₦airaland Forum

https://seminoles.com/florida-state-adds-transfer-onyi-echegini/
Moved from Mississippi State to a bigger D1 program, Florida State

Deltamani:
Future Superfalcon Pogba….

Think you may have highlighted the issue here.
The authorities need to determine which of the two adds more value and profile to the team and get rid of the one that doesn’t.

The nation is greater than the egos of individuals.

Danielnino00:
But what exactly is the origin of the beef? Or is Oparanozie simply being jealous because Oshoala came in and stole her limelight in the national team?

This kind of toxicity shouldn't be tolerated in the team..It could lead to sabotage

You seem to forget that Vicky's dad is Spanish and its his responsibility to look out for her interest and her growth and comfort in life, especially since she is still very young and even more so since her mom in no longer alive. So her reality (playing for a country where she grew up and speaks the language her friends and family speak) counterbalances the admirable desires of a young kid who loves her mom and wants to honor her.

Like every good player out there, especially those born and raised overseas, they want to feel 'wanted'. The fear of the unknown is REAL. Onumonu was reached out to and asked, so was Zogg, Ariyo, Payne, Alozie, the Ijeh sisters and even Esther Okoronkwo. There's absolutely nothing wrong in the FA reaching out to Rinsola - its actually the right and professional thing to do.

I'm sure you have a viable back up plan when Randy leaves, right? That plan includes paying him off, having a more than competent technical hand to take over (not the 'wishes list' that everyone has been generating), having someone who would provide the FA with a better network than Randy has - multiple high profile friendlies that he has been able to generate (and not the once a blue moon friendly with Germany or France that ends up in disgrace). Like it or not, his friendlies have helped narrow the 'fear gap' between our ladies and other high power countries, like Canada, US and soon the European teams. When we go to the World Cup, we most certainly are not going to play against African opposition and we will likely get a more favorable group unlike before. So, doesn't that benefit Nigeria in the end?

Look, I get it that everyone is pissed. But we need to think holistically - In hindsight, I am okay with South Africa winning and we not. Why? It gives other African nations the impetus to build their women's program to become more competitive. We lost to SA (who have been chopping at our tail for almost a decade and finally made it). We lost to Morocco (who invested millions of dollars in building their women's program and did so successfully) and we lost to Zambia (who also have focused resources on their women's team and had a decent Olympics outing). Great!
We have had a bullseye on our backs as champs for over 2 decades. Its sometimes nice having someone else wear the bullseye on their backs for a bit - that would give us the drive and desire to take aim at them and knock them off the throne. I don't have an issue with the competition. Its actually very good for African Women's football.

lovewins:
Of course the Spanish FA would do anything to keep Vicky, [b]the difference though is Vicky's desire to play for the Falcon's as a way to honour her mother. [/b]So we have a peculiar case here we can leverage on, and if the report about her interest is true, then we have a very good chance.

Like you rightly noted, Rinsiola is 24, she doesn't need to wait for the FA to approach her, she needs to make the first step. I can't speak to her intension as they are innate, but I've followed her for sometime now and I'm what I can glean is she really wants to play for England. Getting into the Nigerian team wouldn't be difficult for her quite frankly he she wants to. She can leverage on relationship she has with persons like Oshoala to start the process of getting into the team. If she's waiting for be approached by the NFF then she'll wait long, she isn't an "exceptional talent" that we'll break our heads over.

On the way forward for the team, any solution that doesn't include Randy going isn't holistic. I know you like to cut him some slack but he won't get that with me. Randy will play at least 2 of those fantastic 4 regularly in his team if given the chance. You can't in one wise claim the players are a big problem while at the same time absolve the coach who doesn't just invite them, but plays them at will.

We all saw how well that worked out, with 'Miss Thang' ball hogging and constantly turning the ball over.
You can spend all your time trying to fix something that has repeatedly failed to work, or you can try something better.
The cog in the wheel in the midfield is Okobi as AM, who is always trying to overdo things and hanging onto the ball too long.
Take it or leave it.

Schemerkhiz:
We need to play more of Shot Passes, In quick pace and high pressing as we have the energy to do so ....


Blend the Ayinde- Ucheibe -Okobi trio together and work on their positioning, ball exchange and retention not those overdosed long balls...

