₦airaland Forum

Joebie:
Sfaxien's Player of the Month or Tunisia Ligue 1 Player of the month?

Sfaxien's player of the month.

Sokari won player of the month for November. Interesting..

Arsenal are after Felix Uduokhai according to the mail...

junnyjake:
JUST IN: Enyeama's coach fired! -

.com - source

Dec 15, 2017 1:00 PM



Vincent Enyeama's coach at the French club, Lille, Marcelo Bielsa has been fired.

The arrival of Bielsa at Lille has never added anything positive for Enyeama; hence it would not be surprising if the former Nigeria international does not lose sleep over Friday's development. 

 The 62-year-old former Argentina, Chile and Athletic Bilbao coach, who is acclaimed by the likes of Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and Jorge Sampaoli as a coaching visionary, was appointed by Lille amid great fanfare this May.

Biesla was installed as head coach as Les Dogues underwent a huge squad overhaul, with former Barcelona vice-president Marc Ingla and ex-Monaco technical director Luis Campos brought on to the board by ambitious new owner Gerard Lopez.

 But a 3-0 victory over Nantes on the opening weekend of the Ligue 1 season proved to be a false dawn as Lille took three points from nine subsequent winless matches.

Bielsa was summoned to a meeting with Lille officials for "an interview prior to a possible dismissal".

However, his lawyer confirmed his client did not attend that meeting and the club finally confirmed his departure via a brief statement on their Twitter page on Friday.

These guys are in massive debt and will be relegated if they don't raise a certain amount of money. Where will they get the money to pay Bielsa off?? Bielsa has always been a psycho sha....not surprised he's gotten sacked.

Icon79:
Sorry to badge in, but you didn't really answer the question. The question was: what if he keeps getting us the results without the duo...will u still persecute him?

You guys need to understand that a coach should live and die by his results, whether he invites your favorite player or not. Don't get me wrong, I am Joel Obi's biggest fan here and would like to see him get an invite. However, I am willing to live with it if Rohr decides to against inviting him .... as long as Rohr gets the results. You guys need to understand that a good team doesn't necessarily have to comprise of the best players, but the players who fit into your program and your style of play. Take for instance, Williams was Chelsea's best player two seasons ago but when Conte came, he became a fringe player in the team. But nobody questioned Conte because he was getting results.


O pari

edi287:

Haven't I been praising his performances since? Does that mean no one can point out flaws and question ridiculous invitations like that of Nwakali? Or like I asked you earlier - do you think Rohr is God or something?

TheGoodJoe:
Most of Rohr's midfield set-up has three midfielders who can play as a defensive midfielder. Joel Obi might be brilliant but with respect of the DMF criteria, you will see he does not fit in. My assumption might be wrong, but if you look through that prism, you will see Joel Obi does not fit in. So it depends on the managers philosophy and what he intends to achieve.

Joel Obi can play as a DM, CM, LM and LB. His defensive side of the game isn't that bad.

PL: Iheanacho is talented enough to be a success – Amuneke

Calvin Emeka OnwukaDecember 15, 2017English Premier League, Football, News

Pinterest

When Nigeria won the FIFA U17 World Cup in the UAE in 2013 one player stood out for the Golden Eaglets – Kelechi Iheanacho. Fitting that he was voted the Most Valuable Player at the end. Many Nigerians felt that finally the country has found a successor to Kanu Nwankwo and JJ Okocha in terms of a creator and scorer of goals.

Iheanacho eventually joined Man City in the English Premier League and his role changed. From the City youth team it was clear that he has been moved to be a striker, “a top 9”. Even though he had good numbers in terms of goals-to-games ratio, the arrival of Pep Guardiola and with him the Brazilian, Gabriel Jesus, meant the end of the Nigerian at City.

Iheanacho with Guardiola at Man City

A move to Leicester City in the summer had many Nigerians hoping he will play regularly but it has not turned out quite like that. Was Iheanacho wrong to move to the Premier League to start with? “Absolutely not” says his coach at the U17 level, former Barcelona and Nigerian World Cup star, Emmanuel Amuneke. “In terms of ability, Kele (Iheanacho) can play in any league in the world even at that time he moved to City” Amuneke was in conversation with aclsports.com during the launch of the BBC African Footballer of the Year Award in London.

