₦airaland Forum

I wouldn't call myself Onuachu's biggest fan but in the spirit of fairness in answer to your question Paul did score that last minute winner against Benin away during the AFCON 2021 Qualifier.

yinkeys:
Tolu has scored 2 important goals for Nigeria
Especially when we needed it
You cannot bring on Onuachu when we desperately need a goal & expect him to deliver
Thé goals against Russia away & Rwanda at home were vital
I didn’t see Onuachus work in the EPL
Arokodare has caused serious problems for teams like Arsenal
Onuachu missed one decent clear cut chance in the 1st half against Uganda
When has Onuachu scored or come through when we desperately need a goal for Nigeria
Its the same Boniface argument
Looks like Arokodare has too many haters on this thread, I just speak fact
I don’t even know any of these guys
Arokodare has seemed more lethal for Nigeria than Onuachu
They may have better club achievements but Nigeria is a different ball game
Which club achievement does Sunday Mba have to Obi Mikel, but in that tournament Mba played better than Mikel in the KO rounds
Even if you don’t like Tolu’s personality, this is just the fact
Id rank him ahead of Boniface & Onuachu when it comes to making things happen when we desperately need it
Uganda was a friendly match lol
We already qualified
I hope Onuachu can get more goals in the KO rounds now that we need him & other strikers

From what I've seen so far in this AFCON Morocco, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Senegal (haven't really watched them) have the best midfields one of them is definitely going to win the AFCON.

Morocco has sharpness and intensity. Not forgetting home factor. Weaknesses include home pressure to win, haven't really been tested, plus they look slightly fragile if you have a go at them.

Algeria has fluidity, defensive frugality and tactical sharpness. Weaknesses haven't faced serious opposition, don't know if they will cope under pressure. Guess we will find out against a top DR Congo side.

Ivory Coast has depth in midfield and resilience based on their comeback win against Gabon. Weaknesses include lack of a proper 9, suspect back ups in defense, nd average goalkeeper.

Nigeria has best attack at the AFCON, fluid midfield, plus back ups look decent. Weaknesses suspect defense and fragile goalkeeping personnel.

Senegal from the little I've seen direct, great middle and decent attack. Haven't seen too many obvious weaknesses but I think based on the DR Congo game they might struggle against much stronger opposition.

Any of the above teams that maximizes their strengths and manages their shortcomings the best will win the tournament.

SymphonyRad:
I think it's safe to say we currently have the best midfield in Africa, only Morocco, Senegal and Ivory Coast are close.

Happy New Year my pips!

Wishing everyone a healthy, blessed, and prosperous 2026.

May this new year also bring loads of triumphs and success to our football national teams in particular the Super Eagles.

Amen!

Funny description of Algeria's clash with DR Congo.

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh pic.twitter.com/5PCkDVCgvr

— DIMA (@dimadamelio) December 30, 2025

Yeah i've not seen too many squads in the SE recent history where the bench can also hold their own.

Good thing is we didn't get out of first gear like you rightly noted.

lbrichman2:
What is even more impressive is that we never got out of first gear..
The whole game felt like a veritable training session..
Our 2nd team will go toe to toe will many top teams in Africa

True sha. No be pesin look up look down invite Usman come national team.

Mujtahida:
No curtains for anybody oo. If you were told that Uzoho would make the team after almost three years absence, would you have believed it?

Once Benjamin is back from injury then it might be curtains for Chidozie as far as the national team is concerned.

lbrichman2:
Exactly
I feel for him
But his time is running out
Ogbu has moved closer to the first team while Awaziem has moved further from the squad altogether..
I see him being dropped after the AFCON

I think he was just cautious. Osimhen at full flight plays with a more energetic display.

In a way I was pleased with his subdued performance because it allowed other players to shine and show what they are about.

Seems Eric doesn't rate Dessers.

Joebie:
Osimhen is not playing like he is 100% fit. Or he played cautiously uncharacteristically today.

Yeah he honestly impressed me.

Been a a while we had a midfielder who could provide that goal scoring threat.

EEGA:
Our coaches not giving Raphael playing time, is seriously affecting his game.

From his debut up until Chelle's appointment, he has always been known for his goals and forward passes.

