TheSuperNerd:
Sir Basco The Vasco....

Thanks man. Chop knuckle....

Your prediction was daring, crazy but ultimately on point. Cheers. I doff my heart for what you see in this team. Amazing insight you have.

Yea I just believed in my heart that our players were better.

The bolded are very true... the three major pointers today in favor of Ezenwa. Calm, Confidence and Good Handling of Crosses....

Icon79:
He definitely staked his claims today. He appears calm and confident in the post unlike Akpeyi. And he doesn't flap his crosses like Akpeyi either. I rate him much higher.


O pari

Elderson Uwa Echiejile:

There is something about this experienced Lieutenant of the Nigerian team. When the occasion calls for it, he always seem to rise to the occasion. Against Mahrez, he rose and fought hard and won. And against Bassogog most times, he again rosez fought hard and won. But ofcos not without support from Onazi and Victor Moses.

Echiejile may not be world class but he is decent performer. He did have his shaky moments too but on the overall his game play and defensive contributions was good. Offensively he did not offer much but did he have to? With Victor Moses running the show up and down that left wing?

Maybe that is why he stuck to defensive duties afterall... lol

Finally, he made one or two solid tackles and had a decent game.


Well done Super Eagle Echiejile....

Hmmmmm.... interesting question. Let me leave it first for the likes of Sir Komekn to answer.... I respect his views on English football systems and its business sides.

AIG07:
Question for Everybody.
If Leon Balogun and Ekong were to be English players, what do you think their market values should be like? Considering that the likes of John stones and other British CBs went for a whooping £50million a season ago.

Cc: Icon4s, TheGoodJoe, Joebie, Komekn, Mikron, Do4luv, Safarigirl, Certitude, TheSuperNerd, Kog45, Dedebanky85, Samueldo, Joseph1013, Danycrusoe etc

Morocco 6 0 Mali... A rash of yellow cards against Mali and two red cards.. Terrible discipline by Mali.

William Troost Ekong:

The ying to Leon's yang.... the second person in the Oyinbo wall of the Super Eagles.

William had a pretty solid game. His duels with Vincent Aboubakar physically and for aerial balls saw William come out on top almost all the time. He hardly put a foot wrong and had a game-high 4 successful aerial duels out of the four he engaged in i.e. He came out on top 4 out of 4 in aerial duels.

His passing from the back was also good and his calm demeanor was admirable.

William's move to Turkey will hopefully see him improve even more as he gets to play week in week out with more defensive responsibilities.


Well done Super Eagle William....

Leon Balogun:

I was following news developments on some issues on Twitter one day with few weeks to this tie and got a notification from Mainz's account (I think?) that Leon was back in training and had recovered from his injury setback. I was so excited that I commented on that tweet and tagged Leon as the Super Eagles' 21st century dean of Defence making a comeback...

Guess what? Leon liked the tweet... so I am gonna keep calling him that. He is indeed our Dean of defence... our defence's leader and the heart of our defensive framework. His class, his style, his leadership, his calm combined with being fierce and super assertive in decisions against attackers, his ball playing qualities... chaaaiiiiii... Leon is an attacker's nightmare. He is truly underrated among Africa's center backs today. This guy made a game-high 8 solid interceptions which kept the Camerounians at bay some of which were executed with smooth class....

Leon is the real deal.... a player with the calm of a tranquil water but fierce as a tiger in duels. He was super excellent today and covered grounds for his defensive comrades.


Well done Super Eagle Leon....

Ogenyi Eddy Onazi:

Onazi the workaholic.... Onazi the brave top lieutenant who fought well behind his General Mikel Obi.

Onazi had a few shaky moments which saw him turn over possession but his overall contribution was simply master class.

His stats? My goodness... he made 40 successful passes out of an attempted 49. He had the highest passes for Nigeria. Followed by Ndidi and Mikel (up till the time he left the pitch).

He had 3 out of 3 successful tackles. He had 100% tackle success rate like Shehu.

Also, He made 7 solid interceptions all game... Only Leon Balogun had more with 8.

