₦airaland Forum

Oh boy...you shouldn't have gone there
You will definitely draw the ire of Schemerkhiz now

isan:
Monday is definitely better than that lady from poland

Are you saying Toni is not quick?
She's got a good set of wheels on her and would hold her own against any of the other three you mentioned.

Schemerkhiz:
You say??

Michelle Alozie, Patricia George and Nicole Payne are far far quicker and skillful than Glory Ogbonna [b]except Tony Payne [/b]who's a more experience and excellent Player...

The First two can start with Nicole Payne substituting for either of them when the need arises..

Its unfortunate (and strange) that you found my response funny - strange because you seem to be the only one laughing.

Your statement was an allegation and we asked that your provide evidence (a Nigerian example) but you opted to provide the alleged case of Odoi and Ghana (relevance) and that it 'MIGHT' happen in Nigeria (speculation).
In the case of Ghana, didn't Kevin Prince Boateng (a much higher profile than Odoi) try and pull the same stunt? Wasn't he promptly dropped and has never played another international since then? Hasn't Ghana taken in others who want to play for Ghana, like Djiku, Wollacott, Dennis Odoi, Andy Yiadom, Kwasi Wriedt, and others. Obviously, your so called 'bad' message didn't resonate with these guys, did it?

Finally, Nigeria was not 'lacking' in defense, hence the Plumptre 'acquisition'? The likes of Chidinma Okeke (Madrid CFF), Faith Michael, Tosin Demehin, Akudo Ogbonna, Patricia George, alongside Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale were considered the main defense players. Zogg was a late add on to the list, by way of the US Summer Series. So, regarding Plumptre, considering the options listed, a case could be made that we went with increasing the available talent pool with a quality player and not if she was a 'Want' or a 'Need'.
Regarding your comments on Zogg and especially Ariyo, the issue with Ariyo's club (# of games playable in the Iberdola) is a non-issue, as she has played several games for Betis 'B'. Unfortunately, both ladies are currently recovering from injury.

Your last comment buttresses my initial statement regarding Nigeria having a robust intake mechanism, which we currently lack.

mostob:
I really find this response funny. My statement was not an allegation so I don't know why you were asking for evidence. Read it again please...

The only case where I think we should reach out is if we need (not want) the player because some of them do make ridiculous demands at times.

The fact that those we have added so far or still pursuing so far didn't make demands doesn't mean it doesn't happen...a recent example is Odoi who said he will only pledge allegiance to Ghana if they qualify for world cup. Talking about bad message...now, if the coach decided to drop those who partake in the qualifiers for the FBs in the tournament list, how do you think those who get dropped will feel? That is the problem of making demands.
And the fact that it has never happened in Nigeria doesn't mean it will never happen in future especially when we start getting desperate by going after every eligible FBs. We were lacking in defence and now we have Plumptre and Zogg (club issue)...that is the difference between wants and needs.

As for your last paragraph, Ariyo has an issue with her club and I'm sure you will even raise an eye brow if she is called up...Fatuga has not being called up either due to the pecking order or the coach doesn't fancy her..if the latter is the case, that means we want her not that we need her. So I don't know how the two scenarios have any effect on Plumptre's switch sir.

And going after the FBs is not the only solution, we need structure..good coaches too. We need to make our team attractive.

I suspected that your counterpoints were based on your misunderstanding of the point I was trying to make. I will try to be more explicit:

1. HB Players - I have no objection to HB players, in as long as they can compete with the FB. At the senior level, evidence has shown that, at least, over the past decade, FBs have proven to be better exposed and better attuned to the demands of the global game - tactically and strategically.
Is it the role of the Nigeria WNT coach to bring the HB players up to international standards? Or is it the job of the players club coaches to do that? The late Stephen Keshi once expressed his frustrations about having to teach HB players in his national camp how to 'trap ball' - code for understanding the fundamentals of the game. Do we as a nation have the time to be 'grooming' players at our WNT (who should otherwise have been groomed at the club level)? Or does it make more sense to pick players who have been groomed already and have expressed a tacit interest in playing for Nigeria? Afterall, these FB kids have at least 3.4% of Nigerian blood running through them (statistically). They ARE Nigerian and the responsible thing to do as a nation is to explore that 'tacit' interest (there is no embarrassment or shame in doing so). The shame is in not doing anything and letting an opportunity pass by.

