₦airaland Forum

Link please?

Schemerkhiz:
Can you please watch this shot Clip of her, I'm not saying we're to assess her with this..

Hints?

Schemerkhiz:
Yes

The likes of Michelle Alozie, Onyinyechi Zogg, Roosa Ariyo, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onomonwu are examples..

Ashleigh Plumptre*

Few others would come in ..

She plays for Lewes FC, an English Championship team.
She joined because the club will enable her have the time to complete her studies (I believe her Ph.D).
Not sure she is keen on playing competitive football at this time.

GeneralDae:
What even happened to Ini Umotong? We hear nothing about her anymore.

Not sure if anyone has had a chance to read this FIFA Report on Women's football, but it is an eye opener.
Nigeria really needs to build on this and can become THE premier Women's league on the continent and compete for a standing in the World.
FIFA Women's Football Report

Out of curiosity...
Uchenna Kanu was with Sevilla in the 2020 season but was let go after 4 games. Why? (that is a tell tale sign that a player doesn't measure up to standards).
She went to a Swedish league and then joined up with Linkopings FC. Considering the Iberdola is much more competitive than the Damallsvenskan league, that raised a red flag for me, as the typical trend is to move from Scandinavia to southern continental Europe, in this case, Spain (Rash, Rita Chikwelu, Osi Ohale, are examples).
Second, I watched her performance in the Turkish Invitational and I wasn't really blown away. I really expected a whole lot more from her and quite frankly, didn't get it. Ball control, 1v1 ability, etc. on her part were below par for me, considering all the hype surrounding her. I was far from impressed.

Schemerkhiz:
We haven't really said much about this particular Player Uchenna Kanu (Superfalcon Ronaldo)

To get access to the Swedish DAMALLSVENSKAN games it requires Subscription unlike the Spanish Premier Iberdrola which i can easily watch free..

Have only be getting access to their games highlight this Season! And she stands out, she seems to be their Star Player alongside Frida Mannum but now that Frida has left for Juventus FC it's going to be a huge task on her..


Can anyone say Something between Uchenna Kanu and Thembi kgatlana??

I went into the Summer Series with that in mind (long layoff) and still saw some things I was concerned about.
First, her energy level was down - you could see her walking back on some occasions, when she ought to have been racing back and she looked extremely unfit. Yes, we can attribute that to her long layoff BUT she had several weeks of training with Levante before the Summer Series.
Second and most worrisome for me was her overall approach to the game. I noticed that, literally, every time she got the ball, her first instinct was to dribble. This was prevalent in all three games. There were several occasions Rash and others expressed their frustrations with her ball-hogging, when a simple pass would have helped sustain the attack. 9 times out of 10, on those her ball-hogging escapades, she lost the ball. Her ball control was also poor. This was worrying for me, because its usually a sign that a player might be the downward slope. She was not as fast as she used to be and her overall contribution in the final third was poor.
Not sure if anyone else noticed this.

Schemerkhiz:
[b][/b]
Franny wasn't at her usual self at the Summer Series, I think her long break out of Competitive games is affecting her..
Let's see how things goes for her this coming season at Levante UD. She has always been a top Player when inform. I bet you coach have so much trust in her...

Didn't know what to make of Rash at first.
I had seen several of her games with AM prior to the Summer Series, and I thought she had started to, slowly but steadily, impose her brand in the AM team.
In the first game against Jamaica, I was a bit disappointed, as I thought she would really stand out in the Naija team. She didn't and that made me pause regarding my take on her. However, I thought she played very well against Portugal and the US, really imposing herself in the game.
I thought her overall performance across the three games could be ranked as a B+. I believe the summer series has helped Rash and Toni Payne become key members of the squad and have deservingly etched their names into Randy's starting lineup for the SF, going forward.

Curious as to your take on Franny Ordega's performance...

Schemerkhiz:
Rasheedat Ajibade has improved a lot, her performance at the Summer Series was commendable, the Competitions at the Atletico de Madrid Femenino attack position is really good for her game, now that Thembi has gone there, the Competition for shirt will even be more tougher...

She played several positions (Central Midfield, Behind the forwards and from the Right Wing forward) at the Summer Series..

How would you rate her performance??


