₦airaland Forum

It's sad unfortunately it's a national problem caused by people who don't insist on merit and competence. This consequently makes a lot of people hyper skeptical about people's abilities football included.

That said if we're factual we know certain parts of the country more often than not produce the best talents so it is natural for individuals to raise eyebrows if a team is dominated by players from a region not known to produce the most outstanding talents.

On the flip side too we shouldn't generalize and be quick to judge a player based on his ethnicity. If a player is called up to the national team we should give the person the benefit of doubt and believe they are quality until eye test says otherwise.

Goke7:
You see this thing? I just try to behave as if I don’t see such here but it’s becoming too disturbing of late.

Watching Sowore's interview with Seun Akingboloye. He spoke of how he was a correspondent for Bayo Onanuga.

No matter his activism I think there is reasonable evidence to suggest he's running underground things for PBAT don't know what the endgame is but it will be naive to say he isn't involved with Tinubu on some level.

Exactly! Knowing that there is someone just as good waiting in the wings to take your number 1 spot should hopefully make Stanley sit up.

AndSunGorilla:
Am not saying Okoye should and would displace Nwabali o but Okoye made some great saves in the Russia friendly and did very well!!!

Good at the very least Nwabali won't hold us to ransom with his recent erratic performances.

jihday:
I said it here, I expect him back once his ban is over the guy who replaced him na gbef player

That's life for you evolution. The needs of the team supersede individual biases or interests.

If Kelechi could regain his old form he's someone who could be a game changer.

Mujtahida:
Football can be cruel. Just like that Iheanacho and Aribo are not in the conversation as members of the team.

Nothing more to add.

ChrisKels:
Nwabali ahead of Okoye who just came back from a ban

Keep Ekong away from the team. Play Bassey and Frederick.

Give the RB position to Osayi or Awaziem - I don't rate either of them though.

Ejuke plays football like a secondary school boy. Discard him for Lookman and warn Lookman sternly to stop trying to be the hero.

Dele Bashiru goes to the Bench for Iwobi.

If Lookman fails to heed to the advice, pull him out after the first 45minutes and push Iwobi to the left and introduce Bashiru.

Allow Chuks to roam between RW and AM

Ha untop wetin Aina himself talk!?

Jokes apart Adingra hasn't quite shown enough of that AFCON final form or maybe Ola's injury gave the false impression the Ivorian is all that.

The more I remember how many of our players were carrying knocks in that final the more I fit almost swear for JP.

Nwabali, Ekong, Zaidu, Aina, Osimhen omo we try o.

TheSuperNerd:
Chrisooblog, just know that as from today, ur own heaven na View Once. 😂

But seriously, Adingra did make mess of Aina but I understand Aina struggled as he carried a knock in that final. He battled through with a hamstring knock.

Quoting Iwobi and Bassey:

“For those that don’t know, Ola played with a grade 2C hamstring injury. I don’t know how he did it, but he was still one of the best players in the tournament. So many people sacrificed a lot for that AFCON, and he led by example,” Iwobi said.

“Even with that injury, he gave everything for the country. That’s why AFCON meant so much. You’re not just playing for a club, you’re carrying 240 million people on your shoulders,” he (Bassey) said.


Source: October 2nd, 2025 articles on Punch and Legit.ng
https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1676775-alex-iwobi-details-ola-aina-struggled-simon-adingra-afcon-2023-final/



Now this same Adingra is in or out of the sunderland team in the EPL. Last game this weekend, he was benched for 90mins so he is bot exactly on fire at the moment but still a bonafide wing option for them.

Now, CIV do have a solid side overall. They are also reigning African Champs but I agree when it is said that their attack is not that great. CIV does not have a strong 9 currently.
They boast fine wingers especially Amad of Man Utd and this Yann Diomande lad of RB Leipzig who featured at the 2022 U17 Wafu B for CIV.
But their true strength lies at the back. Although not lot of firepower teams were in their WCQs group but u have to give them some credit going the whole campaign without conceeding in 10 WCQs games.

A different story in theit AfconQ group though. Zambia beat them despite the presence of Evan Guessand of Villa and Adingra of sunderland in attack and topped the group even. Sierra Leone also beat CIV.
Now with a decent CIV side, New Zealand without Chris Wood beat them.

CIV is not convincing offensively but their midfield is full of steel and brawn and their backline get men wey mount. Lol

Adingra that cooked Aina last year.

jihday:
the first guy is struggling at Villa, the second one is ok not great while the last guy is just there, Brighton offloaded him to sunderland where he’s not exactly pulling up trees

What about Baleba? Must have something for Man U to have been interested in him

TheSuperNerd:
Cameroun's midfield is all brawn and sideways passing please. No creative spark. I watched them struggle vs Angola in their last WCQs game. Angola hit the post 2x or so. Zito Luvumbo was hard to contain for the Camerounians.