2. Quality - While there are HBs worthy of a look in, they are only a handful. We have seen the likes of Tosin Demehin not measuring up to standard. Another example is Stella Mbadi, who seemed like the part with her flicks and tricks, but was a complete bust against Canada. The sad truth is most of our HB players are simply not up to par. Considering the very small number of games they play each season, as well as the lack of basic fundamentals, facilities and growth opportunities (outside of going abroad), one can safely surmise that FB players are more of a safer bet than HB players. That is the sad truth!

3. Wants & Needs - 'Needs and wants' are pretty irrelevant when you have a player willing to be a part of your program and the coach feels they are a good match. Such player(s), at a minimum, will make your team stronger (you have more quality players to pull from - i.e. more squad depth) OR it may make your team better (your new player increases the quality of your team). Either way, it is a win-win for the team. There cannot be too many strikers or midfielders or defenders or goalkeepers in your player 'pool'. Any decent coach should be intelligent enough to leverage the overall talent on their team - i.e. Rash Ajibade plays as a striker with Athletico Madrid, but plays as a CM in the Naija WNT. Toni Payne plays as a winger for Seville FC but has played as CM, LWB and LB in the Naija WNT. What matters is how you can harness the resource talent at your disposal and use it to your advantage. Any decent coach in the world can do that.
My point being: it will be quite silly to pass on a player 'A', because player 'A' is a striker and the team already has 8 available strikers at its disposal, so you believe an additional striker is not 'needed'.

Hope this helps you in better understanding my stance.

mostob:
I understand your point and I agree especially the bolded. But AkinDs want us to go all out for these FBs which I what I'm countering against. He even said if we approach them and we lose, it's ok. That doesn't make sense.
Like you stated above, we need to have an integrating plan which is why I told AkinDs that part of this plan involves differentiating between wants and needs and again he said it make no sense.
Take our U17 for example, those girls have not concede a goal since the start of the qualifier (correct me if I'm wrong) which is a testament that there are quality players among them. Nothing bad in picking from home and at the same time picking outside but our oga want us to go all out which doesn't make sense.

I'll repeat the question I asked you: "Which female footballer that we were in pursuit of, either actively or tacitly, made demands to Nigeria? Bad message to who or for who ?"
As the forumer Lovewins also stated earlier, you have yet to provide proof or evidence to back up your claims about FB demands. You simply cannot continue to cast aspirations about FBs that are patently false and completely baseless. It is not only wrong, but dangerous to fans and especially the FBs themselves (because people start having wrong impressions about them).

In answering your other question below which I highlighted - my response is absolutely!
FACT: Roosa Ariyo (Real Betis, SPA) was invited to the 2019 US summer series and has not been invited since then. Adekite Fatuga Dada (Watford, ENG) was invited to the training camp in Austria and has not been invited since. That has NOT deterred Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester FC, ENG) from coming aboard the SF team. Also understand that Rinsola Babajide (Real Betis, SPA) might be in the process of joining the SF. So you point (or concern) is completely lacking in merit.

mostob:
Listen....some of these foreign borns do make demands sometimes ranging from a place in WC squad whether they are better than the rest or not, some may ask for chance to boycott any match as they like...
Think deeply, the issue of want and need should make sense to you... it's not about squad depth, if you invite one of the FBs and you drop them to bench or stop inviting them after a match, do you think others will want to pledge allegiance to you?
The fact that other WNTs are going for FBs doesn't mean it will work for us also..

