₦airaland Forum

Niyinficient:
U shud know dat whatever achievement whether negative or positive recorded by nation in any sector of her economy is associated with her current leader!

If the leader is blamed for tangible things like not having a good sports development program or not releasing funds I can understand. Not his lucky aura. Haba.

Niyinficient:
And winning d AFCON, u cudnt win for 19yrs, winning d U17, winning medals at d commonwealth, Okagbare breaking a jinx, first time d tigers will qualify for d olympics....shud I continue?

Very good. Which means we had good times and bad times right? My point is simple. What does the luck of who is President have to do with how we perform in sports? Can Obama being President win the US the world cup? How can a learned person put a countries performance in sports down to the President's luck? Come on, in 2015?

Icon4s:
That has been our brand of football for some yrs now.

I tell you. And for a country that usually doesn't parade tall players, I honestly wonder what that is all about.

kennosklint:
Una sure say dis present administration no go b badluck to our nigeria futbal.jst sayin sha.cos d past admin is full of glory.

Yeah sure, even after missing the Nations Cup twice, failing at the London Olympics and having a not too memorable world cup. Glory all the way.

I'm beginning to suspect that someone or some people in the technical committee of the NFF have been advising our national teams to play the long ball tactics. Virtually all our teams seem to have reverted to this style.

YoursGEJ:
f for fashola

I personally think that BRF is better off in charge of a critical ministry like Finance or Power. So that he stays in the public eye until he runs for the Presidency. But PMB is a wiser man than me...he has been around Fashola and knows him best

shizzle11:
Buhari should make fashola a minsister and Ogbonaya Onu the SGF....opinion!

Seems a lot of people don't even know the important role the SGF plays. Google is our friend, but let me help you all out.

Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria is responsible for ensuring the effective coordination and monitoring of the implementation of government policies and programmes for the overall development of Nigeria.

Functions of the SGF: (Note: the two I have bolded are very key)

Coordinating policy design and formulation by Ministries, Departments and Agencies for approval by Government

Serving as Secretary to the Council of State, the Federal Executive Council and other Constitutional Councils, which are chaired by the President

Coordinating the activities of Ministries and Government Agencies on the implementation of Government decisions, policies and programmes

Dealing with constitutional, political and socio-economic matters as may be referred to the Presidency

Administrative Tribunals, Commissions and Panels of Enquiry; vi) Coordinating national security and public safety matters
National Honours Award
Prerogative of Mercy
Protocol Matters
Channeling of papers and directives of the President
Processing and granting Government approval for Overseas Tours, Intergovernmental Meetings/Conferences, medical check-up/treatment by Public Officers
Processing requests for Overseas Duty Tours/Conferences including medical check-up/treatment abroad for members of the Judiciary, Chairmen and Members of Statutory Commissions/Bodies for approval by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Coordinating the appointments to Headship of Statutory Bodies, Commissions and Agencies by the President
Dealing with matters relating to conditions of service of political office holders
Intergovernmental Affairs and relations with State and Local Governments
Liaison with Secretaries to State Governments
Allocation of office accommodation to Political Office Holders.


The SGF is like the Presidency's midfield to use a footballing term. He works with every ministry to ensure that they carry out all policies and projects to the letter. It's a very key position and if Fashola gets it, I know he won't just be sitting around doing nothing like one Tanoid suggested.

MuguliciousMUGU:
If he like he can put
atiku as EFCC chairman
and appoint mitchell as the regional leader of west nigeria
and amechi as the leader of west germany, it is not my business. My business is that he must deliver his promises as soon as possible.

Wow! For once you actually made sense, even though you probably don't know it. Barcanista and some other people here have been attacking PMB for not making certain appointments like SFG and Chief of Staff; and personally I don't care if Buhari doesn't make those appointments in the next four years. As long as he delivers on most of his election promises as much as is possibly, I'm good. Even if he has to achieve it with just Special Advisers and Ministers. After all, I can't remember what good Pius Anyim's appointment did to Nigerians.