Nigerians are an interesting lot.

On Vicki...
You need to realize the Spanish FA will NEVER give up on a precocious talent like Vicky, and will do EVERTHING and ANYTHING to make sure she plays for Spain.
Don't waste your time - Nigeria is not a serious enough country and does not offer her anything. The opportunity to get her has passed. Sorry.
The focus should be on Onyenezide as the next playmaker. She has all the ingredients and lets hope she is able to showcase that at the U20 WWC.

On Rinsola...
Rinsola turned 24 this past June so she is out of the U23 set up. She is also not a part of the England Lionesses. Not sure where yall are getting your intel from, but she has yet to be approached by our FA and is not opposed to playing for Nigeria.

On getting a more productive team...
Solution is crystal clear - get rid of the Fabulous Four (Onome, Okobi, Chikwelu and GodMother Oparanozie).
They are (and will continue to be) the root cause of the current problems in the Super Falcons. I would never understand why Nigerians are so fixated on old players way past their prime and usefulness to the team, both on and off the field, but would be scared of wanting to move forward with younger players who are more than capable and have a brighter future ahead of them. It seems to be in our DNA that we always feel comfortable with everything Old - Players, Politicians, everything!
That is why the country is (and will continue to be) stuck in the past.

lovewins:
I tell you. Just saw her transfer to Barcelona featured on wchampionleague Instagram page. I really hope we don't lax on this one.

Deltamani and Schemerkhiz should help us beg them in the NFF to take action ASAP.

Okay, what exactly did Randy do wrong on the pitch?

We dominated each and every other opponent, including Morocco, until the 2 red cards. Even playing 2 women down, we held them at bay for 60 mins! The only game the ladies did not dominate their opponents was against SA in the first game. However, we had more shots on goal than SA but were unable to convert. These are indisputable facts based on stats!

As I stated earlier in another post, no other team played as good as Nigeria in this tournament, none!. Not bragging or boasting, but I still believe we had the very best team. Had we not had the 2 red cards, I am willing to bet the ranch we would have won the tournament, beating the SA team in the final.

How was it the coach's fault that the two players made bonehead tackles that led to red cards? How was it the coach's fault that the Sports Ministry/NFF in their stupidity, decided not to pay the ladies their remunerations, thereby leading to them striking and missing several key training sessions prior to the Zambia game?

Regarding Omagbemi, have the issues that led to her disengagement changed since she left? Did we not have another payment protest during the competition? Did the NFF not interfere in the running of the team? Omagbemi managed a team that was pretty much set in terms of personnel. Randy's team has been in flux since day one - a lot of players coming into the squad. That is extremely difficult to manage as a coach, considering you are trying to get the best balance and flow for the team.

Lets look at things in context here before casting doubt on the man's ability.

lovewins:
The above quote calls your entire writeup into question. You conveniently absolve Randy of any responsibility and found a way to make his "Nigerian assistants" culpable and hinged their culpability largely on their passivity (what the supposedly do not know).

Everything rises and falls on leadership. To Randy isn't responsible for the challenges of the team, then he shouldn't be responsible for the team. If the team had succeeded wouldn't you have arrogated all the success to him?

You also without evidence claim Omagbemi would have "failed woefully" under the same circumstances Randy enjoyed. Really bro? Really?

You mean if she had almost 2 year with the team, with multiple training camps, with same salary structure as Randy, with the liberty to pick some of her own assistants even if the FA will add some to her as they did the with Randy, if she had the same liberty Randy had to invite whatever players she seems fit, she would have failed? Come on!!

We don't know much about Omagbemi, but this we do know, she guided same team within a few months to win the same championship Randy failed to win under more extreme conditions.

I have no personal issues with Randy, but have sincerely lost faith in his ability to lead this team. He hasn't shown he has what it take to take us to the top, and we can clearly see it where it matters - the pitch. We also aren't necessarily making a case for Omagbemi, if the NFF can contract a top coach for the team, then fine, if they however cannot, we'll take our chances with Omagbemi.

Sorry, but I disagree with you on this stance.

The problem with this team is NOT Randy. The problem is too many people affiliated with the team (directly or indirectly) with contrasting and divergent objectives.

