₦airaland Forum

ChrisKels:
Kayode On Target On Shakhtar Donetsk Debut


 1 April 1, 2018 7:51 pm
By James Agberebi:

Nigeria forward Olanrewaju Kayode scored on his debut for Shakhtar Donetsk in their 3-0 away win against Zorya in their Ukrainian top flight clash on Sunday.

Kayode, who came on in the 91st minute for Facundo Ferreyra, got on the score sheet in the 93rd minute to make it 3-0 for Shakhtar.

Shakhtar went 1-0 ahead thanks to Taison in the 41st minute.

And they went 2-0 in the 61st minute thanks to Ferreyra.

Kayode joined Shakhtar on loan from English Premier League runaway leaders Manchester City.

He was initially loaned to Spanish LaLiga club Girona but was left frustrated due to lack of playing time.

He played in 12 games for Girona without scoring before joining Shakhtar.

where is that man that say he hopes Kayode scores so that the cycle will complete.

Lo and behold Kayode has scored and the cycle is complete.

*I can see Oga Forgiveness smiling.* first it was Aluko, then Ajagun, followed by Obafemi(WMD) and now Larry Kay.

Of a truth, the power of resurrection has touched these guys. E no easy o.

*Runs outta thread*

edi287:
Alli never wanted to play for us. Alaba is the major regret. Dude can also play as a CB sef. Oh well...

you're right on Alli. But we're just fantasiziing on what would've been.

That Alaba to me is the most Versatile player after John O'shea. Dude can play almost all position. He even plays as an AMF for austria. The only two roles I haven't seen David play are the CF and GK roles... He would have been a great addition.

His pairing with another top tackler like Ndidi will definitely quench any form of attack from open play.

Joebie:
yea.. we win some we lose some.. Two players I wish we had -- Dele Alli and David Alaba..

Told someone same yesterday.

Those guys would have made us thick.

Imagine Alaba pairing Ndidi in a double pivot system or better still Alaba as a LB or LWB with Mikel, Ndidi as CMF and DMF respectively with Alli playing in front of the duo-that would've been pure beauty.

Oh no! How I wish!

Those 2guys are our greatest loss in the last 2decades.

MetalJigsaw:
I'm sure you're one of those folks that will never accept that Joel really flopped big time in his previous spell in SE... A chance of such magnitude, but he was too ordinary to utilize it. But you're always ready to get at any length to lament about Ighalo's "woes" and "inabilities".

Stop talking as if we have a Xavi and Inieata in midfield, Mr. Ighalo is a proven striker. Really funny how You mention Dessers and co. A Dessers that's struggling for game time at a lowly Utrecht.

No striker in this world would ever find his feet with the current crop of SE midfielders who are only equivalent to amateurs whenever Mikel is not present in the fold. This speech of yours is totally out if place, I must say.

SMH @your first paragraph.

To the best of my knowledge, Ighalo has only missed two games in which Mikel didn't play and those matches are the last 2 friendly matches.

The present SEs under Rohr has been creating more chances compared to their predecessors. So you have no excuse for him. Even with Mikel in the team, the burden of goal scoring has been carried and shared by our Wingers and Midfielders and it is not as if he is giving assists.

Lastly. you sound like someone who is insecured. because nowhere in my post did I say Ighalo should be dropped. I only stated need for re-inforcement and on Joel Obi, I have not even said anything on his recent performance in the GWG yet you drew that powerful conclusion based on assumption.

darkelf:
God bless you immensely bro.

You shall lack no good thing

Amen

lexyman:
please mention the inform strikers we have at the moment .... not strikers in the backwater league.

Ezenwa- NPFL
Uzoho- Spain (2nd Division)
Shehu- Turkey
Ebuehi- Netherland
Ekong- Turkey
Omuero- Turkey
Idowu- Russia
Echiejile- Belgium (2nd Division)
Onazi- Turkey
S. Moses- Belgium
Musa- Russia
Ighalo- China
captain Mikel- China...