I just want the President and his team, no matter their titles or positions to perform. God be with them all. God bless Nigeria.

aodis:
ITS LIKE U DONT UNDERSTAND, DO YOU? GO AND WATCH THE SCARE WE*NORWAY* GAVE TO SWEDEN YESTERDAY AT THE FRIENDLIES. ZALTAN HAD TO GO TO MEET THE UNDER 18 GUYS AND TOLD HIM HE JUST ARRIVED. IF A CRUNCH OF THIS TEAM WITH THE LIKES OF VINCENT.E LEON BALOGUN AND THAT GUY FROM IGHALO ET AL COME TOGETHER I BET YOU WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE THAT TEAM WILL SHAKE THE WORLD

A lot of times, you guys with this notion about age tend to contradict yourself. When we win age grade competitions, you will say it is because we used over-aged players who used their superior strength and experience to chance small boys. When we lose, you will still say it is because we used over-aged players who were too old to keep up with small boys. You guys should make up your mind. Is being over-aged an advantage or disadvantage?

Emmzyst:
NO, as u remain in the tournament u acquire more experience, confidence, tactic, understanding, etc.

Bro, the gentleman I quoted said Germany will not lose any match in this tournament, which means we will still lose to them no matter what experience, confidence or understanding we acquire as we go along.

aodis:
My analysia here these boys are not under 20 as claim. The should be around 25 26. Hence the positive thing that should be done is as simple as drafing theze boys to the under 23 and immediatly flying eagles. Because at that point tbey would meet their mate, whom at age a par will contend their power for power. At that point with the familarization of the team they will be unbeatable mark my word! I said this at the very begining. That why awoniyi waa able to score great for the under 23. We as nigerians should clamour their immediate intergration. That how the super eagles will be formed. I repeat this team and the present german senior squard are age braket. The pace of the german team that was played today showed that we Nigerians fielded older player. Its this simple

If we indeed fielded older players, then we should have won. Footballers peak between the ages of 25-27. So if our boys are the ages you say they are, they should be at their peak and shouldn't be taken out by a bunch of 20 year-old. I believe it goes beyond age. It is about technical and tactical ability of the players. The technical and tactical abilities that these European kids have at 20, many players in our local league don't know even at 27.

People keep asking why the Super Eagles are not good at set pieces and they blame the coaches like Keshi. But I wonder, will the senior team coach teach old men how to play corners and free-kicks? You learn that at academy level and begin to improve on it as you grow.

chaberry:
I can't believe this, Before this tournament you guys hype this coach and claim that he is the best thing to ever happen to our u.20 to the extend of boastfully and confidently saying that he will trash all his opponents and bring home the trophy, now tell me, have he suddenly turn to a tactless coach? Is he now clueless? Believe it or not we lose 2day because we played a better team(infact the scoreline is flattery to us) afterall this is the same team that have won our last games. So stop blaming the coach and accept that we played a better team, you can only blame the coach for instructing his boys to win the Hungary game

So your argument basically is don't lose to Germany in the Round of 16. Just wait till the semi-finals to lose to them. Would that have been better? Losing in the semis and getting a bronze medal or 4th place?

TheGoodJoe:
I know a sold match when I see one. This was definitely sold. Manu is out of my list. I do not care about his brilliance.

If he is not loyal to the Nigerian football fans, he can keep his talent to himself.

This was a good selling point for him. His chance to prove himself as the right man for the Super Eagles.

On a lighter note, this is a conspiracy theory you will not like.

Maybe Man City settled Manu Garba to keep Iheanacho on the bench and ensure we do not go far in this tourney. That way, their wonderkid is safe away from any potentially injuries and can return for pre-season well rested.

TheGoodJoe:
I am all for pushing your boys. We have no problem with that because this boys are better than some in big clubs. However, an early change when things are not going to plans. These boys will not secure top clubs by crashing out early playing 90 mins.

Pull Awo for Nacho for the second half of this game and start Awo in the next.

That is not what this coach was thinking. Manu wanted a loss. That is the simple truth.

On the sports news this morning I heard FIFA had instructed teams to swap videos of their last game with each other. Immediately I knew there was a problem. The Germans will go and analyse our game man for man and tactics for tactics. What will our coaches do with the tape they give us? The Germans simply stopped us from playing. They kept the ball from us and closed us down quickly when we had it.

joseph1013:
[
Mehn...I'm still lost for words. I just cant explain what happened. I'm confused.

But to say something...Manu let Germany win this match. Plain and simple! There is no other way to sugarcoat it.

The coach lost the game for us. And it is one of two things: EGO or FEAR.

