₦airaland Forum

Anyone with the pictures of the Nigeria under-16 team that competed in Kenya?
It will be good to identify some of them now

Meliforme:
This is way too uncivil.

Don't be surprised bro, that's the way of life of some people here.

busky007:
The striker who was brought in For success(deulofeu) has put watford ahead. Just imagine. Why do our players like destroying their destiny

Is it your destiny

House, any highlight of Samuel Chukwueze's goal?

ChrisKels:
I wonder how Iwobi and Riyad Mahrez made the CAF top 10 ahead of Koulibalily and Tomas Partey.

Egunje things

Icon4s:
INAUGURAL NAIRALAND NIGERIAN FOOTBALL FANS AWARDS!

The committee set up to come up with Nominees for well deserving Nigerian National Team Footballers in different categories, after working assiduously for 3weeks, came up with the list of categories and the respective nominees as stated below. Be also informed that the committee approached some media houses and a couple of them have identified with this process and are following.

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE:
1. Go through the list of awards and their corresponding nominees.
2. Vote by mentioning the surname of the player of your choice against the serial number corresponding to the award category. Eg: 1. Musa, 2. Ezenwa, 3. Ajayi etc. Please be sure to match the serial number to the right award category.
3. If you have challenge remembering the awards corresponding to a particular serial number quoting this post while making your own comment will help.
4. For best goal award indicate the name of the player and the game.

The Full list below:

1. Nigerian Player of the Year: Nominees: Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi.

2. Home Based Super Eagles Player of the Year: Nominees: Ukouwem Utin, Junior Lokosa, Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

3. Most Impactful New Inclusion(2018): Nominees: Jamilu Collins, Samuel Kalu and Semi Ajayi

4. Best Ogedengbe Best Goalkeeper award: Nominees: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi.

5. Stephen Keshi Best Defender award. Nominees: Williams Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Tyrone Ebuehi.

6. Samuel Okwaraji Best Midfielder award: Nominees: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.

7. Rashidi Yekini Best Attacker award: Nominees: Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses.

8. Most improved player in 2018: Nominees: Ahmed Musa,Odion Ighalo and Alex Iwobi.

9. Young Player of the Year award (Under21): Nominees: Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu and Francis Uzoho.

10. Super Falcons Player of the Year: Nominees: Tochukwu Oluehi, Onome Ebi and Francisca Ordega

11. Super Eagles Goal of the Year: Nominees: Ahmed Musa 1st Goal against Iceland,Samuel Kalu 4th goal against Libya, Ahmed Musa 2nd Goal against Iceland.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS THREAD IS STRICTLY FOR VOTING AND NOT GENERAL DISCUSSIONS. Issues concerning this voting exercise can be discussed in the other national team threads.

VOTING CLOSES 18TH DECEMBER, 2018 @ 12NOON(NIG TIME).

Thank you for the anticipated cooperation.

Cc: Semid4lyfe, honeric01, Joseph1033, Terzurum5, M7even, Daninya11, tbaba1234, Michael2, Kog45, Joebie, komekn, andrew444, kentebemoney, BascoVanVeli, rabzy, Nedville, Safarigirl, Taliban, Forgiveness, TheGoodJoe, TheSuperNerd, ChrisKels, Chrisoblog, mujtahida, enomakos, confun, EEGA, naptu2, COOL10, Earthquake1, Robosky, elyte89, junnyjake, darkelf, davep, edi287, Sportilitica, Certitude, Chrismario, Danielnino00, Trinity, zayyadidris, Magink, Curtisaxel7, AIG07, Icon79, krattoss, petrobros, Odunayaw, Charlesemeka85, do4luv14, realpoacher, chiscodedon, zoboizee, raindodger13, wayodude, Naijaphobia, Truidstar, oloriooko, maidaboi, Onozboy, jieta, Jihday, Humility017, loogan, Diavolo, gameliel9, cc12, isan, kennysville, busky007, kingphilip, Drlikita12, Sadiqali24, Unlimited22, Sainty92, alexie4real, Eseose9, edopesin Seunvense, goldfish80, all Nigerian Football fans.

