₦airaland Forum

mostob:
1. You said my opinion about Onyenezidane bring something different lacks merit yet you went ahead to buttress same point. We have 3 good players in the DM position, adding Debbie will make it 4. But Onyenezidane is an AM as you yourself stated so how will she not bring something different to the team especially as we're lacking in that department.

The set up the falcons play is 4-3-3, with 1 AM and 2 defensive minded CMs. So, you don't need 4 AMs but you need backups for the 2CM, 1 each = 4. Don't know why that is so difficult to comprehend.

mostob:
2. To say we're lacking in the DM/box-box position is nothing short of delusion. Ayinde, Ucheibe and Otu are more than capable. Amanda and Fatima are even on standby.
What you stated about the AM position further buttress my point that you're supporting your false narratives with faulty facts. Aside Echegini, we can't boast of a sound AM. When last did Ajibade played consistently as an AM? She has either been playing as a winger or a striker. Okobi is not the same Okobi of years ago. Moreso, when last did she played as an AM for her club?

Ajibade has proven her versatility as an AM for the Falcons, so no point rehashing that obvious fact. When last did Okobi play as an AM for her club? You have 3 CM options, of which 1 of them is suspended for 2 matches. Randy typically plays with 2 CMs so that means you would have no replacements. Lately, Ucheibe has had situations where she crops up an injury and needed to be replaced. So, who do you bring in, wise guy?
Regarding you question about Okobi - Today, perhaps, for Levante Las Planas against Real Madrid. FYI - Toni Payne has also played as AM for the Falcons and acquainted herself well enough, vs. Costa Rica.

mostob:
3. You need to come out and tell us how you're related to Debbie. She is a player most of us admire but yours is getting extreme. Infact, Tosin and Imuran are more exposed and experienced than her not to talk of Echegini. You're comparing Collegiate football with Nigeria domestic league?

So, the fact that someone might have a contrary opinion to yours regarding Debbie Ajibola, means the person is related to her? That would have been laughable, had it not been really pathetic.
Last time I checked, this same domestic league were where the same Onyenezide that you've advocated for plies her trade? And your point is what again?

The word 'Advocate' means to publicly support or recommend. You clearly did that in your response to me when I suggested Abiodun as a possible midfield option. You also can do a whole lot better than trying to finagle your way than simply walking back what you said.

For the record, your Onyenezide being 'something different' argument lacks merit. There is a reason why Randy seems to be pivoting towards Abiodun (as opposed to Onyenezide) and that reason might be the limited number of pure box-box and defensive minded midfielders on the team (Ayinde, Otu and Ucheibe). Most of the other midfield options are AMs or wingers, of which Onyenezide is, and the team is simply NOT hurting for those right now (Payne, Ajibade, Okobi, etc).

What 'exposure' does Echegini have, that supercedes Abiodun's? The NCAA tournament? I had listed all the competitions Abiodun has played in over the past 2 years, including World, continental and sub-continental (WAFU) tournaments, not to mention Nigeria domestic League matches with River's Angels. Yet, you are still asking where she has been playing all this while. Seriously? Do some homework, man.

mostob:
Did you even read the screenshot? Who is advocating?
You can do better than this man.
I said if the idea is to include one of the youngsters since you included Debbie in your list, then I'd rather go for Onyenezidane. We have a lot of similar players to Debbie already so Onyenezidane will give the team something different.

You later said referred to Ayinde's red card and I suggested we should go for pro instead of banking on Debbie. What's even funny is you pitting Debbie with the like of Ash, echegini and Otu just to manipulate your false narrative.


Echegini may not be a pro but she has the exposure. Now tell me where Debbie has been playing all this while.

I listed Echegini as one of the players that are not 'experienced' (previous WWC, or Club football or otherwise) or have turned 'Professional'.
Again, it has absolutely nothing to do with playing position, but experience.

You say Echegini is set to become pro - that's in the future (post-WWC) and is speculative. I am talking about the here and now. As at this point in time, she is still a College player with zero professional experience. For instance, she may decide she wants to go for an advanced degree. You don't know what she has planned for her future.

For the sake of this discussion therefore, Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun and Nicole Payne are all in that same category (inexperienced at playing in the senior women's WC and are also lacking in professional club experience).