If you check the above list of players you'll find out that they play in your so called "BACKWATER LEAGUES" and don't forget that these same players make up the core of the SE.

So, having seen this, why do we make exception rules to other Nigeria players performing in the same leagues as the players given above? Is that not double standard?

We are too quick to run down some monikers here who clamour for the inclusion of players from these same leagues.

It is a known fact that the difference between our players playing in the top 5 leagues across europe and those in the BackWater Leagues is opportunity.

Finally, I won't be reeling out names. Another week of club football is around, our players will be back in action again and I trust Sir. Tbaba1234 to give us updates. Till then na siddon look mode I de.

Odion Jude Ighalo.
Gernot Rohr's first choice Striker.

Can anyone remind me of the national teams Jude has scored against excluding Cameroon and Luxembourg?

The memories of him scoring in the GWG were: an header against Cameroon in an international friendly match in 2015 and a well placed goal after shaking of another cameronian in a WCQ match played in 2017.

If I'm to go by his stats in the GWG, I don't expect him to be our messiah in Russia.

Looking at the bench for a capable replacement for him leaves one dejected. As there is no one to call on when things don't go as planned. We might just be towing the same path of Keshi's 2014 world cup team. How? We took a less inform and goal drought experiencing Emmanuel Emenike to the World Cup as our main point man, backing him with another toothless striker in Shola Ameobi and expecting both players to perform a miracle by doing the impossible. Alas, we all knew how it all ended.

Emenike and Ighalo seems to be the same kind of players. They're flash in the pan and inconsistent. Enough of these: he brings more to the team than scoring goals, enough of all these 'hold up plays', pressing ability etc... The first and main role of a 9 or striker is to put the ball into the net. All other things a striker brings are just additional.

Finally, if we must do well, we need two potent point, Clinical and unforgiving Strikers who can atleast convert 1 out of every 3 chances created.

fucklikant101:
SERBIAN Match: VITAL LESSONS!

Must Read: Gernot Rohr.

This is my humble reaction and submission to those in the Nff, admistrative authorities, concerned high stakeholders and friends who called to demand for a critical explanation for SE woeful showing & loss to Serbia.
First, I will explain that these matches are WC preparatory, or test matches and results would vary. Only a bad Coach would insist on fielding his strongest side, and not experiment to determine his best materials leading to the main event.
I salute the courage & focus of Coach Gernot Rohr for always cleverly shielding his plans from the prying eyes of rival Spies & paid Hawks.
I respect his tactics & strategies.
He is a very good tactician! I applaud the Coach.
SE have nothing else to prove.
The Coach could have won still, if he wanted to, he knew what to do, trust me. But to what purpose? Nigerians must know that football is a strategic game of cons, intrigues & delusions. It demands knowledge, intrigues & intelligence to execute a strategic winning plan.
Gernot Rohr told the world that he wasn’t desperate to win the Serbian game. Implying that he was going to experiment and explore other tactics and formation that might not outrightly yeild positive result.
I was spot on in my preview of this match warning against the danger of under performance, or under estimating the Serbians.
We also presented that Serbia would die to win and they brought their A game.
I was also spot on informing Nigerians of a ‘burst’ outcome, if our midfield fail to take charge and control, and shred-off the challenge in the middle of the pack.
GR matchday-list for the occasion was telling because he threw the game open when he handed Captain’s Arm Band to Onazi, and named him in his starting 11.
Furthermore, GR gave Ahmed Musa a rare chance to prove himself a better man than Ighalo as Top 9.
Awaziem, Idowu, Ekong & Ebuehi were re-tested together. It was good experimentation, one you would not risk without a trial. Uzoho is still coming up.
Ubuehi must not aggravate his fragile health; his quality is not in doubt.
Ekong, Idowu & Awaziem are all of good quality. Why risk injury & all with the WC next door.
Now, Nigerians have seen the boys and everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether such opinions are technical, or unfounded and pedestrian. Popular or unpopular the media are dishing out all sorts of analyses.
I have read comments about the match and most of them are dry and sentimental.
This is not only a Nigerian problem, even in Argentina, La Albiceleste had succumbed 1- 6 to Spain, in Madrid, fans will take to the streets.
Portugal had also suffered a 0-3 defeat with CR7 in the mix. Some are calling for a sack.
Such is the extent fans could go.
Many of these so-called hardline followers (fans) are football illiterates & quacks.
They lack deep knowledge of the game and only believe their team must WIN in every match, even in mock games.
We need a lot of education on this.