1. Musa
2. Utin
3. Collins
4. Uzoho
5. Troost- Ekong
6. Ndidi
7. Musa
8. Iwobi
9. Chukwueze
10. Oluehi
11. Musa 1st goal against Iceland

elyte89:
,charlesemeka85 go still give report about a 3aside(soccer tourney) held in London with a FB player been d highest goal scorer soon

Seriously, I'm still trying to unravel the mystery behind his obsession with FB players

charlesemeka85:
Which one is everything white again? Bros dem no dey hide talent and quality ooo! So because akpoguma and uduokahi re halfcast they re not better than awaziem? The same petty sentiment that will led us no where in all ramifications as a nation. If an European country like the French can accomadate alot of black players just to be victorious and build one of the best national teams of our time i see nothing wrong with having players who atleast have Nigerian gene running through their veins

You are missing the point again

France called up players that are ready to spill blood for their national team be they black or white.

Now, are those Chaps you mentioned ready to represent us presently?.

charlesemeka85:
Bros I guess u don't follow my post or pay less attention to them. I have never for once sided players from a certain region since I joined this group and will never do such. My major contribution here is the inclusion of quality be it fb or locally groomed players. I use God beg u no tag me as one who is tribalistic.

Clementoke:
Match the following monikers on the left with their preoccupation on this thread on the right

1. Forgiveness.................a. English Football
2. Komekn........................b. Foreign born Nigerian players
3. Charlesemeka85.........c. Naija players from a certain tribe

Eeyah Bros

Was so surprised you skipped the instruction

Those days, we were always told to read instructions first before answering the questions during exams

The instruction there is to do the "matching and correlation" yourself

Now which of those items on the left side best suit your submissions on this thread?

Humility017:
even if he should calls...
he should be ignored for a while...
to see if he has interest playing for us...
those waiting time should be a test...
sometimes we don't value what comes so cheap...moreover in country football you need commitment to get the best from players...even with skills and technique... commitment keep players in national teams.

you all know the frustrations players like mikel, etebo and even Troost went through in the last Olympic... only a player with hunger and commitment will not retire country football after such.

we all are talking of Moses...someone like ighalo can never ply such route even if 3 agents give him such advise.

My Post of the day
You just nailed it Sir.
With the setup in our national team, only the committed and determined players will "endure to the end"

andrew444:
What about chriskels ?

I still dey study am
But ur contribution will be appreciated

Match the following monikers on the left with their preoccupation on this thread on the right

1. Forgiveness.................a. English Football
2. Komekn........................b. Foreign born Nigerian players
3. Charlesemeka85.........c. Naija players from a certain tribe

gamaliel9:
Thanks for the update...so they move to next round right? I think match was in Ethiopia?

Yes, it was.
Winning away under hostile traveling and welfare conditions (as common with many NPFL sides) no be beans.

Congratulations to Rangers on their AWAY victory. We need more of such

elyte89:
We only outplayed dem during extra time period,but d first 90mins,dey played better

Bros how far na?
Let's remember that "there is God in everything we are doing (saying)"

Billings words

"I know my agents have said that Nigeria has approached them. There’s not much in it, that’s the most if I want to play for the Nigerian national team, so I think it could be possible. But that’s not something I’m thinking about.”

Joebie:
Nigeria’s youth national team coach, Paul Aigbogun has been forced to put aside some former Golden Eaglets players being considered for his squad to next month’s West African Football Union (WAFU) U-20 Cup of Nations, because the organisers termed them ‘under-aged.’

Under-aged?
That word is very strange in Nigerian football.
Who are the Organisers if I may ask

With first half done, Gernot Rohr seeks glorious encore
By Christian Okpara



There are indications that Gernot Rohr wants to be remembered for several good things after his tour of duty in Nigeria.
One of such is his successful effort at lifting the Super Eagles from a fallen side, which could not qualify for two straight African Nations Cup competitions, to a giant of world football close to the height it achieved in 1994, when the team was rated as the best five in the world.

Since he became Super Eagles’ Manager in August 2016, the Franco-German has been slowly, but steadily building a team of young players, which he believes will in no distant time fulfill the dreams of Nigerian football fans for a sturdy side.

While insisting that the future is bright, the Super Eagles’ coach says that that future is beginning to unravel with the Nigerian team setting some records, including being the first African side to qualify for the Russia 2018 World Cup and also qualifying for the 2019 African Nations Cup with a game to spare.

