₦airaland Forum

Did he really? That is debatable, based on Oshoala's comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Q6HzMk_H4&t=6s

BascoVanVeli:
That man discovered one of the greatest African women to ever touch a football, he is talking out of confidence. Maybe he has seen something the coach hasn't seen. Either way he must be allowed to speak. If he can't speak on the women's game who can? It's not about coming online and typing a few sentences, this man is really in the field.

But Alozie, even with her limited experience, pretty much walked into the squad, besting other 'experienced' HB professionals. Ditto that for Ijeoma and Nicole. That says a lot about the caliber and quality of the HB players, don't you think?
Experienced HBs were Glory Ogbonna, Gift Monday and Joy Bokiri.
Club medals are relative. A player can have the most 'club medals' ever from the Indian Women's league (for example) but does that make them a comparatively good enough player? Absolutely NOT!

BascoVanVeli:
Obviously I was talking about playing for Nigeria since Alozie wasn't even on a club roster at the time.

Which experienced home based player did u see on the pitch? When last did they play for the super falcons. Next who did Nicole and Okoronkwo outperform? There are no stats to prove that sir.

Next level or not those players u mentioned have more club medals than probably all the FB combined. Why? They don't play for top teams that fight for trophies. Should I take your logic and claim they can't raise their level to get signed by the Barcelona's of the world Or should I use common sense and realize that they can still offer something to our team.

And your point is...?
As Chairman of the club, his job is to provide transportation and kits (boots, jerseys, etc) for his team.
If someone makes a donation to cover an otherwise big ticket item (like a bus or kits for the team), doesn't that offset 'out of pocket' funds that the club owner would have otherwise been forced to cover as part of his obligation as club owner?

Think of the typical Nigerian pastor, where he pretty much lives on the 'gifts' from his parishioners (cars, planes, cash, etc.). This means he doesn't have to spend much 'out of pocket' to maintain his lifestyle and his only job is to grow his congregation so that he can get more 'gifts'. Same difference.

Also, I have no clue what Ajibade makes, but I am pretty sure she is well compensated by Atletico Madrid. Besides, what difference does that make to the argument?

BascoVanVeli:
Did u hear that he sold the bus or that he is using it for taxi? Did Oshoala also pay for fuel and maintenance of the bus? Will the man wear the boots? For your mind Ajibade and Okeke combined have a quarter of Oshoala money? Oga u have no reason to even say something like that. Where were u all those years that the man was doing it solely by himself?


I have proven he only spoke on college players but u still want to be mischievous and claim to have read bigotry in his statement.

He does not have to make 'millions' for it to impact his livelihood. Did Oshoala not donate a bus to Robo FC recently? Did she not buy jerseys and boots and so forth for the team? Ditto that with Rash and Okeke. Its about perceived benefits that will accrue because they made it to the WNT and subsequently, abroad where they can make money to help fund his project. That is the impact on his livelihood I am referring to, in addition to the potential transfer funds (albeit limited) he may see as being threatened.

So, does the fact that he 'supposedly' loves the Nigeria women's game give him the right to speak disparagingly about other Nigerians, who may have been brought up outside of the country, but also want to represent their fatherland? That is absolutely wrong on ALL fronts. He may not have know better, but what he said is laden with bigotry and ignorance on his part. No right thinking person who purports to love Nigeria should stand for that!

BascoVanVeli:
You see this is the problem. U are talking about livelihood in women's football. So for your mind he takes in millions from his team? As a private club owner that man spends more than he makes. Then there are no transfer fees in football so players like Oshoala and Ajibade went for peanuts.

It is the same love for growing the women's game in Nigeria that is making him speak out. U people just want to change the narrative to fit your agenda. It is completely ridiculous that a coach in a league can be labeled some kind of bigot because he speaks out for the players in that league.

Iffy Onumonu hasn't done anything? Really? Or Plumptre? I mean, seriously SMH.

You talk about college players...did these college players not hold their own and in some cases, out performed the so called home based players with their years or centuries of 'experience', during the Summer series? Did Ijeoma Okoronkwo and Nicole Payne not hold their own against established professionals (at the same level or even better than some of the so called 'experienced' HB players)? Shouldn't that be a red flag to let you know that they may be of a much higher standard than our so called experienced HB players? I mean, is it not about what have you done for me lately?

The likes of Osare (who I REALLY liked as a midfielder), Nku and Njoku, in spite of all their vast years of experience, never really could elevate their game to the next level. They had hit a ceiling in their development and that's why they didn't make it. We need to look at younger players (which Randy is currently doing) and move our Super Falcons to the next level.

