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SHARPSHOOTERS SHOWDOWN IN GROUP B AT AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS


The sharpest shooters in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, Odion Ighalo of Nigeria and Fiston Abdul Razak of Burundi, will come face to face in Group B at the finals this month.

While Ighalo and his Super Eagles teammates are favoured to top the four-nation table and advance to the knockout stage in Egypt, Abdul Razak and the Swallows may struggle.

Burundi are the lowest ranked of the 24 sides at the June 21-July 19 tournament and the best they can be expected to hope for is third place below Nigeria and Guinea and above Madagascar.

The countries finishing first and second are guaranteed round-of-16 slots while the best four of the six third-placed teams also qualify.

Here, we run the rule over the Group B hopefuls and assesses their prospects in the biennial African football showpiece:

BURUNDI
The tiny central African country secured a first appearance at the expense of favoured Gabon despite drawing four of six qualifiers.

Algeria-based Abdul Razak starred with six goals at an average of one per match – a total bettered only by Ighalo, who netted seven times.

But having tormented the defences of Mali, Gabon and South Sudan, can he wreak more havoc against the stronger Nigerian and Guinean defences?

Olivier Niyungeko, who has succeeded where a string of foreign coaches failed, chose Burundians based in 13 countries and also picked one local, goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana.

Verdict: an early exit looms

GUINEA

A squad coached by Belgian Paul Put hope poor dress rehearsals will be transformed into a grand opening night against Madagascar.

Warm-up losses to lower-ranked opponents the Gambia and Benin in Morocco could sow self doubts and there has also been the distraction of injured midfield star Naby Keita.

He injured a thigh playing for Liverpool at Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals and admits to "not yet being fully fit".

Put, who took outsiders Burkina Faso to the 2013 final, will expect a lot from Ibrahima Traore, a winger based in Germany whose footwork can bewilder even the tightest defences.

Verdict: Quarterfinals a realistic goal

MADAGASCAR

Like Burundi, the Indian Ocean islanders who are making their Cup of Nations debut will eye third place and qualification as one of the four best teams in that position.

French coach Nicolas Dupuis has worked wonders with a side that got to Egypt by finishing above Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, and he also coaches a lower-league club in his homeland.

He believes practice makes perfect, saying: "Madagascar used to play three or four matches a year and were going nowhere. We now make full use of every international window."

Dupuis has also convinced France-born Thomas Fontaine, Romain Metanire, Jerome Mombris and Jeremy Morel to represent a country they are linked to through parents or grandparents.

Verdict: reaching second round would complete a fairytale

NIGERIA

The three-time champions are back at the Cup of Nations after unexpectedly lifting the trophy in 2013 and then failing to qualify for the next two editions.

They should take advantage of a kind draw and cruise into the second round, but Nigerian supporters will expect much more from a team coached by experienced German Gernot Rohr.

When the Cup of Nations was last staged by Egypt in 2006, the Super Eagles finished third behind the host nation and the Ivory Coast.

Apart from former Watford forward Ighalo, Spain-based Samuel Chukwueze could be a major threat having scored regularly for Villarreal in La Liga last season.

Verdict Anything less than a semifinal place will be considered failure

Culled from Supersport

Rohr : Super Eagles Will Fight Hard To Win AFCON 2019 Title
Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has stated that the team will give their all to win a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt, reports Completesports.com.

The three-time African champions who missed the last two editions of the tournament were drawn in a significantly weak group alongside Guinea, as well as the duo of Madagascar and Burundi who are set to participate in their first ever AFCON.

Hosts Egypt, Senegal and Morocco are among the favourites to win the competition but Rohr insists the Super Eagles will fight hard to win the title.

“This team has a good mixture of youthfulness and experience. The atmosphere in and around the team is very good. We are also working very hard in training,” Rohr disclosed in a video interview on the official Twitter handle of the Super Eagles.

“We gave good strikers and good defenders in the team. For now, we don’t know who our number one goalkeeper will be. We have to decide that after two weeks of preparation.

“I think our major strength is in the solidarity team. The players are willing to help each other out. We have eight new players in the team, which can help us at the end of the day.

“The experience of Obi Mikel will also help us. Everyone is happy that he is back in the team because they all want him back. I just hope we won’t have any injury problem going into the competition.

“It’s important not to put pressure on the young players, but I can assure that we will work and fight hard in Egypt. We will do everything we can to win the trophy.

“Sometimes, you need the help of God of football to achieve your objective. We want to win it for Nigerians but it important to also stay humble. We will fight till end to win the trophy. ”

After their final friendly match against Senegal in Ismailia Stadium on Sunday, the Super Eagles will depart for Alexandria, where they will play all their Group B games.

Nigeria will play Burundi on June 22 followed by fixtures against Guinea and Madagascar, on June 26 and June 30 respectively.