Rohr recently signed a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that will see him leading the country to the Qatar 2022 World. He said his target for now is to achieve a glorious encore in his stay with the Eagles.

Speaking at a Sports Editors’ Roundtable, tagged ‘Peak Breakfast with Rohr,’ organised by HS Media Group, owners of the HotSports brand and sponsored by Friesland Campina, makers of Peak Milk, Rohr projects that the next few months are crucial to country’s aspirations, especially at the 2019 African Nations Cup.

He adds that the quality of players available for selection in the Super Eagles has given him the belief that better days are ahead for his team, stressing: “I have achieved 70 per cent of what we set out to do from the onset. There is room still for improvement, but there is a bright future, because more young players are coming with more qualities, more fighting spirit and enthusiasm, which is what I like in my teams.


“I see a player like Alex Iwobi and the joy he shows when playing football. I see the joy in Kalu and Chukwueze… the enthusiasm they bring to football, the joy to play and the readiness to work for the team.
“The situation we have now is that even when a particular player is not around due to injury or suspension, the person replacing him brings the same spirit to the team. But there is still a lot of work to do… to make fewer mistakes in the defence. But I think we are on the right path.”

However, Rohr admits that his team still needs improvement in all the departments, saying the goalkeeping department is an area he needs to do more work on.

He stated: “Our goalkeeper is still young and needs more experience. You cannot be perfect in this area at the young age, but he is working hard everyday to improve.

“Our defence is also not at the level we want. Balogun is not playing in his club, which is not good for us. I hope he gets more chance to play. We have to look at ways to fortify the defence. Fortunately, we have found a good left back in Jamilu Collins. He is giving us satisfaction.

“I think we need more legs in the midfield. We have John Ogu, who is very powerful and decisive. We have the young Etebor, who is playing in Stoke, but he has to improve much more. We saw Mikel Agu, who did well in Asaba.

“Ighalo’s return has done well for us. But we are still searching for good players upfront. We don’t have players in the mould of Jay Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, Finidi George or Sunday Oliseh, but we have a good team. We are open to better players because we have to improve on every department.”

Rohr is happy that his players have shown tremendous appetite for hard work and sacrifice, which he said could only lead to success. He explains that the team is blessed with quality leaders, who have made the task of coordinating the squad easy for the technical crew.

“Musa’s leadership of the team has worked very well because he brings the right spirit to the group, which is very important. He is a younger man than Mikel with a different mentality.

The captain is very important because he can help me to bring to the team not only the right spirit, but also the right organisation on the pitch and off it.

“We spend about 22 hours of the day and perhaps two hours on the pitch. He also helps in the hotel and in the travelling, which is very important.

“Mikel is also a fantastic captain. He brings a certain calm to the team and the players respect for what he has achieved. We are blessed because in his absence Musa has done well. Even if Musa is not around we have our third captain, Troost-Ekong, who is also a very good character and an example for all these young players we have now.”

Rohr reveals that Alex Iwobi is now his playmaker, the real number 10, adding that the Arsenal man’s vision and ability to dictate play will be crucial for the team going forward.

He adds, “Chukwueze wore number 10 jersey in Asaba because the jersey was available

“A lot of people were very surprised that I invited him, but he is doing well in Villarreal. He is left footed and that is good for us. Kelechi Iheanacho was the only attacking left footer in our team.
“In the past, we even played some matches without a left footer, which is not good. When you play a game without at least one left-footer, there is always a problem.

There is a law in football that you must have at least one. With Collins, Kelechi, Ogu and Chukwueze we now have good competition in the squad.

“What we need is a good cocktail from all of them, right, left foot and people that can also head the ball.
We have four wingers already in Chukwueze, Kalu, Musa and Simon Moses. We are lucky to have left footers now, who can cross very well. Today we see left footers playing in the right wing and crossing the game very well.”

One of the questions Rohr have been asked often is his seeming neglect of players from the local league, with his team made up of almost 95 per cent foreign-based players. The coach disagrees that he has no regard for local players, adding that he rather prefers players who are active and can add to his squad.