BascoVanVeli:
Our league has better players than a lot of places they come from trust me. This is why players keep getting paid to play overseas. Osarenoma Igbinovia, Cecillia Nku and Ugo Njoku are still in the league.

Outside of Toni Payne and Michelle Alozie nobody has done anything that special. U are acting like the coach invited one or two players. The man has probably capped the most FB in history. Invited Alozie even as a training player and then we get to the college players. It is not a crime to wonder out loud about what is going on.

Yes, he is.
He sees the FB ladies as a threat to his production line and livelihood, and cannot process the fact that they are Nigerians too. That is discrimination and its against the bylaws of Nigeria.
The problem is those at home always feel threatened by those in diaspora. Instead of him seeing the FB ladies as an opportunity to improve the overall standing of the SF and therefore, increasing the profile of the HB in the SF, he sees them as a threat to HB in the SF, as if the HB players have a singular monopoly on the players in the SF.
He is too myopic to comprehend that the FB players will force the HB players to improve tactically and strategically, which will enhance the overall visibility of HB players for those foreign clubs who will be attracted to and recruit them.
So he supposedly 'discovered' Oshoala. So what? He will certainly NOT be the first and last manager to do so. Besides, after all these years of supposedly 'discovering' players, he can only point to 3 that have made the 'jump off' and maybe one on the cusp... Oshoala, Ajibade, Okeke and Gift Monday. That is indeed a poor record and its obvious he has been slacking a bit in his 'discovering duties'.
His argument is the same old BS we hear from locals who want their wards in the NT, regardless of how unprepared they are, at the expense of better and more tactically sound players, who are foreign based. That's why the country is currently mired in mediocrity and resists at all costs, any opportunity to use available resources wherever to improve and enhance the country.

BascoVanVeli:
That man is not talking down on anybody. This is the same guy that has spent so much of his own money on developing the women's game in Nigeria. He gave us Oshoala, Okeke, Ajibade and many more. So he has a right to have an opinion on this matter.

Agree.
This brings back memories of the Simpores from E.G.
We heard the same controversy about them being cleared by CAF to play, only for the matter to be escalated to FIFA and CAF and they got banned.
Something just doesn't seem right...

CoolJulian:
I did not even look through the lower part before commenting... I see why they keep accusing her, she bears some resemblance to Equatorial Guinea's Simpore. Something might be wrong somewhere ; she's even got a flat chest... Wow!

Pretty sure if she had been in one of the big schools (Women's football powerhouses), she would probably have become a finalist for the MAC Hermann trophy.
Not saying she isn't good. She is. Just that she is not at the necessary level yet and needs some additional grooming for international football.
Comparatively, I liked Vivian Ikechukwu's approach to the game but growth and potential wise, Esther might have the edge. Ideally, I would like to have both.

Schemerkhiz:
Okoronkwo was Selected to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List by the members of the United Soccer Coaches Women's NCAA Division I All-America committees, For her to be picked as one of those to watch out for, don't that speak volume about her potentials cause that's the biggest award as far as the NCAA Women Soccer is Concerned..!!!
For me I will give her 50/100

Between her and the Home Based that where opportune to get game time at the Summer Series, what's your say??

Tough one for me.
In her debut against Jamaica (2nd half), she was very dynamic and somewhat impressive - she actually scored a disallowed goal (offside) and seemed to be full of confidence. However, when she played against Portugal and the US, she seemed to be out of sorts a bit.

Now, unlike the Payne sisters, Onumonu, Alozie and Plumptre, even though she did play NCAA soccer, she did not have the priviledge of playing the NCAA Div 1 tournament, as she did not play for one of the 'big women's soccer schools', like Duke, West Virginia, UC Berkeley, Tennessee Vols or or USC State, respectively. She does attend modest Lamar Univ. here in Texas, which is a small school and is not renowned for its soccer program, even in the state of Texas. It made sense then, that she would struggle against teams that were tactically based (Portugal and US), which was what happened.

Having said that, she is still very young and has a bright future ahead of her. If she is lucky enough to be picked in the NWSL draft or she can find a club in Europe to hone and harness her skills, I think she might excel. But for now, I really don't think she is ready yet.

Schemerkhiz:
...How do you see Okoronkwo??
Note she isn't even a professional player yet.. Collegiate ��

Its pretty tough for any lady to come back from giving birth and play at her pre-birthing levels.
Pregnancy has a way of making a woman weaker and less agile.
So, not surprised that Morgan looks out of sorts a bit.

Schemerkhiz:
It's over a year ago!

If you scroll thru the pics of the ladies in the Austria camp, you’ll see Ucheoma Kanu.
Page 218, third and fourth pic down.