Onazi battled well physically and otherwise against Bassogog when covering for Echiejile... against Anguissa when closing Jim down and limiting his threats.... against Moukandjo also.... fact is Onazi made up for his few errors with an assured battling performance as the DMF. He sat and did a pretty good job I must confess... his discipline today was better and to crown it all... he had a beautiful assist for Iheanacho's goal... Nigeria's fourth.


What more can I say?

Well done Super Eagle Onazi......

Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi:

This young man reminds me of a young Patrick Vieira sometimes... then at other times, he reminds me of a young Yaya Toure... He is crazily gifted and blessed with abilities to use both feet.


His only downside was his couple of misplaced passes in the early stages of the game before he finally settled in and kicked into a bright and lovely rhythm in his midfield play.

Ndidi played the mobile DMF/CMF role pretty excellently. Of the double pivot in the 4-2-3-1, he was the one licensed to venture forward while Onazi sat and did the dirty work... and Ndidi excelled with top marks. His passing range was beautiful and his take-ons was on point.


He had two successful take-ons out of 3 attempted and also had a total of 39 successful passes out of 52 attempted passes..... in Aerial duels, Ndidi won 3 out of five contested.

His passing, his running, his marking, his willingness to cover grounds for a team mate... and his anticipation of danger and decision making in his role were all quite excellent.

I repeat this.... he will be officially termed World class someday... within the next two years (plus or minus one year). He is that good. A Top Midfield powerhouse.


Well done Super Eagle Ndidi.....

John Mikel Obi:

We all saw it for ourselves.... some may not have noticed Ndidi's or Maybe Onazi's overall influences on the game. Takes keener eyes to see that... But Mikel's just couldn't he hidden.... His was a display of absolute Godlike qualities in the middle of the park.... I mean this literally.

Mikel's class is not to be over flogged. We know what this Seasoned Super General is capable of conjuring on his day.

He didn't make the most passes but he had the highest passing accuracy %. He also had a big hand in the first goal with that pass of class that reminded you a little of Kanu's in 2004 to Utaka against Same Opponents...... and he was involved in giving the second assist (assist before the assist) for Nigeria's third goal scored by Victor moses and assisted intelligently by Simon Moses Daddy Ajala.

Mikel was at the heart of Many of Nigeria's attacks and kept the balance in our midfield play giving us great control over proceedings. Siani, Anguissa, Moukandjo and co were no match for Mikel's absolute class. Again, a true world class performance.


Well done Super Eagle Mikel Obi..... great knowing your in-laws are waiting with glee to receive you and the team in Russia next year. A New Golden Generation is truly in session...

We need Algeria and Zambia to draw... It will make our job much easier.

Odion Jude Ighalo:

Lord Odion is back!!!!!!!!! Yeeeeesssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

His bad-ass form in China and his extra responsibilities of leading his team from the front have done great to unveil the beast mode always hidden in this guy.

Good to have our top striker back.... Kelechi's young shoulders can be released now from this burden. Kelechi can focus on his best role for the team as an SS and an AMF (when the need arises) and then as a viable backup CF option coz he brings something different even as a CF (which is not his strongest role/position).

Ighalo was like a mosquito fly the Camerounian die-hard defenders were clapping with both hands to kill but he just would not die. They did everything to stop Ighalo using all manner of dirty rough tackling tactics but Ighalo stood firm and remained focused. He caused problems upon problems with his movements and Power and was rewarded ultimately with a truly beautiful goal.... His "Ighalo scoop" skill move came into play even as he shrugged off the challenge of Cameroun's most trusted battle hardened tough-as-nails defender, Ngadeu Ngadjui. What a goal that was... I ran mad for a few seconds and was proud to see Ighalo hitting the net in green-white-green again.

And he did not stop there... he kept on pestering and taking all the knocks before he was finally pulled out so that he could be rested and nursed back to readiness for the next fixture. He even made a block for us as part of his defensive contributions. What a shift he put in.

Ighalo was simply splendid.

Well done Super Eagle Ighalo.....

Victor Moses:

And now the man of the season... the tormentor-in-chief of Cameroun armed soccer forces...