CIV's attack is not tops.

Thanks D'Law for the recommendation.

First time I'm watching Oliseh's podcast. Enjoyed watching it though was rolling my eyes a bit when the lady moderator started gassing Oliseh that his era was the most disciplined and focused bla bla bla.

Anyway back to some of the points raised in the discussion. Yes I agree with them that this is the time to get results. Playoffs is not the time for s*xy penetrating passes but results. Win ugly or boring just get the win 1-0 1-0 I don't care just achieve the win.

Oliseh spoke about being auto-critical I think we've begun to see some of that from Osimhen, Ndidi and Bassey. Call out each others BS before it harms the team.

What they said about Lookman is spot on. Dude hasn't had a proper preseason so is a few weeks from his full form. He will get there let's just be patient. That said I think a super sub role should is what he's good enough for now.

Also concur that Ekong shouldn't be a starter in the defense for the time being.

Mujtahida:
Guys, elyte89, ChrisKels, chrisooblog, kennysville, TheSuperNerd, Kog45, Charlesemeka85, Odunayaw, Cocony, mekabuachi, QueenJazz, mostob, BankyGee, MetalJigsaw, forgiveness, solonnachi, Truidstarr, Joebie, COOL10, Meliforme and others too numerous to mention

Make una watch this podcast by Oliseh discussing some salient issues in relation to the playoffs. Interesting conversation featuring Edafe Elegbete


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnN5GMzgc5A?si=CKIPPQxyY7udleas

The formation helped though. JP's counter attacking defensive approach was suitable for Frank.

Not sure our current attacking style that places a lot of defensive burden on the DM will suit Onyeka.

If only we had prime Onazi or Etebo.

Mujtahida:
I say Onyeka but peeps here say Ndidi is better than him. Frank carried the full burden of defending from our midfield during the last Afcon and he was awesome - energetic and mobile.

What do you think about Awaziem being invited at least to cover RB?

He was decent in that position at the 2019 AFCON admittedly that was a long time ago.

I hear Olisa Ndah is back to fitness but the coaching crew might not want to take a risk on him.

ChrisKels:
It seems Onyedika, FDB, Osayi and Okoye would be the only players to come back to the team from the list that didn't partake in this window.

We need a right back so that Fredrick can move back to partner Bassey in the CB. I don't trust Osayi, neither do I trust Ekong anymore.

Agu and Aina are out till next year.

But honestly D'Law is our DM destiny tied to Ndidi?

Can't anybody just do a job even if it's two games?

Wilfred is a cool guy but the way he gets easily bypassed by opponents these days causes me serious palpitations.

Mujtahida:
Quite insightful and I must say that many people here show great understanding of the tactical demands of modern football.

Having said that, I was first enthused by your statement in the bolded portion above but on second thought, this might prove to costly as the defensive burden will be on Ndidi alone. On the flip side, our defensive onslaught coming from Chuks sitting in front of the attackers and even Iwobi from deep makes me salivate but it depends on the kind of opposition we facing.

Love the way Victor is building that kind of CR7/Messi like aura around his teammates.

All his teammates love and respect him.

TheSuperNerd:
More on Osimhen and his NT teammates. Tell me why they would not dare give their best with their Number 1 Striker absolutely sharing the glory with them. Osimhen understands he needs them as much as they need him.

A General is as good as his Supporting Lieutenants.


Image 1 - Osimhen salutes Iwobi
Image 2 - Osimhen always has kind words for his best buddy in the team, Chukwueze. They have come a long way since 2014 together at the U17s under Amunike
Image 3 - Osimhen praises Moses Simon... "This man!", he says. Lol

Yeah Lookman is just going through a barren patch I'm optimistic he will come out of.

I won't lie Ademola hasn't been assisting Osimhen that often lately which is detrimental to how the team plays.

If by November Lookman is still struggling then I hope Chelle won't let sentiments sway him but choose what is best for the team.

Goke7:
Don't just go there. Lookman has been the star of his club, even after his Europa heroics, right up until he started having issues with his coach and the transfer saga, which has led to the psychological downturn currently affecting his form. The same happened to Osihmen until he found joy again in Turkey. We also know all sorts that were said about Osihmen right on this thread when he was going through all his travails.

If Osihmen's goals dry up again, so we will go back to what we are trying to do with Ademola now, abi. Nigerians na wa for una. Fair weather people!

