₦airaland Forum

Its amazing that Nigeria now has 5 ladies playing in the NWSL - Oshoala, Kanu, Onumonu, Alozie and Payne. Great!

On Payne, the highlights showed that she is still work in progress and hopefully, would only get better. She is still very young and has some upward mobility in terms of talent. Wishing her the best.
Hopefully, Kanu can build on her start and become a regular. She need that to stay relevant.

You had mentioned in another thread that Demehin will likely be out of the SA matches. That will be a big blow to us. Nonetheless, hopefully Randy can start looking actively at the lady at Nantes - Maureen Umeugochukwu. I'm sorry, but Akudo Ogbona has failed to impress. Far too many unforced errors at this level. For the SA game, Ucheibe may be asked to play the role she did when Demehin left the game against Cameroon. At least, that seems to be the role she plays at Benfica, so she has recency of experience in that position.

The less said about the Chawinga fellow, the better.

Deltamani:
Maybe Surprisingly as you have said…!
With what i saw her play last night, she’s really working hard. Her playing style have always been similar to that of Lucy Bronze. The NWSL definitely fits her style of play a lot considering how quick she’s. Recovery was top notch as she wasn’t beaten on any 1-v-1 and won all her foot race for the ball but still needs to get better going forward and delivering balls into the box.. Work in Progress! Hopefully she gets to start the next game.

But this Tenwa Chawinga is another ridiculously quick and physical forward, she came into the game for Kansas City and was involved(assisted) in their last two games. Her physique tells that she isn’t a Woman though!

Stade Reims vs LOSC - Rofiat in action today, Tosin out injured.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT6psamMH1Y

Anyway, to each his or her own.
But, why is she a topic of discussion, considering for all intents and purposes, she is no longer relevant to the SF?
Please, lets move forward.

Deltamani:
Thank Goodness you said that’s you… So I will end it here. But for your info Okobi had a did well for the various Clubs she played for in Sweden cause almost all her pro career was in Sweden.. Not winning any major trophy with her club doesn’t mean she didn’t have any impact. She scored number of goals and gave a lot of assists too.

A lot of people, sports casters and the likes, were critical of old players like Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, two players that were clearly over the hill. Even with that being said, you cannot mention Okobi in the same breath as those two, considering their contributions to the development of women's football in the US.
Okobi always felt a sense of entitlement - for her, it wasn't about supporting the 'team', but instead it was more about 'her'. A very selfish approach. Clearly, she lacks the self discipline, the maturity and even the intellect to be a coach. And truth be told, she really had little or no impact in her club career, which tells me she really wasn't all that as a player. But again, that's me.

Deltamani:
Lol 😂
Loudmouth aside, she knows the koko that’s the main point..

But again if it was the USWNT I guess we won’t be calling it Loud mouth. As a Coach Ommiting a player name like Megan Rapinoe from your Squad, you will have to give reasons that she’s injured or chose to be excluded but not in our case here in Africa especially Nigeria..!

Yes. You are right - I'm getting old...
Jane Rafiloe was one of the key threats, as well as Ramalepe.
When writing my comments, I had listed the top 5 players who I felt had been our most problematic players on the SA team over the years and tried to whittle them down to 3. Criteria was speed (of thought and physical pace), but mostly intelligent play.
Where they (SA) had hurt us the most was in the midfield area - offensive and defensive. That is their engine room, and they use very quick ball movements and passing to get behind our defense.
The new midfielders we have seem very well up to the task (unlike before, when we had the likes of Unc. Rita and Halimat running the show).
I honestly fancy our chances better, this time around.

Deltamani:
Firstly you typed Ramalepe… now you’re saying Jane?
Is it same Rafiloe Jane (31+) who’s their Skipper and Plays Central Defensive Midfield? Or another one.

She’s an intelligent Midfielder with a good passing ability but she’s not very fast if that is what you mean as age is also catching up with her.

She really needs to be playing consistently to be in SF reckoning.
Unfortunately, she's up against formidable teammates.
Wish her all the very best.

