TheGoodJoe:


I do not remember the name but it was a Kaduna school.

teeroy:
Sunday Oliseh will be back in the eagles mix one day in one capacity or the other, we haven't heard the last of him.I firmly believe that.

Icon4s:


Yeah . Must have been a Mix up. But I think Emma OKhenoboh was in goal in that final against Ghana. Not so sure though.

TheGoodJoe:


Bright Nigerian home League talents I knew in 2000 Era were,

Kelechi Osunwa. Started at Bright Stars Academy in Port-Harcourt. I think he won the golden boot in the Nigerian League before he left the country. He played for Coach Musa Abdullahi when he coached Dolphins.

Kelechi signed 3 years with Al Ahly Shendi in Sudan in the last of 2014 he is the highest alltime topscorer of Sudan premier league with 137 goals.

Kelechi scored 104 goals in 167 games with almerikh .he is the time top scorer in 2012 with 40goals in 51 games.

Bright Stars Academy Office was in D-Line near where I stayed. I had friends who played for them. None of us doubted Kelechi Osunwa would lead the Super Eagles attack. It is a mystery how such a brilliant talent did not make it. A sharp finisher.

He hardly played in a league where he was not the top scorer. In Nigeria and in Sudan.

goldfish80:


I just had to comment when I saw you mention the name Kelechi Osunwa. He used to be a handy striker for Dolphins. When he left for Sudan, I honestly thought it was a stop-gap move for him but its unfortunate he couldn't find his way out from there as quickly as possible. Last I heard any news about him was Sudan offering him citizenship to represent them, I guess that process didn't work out because he has already had a few caps for Nigeria.

The Nigerian league within a short period lost its best players to clubs in Sudan. Guys Like Osunwa, Eze, efosa eguakun, Endurance Idaho(Rip) and later Steve Nworgu. These four guys easily would have walked into the National team had they been playing in Europe.
It's worthy of note, they played in an era we had below average players like Abbey George, Ifeanyi Ekwueme and the likes held sway.

I wept bitterly when I heard of Endurance Idaho's demise. I remember the blinder of a goal he scored in the cAf winners cup finals against Etoile du Sahel,which was nominated on the Caf goal of the year. Julis Berger lost the return leg in Souse when my hood guy Ogochukwu obiakor scored a brace in the 3:0 reverse.
Of the Idaho brothers, Endurance was the pick of the pack. Unfortunately, he never made it to Europe but instead died right there on the pitch in Sudan. What an enigma.

Another I would like to mention is Binagwari(spellling) George (Rip), Finidi gorges younger brother was another prodigiously talented footballer. While coming up, many people who saw him rated him highly. He was far more skillful than Finidi will ever be. He went past people like they were training cones. He died while trying out for a club in Europe. However. He was quite behold to watch durring his short career.

Finally, one of the best goalies to have ever graced the Nigerian league but never played for the super eagles, the enigma himself, Sam okoye. He was between the sticks for the flying eagles at Nigeria 99.
The story was that a young Vincent Enyeama then playing for Ibom stars attended the Nigeria 99 tryouts. While in camp, he simply packed his bags and suit cases when Sam okoye arrived.
Okoye was like the love child of Oliver Khan/Jose chilavette, he could dribble, pass and start attacks from his position as a GK. Pep Guardiola would have loved him certainly. By a country mile, he was the best goalie in the league.
There was a particular league game he scored from his own half of the pitch. He was insanely talented

It was heart breaking when he died while trying out for a club in Iran. Am still puzzled till date what exactly made him take the decision to leave for Iran. Many people believed it was out of frustration, having seen guys like Etafia, Enyeama and Ejide who he was a good few yards ahead of, getting call ups to the national team while he was ignored.
Alot of league watchers were left scratching their heads each time Sam okoye was passed over by Christian chukwu and Eguavoen.

Thank God the Nigerian league is being gradually repositioned. A lot of our best players over the years died mysterious deaths on their pursuit for greener pastures in obscure countries.
Rip Sam okoye and the rest of them.

TheGoodJoe:


Emmanuel Babayaro, certainly in the list of Nigerian players that fell off. So much promise and leadership. Same goes to Abiodun Baruwa. I remember Babayaro injuring in Harare and Abiodun Baruwa coming in and saving all three penalties.

I watched a CAF Champions League game of Baruwa saving three penalties while he was at a South African club.