The forward passes seems to be lacking in his game lately.He now prefers side-ways passing and back-ward passes.

He got his mojo back, and started threading diagonal and forward passes after his brace.

We've a midfield maestro in our hands, but must give him enough playing time to excel.

Didn't cover himself in glory for the Ugandan goal.

lbrichman2:
He's played himself out of the team

Very matured and professional performance from the boys but must we always concede?

Good to see that our reserves especially the midfielders look up to the task should we need to draft them in.

Great Man of the Match display from Onyedika. Took his two goals very well and always controlled things in the middle of the park.

Fisayo too was good. Nnadi looks decent.

Ryan looked very assured defending and going forward. Will get better.

Bruno has sealed the left back position for now.

Overall confident performance going into the second round.

Also have PTSD from the last time we finished with full 9 points in the group stage but I'm optimistic we will surmount that second round hurdle by God's grace.

Attack is looking more fluid every game. Long may it continue.

P.S. Uzoho did well with the basics that's all I really want from the goalkeepers for now.

Got you Doc! no P.

Well, you also name dropped Nwakali who hasn't done anything near Iwobi for the national team.

As regards mentioning Okocha many people criticized him for his lack of defensive contributions too even though he was a magician on the ball.

Again, like I said before I also want Iwobi to do his fair share of defensive work but if it will be at the expense of his attacking contributions, I know what I will choose.

TheSuperNerd:
The Hypocrisy was not even referring to you. If you felt it was for you then you clearly misread. The hypocrisy refers to the 2021 period where folks were expecting everything offensive and defensive from Nwakali who started one game and played 2x as a sub while ignoring Iwobi's defensive lapse today. If you felt it was for you, then that is not my doing.

Now, despite Nwakali not being a starter at Afcon 2021, he had better chances creation stats than every midfielder we paraded at that Afcon so the notion that he didnt contribute that much offensively is not true at all. I remember clearly dropping the numbers and folks deviated from that to his defensive lapses.


Now, we are in 2025. Another Afcon and you are saying that we should not really be concerned about Iwobi's defensive numbers so long as he keeps delivering the progressive passing and creative throughballs and all that (something he doesnt consistently deliver too). This means you all are tolerant of a weak side that could come back to hurt us and I point this out now so that when it does (if it persists), none of you complain later.

Name dropping Jay Jay Okocha? Okocha is not in the same league as Iwobi as far as the Super Eagles is concerned. Iwobi is not Okocha that he should not contribute to defence

In modern global football, it is often said, if you are not Messi or C.Ronaldo, then you have to bloody defend!

Infact Jurgen Klopp, then coach of Liverpool uttered the words... "If you are not Lionel Messi, you have to defend." He said this while while he had the famed front 3 of Firmino, Salah and Mane.

This applies to the Super Eagles where Okocha remains the biggest AM name that ever featured for us. World renowned. Well respected. You cannot bring Iwobi's uncle into a conversation about Iwobi defending because Iwobi will never be up to the level of the legend that Okocha was in football. That is facts.


Iwobi must contribute his quota to defending if we are to compete with Africa's best in the middle game. Ndidi must not be overworked. And Onyeka cannot do it all while combining two roles as a double pivot and RCM.

Yes, they most likely will be cleared before round two games commence.

Odunayaw:
I thought cards picked up in group stage are cancelled for the knockout round

No need to get all testy Doc. We're having a civil discussion so please put away the name calling.

Now to address your point. I never said Iwobi should not contribute defensively. I said ideally, he should however if he's failing in that angle he's at least been adding more to our offensive threats. Plus considering that he's an AM he will be judged more on his attacking stats than defensive numbers.

You then brought Nwakali as an example of something who contributed attacking wise in the 2021 without doing much defensively claiming it's hypocrisy. KC didn't contribute that much offensively to the team's attack then for you to be using him as a reference.

Okocha in his heyday was a defensive liability for the SE but we all consider him a legend of Nigerian football for his offensive prowess. No many people cared that he wasn't doing his marking duties as long as he was giving assists or scoring.

Iwobi should do his fair bit of defensive work but if push comes to shove, I will rather see him more effective in an attacking sense because that's where he will be most useful. Last AFCON that he was putting in a defensive shift in the end what did he get? Abuse and ridicule.