Deltamani:
By the way how are you comparing Debbie with Echegini?? Both ain’t playing the same position. But all round Echegini have the edge and already set to become Pro… unlike Debbie

When did Jennifer Echegini become a pro?
You don't want Debbie Abiodun BUT you were the same person advocating for the inclusion of Esther Oyenezide or Onyenezidane, as you described her in your post below ?
Wow. Double standards!

mostob:
Are you really placing Debbie in the category of the players you mentioned? Those are pros FFS.
When I mean experience, not all what you put up here. Does she have exposure? Has she trained with pros? Playing U20 football is different from senior world cup. Can you bank on her to match the like of Kerr,Foord, Popp, Bronze and all....
Even our senior players are struggling yet you want us to rely on a 19-year old who is just starting her career.

Wow.
Both French teams out!
Lyon out on penalties.

Okay...
But what is relevant here is their experience on the international front.
He said she lacked international exposure and I pointed out that she has more international depth than some of the girls on the team.

I think she has demonstrated that she can hold her own against the best teams - at least, considering her performance against the US and Japan.

Deltamani:
To whatsoever extent, Debbie isn’t in Plumptre, Otu, Ucheibe Category at all…. Demehin and Imuran are now Fulltime Pro…

She has World Cup experience, albeit, U20. She also has continental experience at national and club level. Likewise, she has experience at the international team level, having played in the friendlies against the US and Japan - 2 top 10 countries. She acquainted herself very well in all of those games and competitions. For the record, several players on the team, like Onyi, do not even have that level of depth of experience.

Also, IF the intent is to refresh the team with younger talent for the future, would this not be a platform to do so? The likes of Demehin, Echegini, Imuran, Plumptre, Otu, and Ucheibe, to some extent, fall in the same category as her, so why not?

mostob:
If you're including her because of the red card issue, then your point is invalid. Can you bank on her on such grand stage? someone with no experience and exposure?
If we need someone to cushion the effect of Ayinde's absence, we better go for established stars.

The highlighted MIGHT have been valid if not for the simple fact you seem to be forgetting: Ayinde will be OUT of the first 2 group games due to her WAFCON red card.
Therefore the potential inclusion of someone like Debbie makes logical sense.

mostob:
I mentioned Onye because she is in the same age group with Debbie you mentioned.
At the bolded, which value exactly, did you mean?
Whatever value Debbie will add to the team has been covered by Ayinde, Otu and Ucheibe. Going by the basis of my argument which is VARIETY, adding Debbie to the list will not be advisable. We should be adding someone creative.

First of, I meant Midfielders, not wingers.
The coach and others (including me) do not agree with you that Onyenezide brings that kind of value to the team.
Don't believe she measures up to the levels of those in the frame listed.
I most certainly would not drop any of the 6 or 7 ladies Iisted for her.

mostob:
I will rather have Onyenezidane than Debbie here. Not that she is poor or whatever but variety is very important when picking squad for a tournament. Onyenezidane will give us something different.

Midfielders in the frame for WWC consideration are the following:

1. Halimatu Ayinde
2. Christy Ucheibe
3. Tony Payne
4. Onyi Echegini
5. Ngozi Okobi
6. Regina Otu
7. Debbie Abiodun

It may make sense, in a squad of 23 players, to have 3 goalies, 8 defenders, 7 midfielders and 5 strikers

Deltamani:
I don’t think we need more than this 6 Midfielders for the World Cup.. Anyway I can only sacrifice Regina Otu for another who pops up with excellent form… if not this 6 are good to go.!

In fairness to her, she was actually called to the 3 Lionesses camp twice, which may have given her the hope that she was relevant to the team. However, her bust up at Liverpool and the fact that she moved to Spain really didn't help matters for her.
Its pretty obvious she is out of England's scope and any hope of International football for her lies with her hooking up with the Super Falcons.
Chances of her cracking into the team now are quite slim. But who knows...

isan:
She was waiting for that call from England, plumptre made up her mind to not play for England

Probably is.
She dragged her feet and should have started her switch process much earlier, in order that she be a part of the WAFCON squad.
She ought to have burrowed a leaf from Ashleigh Plumptre, whose switch timing was perfect.

isan:
I hope it's not too late for her to make at least the provisional squad for world cup

Deborah Ajibola is not on a 'club' team in the US. She was offered a full ride Women's soccer scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh.
Coach Randy (as head coach of the Pitt Women's soccer program) has every right to recruit players for his program, just as they do for football, basketball, track and field, wrestling, and a host of other sports.
Of course, the student has to demonstrate academic ability and possess the right qualifications to be admitted to the University, which Debbie was able to do without issue.
She is a very sharp and intelligent young lady and thoroughly deserves to be admitted into the University of Pittsburgh based on merit. So no wuru-wuru there.