Called from Complete sport

charlesemeka85:
ola aina is good hoooha! you guys should stop criticizing the lad. i will pick him ahead of shehu any day any time

I will too but he should do well in his primary post

Humility017:
but he is good offensively....
his crosses and pass are top notch...

i am enjoying super eagles midfield...mikel and iwobi passes
the stadium is making us not to enjoy this match

Is he a winger?
He is a defender for crying out loud

Kalapizim:
Kalu is everywhere

Doing what?

Humility017:
Zimbabwe should have scored that...Aina made it easy for them

Yeah. Exactly.

Koboko99:
South Africa scores against Spain. Morale booster for the super falcons

Kgatlana at the centre of it all.

Meanwhile, if result stay this way, USA will be bidding the U20 WC good bye; they presently trail Ecuador by 2-1. Half time now.

Rohr's Comment On Tyrone Ebuehi exclusion in the 25-man provisional list…

"Everybody just wants to see his favourite player or is that not the case? (laughter in the press conference hall).

We have called up 25 players to camp and those are the very best."

Culled from Completesport

gamaliel9:
IS IT NOT BETTER HE IS INVITED TO NIGERIA S OLYMPIC SQUAD?

Yeah

He should try and make Olympic team first. SE is choked up presently.

oloriooko:
U20: France lost to USA 2-3

The much dreaded France with all the hype
How I wish the NFF got it right with this U20 set

forgiveness:
Without Moses Nigeria could not have won AFCON.

People like you are the reason he retired from the SE.

That's true. I absolutely agree.
Just as Nigeria would not have won AFCON without Mba, Emenike, Omeruo and the other squad players.

andrew444:
Good news that zapata will leave, this is a player that will likely start in so many top european teams like madrid chelsea atletico and others,so osimhen going there with zapata still there will not be good for his developement.

But Zapata is on loan from Sampdoria na. He is not owned by Atlanta.

komekn:
Are they playing first team football in thier clubs ❓ The SE is not the place for youth team players.

Until a player has proven himself at senior first team football played. The basis for invitation should always be consistent, continuous outstanding top performances at club level. Not youthful glories.

The transition from youth football to first team football isn't always fluid many fall by the way side. Chuba Akpom a classic example great at youth level struggled at senior level.

Sorry to ask Komekn

Was wondering if using words like consistent and continuous and another like outstanding and top in terms of performance in sports is tautology. Kindly enlighten me pls.
No harm intended.

Modified
Personally, I would go for consistent outstanding (or top) performances at club level........

18 players in camp already. Ighalo got into the country yesterday and should enter Camp today while Alex Iwobi is still being expected.

Orkpekyandega:
We have nothing to loose if we keep faith with this dude.

I have taken time to go through Kelechi Iheanacho's displays over and over again.

Kelechi Iheanacho deserves a chance with the Super Eagles at next month's Afcon.

The lad will come good.
B
#Iblivin#Nacho#.

Deserve?
Your assertion is based on what if I may ask?

ChrisKels:
Gjoko Zajkov has undone everything Charleroi has done to have this Europa league qualification easily. He just got an unnecessary red to force Charleroi to surrender their early two goals lead, as Antwerp capitalises on their numerical advantage. Chai some players ehh

Zajkov was still on the pitch when Antwerp pulled a goal back to make it 2 - 1. His early red card is bad for Charleroi tho.

How good is rumoured Liverpool target Samuel Chukwueze? This is what Football Manager says

Liverpool have been linked with the Villarreal winger in recent days.
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BY NATHAN BLISS
17:11, 23 MAY 2019UPDATED17:12, 23 MAY 2019

Liverpool may have the small matter of a Champions League final against Tottenham on the horizon, but that hasn't stopped rumours circling about possible summer transfer targets.

The latest player to be linked with the Reds is Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze , who has put in some exciting displays for La Liga side this season.

The Nigerian has scored five goals and two goals in 19 La Liga appearances this season, in what has been a struggling Villarreal team, so those numbers are better than they seem.

So, how good is Chukwueze?

And, how much potential does he have?

We asked Football Manager's highly respected database to find out.

Samuel Chukwueze - Villarreal



Current Ability: 120/200

Potential Ability: -85 (170/200)

Positions: MR/AMR/AML/ML/CAM/ST

Top Attributes (out of 20): Dribbling (17), technique (16), flair (16), determination (16), pace (15), acceleration (14).

The 20-year-old's best position is on the right side of the pitch, where he can cut inside with his stronger left foot, according to Football Manager 2019.

However, he can also play on the left side, as a number 10 or even as a central striker.

Chukwueze's is a lively wide player with great dribbling, speed and flair, but his low finishing (11) and passing (11) attributes mean that he still has a lot to work on in terms of end product.