TheSuperNerd:
That is not football for you. That is Hypocrisy for you. If results mattered alone, some of us wont point out Chelle's error in the Tunisia game. We would say since he bagged the 3pts, then all was perfect.

For me, it would be best for Chelle to communicate this defensive lapse observation to Iwobi in order to make us much more unplayable and near impenetrable through the middle. Keep executing your primary duty of creating and offensively orchestrating the plays but kindly join in defending too when we are out of possession and transitioning to defence. Chikena.

That's football for you, results are the ultimate.

Iwobi will for now get a pass from me as long as he continues contributing significantly to the team's offense.

TheSuperNerd:
Does this negate the point that he created the most big chances among our midfielders at the 2021 edition? If no one converts big chances or keypasses, would they be assists? Did anyone then agree it is not his primary duty to defend? He was villified for it and his creative game ignored.

But now we must focus only on the good Iwobi gives offensively while ignoring his defensive lapses that needs improvement for the betterment of our team's defensive transitions? I think not.

He was offside just as Akor released his shot.

minfelix:
im still wondering why Osimhen’s first goals was ruled offside….go and watch Aubameyang’s goal vs Mozambique…its just same goal from a rebound shot, where Aubameyang was already waiting in same position where Osimhen stayed to latch on to a shot

Looks fine but Lookman should absolutely be rested.

Onyedika also for Ndidi Partnering Ebenezer. Fisayo just behind the front 3.

junnyjake:
What do you think of this lineup against Uganda?

Doc Nwakali no drop 2 assists for single game o. Pre-assist sef him no drop.

Not disparaging your observations on Iwobi just saying if ideally I can't get much out of him defensively I would rather he continue to be more effective higher up the pitch.

TheSuperNerd:
He is not expected to drop Kante stats defensively. Not even close. But he should contribute decent defensive output.
This was the same case/angle made against K.Nwakali during his Afcon debut at Afcon 2021 when he paired Ndidi so why the flip on Iwobi? Nwakali was brilliant offensively and creatively and put out better chance creation numbers than our other midfielders but was constantly knocked for his defensive lapses. Same but even worse is showing at this afcon with Iwobi defensively.

He needs to step up a bit in that department while executing his primary duties. Afterall, it is not in every transtion that he is creating.

Iwobi's passing ability has been near peak levels of recent.

BankyGee:
Not related to my above post, but who has noticed that only Iwobi in our squad knows how to calculate Osimhen's run and give him a pass when he's not offside?

The thing no hard, Osimhen has mad level of both acceleration and speed, he's one of the fastest center forwards in the world, if not the fastest. Watch Iwobi's through-passes to him, he let the defend be ahead of Osimhen a little, let Osimhen turn to start his run, then he releases the ball past the side of the defender for Osimhen to run up to it and twice in this AFCON, it has been perfect. None of those defenders fast reach Osimhen, but other players will wait for Osimhen to start running and before they pass the ball, he has marginally or even by a mile run into an offside position.

Yes, Doc it's not pleasant but on the flipside if he's making very good contributions in attack then I can overlook that since it's not his primary.

I think his qualities will be wasted doing defensive work when he can be doing the damage for us in the final third.

Last AFCON when he was doing defensive work no be abuse and insult e end last last.

TheSuperNerd:
Thank you.

In as much as we praise Iwobi's ball distribution and creative eye in the middle, it must be said how poorly his defensive contributions have been across 2 games so far. 2 games and only 1 defensive contribution. It is not nice. Not nice at all.

2025 AFCON has so far matched the 2023 edition for on field quality of play, drama, and fantastic goals.

Still lacking that off field vibe in my opinion.

Phew! What a pulsating game of football last night was.

Final scores really flattered the Tunisians as the Super Eagles were absolutely dominant save for the last 20-25 minutes caused by a combination of the coach's brain fart, Nwabali nwabaling, and the disgraceful penalty decision.

My Player ratings:

Nwabali (5.5) - Would have given him a lower score if not that we won in the end. Diabolical performance in the second half. Had he dived for the first Tunisian goal it would probably have been a save. Clattering into his defenders causing panic, Standing like a statue for that Tunisian header that almost entered for an undeserved equalizer. Coaching crew as a matter of urgency needs to do something about as he's continually looking like a weapon fashioned against us.