“You know we have had at least 20 local players from the local league since I became manager here. But the problem is that after one game they all run to Europe. Stephen Ezeh, Stephen Odey, Alhassan and a host of others.

“Sometimes we see that some people want local players in the team because they want to sell them to Europe. That is not what we want. We only look out for the quality of the players.

“But it is so difficult to have local players in the Eagles when they are not playing. You have a situation where for three or four months the players are not playing because the league has been halted abruptly. We are not in the national team to keep people fit, but we need people who are fit to play.

“We also need better infrastructure in the country to make the players better. To even play our matches there are not enough good pitches. The clubs don’t have pitches. Everywhere there is lack of infrastructure, especially pitches.


“The clubs don’t have junior teams. There must be U-20 teams, U-17 teams owned by clubs with good coaches to teach them the right way to play. If there is a regular league, better training for young players and better infrastructure, the players will also become better.

“The problem is that there is so much inconsistency. The league has not been active so the players cannot be scouted because you cannot invite players who are not active. We want to see the local players in the CHAN team, U-23 team etc. But I think President Pinnick, Seyi and Dikko know what we want and I am sure they are working on it.”

On the belief that he waits for far too long to make changes, he said switching players depends on the situation and the collective decision with his assistants. “Against Argentina at the World Cup, I wanted to bring in Iwobi for Musa, but my assistants, who were upstairs analysing the game, advised against that.

They told me that the Argentine defenders were afraid of Musa and changing him would be counterproductive, so I waited. Perhaps, I should have gone ahead to effect the change.

“We change according to situations and also, we know that something can happen to change the dynamics of a game, like a red card to the goalkeeper happening when you have already made all the changes. That means you cannot bring another goalkeeper and would be forced to play without a goalkeeper.”

Rohr thanked the Delta State government for providing the Stephen Keshi Stadium, which he says will complement the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and the Adokie Aimeisimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt as Super Eagles match venues.

He, however, advised the Delta State government to work on certain aspect of the stadium to make it perfect for games.

“The players prefer good grass pitches all the time. The Asaba stadium is a brand new one, the grass is only six months old and is not yet of top quality. We spoke with the grass man in Asaba on how to cut the grass and he promised to do it well and then take away the old grass and not leave it on the pitch.

“Everybody saw that the ball was not bouncing very well in the game against Uganda. They need better equipment for rolling the grass. We had very warm welcome from the people and the governor. That is why we need to go to other venues to play so that Nigerians in different cities will see their team.

“But I think the players believe Uyo is the best pitch in the country. This is also what I believe. It is a stadium where you can have access to the dressing room without hassles. In Asaba, it was difficult to get into the stadium. For the first time in my long career, I had to come down from the bus to try to see that people left the entrance so that the bus could enter. So, the Asaba stadium needs better organisation, better access to the stadium. In Uyo we have all of that. It is a World Cup stadium, but it is good that other states are building good stadia so that they can host the Eagles.”

The coach laments that Nigeria is the only country that does not play important matches in the federal capital and big commercial cities like Lagos. He adds, “We cannot play in Abuja because the stadium is not good. There is a stadium, but there is no good grass. And it is not too costly to construct good grass pitches.

“I will also like to play in Lagos. I saw the national stadium in Lagos but there is no grass. Lagos should be able to receive the Super Eagles and other national teams.”

On the allegation that his team has no defined pattern, Rohr says, “We play collective football. The World Cup taught us that possession does not win matches. We want to go straight to goal, with vertical passes, quickly and we want to give our strikers a lot of time to be creative in their approach.

“When we lose the ball, everybody has to fight to get it back through pressing. We have quick players and we have this fast kind of play. We have scored a lot of goals, even though not lately. That is why we need quality players. The strikers can dribble and also play for the team.”

On players changing allegiance to Nigeria, Rohr says the decision must come from the players, who must write to their current federations indicating they want to switch to Nigeria.

“In Ola Aina’s case it took eight months because in UK four federations in the country must decide. It is easier with other countries like Germany and Austria. I spoke with Kevin Akpoguma’s father and he said Kevin should make the decision himself. And Kevin told me he is not ready yet.

“Ademola Lukman and Solanke are not convinced. They have not made up their minds so we will allow then to decide. We will go back to them later, but we cannot force anybody to play for us. It is very important decisions for them to make. Noah Bazee is also on our radar.”