SUPER EAGLES’ CAPTAINCY:
A captain is a manager & coordinator of his team, also during play. It is critical to how a team performs. The team Captain combines his duties wit supervision of his colleagues. It is a dual function & not everyone can handle it.
Ordinarilly, the oldest team player should claim it but it must not be automatic if the player lacks the qualities to lead.
Onazi Ogenyi has failed again leading SE. Against South Africa, last year, and now Serbia.
So, GR knew why he switched the Band (C) from Troost-Ekong, CB to Onazi in 4 days.
Onazi lost direction again & failed to coordinate his midfield, he allowed the Serbians to dictate the Midfield rhythm and take the initiative. These lapses clearly have shown what level GR can commit to him..
MIDFIELD:
A match is won and lost in the midfield department, a good Coach will tell u.
SE had no midfield play against the hardworking Serbians. Joel was lost, Ndidi suffered & Onazi was at sea, completely overwhelmed & confused. The duty & initiative to shred the Serbians was lost. It was a below par outing.
No feeds to out strikers. This was a show of shame. It was a disaster!
ATTACK:
Ahmed Musa’s deficiency was clearly revealed without Iheanacho’s presence. Musa has by far past his best, just like Uwa Elderson Echiejele who watched from the bench. These are “Aged” players under illusion as boys.
We all know them; they can’t give what they don’t have.
Ighalo is fighting for a 2nd choice top 9 spot with Musa, but the man had failed himself again to take half chances, even the rear gift chance in the box, he frittered away.
Victor Moses & Iwobi showed commitment and their class even in the drab encounter.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
The match served its purpose very well. Kudos to the technical Man, GR for using these matches to expose the deficiencies of our “Big Players”.
Heads can now start rolling.
Nigerians must not be surprised to see NEW faces in the SE next invitation.
The clock is ticking fast and SE are getting set to fly.
NEW CALL UPS:
Our striking role is our current major headache & concerns of fans.
We expect the Crew to source for proven goals-machine to be invited no matter the Division in which they play for quick assessment.

Suggested Names:
1) Cyriel Dessers
2) Paul Unuachu
3) Fernando Adi
4) Obafemi Martins..

Critics speaking against seeing these eligible Nigerias get called up are either nursing a clandestine motive, or clearly know nothing about this game, and are enemies of SE & Nigeria.
There are more ‘battles’ ahead to be fought to hammer the team into good shape before the WC, and GR have proved very decisive with his Master stroke in Serbian Match by not showing his full hand but only his intent.
The ‘Oyinbo Man’ knows his starting 11 for the WC. Don’t be deceived.
SE will be the team to beat at the Mundial.
I stand by them, 100%.

This is absolutely brilliant!