JohnBullMySon:
Was she even at this recent camp? Because I never saw her.

We obviously don’t have that caliber of players yet. So the next best thing is to groom them, as opposed to playing the same ol, same ol.
The new breed girls we have gotten this year are intelligent, pacey and young.
We need to GROOM THEM!!!

Schemerkhiz:
Yeah made mention of potential Players, but wished they're as efficient and intelligent like her Clubside teammates Lieke Martens, Graham Hansen and Alexia putellas who does feed her well...

Disagree. Been there, done that.
That was tried out for years, with limited success.
The Oshoala-Oparanozie-Ortega trident has been the Nigerian attack for a very long time, with Oparanozie being the weakest link due to her limited pace.
Oshoala is more lethal as the arrowhead of the attack, same as how she lines up with Barca.
We have potential players to play on the wings to compliment Oshoala in the center.

Schemerkhiz:
I think is high time we play Asisat Oshoala from the Wing, not close to the sideline line though, this is where we would be able to enjoy her pace, strength and benefits a lot from it...

Desire Oparanozie, Roosa Ariyo, Ini Umotong should battle it out for the top9 spot...

The guy has bigger issues than he envisages...
He claims to be an Austrian citizen and will therefore be found and prosecuted by the Austrian authorities for conduct unbecoming of an Austrian.
He will likely have his citizenship revoked and deported back to Nigeria.
Whilst back in Naija, he can champion his fight against Buhari to his heart's content.

isan:
Idiot that fool doesn't sound like a nigerian

Read somewhere that Fatuga-Dada is now in camp.
Is this confirmed?

Wouldn't be surprised if another better team nicks her. I think she has the potential to become a very good player.

Schemerkhiz:


She was about to sign for Madrid CFF in 2019 December but Edo Queens crashed the move. Just her performance during the Olympics qualifiers got the Spanish coach to like her..

Minsk FK can't risk losing her for two games within this Austra camp period that's why she wasn't release, since they haven't secured their UEFA Women's Champions League slot yet, Belarus have just two (2) UWCL spot

.

Thanks for the videos, by the way.
If I had to hazard a pick between Christy and Regina, I will go with Regina.
Faster, more aggressive in the tackle and is a better ball distributor. I also like her overall awareness and command of the midfield.
I doubt if she would last with FC Minsk, as I feel she would be poached soon for a better league.

Schemerkhiz:
Defensive Midfield, Rita Chikwelu still remains Randy first pick, Benfica SL Christy Ucheibe and Minsk FK Regina Otu are the other options...

Halimatu Ayinde is Center Midfielder/Box-to-Box, though can play the DM very well being versatile player...

Yes, but looking forward, Patricia is a lot faster than her and would be the first pick at the LB position.
I prefer her at CB, with her height and ability to read the game extremely well.

The weak spots are DM (with Halimat out for a while and Rita Chikwelu not the fastest out there), not sure who can really map into that position well enough.
The perfect trio in the midfield for me would have been Halimat, Rash and Toni. We really need to look for someone who can pick up that mantle, especially, defensively.
Would have liked to see the Benfica SL girl Christy Ucheibe or Regina Otu tryout there.

Schemerkhiz:
Ashleigh is Left Footed, Can play Left Back and Midfield too...

Hope all is well with her Ngozi Ebere.
Solid left back.

GeneralDae:
okay, thanks.

Onome is predominantly left footed, even though she is ambidextrous and can play as LCB and RCB. For many years when she partnered Osi Ohale, she played as LCB.
If Plumptre is to come in, because the coach might be thinking of grooming her for the LCB (she is much more younger than Onome), she will have to play as LCB, since she is left footed.
The left backs have been Ngozi Ebere, Glory Ogbonna and Patricia George (in chronological order). I believe Patricia George will take over the role once she heals.

JohnBullMySon:
Are you saying that Onome cannot play both 5 and 6 very well?

I'm not very conversant with this team as with their male counterparts so I may forget some names. Also, when was I upset with you about the lady in question? I didn't even say anything regarding the penalty foul.

What?
Not sure what you're trying to say here, but if Plumptre is to play, then she and Osi Ohale would pair up in the CD, with Onome being on the bench. Plumptre and Onome typically play as LCB, so they are direct subs for each other.

Really? And here you were, being upset with me about Glory Ogbonna, yet you don't even know that she played as LB? Wonderful!

JohnBullMySon:
Baba be calming down . Ghana ain't joking too.

Tony Payne and Alozie are really dangerous. But Oshoala is still out main threat. Oparanozie is back. But I doubt if Plumptre will be at the back together with Zogg. She might go to LB or bench while Onome and Plumptre partner. I think that's a better option.

