₦airaland Forum

nelszx:
A serious coach will know the Ghanaian team list is 90% of those who participated at the afcon. Apart from Kudus and few others, you can prepare with their afcon squad. There won't be any major changes
Even their starting 11 will have 2 or 3 changes of the team that played against Comoros

I also think their team wouldn't change much from AFCON. This is about the weakest Ghana team we have faced in a long while.

The Tunisia game has given them a lot of optimism.

We need a positive result away to make the home game more comfortable for us.

Ghana's FA are delaying the release of the list of invitees to face Nigeria for "strategic" reasons citing cyber attack on players.....they most likely have prepared their dossier on our players for the tie but want to make it difficult for Eguavoen & co to do same.

It is high time our team gets a right balance in the different departments.

Our midfield is pretty thin. Don't understand why we invite so many forwards knowing full well that 1 or 2 of them might never get to play at all.
Our squad looks eye catching but is imbalanced. ..then we waste valuable slots to players like Shehu and Onazi.

JohnBullMySon:
Amuneke confirms Maduka is still first choice

https://www.brila.net/we-cant-drop-maduka-okoye-because-of-one-mistake-amuneke/

Maduka is just like De Gea. Mistake prone but still very talented.

Comparing De Gea to Maduka is quite a stretch. Akpeyi and Maduka may actually share more similar attributes.

semid4lyfe:
That's exactly how they'll play.

Playing an open all out attacking formation against us will be suicidal for them cos of our fast & skillful forward players.

...... and I am not sure Eguavoen knows how to counter that formation.

It will be a nervy game. I hope Eguavoen and his crew have learned from AFCON.

Aside Eguavoen talking about his team, tactics and so on .....he needs to show some level of innovation and flexibility in his tactical approach.

The Ghanaians are most likely going to adopt the Tunisian template at AFCON against us because it suits them perfectly as the underdog. Wouldn't be surprised if Ghana lines up in a 4-5-1 formation, defending deep and relying on counters.

It's not really hypocrisy per say but a mental way of reinforcing their beliefs in my opinion.

Most adherents of absolutist religions believe everyone outside their faith is on a wrong path destined for damnation. This is a control tool perfected to keep them loyal.Seeing someone doing just fine without sharing their beliefs exposes the latent doubts in their minds since no Q.E.D proof exists for their underlying beliefs.

A non-adherent to an absolutist religion represents the physical manifestation of the doubts in their hearts of it's adherents. The negative reaction is only a way of "preserving" their beliefs..

Reminds me of when I didn't join the lodge prayers with a group of colleagues. They began attributing random events in my life like accidentally dropping a spoon while eating or tripping on a staircase to "lack of prayer". lol
The typical religious Nigerian is a brainwashed Clown. I am happy you saw the hilarious side of their actions.

Stormtrooper11:
Exactly what was on my mind

This reflects the mindset of most of these Anglo-Nigerian players.

Their first love would always be England.

Don't be surprised to hear him sing "God save the queen" when he is with the Eagles.

On a serious note, I think he adds depth to our flanks.

I am not expecting any more switches from these Anglo-Nigerian players until the world cup is over.

Most of them are nursing childhood dreams of repping England at a world cup. When some are approaching 30yrs with zero or few caps then they will begin to develop fond memories of Nigeria to actualize their world cup dream.

andrewbaba44:
Shehu should be converted to a number 10 as he will surely do well there

Gernot Rohr's favorite son.

When Rohr was there the narrative was Federal Character..but when Keshi made controversial call-ups it was bribery.

Skin color really does a lot to our perception.

Stormtrooper11:
Dede Ayew won't play the game tho. Red carded just like our Iwobi

Ayew is a bigger miss in my opinion which is good news for us.

Iwobi's form at AFCON wasn't encouraging. But who is Iwobi's likely replacement? It means Nwakali could play a part in the first leg.

Kog45:
Okoye is not assuming.I said it here Okoye will cost us Afcon and am repeating it Okoye in goal against Ghana will likely costs us WC qualifications...yes our best keeper based on his club performance but damn too average in super eagles.

The Ghanaians would be happy to see Okoye in goal. Dede Ayew that shoots pretty well may just need some speculative shots to score against us.lol

Okoye's confidence must have been battered to an extent after the Tunisia game. He doesn't need the pressure of the WCQ at the moment.
Some players may be average for their clubs but beastly in the national team and viceversa...that's why relying on club performances alone can be misleading atimes.

komekn:
If you get to meet Chris Houghton ,his integrity is UNQUESTIONABLE his wisdom as a Father figure unmatched. His honesty and players compassion will make you as a player want to adopt him as your Father. He will give Ghana so much self belief and motivation but based in sound planning and strategy.

