Seagodess: Unfortunately... All of you don't know the problem with this team..why did the coach decide to play a 5 Man defence.. we don't have a Good creative midfielder like the likes of Jay Jay and co . You can't tell me a country of about 200millon people can't produce a creative no 10.. iwobi can't defend.. onyeka was doing over work.. going forward..we need a Better no 10.. we have the attack and the defence at least
That was exactly my point... five defenders with just two midfielders
Even our Coach was defense oriented which give room for more pressure from the opposition team.
Exactly my point from the onset.... using five defenders and just two midfielders... ivory coast dominated the midfield and that starve our attackers of service.... he could have changed the tactics seeing the pressure already. Nigeria lost due to wrong tactics
bada007: The Africa Cup of Nations will reach its dramatic climax on Sunday as two storied footballing powers go head to head in Abidjan. It's Ivory Coast vs Nigeria - the Elephants vs the Super Eagles.
The tournament has delivered storylines in typically emphatic fashion. Chief among them? Hosts Ivory Coast reaching a first final since 2015 despite sacking their manager Jean Louis-Gasset mid-tournament. The mighty Nigeria stand in their way, desperate for silverware having been starved of AFCON success since 2013.
While both sides have done themselves proud and are 90 minutes away from etching their names into African football folklore, what might their respective squads have looked like had those players with dual nationality chosen to represent their ancestral homes?
GOAL runs through 14 stars who could have been playing in the AFCON final in different circumstances...
Bukayo Saka (Nigeria) Saka has been following AFCON closely and lauded the semi-final win for Nigeria over South Africa on social media.
Although young Bukayo was born in Ealing, west London, his parents Adenike and Yomi both hail from the West African nation.
Before committing his international allegiance to England in 2020, the winger admitted it would be a very difficult decision, and after his choice he explained: "I feel like I’m really, really proud of my Nigerian heritage. I always still watch Nigeria’s games where I can, and I wish them all the best and support them all the way.
"But I’ve seen the process of how England are transforming, and I think in the future they’re going to do great stuff. I feel like it was right for me to choose England."
Jamal Musiala (Nigeria) It wasn't just England who lost out on prodigious talent Musiala, who has opted to represent Germany at international level.
As well as the Three Lions, the Bayern Munich starlet also rejected the Super Eagles when they approached him in 2020, having been born to a British-Nigerian father and German mother in Stuttgart.
Explaining his choice in 2023 to TeamNigeriaUK3, Musiala said: "I could have played for Nigeria because it crossed my mind, and I thought about it well. I had good talks with Nigeria and Germany. So it really just came down to me and where I’d feel the most comfortable. So I decided to go with Germany.
David Alaba (Nigeria) Alaba's story is a case of what could have been for Nigeria. The Real Madrid star was actually born to a Nigerian prince in Vienna, Austria, and wanted to play for his father's homeland, but an approach never came - seemingly a result of stringent eligibility rules.
Now an Austria international, the defender had wanted to join up with the Nigerian youth team in 2007 but found his pathway blocked. "I wanted to play for Nigeria but I must confess that there was no formal approach for me," he revealed in 2013.
"A scout actually discussed that with me. I got the information that Nigeria will only consider those who were in the country perhaps because of travelling logistics, and that is the end of that."
Serge Gnabry (Ivory Coast) Another Bayern Munich star who was born in Stuttgart, Gnabry's father is Ivorian and his mother is German.
Ivory Coast made a play to secure the winger's allegiance in 2014 when he was still an Arsenal player, but he explained seven years later that his ties to the country of his birth were simply too strong - although he still feels a close bond to his ancestral home.
"The Ivorian association contacted me and asked for a meeting to convince me to play for their senior national team," Gnabry told GOAL. "But it was always clear to me: I was born and raised here in Germany, I played for almost all of the DFB and youth national teams, so I also want to play for the German senior national team.
"That also means home for me. My father is from there and most of my family still lives there. I've been there a few times and, if time permits, I want to visit more often."
Tammy Abraham (Nigeria) Roma's Abraham has been open in his support of Nigeria during this year's AFCON, joining Saka in backing the Super Eagles on social media.