Victor Moses was everywhere.... from defence to attack... he was a workhorse and an earthquake of a player on display. He was a force of nature which swung the tie Nigeria's way. (Now we pray, yes...and I acknowledge God's hands in rewarding our efforts and belief but again we had to put in the work... this is sports and when you work for success, miracles can happen... Another name for Miracle sometimes is simply Sound Effort).


Victor created 3 key chances for the Super Eagles. Had an assist... had a goal... had a goal disallowed correctly for offside to his teammate.... had 4 shots with one on target... made 3 successful crosses out of an attempted four crosses and simply stole our hearts....


He was Magic and Power and Beauty all rolled into one on display. He was our MOTM.... a close call because Mikel was also super and Godlike even.

Well done Super Eagle Victor.....

Slimydude49:
Why was moses goal from the free kick ruled offside.?? . Didn't touch anybody before it went into the net

Interference.

Subs....

Iheanacho for Ighalo.... Nacho came in and put in a bright shift. Apart from his goal which oozed class from his intelligent ability to attack space and pounce, he was also beautiful in build up plays when he dropped deep and his few one-two combos with Victor moses was a delight to watch. Beautiful football from a beautiful talent.


Mikel Agu for Mikel Obi..... he came on and kept the control of our hold on the Midfield proceedings. He was quite calm and good with ball and passed well. His entrance freed up Onazi to venture forward and pick up a very beautiful/lovely assist for Nigeria's Fourth.


Ahmed Musa for Victor Moses..... Musa didn't have much time to be rated or assessed performance-wise but he did showed good pace when the need called for it. Musa is a useful squad member and his pace is still an asset for the team as an impact sub.



Welldone Super Eagle Kelechi....

Well done Super Eagle Agu......

Well done Super Eagle Musa.....

Well done to the unused subs..... I particularly enjoyed watching Alampasu's celebration after our first goal went in. lol.... He is part of this beautiful future being forged for our football.


Well done Everyone here and Congrats once again....


The rise of Nigeria's Next Super Golden Generation is still in session.....

Cameroon Coach Surrenders, Admits Lions’ World Cup Dream Over



By Kayode Ogundare (Pix: Ganiyu Salami) in Uyo:


Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are out of the race to Russia 2018 World Cup race after succumbing to a heavy 4-0 loss to Nigeria Friday evening, according to the manager of the team Hugo Broos.

Goals from Odion Ighalo, captain Mikel Obi and second half efforts by Victor Moses and substitute Kelechi Iheanacho condemned Cameroon to their heaviest defeat ever in the hands of the Super Eagles.




A downcast Broos, who had talked tough in the days preceding the game admitted that the African champions have no hope of making it to their eigtht World Cup final appearance.


“The second leg is not important again. We don’t have a chance of reaching the World Cup. Russia 2018 won’t happen for us,” he moaned.

The Belgian tactician also admitted that his side didn’t play well and their experience did not count at the end of the day.


He said: “If you have the experience but didn’t play well on the day then your experience does not count. We lost today to a better team.”

With the result, Nigeria now have nine points from three games while Cameroon are stuck on two. The two sides play against each other again on Monday at the Stade Ahmadu Ahidjo in Yaounde.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/cameroon-coach-surrenders-admits-lions-world-cup-dream/

STRAIGHT A’s: How Super Eagles Rated Vs Indomitable Lions


By Johnny Edward (photo by Ganiyu Yusuf):



Here’s how the Super Eagles Rated in their magnificent 4-0 victory over Cameroon in Uyo…

Ikechukwu Ezenwa: 7/10 . The FC IfeanyiUbah shot-stopper did not only keep a clean sheet on his competitive debut for the main Super Eagles, the 29-year-old made superb saves to strengthen his chances of becoming the first choice of the Super Eagles.


Elderson Echiejile: 7/10 : The Sivasspor defender did a decent job shutting out the highly-rated Benjamin Mounkandjo. Though he was troubled a bit at the start, Echiejile was also crucial to the Super Eagles keeping a seventh clean sheet in 13 games under coach Gernot Rohr.