In all honesty in terms of Football technical understanding and knowledge our technical crew are not ahead of him in any way or shape.

We will win this game based on the best team selection and a very hard working Midfield.

A lot of mention has been made about his humility. The fact the has coached youth teams in the past could mean he is likely to be patient in rebuilding this Ghana team which has a number of young players coming through.

Hughton's usually sets his team up in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 which mirrors Eguavoen's preferred setup though he has also used the 4-3-3 recently.

I also believe the midfield battle would be key. Our 4-4-2 setup in the last AFCON left us lean in central areas making us susceptible to swift counter attacks. I am expecting a tactical tweak for the tie.

Ghana have got a top coach in Chris Hughton. His former players praise his attention to minute details when preparing dossiers about the opposition.

Our technical crew must ensure they don't get outfoxed.

andrewbaba44:
According to some beer parlour analyst here ,Once a player can do senseless dribbles with no end product he becomes a playmaker immediately

Evolution of modern tactics has somewhat reduced the need to have a playmaker.

An effective high press can create far more chances than a single AM would.
The SE midfield lacks a genuine CM/CAM who can dictate the play with intelligent passing , positioning and movement.
We have a fair number of good dribblers already.

Stormtrooper11:
Same reason Kelechi Nwakali is still in the 2nd tier La Liga in Huesca

You are shaking tables��. Watch your back.
I am actually indifferent to Nwakali but I'd glad if he eventually actualizes his potential.

Hardly heard reports questioning Ejaria's professionalism that's why it's surprising to me that he has remained in the championship.

Joezinho:
Etebo is not the the same player he was 4 years ago. The successive injuries seem to be taking a toll on him. He's not as dynamic as he used to be...

Also, for those that cares to listen -- I believe Ejaria will be key for Nigeria. I can say confidently that he is a better dribbler than any of our players. He will be a perfect option to Iwobi at AM. I'm not sure if he could play CM, but it may be possible.

I keep wondering why Ejaria has spent so much time in the championship when the likes of Ebere Eze and Olise were able to step up to the premiership.

Subzero47:
Jeez have you guys not learnt anything??!

That's because he has a higher conversion rate amongst our forward players...he looks the most likely to bury half chances. No matter how critical you are of Nacho, it's difficult naming a present SE forward with his cold-blooded finishing.
But if we play a 4-3-3 with a lone striker then I don't fancy him playing upfront ..Osimhen is more suited to that.

A 4-4-2 is a no no because we presently do not have the right personnel to execute it....plus it's already predictable.

My preferred formation for the first leg of the WCQ is 3 -5-2.

Uzoho

Ekong. Balogun/Omeruo Awaziem

Aina Onyeka Ndidi Aribo. Zaidu

Iheanacho Osimhen

I think this formation helps the team accommodate Nacho who is an excellent finisher without pruning the midfield unlike the 4-4-2.

Alternatively I will prefer a 4 -3-3 formation if we must use our traditional wingers. We can't afford to give the Ghanaians the numerical advantage in the midfield.

do4luv14:
Oga free Okoye abeg,

and for your information he will keep for the two leds

Bro, derbies are tricky by default.

If Okoye starts, he will be under a lot of pressure mentally due to recent events.
Resting him for this tie is for his own good.

Kog45:
Nigeria vs Ghana always a war.pls your insight on the match.

The two games are going to be like cup finals but I expect them to be approached differently.

The players must be mentally prepared because little details will decide the tie.

For the first game which will be played in Ghana, I expect a slightly more conservative approach. If Nigeria concedes first, it becomes tricky..it's best not to concede an early goal in such a game.The result from the first leg will determine the approach for the second leg.

I expect Eguavoen and his technical crew to tweak his predictable tactical approach from the last AFCON to surprise the Ghanaians.

I wish to see Osimhen, Etebo, Dennis and Ighalo return for the tie while underperformers at AFCON like Chukwueze and Okoye shouldn't be on the starting list. Not expecting too many new faces because the time is really short.

Kog45:
Oga pls let's talk about our WC qualifier match against Ghana....Stephen Okechucwu Keshi is late and he will be remembered for winning Afcon as a player and as a coach,reaching WC second round,first to captain Super eagles to WC,longest serving captain 1984-1994....a player that was banned from national team and NPFL by Anthony Ikhazobo for playing for New Nigeria bank in Wafu cup final but couldn't make it to camp on a deadline date.He ran away to Ivory coast and was signed by stade of Abidjan when he thought he had no hope.He move to Belgian league from Ivory coast to sign for Lokeren and moved to giant Anderlecht after a season.The first Nigerian to play in any major European cup final,against Sampdoria....Stephen Keshi didn't for once criticized NFA for his expelled from football in Nigeria.He made it possible for the likes of Austin Eguavoen,Samson Siasia,Ademola Adeshina,Osaro Obabaifo,Andrew Uwe and many more to come to Belgium for Pro career....The highest Super eagles defender with goals till date.