Manu Garba either felt he had to show Iheanacho who the boss is, which is not entirely bad, but requires wisdom, or he was afraid after the loss to Brazil and decided to stick with the boys he has had with him since AYC.

EGO: Even if you were trying to discipline Iheanacho, Yahaya and Moses or you felt they hadn't blended in, there comes a time when you must know that your message is passed and the punishment should end. The boy has sat on the bench for almost two games. Call him and read the riot act. Put him on the field and tell him to perform and play for the team. Swallow your ego,especially for personal pride for national interest.

FEAR: If it's not that, then maybe the fear factor set in. Manu may have told himself, the boys from Europe are made and no longer hungry for success. Let me use those I've been with for close to two years now who are still looking for European contracts. They will be hungrier. It worked for him at U-17 and he may have decided to stick with it.

But beyond that, U-17 and U-20 are not the same o! A lot of U-20 players in Europe already have professional contracts and play in top leagues. Even those who have not broken into their main teams play regularly in reserve leagues or lower divisions. The competition is tougher.

morsadh:
Word! As far as I'm concerned, we have the players. The volume of the technical ability of our coaches is wayyyy down!

That really is it. The coach lost the game for us. And it is one of two things: EGO or FEAR.

Manu Garba either felt he had to show Iheanacho who the boss is, which is not entirely bad, but requires wisdom, or he was afraid after the loss to Brazil and decided to stick with the boys he has had with him since AYC.

EGO: Even if you were trying to discipline Iheanacho, Yahaya and Moses or you felt they hadn't blended in, there comes a time when you must know that your message is passed and the punishment should end. The boy has sat on the bench for almost two games. Call him and read the riot act. Put him on the field and tell him to perform and play for the team. Swallow your ego,especially for personal pride for national interest.

FEAR: If it's not that, then maybe the fear factor set in. Manu may have told himself, the boys from Europe are made and no longer hungry for success. Let me use those I've been with for close to two years now who are still looking for European contracts. They will be hungrier. It worked for him at U-17 and he may have decided to stick with it.

But beyond that, U-17 and U-20 are not the same o! A lot of U-20 players in Europe already have professional contracts and play in top leagues. Even those who have not broken into their main teams play regularly in reserve leagues or lower divisions. The competition is tougher.

chaberry:
You are wrong, serbia would have been an easier prey compare to the Germans. This need no analogy, it's just plain. Germany is probably the most consistant football playing country in the world, i just can't understand what gave Manu Garba the impetus to challenge Germany when there is another option of playing serbia, it beat my imagination. Now i'm wondering what will happen to this lovely thread now that this team have disappointed some, cos for sure i already knw that they won't pass r.16 when they foolishly beat Hungary

The Serbians are similar to the Germans. Tall, physical and very technical and disciplined, especially in defence. They have a system for producing these kind of players. If we play against Serbia like we did today, we will still probably lose

Sadly, Manu Garba lost this game for us. But, I'm not disheartened. We have some talented players for the future in this team. They just need to be properly managed.

FBS:
my friend keep quiet. are the german not of the same age group? These are supposedly the best 11 in the nation and they are NOT playing at all. Aint nothing wrong in saying things just the way they are.

Yes, but at the end of the day it is still a developmental tournament. All the U-17 trophies we have won as not done anything for us. Let us win the senior FIFA world cup and be a dominant force in world fotball, then we can talk. I have seen some promising players here who have the potential to replace the bunch of Super Eagles we have. I'm satisfied. You can choose to cry and lament and groan in agony if you like. Good luck with that.

chaberry:
Tbaba1234 and safarigirl hope you two have seen what over-confidence have cause you and our team? When i and people like alj were saying it will be better to avoid Germany you guys called us "paper fans" and "cowards", now you guys should enjoy your Germany Won't you have appreciate it if our team play serbia and make it to the quarter final

Serbia wouldn't have been any easier. Football is not mathematics.

Typical Nigerian fans, always complaining and lamenting. It's an age grade competition, haba.

The German tactics is very clear. Keep the ball from the Nigerians. Close them down quickly when they have the ball. We need to find a way to counter.

I don't know why that player felt he could easily ghost past two players like that. Gave away possession, GOAL!

GAME ON!

bigtt76:
AIT local or DSTV?

Local.

Mrchippychappy:
This is the only country were young ones are afraid of being successful, nacho signs for Mancity and his coaches become envious of his success. Funny I tell you.