Deyna Castellanos (VEN) will definitely play from the Midfield...

I thought Vivian, in her cameo appearances, played well. I particularly liked her being emboldened approach. No doubt, she has room for improvement and I will like to see her in Randy's setup going forward.
I was also particularly impressed with Demehin, the CB against Jamaica. She displayed a calmness in the back beyond her years (19) and I feel she is definitely one for the future. I hope she remains in Randy's setup going forward.
I don't have to re-litigate my disappointment in Ogbonna. Okeke is with CFF Madrid and doesn't play in the local league.

GeneralDae:
I have a little concern though. I think the standard of our league is going down, because only Vivian played a bit above average in this past summer series. Ogbona and Okeke improved against the U.S.A, but overall they didn't have a good performance.
This is a league that gave us outstanding players in time past. I wonder what's happening.

No she wouldn't have!
Why is your argument centered around club accomplishments and the European football scene only?
Do you even know anything about the American NWSL? Do you have any idea how strong it is?
It is not by happenstance that the US has consistently had the best team in the world for over 2 decades now. Do you know how many of the worlds best players are in the NWSL?

Also, Oshoala does NOT have more records than Rapinoe, if you look at the records that anyone really cares about. If and when Oshoala starts to be considered as the Women's Balon d'oro and the FIFPro World X1 team, THEN you can draw up comparisons to Rapinoe.
Up until then, you really do not have an argument!

68816419:
Hommie, stop being emotional, Oshoala has far more records than Rapinoe, facts are stubborn!, if Asisat were to be white, she would have won world best

This lady is a football nomad - she has been all over the place.
Anyhow, congrats to her, even though her playing time might be limited to bit part roles.
She is definitely behind Ludmila (BRA), Deyna Castellanos (VEN) and Tatiana Bonetti (ITA). She will also have to contend with Ajara Nchout of CMR and maybe Rasheedat Ajibade.
I see her as a bench player, unless she makes a big impression on the coach.

Schemerkhiz:
Thembi Kgatlana, reinforcement for the rojiblanco attack

July 6, 2021 - 11:46

The 25-year-old player and senior international for South Africa signs with our club until 2023.
Thembi Kgatlana (May 2, 1995, South Africa) is a new Atlético de Madrid Femenino player until 2023. The South African player, international for her country, arrives to reinforce the rojiblanco attack.
Welcome, Kgatlana!

But regardless of whether you played club or national team football, the powers that be will recognize your contributions.
The fact that Rapinoe won the FIFA Women's footballer of the year and the best Oshoala can hope for is the African fooballer of the year speaks volumes.
Oshoala has not ever been considered for the FIFPRO women's team of the year. That is quite telling too, don't you think?

BascoVanVeli:
Oshoala is 10 times the better club player. Rapinoe never won the Champions League, never scored in the finals and hasn't won as many league titles.
The reason Oshoala can't dream about those accolades is because we have to do well in an Olympics or world cup to have the best player at these competitions.

Didn't want to be sucked into this debate, but Megan and Oshoala are not on the same page.
Megan has accolades and trophies that Oshoala can only dream about.
What is even more admirable is she performs against the women's big gun teams of the world.
The evidence speaks for itself. Enjoy...

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDix4u4zsK0

BascoVanVeli:
You r taking white people worshipping to far.

Another option is Christy Ucheibe of SL Benfica of Portugal.
She can play as a DM/CM.
Hopefully, she has resolved her passport issues which prevented her from attending the Summer Series, as well as the Turkish Invitational.
https://www.kick442.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/EnCHHt_WEAAKbCt.jpeg

Schemerkhiz:
Midfielder Regina Otu, playing for Minsk FC of Belarus..
Good that we would be having her in the team for the July Camp.

Thought that had been concluded?
Anyhow, there are quite a few countries that wouldn't be playing in the Olympics - Scotland, Ireland and Wales have a decent team. Same with Switzerland, Germany and Spain. Denmark, Norway and Finland are also available.

Schemerkhiz:
NFF still trying as much as possible to Secure an international Friendly game for the Superfalcon this July...