Shehu Abdullahi: 6/10 : He was one of the several players who started the encounter slowly but gained confidence as the game wore on. Abdullahi carried out his defensive duties and also joined up Moses Simon keeping the Cameroon left-back worked up throughout the encounter.


William Troost-Ekong: 7/10 : Ekong was impressive once again for the Super Eagles particularly playing alongside Leon Balogun with who he has struck a perfect chemistry in the heart of the defence of the team.


Leon Balogun: 8/10 : The Mainz defender posted a near flawless performance for the Super Eagles on his return. Balogun displayed a solid showing, ensuring the overhyped FC Porto striker, Vincent Aboubacar, had no chance on goal throughout the game.


Mikel Obi, 9/ 10 : Mikel was a class act on the day. His return to Super Eagles brought the much needed stability and calmness to the team’s insipid midfield from the last game. The Tianjin TEDA captain provided an assist and scored a goal to help his team to a third straight win in the 2018 World Cup qualifying round.


Ogenyi Onazi, 7/10: Anchored the Super Eagles midfield effectively and was everywhere nullifying threats from the Cameroonian trio of Christian Bassogog, Jules Siani and Benjamin Mounkandjo. He also provided an assist for the fourth goal.


Wilfred Ndidi 7/10: Ndidi was culpable for several misplaced passes in the early stages of the game but the Leicester City midfielder grew into the game, forming a good understanding with Ogenyi Onazi who showed glimpses of his old ‘pitbull’ self.


Victor Moses 9/10: The Chelsea star troubled the defence line of the Cameroonians with his dead balls and was more effective defensively for the Eagles who started the game on the back foot. But gradually, Moses found his rhythm, provided an assist for the Eagles second goal and finished off a brilliant counter-attack started by him for the team’s third goal.


Moses Simon 7/10 : Simon was also a standout performer for the Super Eagles. He provided an assist for Victor Moses’ goal. The Gent star was a great threat in one-on-one situations and also he combined will with right-back Shehu Abdullahi who was also impressive.


Odion Ighalo 8/10 : The Chanchung Yatai striker justified his inclusion in the squad, scoring the opener for the Super Eagles in the 28th minute. The 28-year-old was very direct in his runs which gave the Indomitable defence and particularly defender Michael Ngadui a lot to worry. He was replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho in the 60th minute.


Subs

Kelechi Iheanacho 7/10 : Kelechi Iheanacho redeemed himself after his lethargic performance against South Africa coming off the substitute’s bench to score Nigeria’s fourth goal six minutes after replacing Odion Ighalo.


Mikel Agu: 7/10 : Mikel made his senior national team debut replacing Mikel Obi in the 70th minute and did a great job helping the Super Eagles see out the resounding victory over the Cameroonians.

Ahmed Musa 6/10 : Leicester City forward Ahmed Musa came on for the Victor Moses with ten minutes left to play and did not do much to be rated.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/straight-super-eagles-rated-vs-indomitable-lions/

If and When we qualify, Can someone put Leon Balogun on Ice till the world cup proper, Can't afford any injury issues...

Stats report:

>>Nigeria are now unbeaten in their last 33 World Cup qualification matches - the longest current run by an African team. Really Super. (I personally recall the last time Nigeria lost a WC qualifying match was in 2004 to Angola in Luanda).
Additionally, Nigeria's unbeaten run in WC qualifying is second best in the world behind Spain(59 games unbeaten).


>> The Super Eagles have recorded her biggest competitive win (4-0 vs Cameroun) since the 6-1 victory over Tahiti in June 2013.

>> John Mikel Obi recorded his 38th assist for the Super Eagles with that magical pass to Ighalo for Nigeria's first goal in the 4-0 win. His 37th came against Algeria.

>> Kelechi Iheanacho has now scored 7goals in his last 8 games for the Super Eagles. He now has 7 international goals in 11 appearances.

Rohr: Super Eagles Won For Ikeme
By Kayode Ogundare




Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr has dedicated Friday’s 4-0 win over Cameroon in the 2018 World Cup race to recuperating first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme who’s battling cancer.

The Eagles had shown solidarity with the Wolverhampton Wanderers of England goalkeeper by wearing T-Shirts with Ikeme’s image and promised to win the game for him.