I thought BascoVanVeli's video profile on her move was bang on point, especially in detailing the intrinsic benefits of her move:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGZiMmi8EJM&t=204s

One other current Super-Falcon he neglected to mention in the video, who also schooled in the US and played NCAA D1 Soccer, was Ashleigh Plumptre who played at USC.

daveP:
Wait, so they don use Sam Axe connection to get Deborah a spot on the us club team? Isokay.

Not sure where you got that from in her speech - she did acknowledge her team mates, both are Barca and the Super Falcons (whom she referred to as the best team in the world).

Also, as rightly pointed out, Amaju did more for women's football than his predecessors, in terms of making sure they were actively engaged in friendlies and bringing in overdue reinforcements for an already aged team. It would have been strange for her not to acknowledge him at that setting, especially when Pinnick, his wife and his daughter all gave her love before she went on stage.

lovewins:
If memory serves me right, this was her acceptance speech for the 5th CAF women's award. I had issues with this speech cause she prioritised her relationship with Pinnick over the team at the time sha. I remember the girls were on a strike at the time and didn't weren't training cause of unpaid bonuses and she went ahead to praise the NFF?

Either ways sha, Asisat is still my person and of course a far better captain than Onome is.

Reminiscing...
Spoken like a true Captain


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_c1mgZYUnM

Macleans has 4 goals in 3 games, in a much more competitive league.
Does that mean she would walk into the squad?
comme ci, comme ça

Deltamani:
Okay ooo, Let’s see if you would take back your words later on, by the way she’s in great form and scoring goals as usual… 2goals for her earlier this morning

To quote your words, I stand by my comments about Oparanozie.

Deltamani:
They said She’s a Finished Striker, Mr AkinD especially.. Let’s wait and see if she still have something to offer..

Demehin got injured barely 40 mins into the first game (vs. Jamaica) at the Summer Series and didn't play anymore games after that.

Demehin hadn't paired Ohale in the central defense (Ashleigh has). Coach wanted to see Demehin under pressure, that's why she played all 3 games during the recent Revelations Cup - think she passed that test in flying colors, as the Demehin/Ohale CB combo seems to be the most stable of the pairings we currently have.

Deltamani:
HOPEFULLY it’s because of their upcoming exams

Again with the unavailability of Ayinde due to suspension, I don’t see Abeodun Deborah as te solution to it, there’s Ucheibe, Otu there and even Blessing Demehin is a better option at DM than the Ashleigh Plumptre especially when it comes to pace..

If Randy was really serious he would have tried Demehin there instead of Ashleigh at the summer series..

It may be a case of final exams for both ladies.
Most colleges/universities here in the US wrap up for the school year by the 4th week of April, meaning exams take place about 2 weeks before that.

Also, Ayinde is suspended for the first 2 games (Straight red vs. Morocco in WAFCON). You need a backup to your two available DMs

Deltamani:
Tochukwu Oluehi, Nicole Payne, Onyi Echegini and Fransisca Ordega weren’t called up….


My case is Echegini absence from the list for the Friendly games In Turkey, A Young Lad who’s already blending with the team..

No surprise with Deborah Abeodun inclusion though… But again why do we have Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Regina Otu and Deborah Abeodun all for one position??

As it looks like Tony Payne is getting fixed into the Midfield for now…

Will China 🇨🇳 Traveling restrictions allow Oparanozie

Man mi,
Deltamani's legs were being pulled by me, regarding that post, if you know what I mean.
And what has nationality got to do with a debate about Randy's competence or lack of?
Also, I have no relation(s) to the individual(s) you referenced.

mostob:
My respected elder brother, the fact that you're rating Randy's performance based on FIFA ranking just shows how limited your football knowledge is. You just have to come clean and tell is your nationality.
BTW are you somewhat related to komek.n?