Please Schemerkhiz, who was our LB during the summer series? I can't recall the person again.

Being a great player in this day and age is really NOT about physical traits, but more of footballing intelligence. That was the concern I had with her.
Hopefully, she will embrace the learnings from her new footballing environment and develop that aspect of her game that was sorely lacking.
Good luck to her.

BascoVanVeli:
She just became a left back for years to come for me. This was all she needed, a team in a quality league to improve her skills. She has the physical traits to be a great player and now she will have the people around her who can get her there. I don't expect glory back in Nigeria anytime soon.

She actually has been outstanding for her team - being named Team captain, recently.
She also had a stint with Arsenal and was invited to the England youth set up.

CoolJulian:
Payne had already been established before being called up, she'd been doing even better than several players we had on the squad. Alozie, on her part, had been invited to the Houston dash team before to train, play... She was not totally unknown, Houston would never invite an average player in the first place.

Okoronkwo and Zogg are not on the same same level as the aforementioned, but this new girl is a totally different case because she's never played at a decent level, has not been outstanding at those lower levels, either. Either way, let's just see what she brings to the table.

She is listed as 5' 3" - which is the same height as Ordega, even though Adekite has less meat on her bones.
Toni Payne is 5' 4", for comparison purposes.

Schemerkhiz:
Adekite Fatuga looks technically sound, good in setpiece and quick too but very Small in size just like Glory Iroka.
You can go to her Instagram page and check her out...

But her team is one of the 12 teams in the 2021-2022 WSL, the league just below the Super League.
Leicester (Ashleigh Plumptre's team) just got promoted from there to the Super League.
It will be competitive for Watford, which should be good competition for her.

CoolJulian:
Talking about the new girl, I do not 'fancy' her at all. The girl plays for an obscure team, the level at which she plays is too low, I, therefore, do not expect anything from her. Payne, on the other hand, is head and shoulders above Okobi- that is simply the truth! Infact, if the coach has only the both of them to choose from, he'll readily choose Payne.

For now...
Considering Ogbonna has been in the mix for years, while Nicole is a newbie.
If Nicole demonstrates during training and in matches she has what it takes, then Waldrum will have no other choice but to select the better player.
Also, I believe Waldrum's top pick for the LB position might actually be Patricia George and not Ogbonna.

CoolJulian:
But it seems the coach prefers the Ogbonna's to her.

Had Michelle Alozie achieved anything before her performance at the Summer Series? Or even Toni Payne? Or Ijeoma Okonkwo? Or Onyinyechi Zogg? But they sure have proven that they ALL have what it takes to belong in the Squad.
The Austria camp will help establish if Adekite is a fit on the team or not.
Worse case, it should help the Super Falcons have a more competitive substitute bench.
Wishing all the ladies the very best.

CoolJulian:
But she has not achieved anything.

Those were my observations too.
Even at her club Eskilstuna United in Sweden, she was pretty much a bench warmer for most of the season, coming in on occasion for Halimat Ayinde.
To be frank, she seems to have regressed a bit, not being as sharp on the ball and tends to overdo things, dribbling unnecessarily and losing the ball (same with Ordega). Like I said previously, I love the massive influx of other quality ladies in the team. Hopefully, this will provide stiff competition for those who are dinosaurs on the team and those found wanting can be rooted out.

Nigerians need to be aware that the women's game globally has become significantly more competitive and we really need fresh players on the team who are quicker and smarter on the ball, not people who want to 'show' they are big girls by trying to dribble the whole team every time they get the ball (Ordega, Okobi and Oparanozie).

isan:
Okobi has lost her touch she doesn't have those splitting pass anymore , she played the wing back way too much and didn't make her progress as an Attacking midfielder , dennerby was benching her for ajibade at 2018 Awcon opener , T payne is far better than okobi atleast on current form

They take the information and pass it off as theirs.
Nigerian media outlets are notorious for doing just that.

JohnBullMySon:
What's there to steal? It isn't a document. Any media house that posts that is really stupid. Anyone can do a fake one.

Understand.
Will see.
And please DELETE that 'info' about her travel plans ASAP, before those media thieves steal and publicize it.

Schemerkhiz:
I'm not speculating, I tell you what i know and already confirmed.. if I could share with you guys every single details, I will gladly do that.. Thank You

Nicole is one of those versatile defenders that can play on either side of the pitch.
Not to mention she has pace to burn, which is what you want in a full back.
She is young and I think she can grow into becoming a valuable member of the team.
And she is certainly no worse that the two Ogbonnas girls who I have previously commented on...

JohnBullMySon:
Is she good?