Deltamani:
Happy birthday Onyi🎂

Onyi Zogg celebrates her 2️⃣7️⃣th birthday today 🎉

Point of correction...
I meant Jane, not Ramalepe.

Also, that was why I feel, as a matter of urgency, we need Nicole back in the squad. Was unimpressed with Imuran, the way that Cameroonian #6 took her to school and she kept beating her with pace.

For me, the key to overcoming the South Africans is centered around neutralizing the triad of Kgatlana, Seoposenwa and Motlhalo.
Those three are the engine room of the team.
Truth is we never had a solid enough midfield capable of bottling them up, especially Seopo (AM) and Motlhalo (CM). However, now having the likes of CM's Ayinde, Ucheibe, Abiodun and Echegini, I think the midfield now tilts in our favor and we should be able to overcome them.

Also think Randy needs to have a 'come to Jesus' meeting with Rasheedat - her very poor decision making and wanting to take unnecessary touches and dribbles is detrimental to the team.
We really need to move the ball faster when playing SA, as they are very well organized and are disciplined in their recovery.
Rash, for me, is THE cog in the wheel.

Deltamani:
Ramalepe their fullback isn’t quicker than Alozie either.

Magaia is just like Rash and Babajide

Nicole Michael is arguably their quickest player and forward right now.. Yeah her pace will be a threat but not for someone like Nicole Payne..

Not true.

Watched some of their recent games and they have some dangerous speed threats:
Kgatlana, Ramalepe, Magaia and this new kid called Nicole Michael (who is a speed burner on the right flank, even though she is still a bit raw).

That's why I stated we need Nicole Payne back in the squad cause that MIchael girl will take cause problems for us on the right flank.

Deltamani:
SA doesn’t have Pacy players than Nigeria but can keep possession.By the way If they do how many can you name. By the way they’re pretty compact in Midfield especially the trio of Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Kholosa Biyana.. But defensively they can be punished a lot even though they have an attacking trio that can Finnish too but can be wasteful ours too.

It’s a 2 game window, as mandated by FIFA, so you can’t play 3 games.

What can be done is to schedule the first game so that you maximize training days before the first match - so schedule the games on the 4th and 9th.

The girls get enough rest time between games as well as before the 1st leg.

Unfortunately, the NFF is run by morons who have no clue regarding this.

PDPGuy:
FIFA’s window for both legs is April 1-9, so it’s possible

A smooth level field will allow the South Africans play their passing game.
They should play in Abuja, where the SuperFalcons know how to play on the field and could be to our advantage

PDPGuy:
Abeg, the NFF should take the first leg to either the Onikan or Uyo stadia

It’s an assessment discussion to encourage the player and not to deflate their confidence - a gentle way of letting them know that even though he has long term plans for them but they are not at that level just yet.

He had similar conversations with Mbadi (can’t find the video where he and Lauren Gregg spoke with Mbadi) and he also had such conversations with Roosa Ariyo, Onyinye Zoog, Macleans and several others.

mostob:
Isn't that supposed to be reverse? I mean why would the coach have a lengthy conversation with whom he doesn't have plans for?

Doesn’t mean much…
It’s how she was brought up by her parents.
For example, my kids speak and understand pidgin well enough and were all born and raised overseas.

mostob:
Ok. Her pidgin is sound for someone who didn't spend much time in naija.

The fact that Randy had an extended talk with her after the game does not bode well for her continuing to be a member of the squad.
She obviously is not good enough at this level and still has a long ways to go.

Don’t expect her to continue being a member of the team and especially a squad member against SA.

Deltamani:
Paris 2024 :

Linda Jiwuaku look so young …
I so much Love her Physique, Always giving the Nadine Angerer vibe. Hope she attains the level and far beyond we want to see oo. She’s Blessed just need to work hard and Smart.

I saw Randy talking to her after the game.. More like a discussion sef.

There is nothing to see with Macleans…
She simply ain’t good enough.