Rohr dismissed the claim by some pundits that his team struggles when faced with physical sides, as demonstrated by the last match against Uganda and that the Eagles cannot cope with the robust African football they will face at the Cameroun 2019 African Nations Cup. He says the solution lies in preparing well for the competition.

“We need to get another physical coach not only to work when we are in camp, but also to go to the clubs and work with players who need help.

“Sometimes our players need individual coaching. Now we have Tyrone Ebuehi, who is coming back from injury, we sent a coach to work with him. We did it with Uzoho when he wasn’t playing for Deportivo before the World Cup.

“At the World Cup, we played against physical sides like Iceland and we were ready. It is important to be fit physically and now that we will have three weeks to prepare for Cameroun, we will be ready.”

Rohr rates Nigeria as the most passionate football-loving nation than all the other countries he has coached. He admits that sometimes the passion could be taken too far, but he is happy that the NFF has given him free hand to do his job.

“This passion comes with pressure from the people. But I have never had this pressure from the NFF. We had a technical committee that became difficult to work with after the loss to South Africa last year.

“They wanted to do our job for us because we lost that game. That was the only moment when we felt they tried to influence our choices. But the current technical committee is different. They allow us to do our job. We are working with good people now. Before we make our list, I consult my assistants, my staff and scouts and sometimes the medical staff. We send our list to the technical committee and they always approve the list. It is also in my contract and the present committee respects it.”

On his relationship with Ogenyi Onazi and the absence of the Turkey-based team from his squad lately, Rohr said it was all down to medical issues.

He adds, “Onazi’s case is very simple, he has inflammation of the tendon. In Uyo, he told us honestly that he can only play with injections. I spoke with the doctor and the doctor said it was a big risk for the team and also for the player. So, we explained it to Onazi that we cannot do that. I have to take care of my players’ welfare, that is why I agreed that it is better for him to treat himself than risk the injury. But we were surprised when we saw that he played a game soon after in his club. I told him it is a big risk for him. Like everybody he is part of the team. Some clubs do these injections, but our medical people refused to do that, and I am with them on that.”

On his obvious humility and ability to stay away from scandals, Rohr attributes it to education and upbringing. “I had a wonderful father and seven siblings. So I learnt to share and be accommodating. He was a teacher and also a coach. He told us that the first thing you must have in life is humility to be able to share and to respect other people.

“I was born after the Second World War when life was not easy, but we learnt to adapt to situations.”

On his relationship with the NFF, especially on welfare issues, Rohr said Nigeria has been a good employer, adding, however, that money is not the most important thing in his relationship with Nigeria.

“In other African countries, I had to wait for some months before the money will come. But I know that when the work is well done the money will come. That was what I tell the players that if the money didn’t come immediately, lets work well first to attract the money.

“Before I came here, I heard so many negative things about the country, but I wanted to find out things myself and draw my own opinion about the country. It is so far positive. My contract has not been respected 100 per cent, but I know it will be respected fully.”

Rohr wants a situation where he will have access to the other national teams to help develop a collective approach to the game, saying he has written to the NFF on that.

“I have proposed to the NFF to have a meeting with the coaches of the junior teams so that we can talk and have one philosophy for all the teams. I think the board will grant our demand.

“We had a good relationship with the CHAN team because Yusuf Salisu, my assistant, was its coach. Imama is also in my team and I hope he will be in charge of the U-23 team. Sometimes, we have very young players who are not ready for the Super Eagles, so we need a situation where we can send them to the U-23 team or the U-20. We should have a good communication with all the teams.”

Rohr reveals that he plans to play five friendly games before the Nations Cup next year, adding, however, “we want to choose the opponents very well. We will play two games in March, one being the last qualifier against Seychelles.

“We have to go to teams to speak with the players, their coaches and scouts. We want to see the results of the tests they did on our players and know the approach we should adopt for every individual player.”


Source : The Guardian

AFCON 2019: Rohr Contacts Huddersfield’s Billing For Nigeria Switch



By Johnny Edward:
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has hinted that contact has been made with Huddersfield Town midfielder, Philip Billing to pledge his allegiance to Nigeria ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

Philip Billing has been one of Huddersfield Town’s standout players this season in the English Premier League and has featured in all 13 games for the club this season.