Which female footballer that we were in pursuit of, either actively or tacitly, made demands to Nigeria? Bad message to who or for who?
We Nigerians really need to get off our high horse and realize we are NOT all that. If we were the US or France or Germany, then we can make such a statement. We haven't won anything worthy of note outside the continent and we are acting like we are world champions. Jeez! I beg!

Your statement about needs and wants makes no sense to me. Squad building is about DEPTH, period. You build your squad based on players who would add value to your team, so that the level of competitiveness is either same or better than what you have. With the state of affairs in Nigeria, we are in no position to be picking and choosing. I would rather have a big pool of decent players to choose from (what Waldrum is doing now), as opposed to a small pool of decent players and a boat load of very average ones (which is where Nigeria was, pre-Waldrum).
That is the common trait with the top 10 WNTs in the world - massive squad depth! Nigeria is not anywhere close to having that and NO, we cannot wait around for some HB player to reach the apex of their learning curve before we start to compete. The time is NOW and we need to get any young kid out there who has a drop of Naija blood in them, or else, we will be left behind, even on the continent.

mostob:
No...I disagree. If we make an effort and we lose, it will send a bad message.
I think it should be the other way round, anyone who is interested in playing for us should reach out to us.
The only case where I think we should reach out is if we need (not want) the player because some of them do make ridiculous demands at times.

I see that as a testimony to Toni's immense versatility, which makes her indispensable to the team.
She will thrive in a 3-5-2 formation, where she can play as a wingback. She can also excel as a wide forward (a role she currently plays at Seville F.C.)

Schemerkhiz:
E nor easy at all...

But the truth is that Wether Foreign Born or Home Based they all deserve equal opportunity to play for Nigeria, but right now we mainly work with the Home grown at the U17 level and like 2 to 3% of the Foreign born too at the U20 level...

Right now am confused as to where Coach Randy Waldrum would play Tony Payne in the Superfalcon starting 11...

He already tried her out in over multiple positions for a Year..

Wing Back, Left Back, Attacking Midfield and as a forward..

At least, make an effort to get them and if you lose, you lose.
Not that you fold your arms and do nothing, and expect to get the best talent out there - which is the stance Nigeria has adopted all these years and we have paid dearly for it.

mostob:
Ok....fact is we can't call everybody. We will get some and at the same time, lose some. A lot of Nigeria eligible players are littered abroad but when you consider the upcoming talents currently I'm our U20 and U17, wetin man go do

This kid is a superb player. Watched her play this past weekend and she just reminded me of a more refined and skillful Ordega in her U20 days.
Another one that slipped thru the cracks for Naija.

Schemerkhiz:
This Gamero too is another super talented striker good with both feets, Half Nigeria and Half Spanish but US don ready grab her....

I remember one player who recently debuted for Netherland at the Senior level, she was open to play for 3 top counties Spain, US and Netherland but she went with the Dutch..

Like I stated, it will be a tall order for her to play for Nigeria - I believe that ship has already sailed.
Naija lacks a well defined intake process and that has been the problem for us.

We have too many myopic and uninformed administrators who simply are incapable of seeing the big picture.
With the potential talent we have globally, there is absolutely NO reason why we shouldn't be a top 10 country and be able to make it to the Semi finals of the WWC. Absolutely NO reason.
But then again, its Naija with all its failures and inability to forward think.

Schemerkhiz:
Anyway Sha... My Big eyes are on all of them, Following them up bumper to bumper especially Vicky Lopez, Spain must not get her at the Senior level, She's still very much interested in playing for the Superfalcons, Her father too wanted her to play for Nigeria in honor of her late mother but Spain don ready grab her like dis...

Eseosa Aigbogun - Swiss player who we chose to ignore even when she had aspirations to play for Naija by way of her dad.
So many kids we could have had.

Similar will happen to the young Vicki girl in Spain. There is absolutely no way Spain will let her go. No way, considering she is a precocious talent who could become world class.
Naija dropped the ball here - big time!

mostob:
I bet that girl in the second picture is also Nigerian. .Aigbogun.