DM
Looks like a straight swap for Halimat Ayinde

BascoVanVeli:
What position

Not so sure she would.
She would more than hold her own at Barca Feminino, if the opportunity arose.

isan:
Toni will chop bench in Barcelona and we don't want that we need her to play every week to be inform for AWCON

Delighted for Roosa. She has worked hard and is being rewarded for her hard work.
The Spanish Iberdrola would rank in the top 3 Women's leagues in Europe. Tenerife is also a top tier club in that league.
This should help her become better and hopefully, we will see more of her in the Super Falcons!
Congrats, Roosa!

BascoVanVeli:
Na wa for Spain oooo. The girl has only been Nigerian for one week and they already snap her up . Spain is now the second home for Nigerian footballers. Good to see.

Still don't know why Roosa was subbed out in the 42nd minute. She was playing well at the time.
Also, liked the Central defense partnership between Zogg and Demehin.

AkinDS:
Bootleg version of Jamaica vs Nigeria - Summer Series.

Bootleg version of Jamaica vs Nigeria - Summer Series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-F966ZiLvg

As of today when I checked, the IOC still has Zambia Womens team listed.
They are in Group F: China PR, Brazil, Zambia, Netherlands.

JohnBullMySon:
What's your source please?

This is the only thing i could pull up from the web, friendlies cancellation.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/team-gb-zambia-friendly-cancelled-b1870691.html

You have a point regarding the intel.
However, considering the fact that they have yet to kick a ball since their friendly with Morocco in 2020, why would you give them an opportunity to knock off the rust by letting them play multiple games in the 6-Nation Invitational?
It would make sense not to give them an opportunity to get themselves organized and let them remain rusty, wouldn't it?

JohnBullMySon:
Don't you think we need the Intel on them as well?

In as long as she is still in Waldrum's plans, that's fine.
Speaking of the 6-Nation Invitational, there was talk about expanding it to include Argentina and Romania. Is that still in the works?
Not sure of the intelligence of inviting Ghana to participate, considering we will be playing them in October and that will pretty much give them all the intel they need.

Schemerkhiz:
Zogg and Roosa were not supposed to be in this squad for the Summer Series, we were supposed to have them in Camp by September for the 6 Nations Tournament in Lagos but due to the withdrawal of some of the team regular player's, Coach had no choice than to bring them in earlier than expected..

We're hoping that Ashleigh Plumptre get cleared by FIFA, ASAP before the September Camp..

Agree. No discountenancing the fact that she is an imposing player, with pace. The additional camping environment will be helpful for her.
BTW, what happened with Roosa? Was surprised she didn't get more game time. She seemed like she integrated well and was accepted by the team.

Schemerkhiz:
She would definitely adapt sooner than later..

One game or two?

Schemerkhiz:
Can't tell yet, but Coach already confirmed that we're Camping in Europe...

who are we playing?

Schemerkhiz:
Confirmed

Superfalcon to Camp in Europe this Coming July, List will be out soon...

She is naturally shy and I think she felt a bit out of place, not in a bad way though, as she mentioned in an article I read yesterday...

Ifeoma Onumonu’s first games with Nigeria were a cultural education
https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2021/06/25131409/GettyImages-1233543030.jpg

By Steph Yang Jun 25, 2021 10
Ifeoma Onumonu’s first national-level cap came as a substitute, coming on for Nigeria in the 55th minute against Jamaica in U.S. Soccer’s Summer Series. Then came a start against Portugal, and then 25 minutes against the U.S. It was another step in Onumonu’s steady ascension after the California native was approached by Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum late last year.

But while Onumonu seemed to fit right in on the field, off the field it was a more complex situation.

“I’m an introvert. I’m not very good at being the one to talk first,” Onumonu said in a phone call after returning to Gotham FC after the Summer Series.

There were familiar faces. One-time U.S. youth soccer teammate Toni Payne, whom Onumonu said she considered a good friend, was also on the Nigeria roster. Former NWSL favorite Franny Ordega also helped her acclimate to the group.

“She was definitely one of those people that was like, hey, come here, sit here. Tell us more about yourself,” Onumonu said.

Still, Onumonu said she felt a disconnect in the locker room as someone who has gone through life as a Black American while being taught her parents’ Nigerian culture.