Osayi (6.5) - Started well but fizzled out towards the end when the SE defense started coming under relentless attack from the Tunisians. Did well venturing into attacking positions but final ball was poor.

Bruno (7.0) - Was generally solid. Offered some attacking threat on the left with his crosses though not always accurate. At a point I was starting to get irritated with his theatrics especially when fouled but when I saw the kind of dark arts the Tunisians were starting to deploy I then understood what he was doing.

Ajayi (7.5) - Another good performance. No frills just professional and steady.

Bassey (8.0) - Rock of Gibraltar. If Nigeria God willing goes far in the competition won't be surprised if he's named in the XI of the tournament.

Ndidi (8.5) - Captain fantastic performance capped with a splendid goal. What a time to grab your first goal for the national team! Cultured and intelligent display. If I'm nitpicking probably didn't need to foul the Tunisian player for the freekick that led to the first goal.

Onyeka (8.0) - Frank the Tank understood the assignment. Provided the energy and cover for Iwobi and Ndidi to flourish.

Iwobi (8.0) - Another master class performance from the Fulham maestro. Intelligent passing and ball distribution that kept the attack ticking. His pre-assist for the third goal was a beauty to behold.

Akor (7.5) - Another mature performance from the Sevilla striker. Even though he has had to play a slightly subdued role to allow Osimhen flourish his impact has still been felt. Deserved an assist to his name for his pinpoint cross that Victor headed over the bar in the first half.

Osimhen (8.5) - Typical Osibaba performance. Miss the sitter and score the harder chance. Was an absolute terror to the Tunisian back line and am sure will be glad not to face him anytime soon. Victor's link up play with Lookman is something to behold.

Lookman (9.5) - Tournament Ademola is a frightening sight for opposition to behold. So far the best individual performance by any player at the AFCON. 2 assists and 1 goal. What's there to add.

Subs:

Ejuke (6.0) - Didn't displayed calmness and intelligence when required to use his ball hugging skills to dampen the momentum of the Carthage Eagles. Gave the ball away annoyingly too when we were under pressure. Probably should have done better with the chance he had towards the end.

Simon (6.5) - Didn't see much of him from an attacking standpoint.

Awaziem (6.5) - Extra body that helped reduce the pressure.

Overall one of the best performance from the SE I've seen in years unfortunately overshadowed by our mini collapse in the final 20 minutes. To put 3 goals past a Tunisian defense known for it's frugality is no mean feat and is worthy of applause.

I will commend Chelle but he has to stop this habit he has of undoing his great work with substitutions which end up sabotaging his efforts. Why switch to a 2-man midfield when the 3 you had were doing the job? Were Fisayo, Nnadi, Onyedika, and Ebenezer all injured that they couldn't replace Onyeka?

Move of the match:

The passing combination between Iwobi, Osimhen, and Lookman for the third goal. Chef's kiss!

Game day!

Optimistic of a good result.

Expect a tactically disciplined and wily Tunisian team but our individual superiority should help us carry the day God willing.

Let's go Super Eagles!

My player ratings for yesterday's game:

Nwabali (6) - Wasn't troubled much but still looks out of sorts for me. Poor ball distribution with his feet and his hesitation to intercept the flighted ball which led to Tanzania's goal was a sore point for me.

Osayi (6.5) - Was decent and handled his defensive duties without much fuss. Would have wanted to see more of him contribute in an offensive sense but overall ok game.

Zaidu (6) - Below average game. Caught ball watching for Tanzania's goal. Caught out of position too couple of times. Didn't do enough for me in creating overloads to the Tanzanian back line.

Ajayi (7.5) - Composed performance. Took his goal very well. Despite not being troubled much yesterday I still feel he will struggle against better forwards and will function best in a 3-man backline.

Bassey ( - Absolute rock in defense. Cutting off any danger that surfaced. Loved his bursting forward runs. Should do that more often.

Ndidi (7) - Did his best to control tempo and stabilize the midfield. I understand why Chelle rates because honestly Wilfred's positioning is decent but the physicality and exertion required to sniff out danger isn't there anymore. He definitely needs someone to compliment him in the middle of the park.