Its a pathway to Canadian citizenship. She qualified by donning the Canadian colors.
Those Canadians are very serious and don't horse around.

Schemerkhiz:
But this Simi case is just intriguing to me, Both Parents are Nigerian, born here in Nigeria before moving to the US, I wonder how she became a Canadian without living there for the stipulated number of years.. Not even US but Canada.... hahaha ��

We need to do more than just keeping tabs - we need to be more intentional about getting them to play for Nigeria.
It is obvious that just relying on the HB will not get us anywhere and we will soon be left behind, not only in the world, but in Africa itself. Look at the composition of North African countries, if you don't believe this.
We really need to be serious about what are intentions are as a footballing nation, or else, we will soon become a nonentity.

Schemerkhiz:
So many Nigeria talent spread all over the World... There's one also who Plays Right Back for the Netherland U20 Women's team, hopefully i will be monitoring all of them during the various tournament proper..


Posted them here so you all we also keep tabs with them...


Nina Iyobosa Nijstad .... DUTCH U20

Canada is very actively poaching players globally. The Canadian FA and the Canadian govt. are working together on this.
It is not by happenstance that their MNT qualified for the world cup and doing so decisively, winning their CONCACAF group ahead of powerhouses Mexico and the US.
They are slowly but steadily amassing a powerhouse of quality players for their WNT (evidenced by winning the Olympics) and will very soon start to compete for the WWC.

Schemerkhiz:
I don't understand why Simi Awujo has recently represented Canada W U20. The very Canadian Soccer Association says she was born and raised in USA to Nigerian parents (born in Nigeria). If she and all of their parents and grandparents were not born in Canada and she has not lived in Canada the required time, she is not eligible to play for Canada.

I beg, no vex.
Na work wey no gree me chance.

Schemerkhiz:
Hahaha.... na post i post ooo


Anyways where have you been all this while?
I miss your contributions, do well to help us keep this group busy and updated...

Please forget this lady - she underwhelms everytime she plays for Nigeria.
That's why she fell out of Waldrum's plans after she put up a very poor display during the Turkish invitational.
Time to focus on more exciting prospects.

Schemerkhiz:
Meizhuo Hakka FC Striker Chinwendu Veronica Ihezuo

Disappointing performance.
Was not impressed with Alexis Putellas (current WFY). Expected a whole lot more - her decision making sometimes was disappointing.
Anyhow, on to the finals.

Schemerkhiz:
First loss for Barca after 48games played... Asisat Oshoala had to do some more defending unlike the usual attacking..

Foreign coach or no, we are (and have always been) a possession team. The pace of the African game is traditionally slower (go watch games through 2016, like you rightly mentioned.
However, when you play quicker teams like the US, Canada, France, etc., they can make you look like you are not a possession team and get you to turn over the ball.
Waldrum has been working on our transition play - getting to move the ball up front quicker. Our ladies will get there soon - not worried at all about this.

GeneralDae:
Surprising, because until 2016 final against Cameroon in African football for as far as I can remember, we were mainly a possession team. Under these foreign coaches, our tactics have been so different.

The fact that they are older does not mean they possess the leadership skills, as well as the acumen, to help lead and nurture team mates. The greatest football captains I have know have always been iconic figures to their teams, team mates, and their nations: Stephen Keshi, Abedi Pele, Lionel Messi, Abby Wambach, Christine Sinclair, Wendy Renard, Alexandra Popp..., the list goes on and on.

Oshoala IS an iconic figure, not only to Nigerian female footballers, but around the world. The fact that she is going through a rough patch (which ALL players go through) does not take away from the fact that they are icons. She has had several injuries over the past years and it makes sense that she will be tentative, which might have affected her play. So, she didn't have the best of games during the Aisha Buhari Cup, like that is the WAFCON or the WWC - I mean, who gives a rats behind about the Aisha Buhari Cup?