Deltamani:
It’s going to be a Difficult task for Randy to make especially this no.9 issue.. The typical No.9 on ground right now is still Macleans Chinonyerem who’s based in Russia 🇷🇺

She was having a great season last year not until injury came in and kept her out till the end of last season.. She lead the Russian top scorer chat with 9goals before she even got injured.. She’s very Strong, quick, hold up very okay, good in the Air, Uses both feet’s effectively, good penalty taker and can bully her way through defense but right now the level of the Russian League will be called into question considering those playing the no.9 right now are playing in tougher leagues (NWSL with Esther in China) Maybe Randy will have to take a look at her again..

Oh men.
Debra's take on the voodoo hoodoo by Cameroon during the pre-conference (at the end of the video).
You cannot help but love her. Enjoy...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUb4NkJopdI

Wasn’t too impressed with Ucheibe - good ball winner but makes far too many mistakes with the ball. Her passing is certainly suspect, especially when she tries to be creative.
Would play Abiodun, Echegini and Halimatu to start against SA.
On the right wing, I think Onumonu might also be a credible option.
We also need Nicole Payne back. Rofiat was constantly being molested by the Cameroonians as she was too lightweight for that position.

Deltamani:
I can’t really tell, Let’s Randy Decide on which two starts between Ayinde, Ucheibe and Abiodun..

Against SA Tony Payne can retain the right wing, while Echegini gets more minutes in AM position..

Nice assessment However…
2. Esther is deceptively pacy, as she does have a set of wheels on her. The 1v1 she missed in the first half was because she outpaced the Cameroonian backline who were no slouches themselves, considering how they shut Oshoala down.
7. Ajibade needs to do LESS, not more. She is a ball hog and always trying to do extra, when a simple pass would suffice. For me, one of the worst players on the pitch over both legs. Always trying to dribble and losing the ball in the process.

The games against Cameroon were always going to be difficult, as they had a lot to prove, hence their over the top physical play. They also match up well with us.

My take is South Africa would be an easier match for our ladies and yes, I have watched their recent matches. They play a lot of 1 touch passing which is something we do quite well now, perhaps even better than the South Africans. We are bigger and have a fast crop of players, so we match up well with them.

It might be time to bring in Edna Imade, Evelyn Ijeh and Elisha Sulola into the squad as backups.

lovewins:
My take on today's Game.

1. Deborah Abiodun was my WOTM. If I were a football club I'm going all in for her. What a player.

2. Esther Okoronkwo should in my opinion he priority no 9 for the falcons till someone else makes a case. She had a good game sage for the miss. Oh and to the argument on her pace, today again proves that Esther isn't very pacy like Deltamani likes to claim.

3. JOE? What can I say? Created many chances one of which led to the goal. Even though she's not known for the physicality she still put in a good display winning a few balls for us.

4. Toni Payne was below average in my opinion, but her replacement was worse. Not sure what's going on with Kanu but she needs to get it together. Again, the signs have been there but today was just frustrating.

5. Ashleigh Plumptre put up a great display on both sides of the pitch. Her offensive runs are impressive for someone who isn't known for pace and playing out of her preferred position. She also links up well with the midfield and did quite a few 1-2 and made impressive forward passes.

6. Blessing and Ohale were sold at the back. Christy covered up well in Blessing's absence.

7. Ajibade just needs to do more. I just expect better from her cause I believe she's playing below her potentials.

8. As usual Nnadozie didn't disappoint. Was even very discerning with the "juju scare". She no gree for anybody ( I'm seriously joking).

9. Didn't see much of Rinsola today. Asisat wasn't bad as she held up okay well.

Why was Aboudi on her tippy toes in this pic (next to Onome)?
Trying to be taller than she really was?

This is what happens when you have an NFF run by morons and imbeciles.
Its like they are intentionally doing everything possible to sabotage the team.

SA and Tanzania play their match on Tuesday, Feb 27.
Morocco vs Tunisia is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 28.
Ghana vs Zambia is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 28.

Nigeria vs Cameroon is on Monday, Feb 26, 2 full days after playing on Friday. Not only that, they schedule the match for 4:00pm in the hot Abuja sun. I mean, how incredibly stupid could this NFF be, for goodness sake

Deltamani:
I wish our game would have been played on Tuesday 27th or Wednesday…28th

For instance, Abeokuta means under the rock.
Abe-odun, if that is even a Yoruba word, means beneath odun (e.g., Christmas), which doesn't make any sense.