1. COACHING. Why was there a need to superimpose that failure of a Rivers Angels coach on the team? (i.e. Edwin Okon). What value has he brought to the team so far? I know he tried bringing in some poor players, including his goalkeeper girlfriend who was promptly kicked out by Randy. I mean, that was a really dumb decision to do that. Likewise, half of the Nigerian coaches on the team don't know anything and should not even be there. Regarding Randy, yes, he is the Coach of the Univ. of Pittsburgh team, an NCAA D1 team. But he also was part of the very successful USWNT set up and has coached the very successful NWSL Houston Dash

2. ADMIN. Whose dumb idea was it to strip Asisat of the captaincy? I strongly suspect it might have been Aisha Falode's idea - I hope I am wrong. What has it accomplished so far? Has it boosted Asisat's play on the national team? All its done is create more internal strife between the players which has spilled into the media. The incompetency and lack of foresight of our football administrators has been one of the biggest problem for our football growth in that country. Illiterates who think they know football but are as dumb as iron and continue to destroy any progress that can be made.

3. SENIOR PLAYERS. As I had mentioned earlier, the biggest problem with the team right now is the so called senior players, specifically - Oparanozie, Ebi, Chikwelu and Okobi. Their presence is toxic to the team and they need to be excused from the Super Falcons as a matter of urgency. They have been on the circuit far too long and the drive, hunger, passion and desire for success is no longer there, as they are now complacent (that's why the likes of Okobi and Oparanozie have been saying all that nonsense). They are nothing but an impediment to the team's progress and growth and the time is ripe to be rid of them - permanently! We have many young players who can step in and do a decent job and its time for those young players to step in and step up. Desire Ellis did that for SA with great success - In hind sight, I now better understand what Portia Modise was alluding to.

4. AGITATION FOR OMAGBEMI. I am sorry but considering the current state of affairs and the undue internal and external interference and bickering, Omagbemi would have also failed WOEFULLY with this team (even with Akide and whoever as assistants). Omagbemi coached this team in 2016 and came in on a whims notice and won in Cameroon. Funny thing is: I watched her final match against Cameroon and compared the style of play with Randy's during this 2022 tournament. Same thing. Long balls from the back which were chased after by a very fit Oshoala and Ordega. Absolutely nothing spectacular or significantly different between this team and Omagbemis (Go watch the 2016 team performance if you don't believe what I am saying). Omagbemi has been coaching a U14 team since (not even a college team). Randy has over 300 wins as a college coach (top 20 in the US).

5. NEXT STEPS.
a. Get rid of the 'Fabulous Four' as mentioned above. That will help create a better atmosphere in the SF locker room, especially when there are many younger and more exciting players waiting for an opportunity to show case their skills. We have established players who missed the WAFCON, like Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola, Roosa, Zogg, George and a few others who can compete in this team, as well as the U20 prospects, like Demehin, Onyenezide, Flavor, Ajibola, and others who are the next gen. We have MASSIVE talent on the horizon and its really dumb focusing on those old women who have caused nothing but strife! Its time to move on!!!
b. Get rid of the 'hanger's on', estacode chasing coaches who don't add any value whatsoever to the team - Okon, Wemimo and others.
c. The media is not helping matters, by parroting what disgruntled players and those incompetent, bad belle coaches are saying about the Oyinbo man. Let the man do his work the way he knows how!
d. Stop all the 'oga at the top' external interferences. Prime example of their stupid thought processes is stripping Oshoala of the captainship. That caused more issues in camp which was totally unnecessary. Let the coach do his job!
e. Pretty sure this experience with the Nations Cup will make Randy more stoked to exceed expectations at the World Cup. He needs to finish the job he was hired to do without undue interference. Let him build his team, win or lose. The man has used his vast network to line up 3 top friendlies against world class teams in the next 2 months - Japan and US (x2). There will be more top friendlies which would only help the team get better.

Happy to debate the points raised with you, Schemerkhiz.

Schemerkhiz:
At least she didn't just sit out like that in the US. She's working..


The Randy that is active what did you produce? Failure..

If NFF can't get us a quality Coach with Good cv like that of Morocco, they should better give it back to Florence and co, this people under the African and Nigerian System very well. Again they have played at the highest level, played Pro abroad....