We stand together, in solidarity with our goalkeeper
@Carl_Ikeme . We believe he will overcome this challenge and join us again very soon. 2:44 PM - Aug 30, 2017
93 1,268 1,600 Nigeria Super Eagles @NGSuperEagles

“We promised to win for Carl and we have done so. He should have been here with us and we know he’s here with us. It was a good game but we are happy we didnt let him down,” he said.

The Eagles raced into a two-goal first half lead through Odion Ighalo and Mikel Obi. They added another two goals in the second half off the efforts of Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho’s tap-in from Ogenyi Onazi’s low pull out.

Friday’s win puts the Super Eagles in a strong position to reach a sixth FIFA World Cup in Russia 2018. Algeria and Zambia, the other two teams in Group B will battle it out in Ndola on Saturday.

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-won-ikeme/

Hugo Broos acknowledges Nigeria superiority
By Colin Udoh, KweséESPN


Cameroon coach Hugo Broos cut a dejected figure well before Kelechi Iheanacho buried Ogenyi Onazi's inch-perfect delivery in the 77th minute, as Nigeria romped to a 4-0 win over the African champions in Uyo on Friday.

With two points from their opening two games, Cameroon needed at least a result in Nigeria to have any hopes of making this World Cup qualifying series anything resembling a contest.
By the end of it, they were out of it, outclassed and eliminated
and Broos admitted they were never in the running at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

"The best team won," he conceded at the post-match press conference. "Nigeria were better than us.

"In the first 20 minutes of the first half and the beginning of the second half, we did what we needed to do, but for the rest of the game, Nigeria were better, more determined and first to ever ball.

"We lost 4-0 but they had another three of four chances and it could have been more."

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr did not disagree with Broos' assessment of the opening minutes, but said it was all part of the tactical plan

"We wanted to beat them at their own game," the German coach began. "We knew that we would have chances for the counterattack, so we let them come to us so that our wingers could give them problems."

Rohr attributed particular praise to John Obi Mikel, who contributed the assist for Nigeria's opener and then added the second for the hosts upon his return to the side.

"But above all, we had our captain and our leader back," Rohr concluded, "and that helped us."

Nigeria, with three wins from their opening three games, could now become the first African side to qualify for the World Cup if they win in Yaounde in four days' time.

"There is no hope," acknowledged a despairing Broos. "We have to win three games and Nigeria have to lose three games. That's not possible."

Source: http://kwese.espn.com/football/cameroon/story/3194373/hugo-broos-acknowledges-nigeria-superiority?device=featurephone

The Article below is about 2 days old I think.... but worth the read...



Three reasons John Mikel Obi strengthens Nigeria
By Colin Udoh, KweséESPN



It is hard to argue that Nigeria remain haunted by the loss in June to South Africa.

That reverse, their first in 25 years of playing against Bafana Bafana, was as unexpected as it was irritating. And there is no doubt that until they take their pound of flesh in the return fixture, that loss will continue to rankle.

But in the here and now, they face Cameroon in a key World Cup qualifier on Friday, and their actions have been guided by the lessons learnt from that last defeat; none more important than the return of skipper and midfield generalissimo John Mikel Obi.

Here are three ways his arrival changes the game for the Super Eagles:


LEADERSHIP

This may sound like a hollow, oft-repeated platitude, but it's one which hits right at the heart of the problem.

One of the reasons why the Super Eagles lost in June was the absence of a central rallying figure in the dressing room. Without Mikel, there was no senior figure able or willing enough to take charge.

Ahmed Musa was beset by personal issues and in neither the mood nor position to shoulder additional responsibility, especially after having handed over the armband for that very reason.

Elderson Echiejile has been in and out of the squad and while being a regular in the last few games, there has been some uncertainty regarding his position as Gernot Rohr looks to unearth younger options.

Ogenyi Onazi, named captain in Mikel's absence, was emasculated by the same issue -- Rohr's tendency to favour younger players.

This put every player on an even keel and resulted in rumblings by some of the relatively older players that these younger squad members were -- to put it somewhat delicately -- doing their own thing both on and off the pitch.