The highly rated 22-year-old is eligible to represent the Super Eagles by his parentage roots. He was born in Denmark and has already featured for the Danish U-19 and U-21 teams.

Rohr disclosed during an exclusive interview with CSN on Monday that there were other several exciting players on his watch list aside Philip Billing who could also switch nationality to Nigeria, but said that they must feel the motivation to feature for the three-time African champions.

Since Rohr took charge of the Super Eagles in 2016, the Franco-German coach has lured three players of dual nationality to play for Nigeria.
The players include Ola Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi and Bryan Idowu.
“One of my assistants leaving in England saw him (Billing) and spoke with him,” Rohr told only CSN in Lagos on Monday.
“There was a good contact but also we feel we have to be very cautious because the English Federation does not want to lose these players, we have to understand that also.
“The players have been formed and their academy work was done there (England) – the entire job done there. Now when the player is adult he says goodbye – I go with Nigeria. Not all those cases are pleasant. We have lots of cases like that in France with lots of Algerian players.”
“Lots of players l grew up in France and then they go to Algeria. It’s not easy to accept that.
“But they must really be motivated and excited to come with us. we will not push.”
“We can find players in the midfield, attack and in defence as well.”

Source : Completesports Nigeria

Earthquake2:
Rohr seems to be talking too much these days

Well, I guess it is because he is in Nigeria presently. Journalists must sha sell news. If he snub them, he will appear not to be media friendly. My Opinion

ChrisKels:
Idowu should be more worried bro. Aina has been awesome as a left wing back for Torino this season, that said, Moses Odubajo, though, a sexy RB has played more as a LB for Brentford this season also. Do u c, it is kinda dicey? Im just loving the competition

Yes. That's true o

How could I have forgotten that Idowu will likely be the first casualty in the SE "talent hunt"

Gernot Rohr : Liverpool-Based Duo Solanke & Lookman 'Not Convinced' About Super Eagles
Published: November 26, 2018

Dominic Solanke and Ademola Lookman's international future lies with England national teams for now, Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has hinted.

It is a foregone conclusion that the two attack-minded players are set to represent the Young Lions at the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship June 16-30, around the same period the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will hold.

The Nigeria Football Federation have been trying to convince the two Liverpool-based players to switch allegiance to Super Eagles without success.

As for Hannover 96 winger, Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee, he would have been the favorite to replace the retired Victor Moses in the Super Eagles setup but injuries have not been kind to him.

Speaking with Sports Editors in Lagos, Rohr said : ''Ademola Lookman and Solanke are not convinced. They have not made up their minds so we will allow then to decide.

''We will go back to them later, but we cannot force anybody to play for us. It is very important decisions for them to make. Noah Bazee is also on our radar.''

William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi played for the youth teams of European nations before becoming cap-tied to Nigeria.

The Nigeria Football Federation have refused to throw in the towel in their pursuit of the Liverpool striker and Everton winger.

Source : allnigeria soccer








If this news is true, reports from some media outlets about change of allegiance of Lookman from England to Nigeria is false after all

Chai!!!......Dashed hope

With Rohr hoping to bring in Odubajo (according to Sir ChrisKels), Aina's place in the Eagles Squad maybe in danger especially with Ebuehi's imminent return.

Rohr Speaks On Tyronne Ebuehi’s Recovery, Drafts Super Eagles Fitness Coach To Work With Him


As first reported by Owngoalnigeria.com editorial team Super Eagles right full back Tyronne Ebuehi is close to full fitness from the injury he suffered at his new club Benfica following his move in the summer.

Ebuehi ruptured his tendon while in training ahead of the start of this season and his recovery after surgery is going smoothly with his January return date still very much in his sight.

Coach of the Nigerian team Gernot Rohr confirmed that progress is been made by the 22 year old and just like the technical crew did with Francis Uzoho ‎, the fitness coach of the Super Eagles is now working with him to help him get back to his best possible shape.

“We need to get another physical coach not only to work when we are in camp, but also to go to the clubs and work with players who need help.

“Sometimes our players need individual coaching. Now we have Tyrone Ebuehi, who is coming back from injury, we sent a coach to work with him. We did it with Uzoho when he wasn’t playing for Deportivo before the World Cup”, the coach said in Lagos.