RichardKajola:
My observations based on the two friendly
Nigeria played badly in both games. We were just lucky against Poland. Lewandowski shot hit the bar, one of their shot actually cross the goal line couple with the fact that the penalty awarded was a dive. Same goes with the match against Serbia, just that in this case we conceded twice but remember they were denied a goal which looked like it had also cross the goal line.
However the most disturbing feature of the game was that we created no notable chance. This means that something is wrong with our midfield and attack. Rohr didn't help matters by putting basically three CMF in our second match and Iheanacho was ineffective as AMF in the first match.
High press is now a feature in major football teams. The team actually did a little of that against Poland but it was nonexistent against Serbia. Rohr needs to work on that if we are to have any chance beating the best team in the world cup. One thing we should note is that in the world cup we won't be playing against African who respects us and allow us to have most of the ball and that is where the high press system becomes very important.
I think we are hyping Mikel a little too much here. Agreed Mikel is a leader in the team, but he is no where the level of Messi. Remember Mikel slows Nigeria down sometimes. Now what's my point? my point is that its possible we could have still lose the match with him involved so his absence should not be the reason why we loss. we should instead look for the fault among the players and coach involved.
Again I think Rohr is too conservative and maybe doesn't trust his players. This explains why his substitution doesn't come early. Someone will say you don't change a winning team but this is a friendly. For example in our match against Serbia, though we were playing badly he didn't deem it fit to change anyone or to try to alter the formation or tactics. Most teams actually used two teams for their two different friendly.
Meanwhile I think Uzoho is good enough for the no 1 position
The pitch used against Serbia was also small and might have affected the players though that is no excuse.
In summary I think we are still a work in progress though with our performances this break, I doubt our advancement to the knockout round if we do not up our game.
#soarsupereagles

good one from you.

But note this:
1. No one here as ever equated Mikel to Messi. Saying a player is what another player is to his team(e.g Mikel is to Nigeria what Messi is to Argentina) is only comparing the level of influence and importance both players are to their respective teams and not necessarily comparing strength for strength, achievement for achievement nor talent for talent.

2. Mikel slowing down game is as a result of his high ball holding ability. This ability helps create spaces for others to thrive on. Whenever Mikel holds the ball, he draws out the opponents to himself thereby freeing other team mates and giving them enough time to be well positioned to recieve the ball.

Mikel hold up play helps him read the game and give him a share of control of the midfield. If he had been in that match, we would have had a different result(not necessarily a win... Either a draw, a loss with us scoring or even a win).

Clementoke:
Mikel Obi has been absent in Gernot Rohr's two losses as SE coach. Is Mikel to Super Eagles what Messi is to Argentina?

yes, he is.

Leon Balogun, John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses are keys to our success @ the World Cup.

Their fitness and form should be paramount to the coaching crew.

I'm so happy Rohr had the guts to take Moses out. The decision did exposed the team's weakness that needs be worked on. Moses is undisputably an extra man on the pitch. His new found role in the blues has helped improve is stamina, strength and defensive skills. These will come handy when the tournament begins.

What's all this fuss about a loss?
2 losses in 14games spanned over 19months is not only fair but an amazing result that shows that the Super Eagles has changed and evolved into a better side.

Their continuous victories and good showings has turn us to spoil brat(I don't know when we turned to Spain/Germany overnight).

Everyone is blaming the coach, the players, the administrators and even the fans on ground for not playing their respective roles to ensure another victory against the Serbs.

I have never seen anyone here blame the ball used. No one has show concern since it's the same ball type will be used at the mundia.

We all need to give the team and coaches some break. No need for all these unnecessary pressure the fans are putting on the team.

Finally, I personally, still believes in this team and coaching crew to deliver at the tournament proper. So, they've got ma back.

NO DOUBT EAGLES WILL SOAR AT THE WORLD CUP.

sontoly:
This is typical nigerians taking solace from argentina match, truth be told we still have more work to be done than argentina.

that's why people like me are happy we lost. Today's loss won't allow complacency to set in into the team.

Mujtahida:
He was more involved in the second half when he played from the middle.

Exactly. This confirms that IWOBI is not a Winger.

Some Nigerians can be so funny and irrational in their thinking.
While watching the game, a man seated infront of exclaimed "this team is full of bunch of fools who can't play football and Nigeria is doomed" simply because we went a goal down.

I shut him up by saying these same fools qualified us for the world cup from a very tight and competitive group. They did it in style by qualifying despite us missing out in the last two consecutive AFCONs. The same fools defeated Argentina Poland, Cameroon, Algeria, Zambia...