One of a host of talented players to have honed their skills in south London, the striker's father is Nigerian and is even friends with former Nigerian Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick. In 2017, Pinnick prematurely claimed the then-Chelsea striker had chosen to represent Nigeria, which Abraham - just 19 at the time - was forced to deny.
When he received his first senior England call-up years later, Abraham said: "I was pretty set on England really. Playing in the Premier League meant it would be nice to play in the England team as well. It was flattering [that Nigeria wanted me], but for me my main focus was here."
Fikayo Tomori (Nigeria) A close friend of Abraham and his fellow Chelsea academy graduate, Tomori's family also hail from Nigeria, via Canada.
The AC Milan centre-back has admitted that he 'feels Nigerian', owing to his upbringing. However, he elected to play for England, making his senior debut in 2020 - something he described as "one of the hardest decisions" he's had to make.
Describing his emotions on his call-up, Tomori said: "England is such a big nation, as well as Nigeria and Canada, so I think I was going to be happy with whoever called me up - but it’s nice it is England. It wasn’t England all the way. I had certain people and certain things that I had to consider. I spoke to my family and people that I care about it and that’s the decision I came to. So, when England came calling, it was difficult to say no.
"It was just more of a thing I was waiting for a call-up because the last international break I didn't get a call-up from anyone. This international break, I was waiting for a call-up and England called me up."
Manuel Akanji (Nigeria) Like Alaba, Man City's Akanji claims he never received a call from Nigeria despite being eligible to represent them through his father.
The defender was born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, to a Swiss mother and had been touted to play for Nigeria before ultimately choosing the country of his birth.
Speaking in 2018, he said: "Nigeria never called me to play. There was no question where I should play because Switzerland asked me if I wanted to play for them. I heard nothing from Nigeria. So it was my decision."
Wesley Fofana (Ivory Coast) Although he would have been ruled out of the tournament anyway following the latest in a series of serious knee injuries, Chelsea's Fofana could have represented Ivory Coast in an alternate universe.
Born in the south of France in Marseille, Fofana's father is Ivorian. It was reported that the Elephants were trying to convince the centre-back to switch allegiances back in 2022, with Fofana yet to be called up to Didier Deschamps' France squad at the time, and some serious competition in his way in the form of Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate, among others.
However, it seems their approach fell on deaf ears, with Fofana called up twice by Les Bleus in 2023, making his debut in the summer against Gibraltar. Speaking before making his bow, he told reporters: "France provided my education. It’s the choice of the heart. I had discussions with the Ivory Coast coach, but above all I am French, I was born in France, I had my education here. So, for sure, the choice is not easy. When we see the enthusiasm, we ask ourselves questions, but I am French, it's a logical choice, a normal choice. I chose France because that's what was deep inside me ."
Eberechi Eze (Nigeria) Another south Londoner born to Nigerian parents, and - like Abraham - Eze, too, slipped between the Super Eagles' talons. Despite the aforementioned ex-Nigerian federation president Pinnick saying he was "confidently hopeful" the Crystal Palace star would opt to play for his ancestral home back in 2019, he ultimately pipped for the Three Lions.
Ending years of speculation that he might represent the West African nation, the attacking midfielder explained his decision-making process before making his England debut in the summer, saying: "[It was] more just speaking to the people around me, my family, my wife, getting good advice from the people around, trying to think what is the best decision for myself and my career.
"We think that this is the best one. It is a big opportunity for me, it is the highest level of football. I look at it with no regret at all. You want to test yourself against that, you want to be in that and you can see from the quality of the team, where they are getting to, the confidence they are playing with, it is incredible."
Karim Adeyemi (Nigeria) Alongside Musiala, Adeyemi is the other player of Nigerian descent in Germany's current ranks. Born in the Bavarian city of Munich to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother, it is perhaps little surprise that he decided to play for Germany after he rose through their age grades.
He made his senior debut in 2021, but that has not stopped him from creating a charitable foundation back in Nigeria. Speaking in January on a visit to the country, he told soccernet.ng: "I think I have my roots here. My father is from here, and his heart is still here in Nigeria. Of course, my heart is also here in Nigeria.
"[There is] a story of how I came here to Nigeria. I saw the kids playing football on the street, and I played with them. It’s a small story, but it touched my heart all my life. So I try to give something back to the community."