Yes the African playoffs are going to be an intense battle. Gabon will be tough but we have the wherewithal to beat them but we absolutely have to bring our A-game.

It's imperative that Osimhen is fit for those games since he brings the X-factor.

Like you rightly noted bar the CHAN eagles the main team under Chelle has scored in every game meaning the defense has to tighten up.

Let's just take it one game at a time before we start worrying about other teams.

QueenJazz:
This CAF playoff is going to be brutal.

Right now, and based on form, either Gabon or DR Congo are our biggest threats in this CAF playoff. Especially DR Congo. Those guys are ferocious and physical. Their star player Yaone Wissa is also very clinical in the final third. However, one good thing about our recent squad is that even on our worst days, other teams still struggle to beat us.

It also helps that for the past couple of games, we have scored at least 1 goal per game. I can't remember the last time we didn't score in a game.

If we lose to any of these two teams (Gabon/DRC), it would probably be through penalties or a single goal difference after a hard fought battle.

We need to lock in and go to war in these next few games.

Cameroon have poor form and structure presently, but when it comes to individual talents in their squad, I think they are the only team that can match us to a certain extent. Thankfully, they suffer from the same casual and lethargic performance our players put up occasionally as well. I'd argue they're even worse than us in that regard. If they come into the playoffs with the same energy they used to play in their group against Cape Verde, Mauritania et al, we'll beat them handsomely for the third time in a row. But if they come with a change of heart: prepared, focused and bloodlusted, they are the most likely to defeat us in this playoffs, or at least, give us a good run for our money.

I'm calling it now, if we can secure the CAF ticket, we're going to the World Cup. 100%.

Fact that penalties count as assists? na you know.

forgiveness:
Despite shaming you with facts, you still never accept your L. Na wa ooo.

Why you dey ask me jambite question? Ask Google.

Hey some footballers no matter how talented are not meant for national team football.

If Boniface is just content to play club football and make cool money I won't begrudge him considering the terrible injuries he has had in his career.

Papi85:
Like someone said here few nights ago, Boniface is just happy that he escaped poverty and to me it’s the perfect explanation of his attitude and shenanigans towards the national team

He lacks that hunger and ambition to function even as a perfect deputy to Osimhen.

So in football penalties are counted as assists? interesting.

Nobody is dragging your L with you na you dey find wetin no loss.

forgiveness:
Maybe you are the sneaky one. Chop your L in peace and admit you are wrong. Nobody go beat you.

Free them it's their time. When jungle mature men will be separated from bafana bafana

Amedino99:
This supersport people are not serious. I understand their happiness at south africa's qualification but you cant call a show a review of the world cup qualifiers and half the air time is just to talk about south africa. Couldnt even invite non south african guests to talk on the show. way to know they have been starving for moments like this. They cant even hide the anti nigerian bias.

Osimhen only assisted once, he won two penalties so I doubt this sneaky way you're trying to wiggle your way out of this.

forgiveness:
You are being delusional. Only you. Stop dragging others into this disgraceful act of yours.

Osimhen scored 1 goal and had 3 assists in the last AFCON not Awoniyi.

Your eyes dey see wetin nobody write. Clear your eyes, please.

Very spot on observations.

Need to watch him a couple more times before coming to an absolute conclusion.

semid4lyfe:


Hehehe.....me sef still dey observe am with corner eyes.

Watched him in Getafe, and he doesn't strike me as a technical player. I see him as a battler, and workaholic kinda player who covers a lot of ground, is difficult to dislodge off the ball and gets into the box to contribute a fair share of goals.

But his meteoric rise from playing amateur football in Owerri in 2022 to the Spanish La Liga/Premiership in just 2/3 years suggests he's got something. I mean, all the talent scouts and managers cannot be blind.

And at the apex level, clubs typically have dedicated scouting departments with staff watching dozens of tapes and analysing player data before making a buying decision.

Granted he's had limited appearances in the Super Eagles but his cameos have been average at best if not subpar.

Honestly, I'm not sure Chrisantus himself knows.

When I first got to know about him, he was hyped as a Rodri regen then he moved to Getafe where he was turned into a forward.

He looks energetic and is difficult to shake off the ball but I'm yet to see where his qualities will fill in the midfield.

Mujtahida:
Whats his position? I know he's a midfielder but is he CAM or a DM or box to box midfielder?

It's tough but that's how it should be in a highly competitive team with high standards.

I just wish our midfield was that intense as regards competition for places. Imagine after 8 plus years Iwobi and Ndidi are still sure starters in midfield.