If you have held Omagbemi speak about football once you wouldn't doubt her capabilities... This Ladies are good.

In the same vein, its odd that she was silent on the men's award, which was also based largely on club performance.

Look, Oparanozie by now should have been smart enough to realize that her words carry some weight - that was what got her into trouble the first time. She obviously hasn't learnt a thing from the past. Truth is, I really think its time we dispensed with all these old Mama's on the team in order for the younger ones to grow and for the mental health of the team.

Its time for the likes of Onome Ebi, Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Okobi and Desire Oparanozie to be permanently excused from the team, in order to have a breath of fresh air. They are way to toxic and are stifling the ability for the team to blossom. I assure you, they will NOT be missed at all (case in point - Ucheibe vs. Chikwelu, Plumptre vs. Ebi). Let the young ones thrive without all the drama and negativity from the old ones, please! Haba!

lovewins:
Ok found it

Take a look and make your own conclusions

Cc: isan davep

At least, Roosa would be a goalscoring step up from Macleans...

And not sure where you got your info from regarding Rinsola being 'undecided'. That is inaccurate.

JohnBullMySon:
... Roosa Ariyo is not needed that much. Rinsola should be forgotten for now at leaat. I don't see any reason why she should be pursued when we are seeing loyal players in Nigeria and beyond. She's still undecided.

On point.

Not sure any team in this tournament (including SA) would have been able to replicate the performance against Morocco, especially playing 2 women down for 60 mins! They really did not deserve to lose that game. Also, considering that they undeservedly lost to Morocco on penalties, as well as their need to strike to be paid (missing several training sessions), it would have been foolhardy of anyone to expect that the zeal and passion will be there for the Zambia game.

As far as I was concerned, the second best team won the tournament and I am happy for them, as they have been knocking on the door for over a decade. It would have been a really stupid joke if those Arabs had won it, considering they pretty much cheated their way into the finals. The best team in this tourney was Nigeria. We can debate this till the cows come home but that is my strong belief.

Moving forward, I like the fact that there are still up and coming players in the pipeline: U20 players (Demehin, Ajibola, Onyenezide, Flourish, Imuran, Taiwo and Oshobukola) and senior players that missed this WAFCON (Patricia George, Rinsola Babajide, Onyinye Zogg, Roosa Ariyo and others) who would shore up the team in the deficient areas. With these players coming on board, we should be able to gracefully retire the likes of Chikwelu, perhaps Ebi, and most definitely Okobi, who was extremely poor overall in my book.

My one concern is the goal keeping dept. As stated earlier, was quite disappointed with Chiamaka's performance and her school girl errors. This is the only weakpoint I noticed on this team. We need to start looking for credible keepers and fast. And please, not that tall keeper from Bayelsa United (can't remember her name) - she is even worse!

Bigzigg:
Okay, I was actually referring to the people making those suggestions.

Of a truth, if Ayinde and Ajibade had not been red carded at all, Nigeria would have won the tournament, not even South Africa would have stopped them. Immediately both players got eliminated, I lost hope in the team... I saw no forward who could drive the team, cos Ordega has become a flop, Monday is inconsistent,... Who else was there?.. Oh, Kanu?...

I did not bother watching the last match cos I could anticipate it. The good thing - apart from the South Africa match, I think Nigeria played better than their opponents, showing what quality the players possessed, Ucheibe got discovered.

Lest I forget, Chiamaka messed up just when one wouldn't expect it, poor Rita was treated with a high value by the coach. Okobi, though has improved, she has a lot more to do to convince me, and... for those atrocious set pieces... she should never have come close to them. Finally... the coach, Iet me just keep my mouth shut for now.

I hope I am wrong, but this sounds very much like what Ngozi Okobi would say. I am sorry, but all what was said here is a bunch of BS.

Schemerkhiz:
While the WAFCON finals is on going in Morocco, an integral member of the Super Falcons said if the Super Falcons are to do anything meaningful at the world Cup then Randy must be sacked, she also made it clear that Super Falcons in the next 2 years under Randy Waldrum's leadership will be the worse team in Africa.