The Dutch-Nigerian full back is a firm favorite with fans of the senior national team of Nigeria since impressing in his debut game against Argentina in a friendly game which Nigeria won 4-2 in preparation for the World Cup in Russia.

Source: OwngoalNigeria

Owngoal reports that Jayden Bennetts will not be featuring at the U-20 WAFU Competition due to Club commitments

komekn:
I personally think in terms of speed, athleticism and presence very few can match him. However, I still think he is not as good technically as I would like. It may be I've not seen that aspect of his game because, it has not been required.

Dominic Iorfa Father contested the Presidency of the NFF and did call a spade a spade not very diplomatic. That's is he exposed the depth of vote buying. He should have kept quite that's how things are done here if you don't like it dont compete. That left some people to get angry with him.

There is a hard core NFF element but small that dissuaded Rohr not to invite Dominic. That's my totally unsubstantiated view that is birthed from my perception and limited observation. I have zero evidence to support it just my emotive view.

Just the same way I know corrupt politicians and police but have no evidence to prove it.

Nice narration only that you left my Question unanswered. What should the NFF and Coach Rohr do about Iorfa in your honest Opinion?.

komekn:
I don’t think Ipswich could afford him in the first place and Dominic expected to be allowed to fight for a place. Dominic is contracted until 2019 to Wolves.

The issue is not centred on Ajayi but double standard by the NFF. So don't muddy the waters keep to the issue of dispute not Personalities.

Consistent firm over four seasons of first team football is not hype or a marketing gimmick. It's proven fact.

That's why after not playing 1st team football for 4/5 months. Sacko could go to Crystal Palace and turn thier season around from the first game. Because he leverage himself not just on one or two seasons but over 9 seasons of consistent top level performances.

Mr Komekn, as a Nigerian and fan of the Super Eagles, in clear terms, what's your honest and fair recommendation to the NFF and Coach Rohr concerning Iorfa?

gamaliel9:
So this why he has been inviting Ezenwa...to pray....so Ezenwa is the team`s psychologist...i see

My brother. I tire o. Ezenwa is the team's Chaplain

Rohr Talks Up Super Eagles’ Positives Ahead AFCON 2019; Disallowed Goals Vs Bafana; Return of Mikel, Simon, Salisu



By Johnny Edward:

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, haa been been fielding questions from the oress to address some knotty issues about his team following their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon with a game in hand in the qualifiers, Completesportssportsigeria.com can now serve you the details.
Rohr insists there is no chance of the Three-time African champions dialing down their own intensity when they host Seychelles in their final Group E clash next year.

The Super Eagles are already through to the group stages of the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon with a game to spare, but a win in their final group game against Seychelles will see the Super Eagles automatically clinch the top spot.
Nigeria lead Group E with 10 points from five games and are followed closely by South Africa on nine points, while Libya are third with seven points. Seychelles are at the bottom of the group with just one point.
“We don’t just want to qualify for the AFCON, we want to finish top of our league (table). We need to win against Seychelles to achieve that, ” Rohr said during a breakfast media parley with Nigerian sports editors on Friday.
“We still have a lot of work to do. We’ve really improved from the point I took over the Super Eagles. The joy to play good football, defend and score goals has now improved. We make fewer mistakes now as a team.”

Rohr shrugs off talks about captain John Obi Mikel retiring from the Super Eagles after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The 30-year-old has missed the Super Eagles last five games against Seychelles, Libya (home and away), South Africa and Uganda fueling talks about his retirement from the national team after 13 years.
“That (Samuel) Chukwueze wore the number 10 jersey against Uganda doesn’t translate to being a replacement for Mikel. It’s just a jersey number he used,” Rohr explained.
“Mikel remains in our plans and we all know why he has been out of the team. Mikel Obi will decide if he wants to play at AFCON 2019. He was omitted because of fitness issues, but we will look at his performance before the tournament.
“After the FIFA World Cup in Russia Obi Mikel wanted to take a break. He told me he needed rest and motivation. When he is ready, he will be back. Mikel is a fantastic captain.”