Goke7:
I think Boniface lost his place by not being in Afcon. Sometimes, when you miss an opportunity, you lose out completely. Some players cemented their place in the team with Afcon. Even Ndidi still dey struggle after missing Afcon too. For Awoniyi, he may just have lost his place totally, except for a miracle happening.

Life can be unfair, and that's the reality. For some players, they need just one match to sneak in, and no one will offer them more opportunities if they don't play well in just one match; other players will have several opportunities before they can finally cement their place. Just imagine if Benjamin Frderick did not play well in the chance he had in the Gold Cup earlier this year, I doubt he would be given more opportunities to prove himself. Adams may just have cemented his place by just that goal against Lesotho. mhen life can be cruel!

Answer the question did you lie on the bold? Yes or No.

forgiveness:
We should not forget Osimhen struggled to score in the first 5 matches he played but was still given chances upon chances before he picked up.

How many goals did he score in AFCON? He scored once and assisted 3 times.

The problem with Nigeria is, once you are a fan favorite, no matter what you play, you will still be given chances upon chances.

Awoniyi didn't enjoy the grace Osimhen enjoyed when he was inform.

For Osimhen, the patient eventually paid.

forgiveness:
Is Awoniyi the subject of discussion? Stop disgracing yourself here.

Osimhen was the subject of discussion and continued into the second paragraph.

Haven't seen anything outstanding from Chrisantus if I'm being brutally honest plus that 'shot' against SA is giving me PTSD.

Mujtahida:
My people, it's like Chelle does not rate Chrisantus oo. He didn't even invite him originally.

Na your twin brother write this?

forgiveness:
We should not forget Osimhen struggled to score in the first 5 matches he played but was still given chances upon chances before he picked up.

How many goals did he score in AFCON? He scored once and assisted 3 times.

The problem with Nigeria is, once you are a fan favorite, no matter what you play, you will still be given chances upon chances.

Awoniyi didn't enjoy the grace Osimhen enjoyed when he was inform.

For Osimhen, the patient eventually paid.

forgiveness:
Who told you Awoniyi had 3 assists? Maybe you need to read carefully again and again until you grasp.

You lied that Awoniyi had 3 assists at the 2021 AFCON to sweeten your agenda and you were duty exposed so why all this crying all over the place?

forgiveness:
Is it a lie Osimhen scored his first goal after 6 caps?

Awoniyi scored after 3 cap.

Is it a lie Osimhen scored 2 goals after 9 caps while Awoniyi scored 2 goals after 10 caps?

Na lie?

Egbon you're 100% correct. On Boniface has anyone been clamoring for him lately? We only hoped he will replicate last year's Leverkusen performance which he sadly failed to do and has been duly ignored since by the SE handlers.

Kog45:
Yes you are right on Awoniy and I hope he rediscover himself but many are still waiting for Boniface goal in eagles except me and Mujtahida 😁

Forgiveness and agenda 5&6

TheSuperNerd:
Awoniyi started 4 of his first 7 NT Caps.

He ended up starting 50% of his NT caps. 5 out of 10.

Awo got his chances. Especially at a full tournament... Afcon 2021. So you are trying to rewrite history as if he was not given chances.

By the way you lied Awoniyi only had one assist at the AFCON.

forgiveness:
We should not forget Osimhen struggled to score in the first 5 matches he played but was still given chances upon chances before he picked up.

How many goals did he score in AFCON? He scored once and assisted 3 times.

The problem with Nigeria is, once you are a fan favorite, no matter what you play, you will still be given chances upon chances.

Awoniyi didn't enjoy the grace Osimhen enjoyed when he was inform.

For Osimhen, the patient eventually paid.

Awoniyi hate!? Forgiveness you don start again.

Taiwo is a player who I admire for his faith, humility and doggedness but my bias for him shouldn't cloud my reasoning about how he has performed for the national team.

Awoniyi has 10 caps more than enough to show what he's capable of and every fair supporter will say he has been average so far with the SE.

So using Osimhen as a cover to excuse Taiwo's average performances so far for the national team will not fly. Other forwards don't have stellar numbers and have been criticized why should Awoniyi be excused.

Victor has been performing let Awoniyi up his game so that everyone will hail him instead of using agenda and shalaye to cover for him.

forgiveness:
Osimhen played 6 games without scoring a goal.

He managed to score 2 goals in his 9th caps before he picked up.

We should stop using double standards here.

We should have said the 9 caps were enough for him to prove himself.

While Osimhen received love and positive impulse. Awoniyi received hate and bad impulse.

This matters alot because it shapes behaviors in a positive or negative reaction.

The same thing Boniface will receive if he is called tomorrow. Yes love.