One of the most obvious divides between Onumonu and her teammates was the language. “There are three main languages in Nigeria. So there’s Hausa, there’s Yoruba, and there’s Igbo. I am Igbo. I do not speak it at all,” Onumonu said. She was raised in Southern California where her parents would speak Igbo to each other, but not to her.

“I think they kind of had that approach like, we’re in American now. And we really have to integrate ourselves into American culture, if you want to survive,” she said. “It’s just like, you’re an American. We’re here. We worked so hard to be here. And we worked so hard to make you an American. So that’s what you’re going to be.”

Onumonu qualifies to represent Nigeria through her parents, both of them dual citizens who were born in Nigeria, and it was that duality that Onumonu pointed to as part of her biggest adjustment in joining the team, more than any on-field tactics. “Soccer is soccer,” she said. The essentials of the game are the same wherever you go. But learning who your teammates are and the dynamics of a locker room — that can take a different kind of adaptation, especially when you come from different countries and cultures.

“I was raised in America and have kind of, like, an American mindset-style,” she said. “I am Nigerian, but obviously haven’t been there since I was very young. So, I think for me, that was the biggest adjustment I had to make. Trying to fit into the team, fit into the culture, integrate myself into the culture again. So, yeah, I think that’s really the biggest learning I have to do. But the women there were amazing, very welcoming, and it is such a bright and warm culture at the same time.”

“It’s like, sometimes I didn’t feel fully Nigerian,” she said. “But obviously, that’s not my fault. I think when (my teammates) see me, I’m supposed to be Nigerian. But at the same time, I’m like, okay, yes, but there’s also this part of my experiences and how I was raised, where I was raised, that shaped my thinking, shaped who I am that is different from you.”

Her teammates reacted with disbelief when she couldn’t speak any Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or pidgin, and would mention that she should learn. “And I’m like, I understand that. But you act like I had a choice in all this,” Onumonu said with a gentle laugh. That was often her tone as she thoughtfully considered her place among a squad that made her feel welcome, but sometimes could also make her feel isolated due to their differences.

“I’m looking forward to just learning more about my heritage and knowing more about the Nigerian side of my culture,” She said. “Because I feel like there has been, because I was raised in the US, there has been lacking on that side. So being with the team has opened my eyes to, you know, that there’s so much more.”

It’s a common experience among American immigrants, seeing their U.S.-born children grow up completely immersed in a culture different to their own, only to become adults without strong ties to their parents’ home. It’s not universal of course; immigration stories run an enormous spectrum of experiences and emotions. Some immigrants do their best to keep to the traditions and beliefs of their mother culture; others leave their histories behind and attempt to assimilate into local culture. There’s no one authentic story of immigration. But many first-generation children find themselves searching for connections and histories, trying to reconcile experience and identity into one coherent life instead of two distinct lives that straddle an invisible line – a line that can shift depending on where you are and who is perceiving you.

Among any culture or ethnic group there’s a range of identity and experience, but often these groups tend to get flattened into homogeneity in the United States

“Because I am Black in America – I consider myself Nigerian – but in America, when people see me, I’m Black,” said Onumonu. And in a room where everyone saw her as Nigerian, just as everyone else in the room was Nigerian, Onumonu felt something she didn’t even realize was missing until she had it.

“You don’t really realize that there’s that lack there until you find out that there’s so much more,” she said. “I didn’t realize like, wow, this is what it feels like to have, and be surrounded by other people that are not necessarily Black but Nigerian, in being there and experiencing that and the way they think and how they feel. And I’m like, wow, I didn’t really know that I was missing all of this and that there is so much more that I can add to my experience.”

(Photo: Robin Alam / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Schemerkhiz:
Who noticed Ifeoma Onomonwu wasn't at her top Performance at the Summer Series in USA??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvX5lm95HoE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRnp421YPIY
Super Falcons Training session in Houston

isan:
Payne scored a beauty for sevilla today , she need to move to a big club next season

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JdCUzUt6A8

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv7XwCWBn6I&t=71s

Please, kindly make the highlights as I will be very much interested in seeing them.

BascoVanVeli:
So u didn't see Zogg losing the ball numerous times because she was dwelling on the ball? I will make highlights ooo let us try to tell the truth.