He has done well no matter how some would like to paint him bad....till today no Nigeria player ex or active love Nigeria Super eagles than Stephen Okechucwu Keshi.

I challenge anyone to come out where Stephen Okechucwu Keshi was indicted for bribery.

RIP the Big boss.

You nailed it Sir.

With all his perceived shortcomings, Keshi towers head and shoulders above Rohr.

It's really saddening when we disrespect our own legends, especially after their demise. If Keshi was White, I strongly believe he will be talked about differently now.

The WCQ in March is going to be extremely nervy. Fingers crossed.

Joezinho:
Before we all scream in excitement about Cisse and local coaches.Do you know that Aliou Cisse was allowed to employ 2-3 foreign expatriates to work for him?

During Samson Siasia tenure he mostly went with his right hand man, kalika, who was paid in USD as his match reader/strategiest. He was successful then, the times Siasia didn't meet his objectives coincided with NFF not making provision for kalika and he didnt do well without him..

Don't know about the provision for expatriates to work with Cisse.

But I recall that Cisse's predecessor, Alain Giresse was offered a very lucrative contract by the Senegalese FA in 2013 to deliver an AFCON title which he failed to do.

Cisse complained about the disparity between the trust the FA had in Giresse which reflected in his contract terms and himself when he took over the reins shortly after in 2015.

I am not implying that the local coaches are outrightly the best, but if we must go foreign, let's go for first grade coaches. Egypt has shown a good example in that regard over the last few years.

andrewbaba44:
Meanwhile

When I remember his tears after missing the penalty that confirmed their defeat in AFCON 2002 (where they were the best team) ironically against Cameroon, I feel happy for him...20 years later, he does it as a coach.

Cisse has in the past argued against appointing these white journeymen as coaches in Africa.

If we must hire a foreigner, let's go for the elite else we stick with our local coaches.

Torture2020:
[s][/s]

My Ghanaian breda what's up with you? ���

ChrisKels:
Who wan bench Mendy for France team abeg? Maignan or Lhoris?

Lloris because of his captaincy. Mendy is definitely good enough to be their main goalie presently.

andrewbaba44:
Abdou diallo ,Bouna sarr can’t cut it at France

Koulibally really wanted to play for Senegal from day 1 ,he never considered playing for France ,dude will easily start at all national team in Europe

So it’s not just English born players as it’s everywhere apart from very few who where different ,if mbappe was an average player he will be playing for Cameroon,same with umtiti

Pogba playing for France while his brother playing for guinea should tell you a lot that African teams will always be second option ,e no shock una say Godfrey kondogbia later played for the central African republic After winning 7 caps for France .

As it is Koulibally is the only eligible French player that will make the French team from Senegal

A keeper like Mendy would at least make the bench for Les blues. Though France is loaded with wingers Mahrez could still have a decent international career if he turned out for France.

I agree with the points you raised but France is loaded with quality players at the moment so these guys are up against very good players and have to switch early.

In our case , English rejects still do plenty shakara for us.... Victor Moses had quality but highly questionable commitment.

zuchyblink:
I told them about our frying contingent and how they made us fail. Eguaveon is old school. Dribbling is not primarily part of the modern game. We failed because our players were showboating. This is why I find it hard to criticize Rohr.

We were so attrocious at the basics of set piece defending under Rohr even after 5 years.
Eguavoen managed to fix that with the little time he had before AFCON.

During Rohr's later years our performance was stifling...his fear and negativity was hampering the players.

The NFF pulled the trigger on him a lot than expected.

ChrisKels:
Quality, burning desire and dedication. From the look on the faces of Diallo and Nampalis Mendy, you could see they were ready to die for the flag. I also saw that in Aina though

I actually agree with you on Aina.

I envy these francophone countries when I see the quality and passion of their French born players... sometimes I just wish we had a larger diasporan population in France.lol

Really admire the quality of the French born players in the teranga lions.

English born players of Nigerian descent see us as a fall back option if they can't cut it with the three lions.

Subzero47:
Wow just wow, Senegal broke the Afcon curse

So happy for Senegal and Mane.

After many heartbreaks.

Appearing in back to back finals shows a level of consistency. I hope they qualify and try to equal the record of El-Hadji Diouf's set at the world cup.

Subzero47:
Or it may indicate lack of creativity to score goals, most of these matches ended in a 0-0 draw

There has also been wastefulness with chances created in some games...more importantly the teams have found a way to even each other out with tactical adjustments.

Can't rule out a few of the WCQ stretching to penalties.