Yet this "envious" coach gave him a starting shirt in the first game, even when he hadn't been in camp with the team. Blame Man City for holding on to the boy for too long when they should have released him for the camp. Do you think Man City would have held on to English U-20 players for that long if they had qualified for this tournament?

Early yellow for Ifeanyi not good o! We can't afford to be reduced to 10 men o. The boys must be careful with their tackles.

Come on boys, this is it. The German wall must fall.

Kolade354:
Is it 8:30 or 9? And pls Is AIT or NTAI airing the match?

AIT on full blast. Let's go!!!

samueld0:
Did anyone noticed the female jesey is slightly deferent and more fitting than the flying Eagle's own?? I like the dark green jesey

I totally noticed that too. The jersey really looks good on the girls than it does on the boys. Oh, and thanks for waking me up the other night.

hometutors:
nice one dddrexjr. but let me ask. what should be the yardstick in choosing the best or better league? should it be base on entertainment or glamour? rather than the overall achievement of the teams in Europe and the qualities of players like you said prior to Messi and ronaldo..But you failed to Remember those two players are part of laliga and you people keep saying, if there are not, and which there are fully part. Even before messi and Ronaldo in laliga. it was still about rivaldo, delima Rinaldo, zedine and ronaldiho , all in laliga ruling soccer worldwide

Be careful with the names you bandy around bro. Only Zidane (2002) and Ronaldinho (2006) won the UCL with their La Liga teams. Rivaldo and Ronaldo De Lima never did. Also Zidane won his first two World Player of the Year awards while at Juventus. He joined Real Madrid as an already accomplished player. Ronaldo de Lima also won his last two World Player of the Year awards at Inter. Before that he only spent a season at Barca (where he won his first) before returning to Real Madrid after his Italian sojourn.

As big as Zidane and Ronaldinho were they only won one UCL with La Liga teams. Compare that to the Messi era and you will see that his impact cannot be overlooked in considering recent La Liga success in the UCL.

Below is a thread I created after the round of 16 which shows that the situation is not as bad as many of you make it seem.

dabossman:
In the wake of the elimination of all the English Premier League clubs from the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16, I have watched and read with amusement as several commentator have come to the conclusion that the EPL is over-rated and only thrives on marketability and hype without any attendant success in Europe’s biggest club competition.

My amusement is based on the fact that these assertions seem a bit over-exaggerated as the facts on ground in recent times prove otherwise. To make my point I will focus on the Champions League in the last decade (2005-2014) with focus on the semi-finals and final stage. (Please note that 2005-2014 actually contains 10 seasons of the UCL, even though we are more like to think of a decade as being 2004-2014.) This season is yet to get to the semi-final stage so I will exclude it for now.

The first point I will make is that in the period in review (2005-2014) three English teams have won the Champions League (Liverpool, 2005; Manchester United, 2008 and Chelsea, 2012) in comparison to two teams from Spain (Barcelona 2006, 2009, 2011; Real Madrid, 2014) and Italy (Milan,2007; Inter Milan, 2010), and one team from Germany (Bayern Munich, 2013). In other words, more teams from England have won the UCL compared to other leagues.

Now let’s take a critical look at the teams that have played in the Champions League Finals between 2005 and 2014.

Champions League Finals:

English teams have played in 7 of the last 10 UCL finals with one being an all English final in 2008. (Liverpool, 2005, 2007; Arsenal, 2006; Man Utd, 2008, 2009, 2011; Chelsea, 2008, 2012).

Compare that with Spanish teams who have played in only 4 finals in the last 10 with an all-Spanish final last season. (Barcelona, 2006, 2009, 2011; Real Madrid, 2014; Athletico Madrid, 2014)

Or Italian and German teams who have both played in 3 finals in 10. (Milan, 2005, 2007; Inter, 2010) and (Bayern, 2010, 2012, 2013; Borrussia Dortmund, 2013)

This clearly shows that teams from the EPL have been more consistent in getting to the UCL finals than every other league in the last decade. What about the semi-finals?

Champions League Semi-finals:

There has been an English team in 8 of the last 10 semi-finals in the UCL. However, the stats get even more interesting.
There were 3 English semi-finalist in 3 consecutive UCL seasons within the period in review.