"Super Falcons in the next 2 years under Randy leadership will be the worse team in Africa, The NFF are so comfortable with Randy, that man is here to destroy this team, we don’t learn anything from training, what ever show we put up on the field is because we’re good individually and we understand the task "

The Falcon also echoed the thoughts of many Nigerians that the American college coach has added nothing to the most successful team in women's football in Africa.
"We have very good players (individually) but no coach to make us a better team" .
The Falcon told me in an exclusive chat. Una say wahala be like wetin again ?

Seopo for me.
Brilliant player.

daveP:
This two ladies, i give it to them. Less of showboating and more of team work between them. Consistent so far. Had an average game vs the zambians though, but 6games, they deserve accolades

Mohthalo and Seopesenwe.


Which will you prefer in our falcons setup to make our team tick better if you had the chance?

Ajibade cannot win it - her red card will likely disqualify her.
Magaia of SA also has 3 goals, so does Cheebak. It will likely be between those 2.

Nnadozie was a huge disappointment for me - comical error against Morocco and her flub against Zambia showed she still has a lot to learn.

mostob:
Ajibade for golden boot.... They might give checkback though...no be CAF again?
Hilda for golden ball....they will definitely gift this to a moroccoan as a consolation.
Nnadozie for golden glove...3 clean sheets...or what are the criteria?

That tribalist and zealot?
Hell nah!

solonnachi:
Wahala wear rain coat ooo. Pinnick has killed Nigerian football. Bring back our Florence Omagbemi or Eucharia Uche

We actually lost to each one of the other 3 semi finalists in the same competition...
Never has that ever happened!

My poor baby...
Hold your head up high - you have nothing to be ashamed of.
You're a queen and a Super Falcon. You live to fight another day

My poor baby.
Hold your head up high - you have nothing to be ashamed of
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/EBD9/production/_125977306_0ee828d7-24d0-45cc-8fc7-4720898b0a4e.jpg

daveP:
Ify seems to realize that village pipu dey true true. 1001ways to have played the pk going through her head. She shouldn't berate herself jare. Lol. World Cup form and fitness is the next target. Nobody from this squad should miss from injury

Agree.
There should be at least 2 of the WAFCON qualifiers before the WWC commences, so both ladies should be in good shape.
No worries

isan:
There should be AWCON qualifier for Ajibade and Ayinde to serve out their suspension before june next year , there should be Olympic qualifier also but i don't know if that counts

We Nigerians, sha!

Bring this and that back. Get rid of this and that. Really
Which team in the world has ever played with 2 players down and yet, did not concede a goal in over 60 mins of football in a semi final match of a major competition??
Only ONE team has done this in the history of football and that is our Super Falcons!!! Let that sink in for a moment!

Do you believe the girls didn't want to win that game? Do you think they would have battled and played their guts out with the deck stacked against them if they didn't want that 10th trophy that badly? I cannot imagine how crushed they are right now and how disappointed they feel. Yet, you have some clowns here talking about dropping this and that person. Seriously??

Arabs will always be arabs - they will rob, cheat or steal to get what they want. They are notorious for that. That the rest of CAF would sit back and allow and all Arab VAR team to dictate the outcome of crucial matches in this competition is SOLELY on us black Africans (we allowed ourselves to get played by those crooks!) - next time, make sure black Africans make up at least half that team!

In closing, the rest of black Africa needs to rally around the South Africans in the final. In the absence of the Super Falcons, THEY deserve the trophy, as they have put in the hard work over the years/decades and deserve it (and not those theiving arabs who want to sneak in through the back door).

I wish Bayana Bayana the best and hope they take those crooked arabs to the cleaners in the final!!

CAFs ban will be honored by FIFA at the WC. So, its the Bronze match and 1st WC game they will miss - unless CAF has a few qualifiers for the next WAFCON, Olympics or any other competition, then they will miss a match in there.
Nothing spoil.

codemaniacs:
I think its mainly CAF competitions they will miss, like 3 qualifying matches or next WAFCON 2 group matches..

iwobi will miss at least one more nations cup qualifier.

Isn’t it strange that this is the only match where she’s been penalized for foul throws in this tournament, yet she's been throwing the ball the exact same way?
It’s obvious it’s the lines-person that needs the coaching.

oloriooko:
She's good though with lots of room for improvement especially throw-ins
How on earth could she have committed 3 foul throws in a match that's grossly unprofessional

She is not a ‘fine replacement’ for Rita Chikwelu - she is an upgrade. She brings energy, steel and pace which Chikwelu currently lacks. That was evident to me since the Canada friendlies.