She was being called out of her name which isn't right.
Anyway,...

daveP:
Abe means under
Abi-birthed/born

So you see😂😂😂😂

So....

No worries.

PDPGuy:
I corrected myself earlier

A grossly incompetent ref, to say the least.

Deltamani:
Very Poor Refereeing from the Uganda 🇺🇬 woman today ….. (Sharmirah Nabadda)

How is Ghana thru when they lost at home to Zambia?

PDPGuy:
SA and Zambia are virtually through to the next round..

Daylight robbery, at the very least! Grossly incompetent officiating.
How the heck were those not legitimate goals

BascoVanVeli:
Yes Esther Okoronkwo scored twice and her clean goals were cancelled

No wahala

Deltamani:
You supposed understand say sometime, typographical errors do play in na… wasn’t intentional

Deltamani,
Point of correction: there is no such Yoruba name spelt 'Abeodun'.
Her name is: Abiodun.

Deltamani:
Cameroon game is always physical, Deborah Abeodun is also good playing from the AM or Box2Box position.

Coach trying to play safe, let’s watch and see. If Kanu was available I believe Tony would have played her AM position.

All 3 ladies are CMs.
Their mission is to neutralize the Cameroonian midfield.
Either one of them is more than capable of providing or creating attacking opportunities.
This is an away game and the objective is to not concede.

Curtisaxel17:
Lol. I wonder what the coach is thinking playing three DMs at once. Perhaps an Echegini would have provided creativity there.

Who will he rely on to create opportunities or is he looking to grind out a draw? Wahala dey.

That media officer and the whole NFF Media office under Olajire is just bloody useless!
How difficult is it to provide real time information and updates?
Instead, its all about estacode and jollofing for them.

Deltamani:
About time♥️🇳🇬

Even those have been updated, thanks to digital remastering, to include color.

That woman is just incompetent - Plain and simple. Always asking dumb questions - her interviews of Randy are just painful.
Anyway, not surprised, since her boss is that useless motor park tout, Olajire.

daveP:
Maybe the way i dey reason the job is alien. Cos na the 1st marketing point of the team be dis. Doing it like it's some ......

Let me not talk abeg. I go vex. I'm glad you talked about Ghana's own. I'm tired. Everybody shuu getat abeg😂

Video quality like 1945 WW2 airstrike recording??

Where?
Because its not on this website which is their official one: https://madridcff.com/

isan:
They've posted them together

Its on the Madrid CFF Website:
https://madridcff.com/ficial-ajakaye-ya-es-del-madrid-cff/

Did not see a notification on their website about Esther, though.

Deltamani:
This is Nigeria, the news just blew off from nowhere…
I remember I said yesterday around 9:30pm also that there was a rumour of Ajakaye in Europe.. Before I look again around 12:20 Midnight it came out.

Level 6 and Esther on Level 4? Try Level 1 for Esther.
Not just JOE's passing ability but her overall football intelligence is far superior.
There is a reason why she was unanimously selected as the very best college soccer player in the US. She was voted by D1 college coaches in the US. It was not luck.
There is a reason why she pretty much walked into a fantastic Juventus team and hit the ground running - in the middle of an ongoing campaign without the benefit of pre-season. She has scored 4 goals in 6 appearances.
I have had the opportunity to watch both ladies and the stark difference is clear. Echejini by a country mile and then some.

Deltamani:
Echegini that’s the best Ball Passer in the SuperFalcon team, good in Aerial Balls, Can shoot from Distances, Prolific in front of goal and can also create for her teammates na person da Compare with Esther Onyenezide.. Esther is good but again Echegini is at level 6 while Esther is just landing at level 4..

Did they watch the Revelation Tournament in Mexico, Friendly games in Turkey prior to the World Cup at all where she played good minutes.. With more minutes she will do better… One thing she has improved in her game of recent is her Physicality! Omor she’s like Semi Christy Ucheibe/ Halimatu Ayinde right now in terms of Strength.