Hope say you go stand ya ground well well after world cup o.

Deltamani:
That win against Costa Rica 🇨🇷 who are ahead of us in the Rankings gave us some points though….

By the way Randy is still incompetent, and I stand my ground..

O wow!
So, in spite of Randy's 'poor' results and his 'incompetence', according to some of you, the Super Falcons managed to climb up the FIFA rankings ladder?
I wonder how that happened ?

Deltamani:
#FIFARanking

March 2023: A total of 45 African nations ranked in the LATEST ranking as the 2023 Wafu A Women's Tournament runners-up Cabo Verde enters the list. Welcome. 🤝

🥇Nigeria retain the top spot in the continent, moving up to 42 from 45; the top 30s beckons, Super Falcons.😎

📸 See poster for more deets

That was my retort to your rhetorical question .
Good debate, though.
Cheers.

lovewins:
That's a rhetorical question bro. Of course I know you know how it works.

Let's agree to disagree

Cheers!!

Your response would have been hilarious, if it wasn't really sad.
And yes, I am quite familiar with how ethical compliance regulations work here in the US - thanks for asking.
Truth is companies have let people go for much less. But of course, you would argue to the contrary.
Whatever rocks your boat, bro!

lovewins:
What you put up her is laughable. Lol

You are grasping at straws at this point. Do you even know how the law works? You think conjectures are admissible in the court of law? It won't even be heard.

And Colin is obviously not a dummy that he'll cross ethical lines that'll lead to him being fired. Like I have noted severally, his reportage on Randy had been factual, you subjective gleanings of bias doesn't change that. I've also asked that you bring up any of his report in Randy that is factually wrong, or that is below journalistic standards (I'm sure you can't find any).

Do you even fully understand the terms of employment in certain countries like the US?
This clearly falls under the code of conduct regulations and is arguably an ethics violation. I used the word arguably because a common thread could easily be drawn between his prior reporting of deriding Randy's record and his wife's aspiration of coaching the SF.
She did apply for the role after Dennerby left and lost out to Randy. Also, a good lawyer can easily establish a relationship between Colin and Osasu (who has severally acknowledged getting some of his info from Colin) and argue that Osasu is doing Colin's bidding for him and his wife.
Pretty sure Colin is not that important to his employer, ESPN and they would rather fire him than face a potential US scandal, especially when he has used their platform to criticize Randy on numerous occasions.

lovewins:
Conflicts like this exist everywhere, so it isn't peculiar to them. You can't ask that Colin quits his job neither can you ask for Mercy not to aspire to higher strides in her professional journey.

The denominator however is that Colin is expected to live up to the highest journalist ideals. It's why I asked you if you can't factually point out any story on the falcons that Colin falls short of this (I'll be waiting). Yes he criticizes Randy, but are they criticism devoid of facts?

Also, you were the one who claimed that Osasu was fed what to report by Colin when Osasu had just a few tweets before reported he caught up with Mercy and they had wide range conversations about the Falcons. You allowed your own bias colour your opinion and cast doubt on the professional integrity of 2 renowned journalist. Mind you, same Osasu had reported on NFF'S complicity in forcing Randy to work with an assistant coach that almost beat him up and how problematic that was.

There is an obvious 'conflict of interest' issue with Colin here (that is without doubt).
If Osasu is getting his info from Colin and furthering it on to the public, then it calls to question their motives and by extension, their credibility.

lovewins:
I think it's rather unfair to cast doubt on the credibility of renowned journalist like Collin and Osasu irrespective of our biases. I personally do not like Osasu's journalistic style as I feel he's sometimes too invasive, I'll however not cast doubt on his work. If he says he spoke to Mercy, then he did. Colin can also objectively report on the Falcons while rooting for his wife to get the Falcon's job. It doesn't have to be an either or situation. We only call him out if what is reported is factually untrue. I doubt if you can point to any of his reportage that is false.

Yeah, and we know where Obayiuwana gets all his information from - Colin Udoh.
Colin only happens to be the husband of Mercy Akide.
Even a 2 yr old kid would know the game Colin is pulling here - angling for his wife to be the Falcon's coach.

I beg, make pesin see road!