Do those old farts in the NFF know the off the field work she does for the team, as well as being an ambassador for other charities? I mean, who are these imbeciles who keep making all these unintelligent decisions and why do Nigerians always give them the platform to make these ill-informed decisions that continuously hurt us as a nation?

GeneralDae:
She is fit to be captain but it doesn't mean she should be made captain. Best players are not always captains of their side. For me I prefer older members of a team who are still in form preferably in defense or midfield positions as captains.

How anyone in their right mind can say she is not fit to be captain of the Super Falcons is not only ridiculous, but incredibly stupid.

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/series/2oRX5Dw4vZfJqHWFMdfVtX/2QITv3IcTSFcIdZ2wToTa5/3fcx03LcgJy2W6nOuX3cbM

Interesting discussion, even though I am a bit late to the party...

The problem with Demehin and to some degree Debbie Abiodun is they have plateaued with regards what they can learn at the local level. I recall the same thing happening to Ajibade years ago, prior to her going overseas. As a footballer, there comes a point in time, especially for younger players, where you need a different environment to continue (actually, improve and maximize) your growth and development, primarily because you are not learning anything new or challenging in your current environment.

Ajibade, for me, is a perfect case study. I saw her performances at the 2018 WAFCON (before she went overseas) and comparing to now - the difference is like night and day. The timing of her move overseas, first to Avadnes (NOR) then Athletico Madrid (ESP) was absolutely perfect for her growth and development. Now we are seeing how she continues to evolve into becoming one of the very best players on the continent, without a doubt. Had she remained in the local leagues, she would never have evolved the way she has now.

Summary:
A lot of folks here just want to throw these youngsters into the deep end and expect they will swim (like they are in the youth teams). Often times, its premature, as most of them are simply not ready for it and they fail. That's why its very important that you carefully manage their growth and development, else the results might be catastrophic. Based on the few matches I have watched so far, there about six (6) players in the U20 team that could become really good enough for the Falcons IF their development is very well managed, namely Esther Onyenezide, Flourish Sabastine, Debbie Abiodun, Tosin Demehin, Omowunmi Oshobukola and Taiwo Lawal. I am sure there may be others who could shine in the U20 WC and beyond.

GeneralDae:
I lost a little faith in Demehin from the poor outing against the Moroccan clubside for Rivers Angels. She is solid but needs to learn more especially against skillful attackers. Most likely one for the future.

Nice, quick response by Naija

2-1 Naija
Ajibade

That's the key component that's missing in the Naija game.
If we can get that, then we can become a top ten team in the world.
Work in progress.

yinkeys:
Canada are so good at linking up 5 to 10 passes straight.
They’re technically better.
We should just go for the counter at this point.
The girls find it hard to string 5 to 10 passes without losing the ball

Agree. Hanging on too long on the ball and her reaction time is way too slow.
Ajibade might be doing too much on the ball also. She needs to keep it simple.

Schemerkhiz:
Rita Chikwelu is the Weakest link in the Midfield right now... Coach Randy Waldrum should note that down and sort it out....

Look at it as an opportunity. Very happy we have both players
Ucheibe needs to work on her passing, though.
Echegini looked the part in her cameo.

Schemerkhiz:
Problem Problem Problem

How do we resolve this....

Christy Ucheibe VS Regina Otu

77 min: Kanu also just pulled up - Muscle related. These injuries seem to be fatigue related

75 min: we are a little disjointed now. Lots of turnovers. perhaps, fatigue.

Min 73: Canada brought in some real tall players up front and that has caused a lot of problems for us

70 min: turn over from Ucheibe leads to a cross and volley by Canada.
Brilliant turn around the post by Oluehi.
Corner leads to header by Canada. 2-0

67 min: ooohhhh. brilliant save off a curling shot by Toni Payne. What a save by the Canadian keeper! That should have been a goal.

69 min: Oluehi coming on for Nnadozie

Looks like Oluehi is coming in for Nnadozie, due to injury picked up during the goal mouth scramble