From the U20, the likes of Esther Onyenedize, Flourish Emmanuel and Debbie Ajibola should be onboarded immediately after the U20WWC, to give them time to blend into the team. Upfront, we definitely need Rinsola Babajide to be in the mix (in addition to others that have been listed).

Like the progression the team is making, as evidenced in this tournament. 3 consecutive shutouts and three dominant performances. Looking forward to the next matches.

Vamos, SuperFalcons!!!

Schemerkhiz:
You're very Correct, At 21 she's better than how she's been rated. A fine replacement for Rita Chikwelu...

I think Randy should just stick to the Midfield trios of Ucheibe, Ayinde and Okobi.... Then look for a better replacement for them

Should I say Regina Otu, Chinaza Uchendu and One of this girl's from the U20. If Peace Efih and Amanda Mbadi get better they can as well earn their spot...

Isn’t CAF a subsidiary of FIFA?
Her case wouldn’t be handled any differently

isan:
Banda will play i believe FIFA will handle her case better

You opined that the level of football displayed by our SF team has been disappointing to you.
However, the US coach suggested different, and believes the team is becoming one to be reckoned with at the world stage and offered to have a double header with the SF, a privilege afforded to teams they regard highly.
I believe it’s a very good sign

GeneralDae:
The only problem with this analogy is that the Brazillian team as at the time they were losing to the U.S were not struggling against way lesser teams than the U.S. Brazil from the 1990's were only behind European super powers, Japan, China, and the U.S then. So you can say they were at a particular level. The football displayed by our Superfalcons has not been encouraging enough to me, so we need to gauge our players with some half decent teams where we can at least see more of them a little bit.

To be the best, you have to play against the best.
Brazilian ladies played the US numerous times, sometimes 2 or 3 times in a year and used to get walloped until they beat the US one day and leveled the playing field. Same with Germany, Canada and Australia. Jamaica is following suit.
So, there’s nothing wrong with the idea.

GeneralDae:
Why must we play U.S.A? I don't think this is a good strategy if you ask me. We should be playing Jamaica, China, Mexico, Italy, not U.S.A, Canada, France, et al.

She’s a ball-hog and is always predictable with her moves when she gets the ball: dribble and pass backwards. She adds little to the team flow in the midfield, especially when we need to move the ball quick against the physical Cameroonians.
We need players who add value to the team and she is not one of them.

PDPGuy:
Plumptre is the better crosser, and her strength will be needed against a physical Cameroon side.

I know Okobi has yet to hit the heights she set in 2014/15, but her ability to keep possession would be useful during the last few mins of the game if the SF are in a winning position

No Toni Payne?
Please remove Okobi from the line up. She offers very little value in this setup

PDPGuy:
For the clash v Cameroon, I would prefer a 4-3-3 formation with this lineup:

——————————Nnadozie——————————

—-Alozie————Ohale———-Ebi———Plumptre—-

——————————-Ayinde—————————-

———————Ucheibe——Okobi———————

———-Ajibade————Onumonu———Ordega——

I think the current crop of midfielders should suffice, with the likes of Flourish Sebastian, Debbie Ajibola and Esther Onyenezide potentially joining the squad. Vicky is a nice to have, not a need to have.
In defense, Tosin Demehin and Wunmi Oshobukola are also center backs that are worth looking at.
We have enough players to create depth in the squad and it’s really exciting!

marvin906:
If we get Lopez in this team and another center back, it will nice

She really killed it.

Looks like they are learning how to relax off the field and explode with aggression on the field.
That’s the right balance which most championship teams exhibit.
��
Kudos to them.

JohnBullMySon:
Monday gift na legwork champ.

If a 39 yr old lady is able to consistently hold her own against 15 yr old young bucks, then MASSIVE kudos to her.
For those who are 30+ Here and have scrimmaged against really good and fit teenagers, it’s no small feat.

I want to know what Ebi is doing (eating and fitness regime) to be up to the task.
I hail her and biggest props to her!

ceejayMAX:
against those under 15 Burundi girls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHl_AdBP8Y4

Ashley in action…
Enjoy

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