The man just kept is mouth shut-till the end of the match. So much for the plastic fans.

klexycole:
House, please why is this man making mockery of himself?

leave the dude alone. Atleast, there are 31 other countries going to the world cup, he can choose from that pool.

I think we still need to find the third point man. Ighalo is a great guy but he isn't CLINICAL enough. How many chance must he have before he gets a goal?

Iwobi was anonymous in the first half simply because he was drafted out wide in a 3 front men formation. This I have always said.

He came into the game and contributed more when he drifted into the midfield. I hope Rohr saw the same.

I'm so happy we lost this game.
This will serve as a wake-up call to our boys. I see a better and stronger S.Eagles in subsequent outings.

gustav25:
HAHAHAAHA...IS THIS YOUR TEAM NIGERIAN ? GROUP STAGE EXIT SURE PASS

YES THIS IS OUR TEAM and we're proud of them.

tbaba1234:
No Messi, No Argentina

No Mikel no Nigeria!

Idowu has Improved on his last game.

Ndidi is truely showing what he's got.

Musa has so much been Isolated

Is anyone seeing what am seeing. Indeed it's NDIDI,

So much to read before kick-off.

This croatian coach reminds me of a certain cameroonian gaffer called Hugo Broos who went all about beating chest that his team will wallop the SEs home and away. We all know how the story ended.

This present Super Eagles and Rohr don't like to be underrated and provoked. This man and his team go chop am.

do4luv14:
house should tell congo4ka to stay of first lady , cos if I return na ww3 oooo,

thesupernerd, I gotta see ya dad asap got something to straighten with em,

tbaba1234, joebie and others my warn greetings to you all, shout out to the ladies in da house you ladies rock, till am back again, Gods willing it will be before world cup proper

GWG till there is no sand on earth again shilooooohhhh!!!

bros... Abeg come here, give me a hug.
You don't know how I feel seeing your moniker.

Good to have you back.

I saw Totteham play Son as a false 9 in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Wigan.

What do you guys see to us trying it out anytime Mikel is absent.?

Mikel will always be Mikel.
He is simply irreplaceable. Just like Jay Jay was.

I'm so happy to see Sir. Oasis007 agree to the above.

We had a very good start(first 10mins) to he extent that we could have gotten a goal.

The polish inhibited our free flow game by putting their men behind the ball and
Our lack of a holding playmaker made matter worse.

***
Uzoho grew into the
game.

Idowu was jittery and that made him a suspect.

Balogun did well. But his lack of pace is still something to worry about.

Ekong is truely a warrior at the heart of defence. But his ball distribution is nothing to write home about.

Shehu was okay. He made some crucial tackles. Though some of which are reckless and could cost us against a more clinical side.

Ndidi was not in his best today

Joel was fair. His decision making was below par(maybe because he played as a DMF)-and that was one of the reason I was not in total support of their combo few weeks ago. But I will wait to see him play alongside Mikel.

Kelechi-was below average.

Iwobi started well but faded out quickly.

V. Moses is always a different player in the GWG. He made the difference today. Though he started poorly.

Ighalo was simply anonymous.

Ebuehi is truly a top talent. His positioning were top notch, his pass accuracy and confidence level are beyond his age and league. He did well even when he drifted to the RCB.

Musa will always be Musa. He would've atleast connected with Onazi's ball but he was already ahead of the ball. So much pace.

Omuero too was okay.

Overall, Mikel is the one that makes the eagles Super...

joseph1013:
Perspective: Poland was at home. We practically played and defeated a Lewandowski-led Polish side in front of a 42,000 polish crowd.

Not a small deal!

and it was freaking cold out there.

Enjoying this.

Danielnino00:
Today of all days... the rain decided to fall heavily....


Na wa ooo

where is that?

On my way Home. In high gear for this encounter.