Iwobi (8.5) - Capped off a man of the match performance with two assists. Could have had more if the forwards had their shooting boots on. Was at the heart of every offensive move. Unfortunate not to get an icing on the cake goal for a very good performance.

Chukwueze (6.5) - Decision making and final ball was a let down. Also gets muscled off too easily a times for my liking. Rightly removed by the coach. Needs to do better.

Lookman ( - Ademola is back on the beat. Fantastic goal. Full of energy and directness however needs to do better linking with his forward partners especially Osimhen.

Akor (7) - Good link up play and intelligent movement. Loved how he connected with Osimhen especially for the disallowed goal and chance cleared off the goal line. Should have also had a goal earlier in the game.

Osimhen (6.5) - Off colour performance from our main man. Straying too often into offside positions and too anxious when in front of goal. His pace and movement already does most of the work for him so he needs to be calmer when facing the opposition goalie. Unfortunate that his goal was ruled offside though.

Subs:

Moses Simon (7.5) - Came on and was an instant threat on the left. Helped put the Tanzanian defense on the back foot. Crosses became wayward towards the end though.

Fisayo (6.5) - Work like performance. Nothing fancy. Tried to make some offensive incursions but didn't quite come off. Will improve.

Onuachu (N/A) - Was only on for a few minutes but didn't do anything of note.

Loads of positives to take from the game from an attacking point of view. Midfield issues sticks out like a sore thumb which will DEFINITELY be exploited by better quality opposition. Nwabali still looks like a ticking time bomb. Chelle has a lot to correct before we face Tunisia on Saturday.

hmm this might be SHAPING up to be the best AFCON ever if you know watta mean

mostob:
Cape Verde never play o...
AFCON na full package... We got everything

At least Amokachi's takes were entertaining unlike egbon lateral abi collateral movement.

WarHammer2000:
That and "lateral movement"😁

Reminds me of Amokachi's "sèxy penetration passes"😁

Yeah back 3 might be the way to go especially against opponents who will use the ball better.

mrwilliams9:
Overall, decent start from the SE. Created a lot of chances to have won this 3-1 or 4-1.

This formation needs another midfielder. Simple and short. I don't know what Onyedika must do to get a game, but Ndidi can't do it alone.

We may want to consider going to a back 3 to shore up that defense.

I'd like to see us with a 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2.

Midfield of Iwobi, Ndidi, and Onyedika. The front 3 of Adams, Osimhen and Lookman.

Simon was more impactful when he came on if you ask me.

Osimhen too was off colour today. Trying shots from impossible angles, poor first control, still straying offside and also moaning unnecessarily.

Goke7:
The coach made changes too early if na me be chuks too I go vex haba just 50 mins you Dey sub me I kill person? 😂

Nididi and Simon are Chelle boys they must play no matter what.

Ah that Alex chance was lovely real pity he didn't score.

Ndidi needs help in the middle of the park. He just hasn't got the legs anymore.

Don't know why Chukwueze was moaning when he came off wasn't like he lit up the game with some special performance.

Goke7:
That was a beauty of a goal I was proud as a Nigerian. Just the way the Egyptians main players stepped up last night Lookman showed winning APOTY was no fluke that was class

Iwobi should have scored another beautiful goal. Three points in the bag is a good start. Hoping to see more cooking in the next game

You sef see am!

Symmetrical asymmetrical yet he couldn't beat these same Tanzanians when he was coach.

Kilishihunter:
Oliseh should also not come for our next game's commentary, what's "this asymmetrical way of attacking the Tanzanias" na from where he go get coaching license he learn that one?

Not champagne football but a win regardless.

Lookman and Osimhen still lacking that telephatic understanding to play off each other.

Midfield still needs PLENTY work ahead of a sterner test against Tunisia.

Nwabali is still looking out of sorts.

Ajayi took his goal well but I still fancy him in a 3-man defensive setup than a 2 man partnership.

We take the win and move on to the next game.

Game day!

Praying for a very positive and emphatic start.

Tanzanians will most likely be defensive and rely on the odd counter so we have to be at our absolute sharpest.

Optimistic of a solid win.

Let's go Super Eagles.