Noni Madueke (Nigeria) Chelsea's Madueke was also among those to share his support for Nigeria after the AFCON semi-final triumph. An England Under-21 international and a key member of the side that won the U21 European Championship in the summer, he is one of few names on this list who is still eligible for the Super Eagles.
Speaking in 2020 during his time as a PSV player, he said: "I am only 18 so I have got to be open to everything. If I had a closed mindset I would not be where I am now so for sure I am open to both [England and Nigeria]. We just have to see in the future what is best."
However, he has since outlined his desire to break into Gareth Southgate's senior England squad, and that is likely his aim having made the switch to the Premier League in January 2023.
Marc Guehi (Ivory Coast) One player who will perhaps feel a deeper connection to his African heritage, Guehi was born in the Ivorian city Abidjan before moving to south London aged one.
He had been on the Elephants' radar for some time before receiving a senior England call-up in 2022, with then-manager Patrice Beaumelle saying: "I tried to contact him several weeks ago before his decision.
"When I saw him in the English lists I understood that at the moment he wants to try with the Three Lions. Since he went to Crystal Palace he has improved a lot and he could be an option. But the choice has to come from the heart. He will make his own decision."
However, while he was still eligible thereafter having only appeared in friendlies, he has since become a fixture in Southgate's squad.
Dominic Solanke (Nigeria) Another player who is still eligible to play for Nigeria - and one they might have a real chance of convincing aged 26.
The in-form Bournemouth striker has played for England at senior level, but that was in a friendly against Brazil way back in 2017, meaning he is still eligible to switch allegiances. However, speaking in April last year he claimed he had not heard from the Super Eagles about playing for them, and also admitted he still dreams of a Three Lions recall - something which has become a distinct possibility this season.
"It's England for me in the future but it starts with my form at my club," he said. "I know a lot has been said about playing for Nigeria but no one has contacted me about it. Maybe they will in the future."
It has been reported that Solanke would be willing to play for Nigeria at the 2026 World Cup if an England call doesn't arrive beforehand, although he may have to dislodge Victor Osimhen from the line-up.
Curtis Jones (Nigeria) Another player who is still eligible for a Nigeria call-up - although that is perhaps becoming increasingly unlikely given his form for Liverpool this season.
Jones, who has a Nigerian grandmother, has played for England throughout the age grades and has a very good chance of receiving a first senior call-up for the Three Lions' friendlies against Belgium and Brazil in March.
Given his success with the Reds this campaign, he will almost certainly have his eyes set on a place in Southgate's Euro 2024 squad in Germany, but for the time being he will likely be cheering Nigeria on from home on Sunday.
The truth is most of our foreign players that end up playing for Nigeria rather than their country of birth like lookman and Victor Moses among others only did because of lack of opportunities to represent those countries not because they truly love Nigeria or really wanted to play for Nigeria.
Why are they complaining...it will favor me and my family people...if election is tomorrow they will still vote APC so no need to sympathize with anyone
mariahAngel: I remember one time in the village, my grandfather calling me and saying bia were akwa, which means come and take eggs . I excitedly ran to him, only to be given these live creatures; No, thank you sir.🤣🤣
So, can you eat these? Have you had them before? If you have, how do they taste? What do you call them in your language?
Picture source: Instagram
It's called edible...mehn this thing sweet die no joke
Mine is YAKUBU AIYEGBENI. Despite his Atrocious World Cup Miss in South Africa 2010, I believe he still remains one of the Best Strikers this country has produced.🙂
Righthussle: Wike never see anything. He left Kamalu Isaac for this ungrateful idiot.
You forgot wike did worse to his predecessor Amaechi.... what goes around comes around... you don't want anybody to interfere in your administration but you want to interfere in others.. wike is the definition of hypocrite
Afamed: Carefully read what you posted if there is a sense in it.
Is there a stipulated time for demolition of illegal buildings?
You are the acting foolish, am asking a very simple question, why didn't they demolished houses before the election, why wait till after the election before carrying out such act..the government are hypocrites. Because it's it's second tenure he knows he can do anything he wants.
The last video made by rapper Oladipupo Oladimeji, aka Oladips, pleading to be taken to a medical facility before his untimely demise has surfaced.