I was unfortunate not to watch Ebiede but his influence in the game of Football in Port-Harcourt was massive. He had followers who tried playing like him. He was a master at spraying passes using his outer foot like Rosicky.

I did not watch him when he was young. I actually only watched him once in a training game in 2001. When Super Eagles was to play Ghana at Liberation stadium Port-Harcourt.

I will later upload one or two warm up pictures.

In that training game, Ebiede was on fire. Come and see dribbling. Catching Taribo and Uche. I understood why he got the nickname waist breaker. That was one talent I missed out watching.

Funny part is that I was in Port-Harcourt when he was young.

goldfish80:


I just had to comment when I saw you mention the name Kelechi Osunwa. He used to be a handy striker for Dolphins. When he left for Sudan, I honestly thought it was a stop-gap move for him but its unfortunate he couldn't find his way out from there as quickly as possible. Last I heard any news about him was Sudan offering him citizenship to represent them, I guess that process didn't work out because he has already had a few caps for Nigeria.

The Nigerian league within a short period lost its best players to clubs in Sudan. Guys Like Osunwa, Eze, efosa eguakun, Endurance Idaho(Rip) and later Steve Nworgu. These four guys easily would have walked into the National team had they been playing in Europe.
It's worthy of note, they played in an era we had below average players like Abbey George, Ifeanyi Ekwueme and the likes held sway.

I wept bitterly when I heard of Endurance Idaho's demise. I remember the blinder of a goal he scored in the cAf winners cup finals against Etoile du Sahel,which was nominated on the Caf goal of the year. Julis Berger lost the return leg in Souse when my hood guy Ogochukwu obiakor scored a brace in the 3:0 reverse.
Of the Idaho brothers, Endurance was the pick of the pack. Unfortunately, he never made it to Europe but instead died right there on the pitch in Sudan. What an enigma.

Another I would like to mention is Binagwari(spellling) George (Rip), Finidi gorges younger brother was another prodigiously talented footballer. While coming up, many people who saw him rated him highly. He was far more skillful than Finidi will ever be. He went past people like they were training cones. He died while trying out for a club in Europe. However. He was quite behold to watch durring his short career.

Finally, one of the best goalies to have ever graced the Nigerian league but never played for the super eagles, the enigma himself, Sam okoye. He was between the sticks for the flying eagles at Nigeria 99.
The story was that a young Vincent Enyeama then playing for Ibom stars attended the Nigeria 99 tryouts. While in camp, he simply packed his bags and suit cases when Sam okoye arrived.
Okoye was like the love child of Oliver Khan/Jose chilavette, he could dribble, pass and start attacks from his position as a GK. Pep Guardiola would have loved him certainly. By a country mile, he was the best goalie in the league.
There was a particular league game he scored from his own half of the pitch. He was insanely talented

It was heart breaking when he died while trying out for a club in Iran. Am still puzzled till date what exactly made him take the decision to leave for Iran. Many people believed it was out of frustration, having seen guys like Etafia, Enyeama and Ejide who he was a good few yards ahead of, getting call ups to the national team while he was ignored.
Alot of league watchers were left scratching their heads each time Sam okoye was passed over by Christian chukwu and Eguavoen.

Thank God the Nigerian league is being gradually repositioned. A lot of our best players over the years died mysterious deaths on their pursuit for greener pastures in obscure countries.
Rip Sam okoye and the rest of them.

Icon4s:


Emmanuel Ebiede had his chance at the 1995 AYC held in Nigeria. He came out average. More so he was a local champion when the likes of Kanu, Ikpeba,;Okocha, Amuneke, Amokachi, Babayaro, Oruma, Oliseh, Finidi, Babangida, Taribo and co were doing well in Europe. So no one gave him a chance in d national team

Icon4s:


Emmanuel Ebiede had his chance at the 1995 AYC held in Nigeria. He came out average. More so he was a local champion when the likes of Kanu, Ikpeba,;Okocha, Amuneke, Amokachi, Babayaro, Oruma, Oliseh, Finidi, Babangida, Taribo and co were doing well in Europe. So no one gave him a chance in d national team

Icon4s:
Talking about Sam Okoye. At that U20 he was like a wall. So very solid. Ike Shoroumu was Nigeria's number1 goalie up to 2002. I see no reason y Enyeama and Ejide were invited ahead of Okoye. Okoye was at Enugu Rangers, Enyeama was at Enyimba and Ejide was at Etoile Du Sahel. These 3 guys were the best in our land at that time and Okoye as at then was ahead of them . Enyeama and Ejide progressed more while Okoye was stagnated until he went to the middle east where he died.