With Mikel in camp, there is a rallying leadership figure to look up to. He has the respect of the coach, the officials and the players. There is no question of his direction not being followed, even if his leadership style is more guidance than authoritative.
That leadership will be a huge factor during the game, especially if things look like they are not going according to plan.



STABILITY

As much as the trio of Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo did a more than competent job in midfield against South Africa, the Super Eagles sorely missed Mikel's stabilising influence.

His calmness in possession, ability to shield the ball, and dictate the tempo of the play was a gaping hole that none of the three had the guile or experience to fill and, when Nigeria went behind, it was easy for South Africa to take control of the midfield.

Cameroon present a more quality and physical proposition, and Mikel's difficulty to shake off the ball, his ball circulation and pass selection will be a welcome boost to the Eagles midfield, irrespective of whether he plays at the top or base of the pyramid.


FEAR FACTOR

Nothing quite like star power to intimidate an opponent: There aren't many players in Africa who do not know or fear the name of Mikel.

While Cameroon do not exactly tremble at the mention of the name, many -- if not all of them -- would know of him, have seen him play, and heard of or seen his incredible trophy haul.
Football players can be many shades of disingenuous on occasion, but they always recognise superior quality.

And Mikel, fully fit or not, ranks right up there among the players that any opposition on the continent would be wary about facing.

Add that to the return of the always dangerous Victor Moses and the uncompromising Leon Balogun, and it becomes immediately clear that the Super Eagles have a fear factor about them again.


Source: http://kwese.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/20517150/three-reasons-john-mikel-obi-strengthens-nigeria?device=featurephone

Rohr set up his team to play counter attack football at home. That is very interesting. Cameroon will attack us in Yaounde, similar tactics will serve us well.

Ola Aina has been cleared by FIFA but i do not think, he will start in Yaounde, He might come in if we need to hold on to a lead.

Longest Current FIFA WCQ Unbeaten run in the world


Spain - 59 games unbeaten

Nigeria - 33 games unbeaten

Italy - 33 games unbeaten

Germany - 30 games unbeaten

Cote d'Ivoire- 25 games unbeaten

Switzerland- 25 games unbeaten

TheSuperNerd:
Thank you for mentioning this sir... I have stated this in my report and it is very important indeed.

Mikel's heir needs to begin his apprenticeship now. Time to begin the grooming.

Kelechi Nwakali who just joined VVV Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie on loan on deadline day is a solid option as Mikel's heir. They may yet be others so I won't limit it to Nwakali alone... but beautiful observation.

On Mikel Agu... he showed good potential and calm and I was kinda impressed with his touches. Will rate him more when he features under the pressure and intensity of actually starting a competitive game for us.

Yeah, Kelechi Nwakali is the real deal.

No other player has impressed me that much since Mikel burst unto the scene at that U-17 tournament some years back. It's no coincidence he was Arsenal's best player on loan last season.

I'm glad he's moved up to the Dutch Eredivisie which is tougher, has more quality and he'll face better competition/opposition.

He's also be more visible to the National team handlers at VVV Venlo.

Abeg who did Mikel give the captain band to after his substitution ? Google no get answer for me on that one. In all, a very solid all round performance from the boys yesterday. Next is to replicate it again on Monday in Yaounde, so the skeleton of our core of the super eagles can now start taking full shape. Up Super Eagles...

ykalhaji:
Abeg who did Mikel give the captain band to after his substitution ? Google no get answer for me on that one. In all, a very solid all round performance from the boys yesterday. Next is to replicate it again on Monday in Yaounde, so the skeleton of our core of the super eagles can now start taking full shape. Up Super Eagles...

Onazi and he's the vice captain

AIG07:
ah Sir Samueldo... Wetin happen to your previous acct. I too no really de regular here.

The acct isn't functioning anymore, But I'm back now.

Icon4s:


Good news.

But I think Shehu should still start.

We should maintain the same structure of the team for the Monday game.

Ola Aina is ours already. No going back. We may field him in the October qualifiers.

I agree with you ..no need to alter the winning formation.