Rohr also explains why Samuel Kalu was his first ahead of Moses Simon in Super Eagles’ recent matches.
“I know Kalu Samuel very well. We had a similar player in Simon Moses, but who wasn’t in such a good physical condition. Kalu is good going forward & also a good defender, so we needed to play him in that role.”

On Victor Moses’ retirement from the Super Eagles, Rohr explains that he tried to convince the 27-year old to do a rethink ofbhis decision, but the Chelsea winger wanted to focus on his club career.
“I hope he will get an opportunity to play in Chelsea or with another club,” Rohr said of Moses’ situation at the Stamford Bridge.

The Eagles boss reveals he will be willing to work again with Salisu Yusuf after his suspension over a bribery case, but adds that the decision depends on the top hierarchy at the Nigeria Football Federation.
“If the NFF recalls Coach Salisu Yusuf to the Super Eagles, I will work with him. I have a good personal relationship with him. He made an honest mistake and I think he has paid for his mistakes. There is no reason why he should not be given another chance, but that decision depends on our bosses at the NFF,” he remarked.

Rohr expresses his wish to have the home-based players featuring prominently in the Super Eagles, but notes that they need good infrastructure to play on in order to develop better and stand good chances of playing regularly for the national team.
“We have already called up a lot of local players, but many of them end up going to Europe. Sometimes I feel like agents just want to bring them to the national team to make it easier to sell them,” he stated.
“I love local players. I want players in the Nigeria Professional Football League to play in the Super Eagles, but these local players need good infrastructure to play.
“We’ve invited 20 local players to Super Eagles since I became a coach. Buts it’s difficult to invite them because they don’t play often and Nigerian clubs don’t have the infrastructure.”

The Franco-German tactician also weighs in on the Nigeria’s disallowed goals against South Africa in last Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier stating that it was difficult for the referee to make the right calls due to the pace of Ahmed Musa.
Bakary Gassama ruled out two goals scored by Nigeria against South Africa for offside.
“Referees are humans and it is very important to understand that the job is difficult. The referees don’t like to be attacked because if you do the next time they refer your game, it may be difficult for you, let’s not criticize them too much.
“I’m a referee at each training session of my team and so I know it’s quite a difficult job to do.
“I saw the offside goals after the game. I didn’t criticize the linesmen. When you have quick players like Ahmed Musa, it’s really difficult to keep up and that is why we need to introduce technology in Africa.
“It is very difficult for referees. Gassama did well. It was not his fault.”

He also explains the inclusion of the inactive Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder, John Ogu in his squad for recent games.
“It’s always good to have a player like Ezenwa in the team whether he’s playing or not because he has the right spirit. Always positive, praying. Same with Ogu,” Rohr stated.

From : Complete sports

EEGA:
Abdul Zubairu in line for Super Eagles debut in March -Own goal.

From the Youtube Clip I watched, that guy did not impress me at all.

charlesemeka85:
neither are we the Spain,Germany,Brazil,France,Belgium or the resurgent dutch. we must have talents in abundance before we can overlook some who are qualified to play for us through their parents. akpoguma atleast sees regular playing time in the german top flight so if we can be ableto convince it will be a win win situation for us

Don't get me wrong sir. I support every move that is directed towards Foreign born Nigerians Akpoguma inclusive. No one is overlooking Akpoguma who I see as a good player. The good thing is that he has been approached after which he asked to be given time to see if Germany might still call him. I see no sense in reaching out to him again before he makes up his mind
If we pursue him too hard, that will be desperation bro. If Akpoguma doesn't play for us heaven will not fall. I hope you remember that Awaziem did not even make the squad for this international matches.

charlesemeka85:
oga we are the one in need so i see nothing wrong if rohr revisit him. french youth international who has a Moroccan father have been approached severally by renard refused playing for for morroco but that didnt stop the coach to still push till date.make we no dey form pride wey we no get. if akpoguma is approached through his agent and management team i guess he may accept playing for us. moreover he has not shut the door on us yet. zaha initially turned the civ down but want happened later?

In need? Not sure we are that desperate. It is Akpoguma we are talking about here not the Ramos, Boateng and the Koulibalys of this world.
Akpoguma is not in the class of Zaha talent wise.
I just pity am. By the time hin eye go clear, he fit no see chance for SE again