TheGoodJoe:


Add Greg Etafia to the list. That guy was a fine keeper. Brilliant in the post.

Icon4s:


When I remember Greg Etafia, I remember that 4-0 bashing by Chile at Sydney 2000 Olympucs. Ivan Zamorano and Salas wan kill naija.
Etafia was good but he was not as composed as Sam Okoye and Vincent Enyeama. Etafia was more like Austine Ejide.

Icon4s:


When I remember Greg Etafia, I remember that 4-0 bashing by Chile at Sydney 2000 Olympucs. Ivan Zamorano and Salas wan kill naija.
Etafia was good but he was not as composed as Sam Okoye and Vincent Enyeama. Etafia was more like Austine Ejide.

TheGoodJoe:


I try explaining to people that what we see now, talents emerging in Nigeria like Ekong, Awaziem, Balogun, Ndidi, Chidebere Nwakali etc, was always like this in the past

When you think of Ibeji, Abubakar Musa not getting into people's mind for the National team, despite repeated brilliance performances, you could tell the competition.

People did not think of Ebiede despite him being more of a Cult hero in Port-Harcourt. The media hardly mentioned him until his training game in Shell Camp Port-Harcourt.

When you think of Ikedia and Tijani Babangida, fighting for the same spot in the Super Eagles. Yet, there was a legend, Finidi George in the same team.

TheGoodJoe:


I just knew you would go to the bashing. I could feel it coming. Nigerians never forgave him for that game but it was not the young man's fault.

After Azubuike Oliseh's suspension, we did not have anyone shielding the defence. Iyenemi Furo also had a terrible game that day. Gbenga Okunowo aka Barca Boy was also poor that day.

Etafia kept his way to a very high level. Making great saves even the the CAF Champions League with Lobi Stars.

He was very good but that flogging spoilt his image in Nigerians mind. I still believe he belongs in the list because he was a genuine contender for the Super Eagles goalkeeper role.

Icon4s:


Hmmm.. u just mentioned another forgotten player. Furo Iyeneme. So very unpredictable. In a game he could pose a MOM performance and the next game You would feel like chopping-off his head. He also reminds me of Isaac Okoronkwo who was also in that team as a CB partner with Furo. Both CBs were off and on players. If those they chose to be off we could concede terribly. Just look at our results in that tourney and you'll also understand why Greg Etafia fell out of favor:

Nigeria 3-3 Honduras (We came from 3-1 down to equalize. Goals from Bright Igbinadalor, Victor Agali and Yakubu Aiyegbeni hu scored the equalizer with almost the last kick of the game)
Nigeria 3-2 Australia (Goals from Pius Ikedia, Julius Aghahowa and Victor Agali)
Nigeria 1-1 Italy (Goal scored by Garba Lawal before Gbenga Okunowo of Barcelona scored an own to make it 1-1)
Nigeria 0-4 Chile.

Azubuike Oliseh was a key man in the DMF in that team. I recall the over-aged players were Godwin Okpara and Garba Lawal. Celestine Babayaro was captain. Sam Okoye was a substitute goalie in that team.

I was so disappointed in the team all through the tourney.

Icon4s:


Hmmm.. u just mentioned another forgotten player. Furo Iyeneme. So very unpredictable. In a game he could pose a MOM performance and the next game You would feel like chopping-off his head. He also reminds me of Isaac Okoronkwo who was also in that team as a CB partner with Furo. Both CBs were off and on players. If those they chose to be off we could concede terribly. Just look at our results in that tourney and you'll also understand why Greg Etafia fell out of favor:

Nigeria 3-3 Honduras (We came from 3-1 down to equalize. Goals from Bright Igbinadalor, Victor Agali and Yakubu Aiyegbeni hu scored the equalizer with almost the last kick of the game)
Nigeria 3-2 Australia (Goals from Pius Ikedia, Julius Aghahowa and Victor Agali)
Nigeria 1-1 Italy (Goal scored by Garba Lawal before Gbenga Okunowo of Barcelona scored an own to make it 1-1)
Nigeria 0-4 Chile.

Azubuike Oliseh was a key man in the DMF in that team. I recall the over-aged players were Godwin Okpara and Garba Lawal. Celestine Babayaro was captain. Sam Okoye was a substitute goalie in that team.

