all treated. You then have past,present and continuous form.
It's not everything that they will say in public but I can. And behind it all was the issue if inducement.
So iwobi who is arguably our best player would have been dropped if okocha wasn't there? Who would he have been dropped for? Ur scrotal sac (Akpa amu gi)?
So iwobi came to the team because his uncle is okocha? What happened to the catch them young mantra? Dude u are mentally deranged.
We have all it takes to top group D but our problem is with the players especially those players that led us through the qualifiers. The zeal they exhibited during the qualifiers is missing. They no longer play as a team. Everyone is after his own individual glory. Right now my expectations for those players have waned.
Exactly. But there's still a reason to keep hope. This team is not one that can be written off completely. Tournament is a different ball game.
Nonetheless, they have given teams expo on how to deal with Spain. This world cup will be the best world cup in terms of smart formations and team setups. Many teams are coming with young and upwardly mobile tacticians. World cup is no longer the play ground for geriatric septogerian managers.
Hopefully this WC will test the limits of the cliché that you never change a winning team.
that spanish team in 98 was a very good team, it was our ruggedness that won that game for us, it takes ruggedness, tactics and discipline for an african team to overcome its european counterpart, just watch the Cameroon team in italia 90 and Senegalese team in 2002. Power play is one of our strength as Africans and must be deployed cos you can't beat very good European teams by skills alone, you got to show power like we also did in 94 against Bulgaria but if na ajebutter football you wan play, I sorry sorry!
Nigeria stopped playing this kind of power football since the early 90's if what you mean is gri gri football
Truidstar: Good morning folks, just 4 days to go to the start of the world cup. We bless God for keeping all of us safe till this moment. Many started the year with high hopes of watching the mundial, sadly they are no longer with us. I want us all to.keep the faith and forget about what we have seen in the past few weeks. HAS THIS GERNOT RORH'S TEAM EVER LET US DOWN WHEN IT MATTERD MOST? NO!!!!!!.
i will still keep faith until the final whistle is blown for us
Why is Victor Moses always taking the free-kick? I don't think he has ever scored that in his whole career, why then practice it with the national team on competitive matches? I think this is the more reason while Nacho should always start matches.
diggy4real: Why is Victor Moses always taking the free-kick? I don't think he has ever scored that in his whole career, why then practice it with the national team on competitive matches? I think this is the more reason while Nacho should always start matches.
His deliveries are good but make him no dey take direct one.
Nigeria’s World Cup Opponents Argentina, Iceland Land In Russia June 9, 2018 10:12 pm
Nigeria Group D opponents Argentina and Iceland have both arrived in Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup which kicks off on Thursday, Completesportnigeria.com reports.
The players and officials of the two countries touched down in Russia on Saturday night.
“@Argentina is already in #Russia. Countdown to the most important football event in the world! #SomosArgentina ,” the official handle of the Argentina Football Association tweeted.
The Iceland Football Federation also announced their team’s arrival in Russia with a short message and picture of the team on arrival at the airport on their Twitter handle.
“ We have arrived in Russia @FIFAWorldCup!,” the Football Federation tweeted.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will also hit Yessentuki, their Russian base camp, on Monday.