Deltamani:
A story: Once upon a time, according to @MarvellousMercy, she was at a @FIFAcom event, where she met up with former @Lionesses manager Hope Powell (pictured right). Mercy says Hope asked her why she was not coaching the @NGSuper_Falcons.


Before Powell asked her the question, Mercy had been told by @PinnickAmaju to tell Powell that he was keen on having her take over the @NGSuper_Falcons. When Mercy passed the message on, Powell told Akide that she was the one to take up the job.

Powell met @PinnickAmaju for a conversation & she told Pinnick the same thing. We can all see what came out of that conversation - nada, as we have the @PittTweet soccer coach managing the @NGSuper_Falcons on a part time basis, as if the team is a buka opening from 9am to 5pm.


Tweets from Osasu Obayiuwana

I think you just debunked your argument about him going back to experienced players, based on the examples you gave of players who, once they demonstrated they belonged, became mainstays in the team. Its about steadily grooming new players into becoming regulars vs. shoving them into the deep-end and hoping they swim and not sink.

lovewins:
Baba you are being clever by half. First, the comment you highlighted contextually is about Randy's future use of Onyi so you can't say I'm wrong on something that hasn't happened.

Secondly, I already established that Randy just like Rohr leverages on "experience" most times to his own detriment. Those players you mentioned are young al young players. Compere with a few others who Randy brought into the team.

Ifeoma Onumonu: she was introduced during the USA invitational. She featured in ALL the games and have started for Nigeria since then

Toni Payne: she featured in same USA invitational. Started all of them and has started ever since.

Mitchelle Alozie: featured in same friendly and has started since.

He obviously reposed confidence more in these players cause they were already professionals.

I believe you are.
Based on what I have seen, his preference is to gently bring players on to help their levels of confidence (which is the approach any right thinking coach will take).
We saw that with Nicole Payne, Rofiat Imuran, Debbie Abiodun and Echegini)

lovewins:
First, it was in that Canada game I knew Onyi had great potentials, only needed confidence and time to prove that.

Second your facts are incomplete. Randy introduced her in the first game against Canada (she played 11mins). She was however unused throughout the second Canada game. She was also an unused substitute against the USA even when it was obvious we had a midfield challenge. He again started her off the bench in the second USA game. She came in only in the second half. Again I'm thankful that he brought her into the team and he's starting to use her, but typical Randy will likely still bench her for "experience" when it matters most. I hope I'm wrong

She's already committed to England.
Next...

Deltamani:
Akpan Ashanti 17 year old Nigerian Midfielder

Akpan Ashanti made her first senior debut on Sunday for Chelsea women's team as she came on as a 64th minute substitute for Sophie Ingle during Chelsea Vitality Womens FA cup victory against Reading on Sunday

Born to an Akwa Ibom Father, and a Polish mother, Ashanti plays for Chelsea Women’s Youth Team and is eligible to play Internationally for Poland, England & the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
💙

So? Esther was THE best player at Lamar University in Beaumont here in TX. Did that mean she was a super star? No. Yet, when she debuted for Nigeria in the second half against Jamaica, it was easy to realize that even though she was still green, she was definitely a 'keeper' (i.e. someone who could potentially become important to the team). Same with Chinwe Alozie, Tosin Demehin (who started but got injured) and Onumonu.

Deltamani:
I hope you know she was their best at Mississippi State, and again the talent was there to see.. Talking about the Canada game, we can’t rate her with that as she wasn’t even on the field up to 20minutes if I’m not mistaken..?

Better finisher than who? Oshoala? That's absolutely NOT true.
One is primed to win the Pichichi while the other barely has 5 or 6 goals in the Belgian league.
She is not even a starter in her Club Brugge YLA.

Please, let's get serious and stop all the sentimental talk!

Deltamani:
With what have seen Roosa play she’s a better than finisher, her decision in front of goal is quite better than some of the No.9 have seen in the Falcons team of recent.. The Belgium 🇧🇪 league is also good enough far better than the Belarusian, Turkish and Polish side… Hand to Hand the Belgium league should be there among the Finland, Swiss, Austria, Russia ,Scotland and Czech Republic leagues.. This girls need playing time too, we already know Onumonu capabilities, why not rest her a little and give Roosa Ariyo, Macleans some game time to see what they have to offer..