I was so disappointed in the team all through the tourney.

TheGoodJoe:


One of the best Assembled Olympics squad. Second after the Super Atlanta team.

The Honduras game gave us hope the team could fight when things went bad.

They were against a talented and we'll managed Honduras side. David Suazo who later played for Inter Milan, his younger brother and the Brilliant Pedro Leon (Put up a great performance in the 3-0 thrashing of Honduras by Brazil in Nigeria '99.) Pedro Leon scored a wonder goal in that game against us. A curling shot from the right wing.

Thinking of it now, Etafia was also a goalkeeper who liked to leave his line.

That comeback showed promise. Greg Etafia also had a good game against Italy. Pirlo played as a creative midfielder in that game.

That team disappointed. Yes, Aghahowa was also in the squad.

TheGoodJoe:


One of the best Assembled Olympics squad. Second after the Super Atlanta team.

The Honduras game gave us hope the team could fight when things went bad.

They were against a talented and we'll managed Honduras side. David Suazo who later played for Inter Milan, his younger brother and the Brilliant Pedro Leon (Put up a great performance in the 3-0 thrashing of Honduras by Brazil in Nigeria '99.) Pedro Leon scored a wonder goal in that game against us. A curling shot from the right wing.

Thinking of it now, Etafia was also a goalkeeper who liked to leave his line.

That comeback showed promise. Greg Etafia also had a good game against Italy. Pirlo played as a creative midfielder in that game.

That team disappointed. Yes, Aghahowa was also in the squad.

Icon4s:


Yeah, that was a talented squad that set the stage for the Super Eagles Team of the 2000s. Joseph Yobo who was a RB then was dropped for "the Barca boy" Gbenga Okunowo, who also featured prominently at the 2000 AFCON. Yobo's break-through came at the 2002 AFCON.

Etafia happened to be among the youngest players then. 17 I think. He put the then 20years Sam Okoye on the bench. Greg Etafia, Gbenga Okunnowo, Celestine Babayaro, Isaac Okoronkwo, Ogbonna Kanu, Azubuike Oliseh, Furo Iyeneme, Blessing Kaku, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Julius Aghahowa, Pius Ikedia, Garba Lawal , Godwin Okpara, Sam Okoye, Victor Agali, Bright Igbinadalor. The squad had quality sha.

TheGoodJoe:


See squad. I remember Ogbeche was among the dropped players, including Issah and Ibeji.

Ogbeche was also very young then. Abubakar Musa lost his place to Ibeji. Sad they failed and fell off.

Shocking Yobo did not make it into that team after his Nigeria '99 show. I never thought of it.

Icon4s:


Ogbeche? Really? Ogbeche was 17 when he featured at the 2002 World Cup meaning he was initially considered then even as a 15 year old?

TheGoodJoe:


Issah, Etafia, Ibeji and Ogbeche were young. I think Ogbeche during that period joined PSG youth team.

Icon4s:
There is another name we have left out: Ugochukwu Chukwunyere. We used to call him "wowo" those days in Ajegunle. Very bulky guy that went to play in Malta. He featured in one of those our experimental home based teams of late 1990s/early 2000s

TheGoodJoe:


Do you remember a Nigerian team, thrashing a foreign team 4-0. Ogbonna Kanu was in that team. It is rough in my memory. I can not remember the team we played but NTA televised the match. The team had brilliant players.

Icon4s:
There is another name we have left out: Ugochukwu Chukwunyere. We used to call him "wowo" those days in Ajegunle. Very bulky guy that went to play in Malta. He featured in one of those our experimental home based teams of late 1990s/early 2000s

Icon4s:


Could it be at the Carlsberg Cup in Singapore?

Icon4s:


Could it be at the Carlsberg Cup in Singapore?

TheGoodJoe:


Not Carlsberg. This was after Carlsberg. I can only remember Ogbonna Kanu. I am not sure if Okunnowo was in that team.

I think it was Spain they played.

TheGoodJoe:


Merridien Cup.

Icon4s:


Meridian Cup was for the U17. I Think Obafemi Martins and Ifeanyi Udeze were part of that inaugural edition in 1997. We won it by beating Spain in the final!. Yeah I remember now.

Maybe Ogbonna Kanu was part of it too.


Modified:
Yeah correct!. TheGoodJoe, Check out this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_UEFA-CAF_Meridian_Cup