2007- Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd
2008 – Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd
2009 – Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea

This was 3 seasons of dominance in the UCL by English teams which no one seems to remember. The most the Spaniards have been able to do is 2 Spanish teams qualifying for 4 consecutive semi-finals (2011-2014), but not 3.

Summary:

It is true that Spanish teams have been more successful in this period, winning 4 titles, while England have 3 titles. However, the Spanish La Liga’s successes are largely down to the exploits of Barcelona, buoyed by the amazing talent of the phenomenal Lionel Messi. On the three occasions that Barcelona have won the UCL title in the last decade, they defeated an English side in the final (Arsenal, 2006; Manchester United 2009, 2011)

We must also understand that these things go around from time to time. In the early 90’s the Italian Serie A dominated the UCL, with 2 of their teams (Milan & Juventus) appearing in 6 consecutive finals between 1993 and 1998 winning twice. However, only Inter Milan has appeared in a UCL semi-final in the last 7 seasons.

The EPL teams also had a run of 5 consecutive finals between 2005 and 2009, winning twice. Guess what, the Spanish La Liga teams are yet to have such a run even in the last two decades, despite winning the titles more times. Bayern Munich have practically flown the flag of the Bundesliga, with Schalke 04 being the only other semi-finalist in the period under review. France and Holland have only managed 1 semi-final each in this period (Lyon, 2010; PSV 2005). Greece, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine can at best boast of Quarter-final finishes.

So, is the English Premier League over-rated after all? They may not have won as many UCL titles as the Spanish La Liga in the last decade, but they surely deserve a whole lot more than an “E” for effort.

Gboliwe:
Ndubuoke emphasised that the aircraft involved in the incident would not fly until there was a complete investigation and re-certification by the NCAA.

The above was just what I was hoping to see.

It shdnt be swept under the mat and put our lives in danger. I must have died and resurrected 7 times if I had the misfortune of being one of its passengers.

These airlines should start putting value on or lives!

Hahaha, Gboliwe so you no even get liver like this.

Me wey dey talk sef go don think my life from genesis to revelation. I go don call Jesus so tey, Bros J sef go say wetin.

Nashoji:
I know that the reason why pazienza felt it is an ethnic bashing is that the majority of the people criticizing nacho are from a particular part of the country and they are trying soo hard to bring nacho down and put awoniyi (whom they felt is their own) up. mind you, I'm not saying awoniyi is not talented or good.

awoniyi equally had a terrible performance against Brazil, he missed clear cut chances too and nobody is saying Jack about that because he was given another opportunity and he put things in other. who says nacho would not have put in those mind blowing performance had he been given another chance? the truth of the matter is that, believe it or not, nacho is head and shoulder/ far ahead of his peers. check out his movement both on and off the ball, his vision for pass, his ability to skip pass his marker and his hold up play.

What are we even talking, infact, let's compare all this guys those people are mentioning that are better than nacho anytime they win any international award in any level of football.

people should Just criticize constructively and football base isues and leave ethnic and personal character out of it. nacho can chose to celebrate his goals any How he wants, is non of the coach or your business, as far as he keeps delivering the goals which is his primary assignment. his pattern of celebration should not be an excuse to hate him.

I would honestly like to know how you guys can determine someone's tribe on a faceless forum where most people use aliases and strange monikers to identify themselves. Gosh, some folks here even lie about their gender. Please enlighten me o.

pazienza:
I am beginning to sense tribal angle to this Iheanachor criticism. The whole team as a whole played bad against Brazil, why then are all of you people singling out Iheanachor for bashing?

Even Awoniyi was piss poor against Brazil, he missed a sitter that Iheanachor would have easily buried that day, yet he isn't being criticized.Enaholo and Muhammad were calamity that day. Iheanachor never put a foot wrong in that match, he just wasn't special that day, and now all you jealous tribalists are after him, trying to scape goat him. Ekwensu kpo kwa oku there!

Infact I sense Igbo bashing here as usual, and will now treat further Iheanachor bashing here as such.

Ogini di!

*looks left, looks right*
Er, the only tribal comment I see here is yours bruv. Most people are disappointed with Iheanacho's performance because they expected a lot from him. Even Manu Garba put him in the first game with Brazil because he respects and acknowledges the lad's talent. Sadly, your best explanation is based on tribal sentiments. Na wa for you o.