The winger has a current ability of 120/200 on Football Manager 2019. To put that into context, that means he is rated lower than Reds youngster Ben Woodburn (126) on FM right now.


However, he has been given a potential ability rating of -85, which means he could potentially reach a current ability level of 170/200. This would make him almost as good as the likes of Sadio Mane (173) and Roberto Firmino (172).

Football Manager 2019 says that Chukwueze is a brilliant long-term prospect, who has the potential to be a star player for Liverpool in the future, should they decide to sign him.

Source : liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/samuel-chukwueze-liverpool-transfer-news-

komekn:
Liverpool is a world class club looking for proven tested and consistent established world class players to take them to the next level.

Without prejudice Chukwueze does not fit the bill so I doubt your assertion. Unless he wants to grow stale in the Liverpool U23's.

Harry Wilson, Ryan Kent and Seyi Ojo cannot get into the team and you think Chukwueze will?

But why will you compare Chukwueze with Seyi Ojo?. I will blame that on a total disrespect or ignorance on your part.

Meanwhile, the news of Liverpool considering Chukwueze is all over the place. Whether he can command a starting shirt is something I am not sure of though.

zuchyblink:
Who gave Bashiru that deadly pass?

U noticed it too?
My brother, na Kingsley Micheal o

Just finished watching the highlights

That Micheal's pass for the 3rd goal was bad mehn!

The NFF Bill has been passed by the Senate. I hope PMB assents to it.

Elders in the house, what good does it hold for our football?

cc tbaba1234, Icon4s, Icon79, Humility017, andrew44, Earthquake3, Komekn, Forgiveness, Danielnino00, Chriskels, Safarigirl, etc

realpoacher:
Senegal draw first blood in the 1st minute

When is Nigeria playing?

tbaba1234:
Southampton chasing Osimhen..

If I were to be Ighalo, I will just retire after AFCON.

charlesemeka85:
inter interested in victor moses

All the best to him

In other news, FIFA has abandoned plans to increase the number of teams at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48.

World football's governing body said there was insufficient time to consider the proposed expansion of the tournament due to logistical concerns.

Source : Goal. com

Owngoal reports that Iheanacho has gotten himself a personal trainer in a bid to gate-crash the final 23 man list

iSlayer2:
Today Henry Onyekuru will be decorated with his first winners medal.


He will win the Turkish Cup with Galatasaray this evening. The boys are coming through.


ONYEKURU!!!

Unfortunately, his team is currently down by a goal to nil. Match is 78 minutes old.
Modified
Galatasaray with the equalizer from the spot

Luckyroro:
First of, this list goes to show that form doesn't really determine who makes the cut in major tournaments and that's pretty bad for Nigeria football. Prior to the World Cup last year, Onazi was lost but he made the final cut ahead of more hungry players who were raring to go. The reason most coaching staff members came up with was his pedigree in the GRA but as a Nigerian, I know that's not true. Once a player makes the Super Eagles team list the first time, his agent starts looking for a way to cement his place in the team through settling some bigwigs in NFF and that's why most guys on past glory remain there even when they are lost in form. With all due respect to Tbaba1234 and other notable men here who monitor the progress of our strikers, this list frustrates our genuine and compassionate efforts for the team. How can Awoniyi who's been scoring all season long miss this chance? Ola Aina too has been impressive. He has improved and features regularly for Torino. Iheanacho doesn't have any business there and we need to ask questions this time.

Bros, I think this list is fair enough. We all (including Iheanacho I think ) know that he (Iheanacho) is going no where.

tbaba1234:
Semi is not a very good midfielder. He is a good defender but a poor midfielder simply because he is very poor on the ball.

Your point is noted but I still will be surprised if he doesn't make it to AFCON. We all know Rohr

Seeing this list, I'm sure Iheanacho himself would agree that it will be gross injustice for him to make the final 23

tbaba1234:
26 players, 3 to be dropped

Oga, na 25 I count o

3 Goalkeepers
8 Defenders
4 Midfielders
10 Strikers

Modified
Mistake already pointed out

TheGoodJoe:
By: Oma Akatugba, Germany

David Alaba* Bayern Munich left back and Austrian international, David Alaba has tagged reports of Nigerian U-17 coaches demanding bribe from his as ‘FAKE’. Alaba, in an exclusive interview with OmaSport said the news is unsubstantiated and false. When quizzed on the veracity of the now viral report, fast making the rounds, Alaba who is on the cusp of earning his 8th league title with the Bavarians said;

‘'No! They didn’t demand money from me. It’s fake news.”

Recall that reports on Nigerian locals had flown round about cadet coaches demanding money from Alaba to make him represent the U-17 national team in the 2007 U-17 World Cup.
http://omasports.com/index.php/2019/05/11/its-fake-news-nigerian-u-17-coaches-never-demanded-money-from-me/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk3CVW6HcjQ

Some people will be sad at this news