In the video shared on his Instagram story Tuesday, Oladips, addressing his manager, identified as Rasheed, questioned why he was left alone in the house despite several warnings to his team not to.
Not long after this, the Lalakukulala crooner requested to be immediately taken to a hospital.
This is days after the rapper took to his Twitter account asking fans to pray for him as he did not feel well.
Hard drugs might be the cause of some of this guys death..most of them take all kinds of drugs
pdppower: He is full of Godly wisdom because he supports killing of innocent children, women and defenceless Palestinians. If Boko Haram throws bomb into America, the next thing is for America to destroy the whole of Northern Nigeria, abi.
Ironically the Jews you support against the Palestinians actually hate you Christians.
You be hypocrites... how about the innocent children killed by Hamas
emmabest2000: Within the past three months you never complained, until now he buy a new car you start complaining,
Check yourself very well oooo Hope you're not among the enemy of progress,
If I'm in your shoes I start complaining and threatening to resign after one month of no salary
Stop talking like a fool oga, some employers will tell you to bear as there is no money and I believe that's what he has been telling them.. what do you mean enemy of progress because someone demand his salary...oga says he no get money to pay salary but see money take buy new car, who come be enemy of progress, the oga or the workers...be the judge
Sunisonflex39: Good morning everyone, I don't know if most of you remember me how I was all over nairaland begging for job sometimes last year..
So I gate crashed to this firm around Port Harcourt were I stay, submitted hard copies of my small documents and was called for interview four days letter.it is a bottling a water factory firm owned by one man. There was no offer letter, we were just sent an SMS to resume work on so and so .
I was asked to resume 7.30 to 6pm on a salary of 25k per month..for the first month, I was paid half with the excuse that company was not going well as per sales, the second month I was not paid atol with two other guys that resumed same time as me but oga was just giving us 300 naira each for TP,we thought he is generous, because we were expecting double Salary by the month end since we didn't get our previous salary.
It got to the third month which is this month, the three of us went to the lady that does HR and complained to her, she said we should take our complaint to the boss.
The next day, the man came to work with a new ride..Lexus saloon car, how did I know it was a new car? He called his friend on phone and we overheard him telling his friend to come to his office and see the new car he got..
Letter that day after work which was Friday, I and the three other guys met him and said we have not been paid for like 3 months sir, the man cuts in and said don't we see how the country is, that if we are tired we should go..
Since Friday I and the two other guys left the work.and still planning on what to do on him.
I know the country is bad, but we should not try to take advantage of job seekers just because you feel they look desperate..
Right now my head is just full..
Lawlessness has finished this country... many employers in Nigeria are very wicked and that's why when those Asians come they treat us like slaves in our own countries...in develop countries such can never happen..it's well
9jatriot: When we say do not deliberately make your region unsafe, they will think it is hatred. It is beautiful things like this that make us say it.
There is no region in Nigeria that cannot boast of cultural beauty if we all harness our potentials.
Say whatever you want to say about Lagos, it is far better run than any other part of Nigeria. It is one of the many reasons why many of us support Tinubu.
Our hope or belief is that he is able to replicate or even better what he was able to start in Lagos.
Stop this your hatred oga it won't take you anywhere...I know you are referring to the igbos...how about the north that is ravage by terrorist and herdsmen...tribal bigot
Abisolababe: Good morning nairalanders I think this world is turning to something else
I work with a private organisation where I earn 20k as my monthly stipend For the past one four month now we have not been paid salary and we dare not ask my boss because she is a disciplined woman who doesn't tolerate nonsense..
Things are really getting hard and I couldn't even afford transport fee to work this morning as I have to trek down to work this morning, and on getting to work I decided to summon courage to ask this woman about my salary, She told me to go back to my duty . but to my greatest surprise it was sack letter that follows. I tried talking to her and telling her the situation of things but she wouldn't listen and all what she said is that I have been fired.
I was told to come back ending of November to get my salary..
I don't really know what to do right now, it looks like cheating to me . This is my sweat, something I have work for ...
What a powerful write-up and this is so true but the followers are blind by religion and tribalism that we can't stand together and demand our leaders to set example
Sports › Re: AFCON2023 : the 3 Best individual Player awards by Azzik: 8:02am On Feb 12, 2024
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