Is it his current position as a striker that is the problem? Watford forward and Iheanacho’s team mate at the U17 level Isaac Success believes that “to enjoy Kele, you have to play him in the hole behind the striker. His vision, his ability to spot a run is amazing. He is the best player I have played with”.

Amuneke continues “his talent is not in doubt; he just needs to work hard, listen to what his manager wants – because I know he is a humble boy – and he will be back to the Kele we all know and love. He will be fine”.

Leicester City’s manager Claude Puel has implied that he might be prepared to let Iheanacho leave in January as “we have many players for the striker role and we have players who truly deserve game time. So some might be allowed to leave if they so desire”.

Should Iheanacho decide to move in January it will be important he goes to where he can play regularly as Nigeria needs him match fit going into the world cup next summer.

https://www.aclsports.com/7776-2/

krattoss:
Lol..... u 're now diverting the convo

But in any way, j.obi is a good midfielder no doubt but believe U me many things are taken into consideration before the invitation of these guys which might be limited to we fans..
It's just like asking why conte keeps benching David luiz when he is no doubt the most experienced defender currently in Chelsea. ..
But he gets benched and the coach in the other hand keeps getting his results...now nobody can question him much cos he is getting the job done.. the coach might also have his own reasons of benching the player in question which I and u as a fan might not have the knowledge of..

As for ur question, I can write u many pages on current moldfielders in the super eagles that is better than j.obi in my own view and perspective. And we will continue argueing from dusk till dawn. .
People's choices 're relative so those the coaches...but as far as the results are coming out way..... then I think nobody should have any problems unless the person got some personal motives and interests..

And mind u every coach gets questioned when he isn't delivering whether he is using the best legs or not.

Your David Luiz point makes no sense. Luiz is being benched because Christensen is better.
The only valid excuse that can be given for Joel Obi not being invited now and in the future is his injury record. He has been relatively fit this season so no reason why he hasn't gotten a look in.

krattoss:
lol...but will u still question rohr if he doesn't invite ur Joel obi and co

And what if he keeps getting us the results without the duo...will u still persecute him

Haven't I been praising his performances since? Does that mean no one can point out flaws and question ridiculous invitations like that of Nwakali? Or like I asked you earlier - do you think Rohr is God or something?

krattoss:
lol...but will u still question rohr if he doesn't invite ur Joel obi and co

How many CMs do we have in better form than Joel Obi or are even as talented?

Who is this guy and why has he made front page twice today? Agree with his points though.

krattoss:
like my view changes anything??

Whether I had the views during keshi era..it doesn't change the fact that he calls the shots.. it's left for him and his employers to square things out ..

All of us here are all fans and nothing more.all our clamour ,views and opinions ends here and nothing more..

Or u think those guys at glass house gives a f*ck what we think?

Doesn't matter if they do. Rohr will get questioned when he makes questionable decisions and praised when he does well. You're sarcastic reply to my quote won't change that.

forgiveness:
I am That I am. I no bi God oo but I am Forgiveness. Any other na.

Humility017:
you're talking of one of the best players in the one of the most organised league in Africa....this guy used to be the pass master in the npfl....had it been he is a Tunisian..he would have been playing in their national team by now...

please forget it the guy is good....let him be tried in the friendly...I think rohr is still looking for one more midfielder wit the quality of a CM....reason for his invitation.
maybe chidiebere nwakali did not measure up....

I know about Sokari. He used to be dubbed as the "Nigerian iniesta" those days. My point is many said Rohr is looking for someone to replicate Onazi's work and I'm asking why Sokari and not Joel Obi and Azubuike?? Both have better defensive qualities and offer more versatility(especially Joel Obi). I'm not against inviting him but it'd be unfair if someone like J Obi doesn't get an opportunity as well.

krattoss:
why should I give u a valid reason when am not rohrs PA nor his scout??

HE is the gaffer and that's what he is been payed for...all we request from him is results and nothing more. ..if he likes, let him invite Islamist terrorists to play for us.. that's no body business..
The only time it becomes our business is when the results aren't coming...

If u think otherwise, dust ur cvs and submit it to the nff headquarters in Abuja.

Did you have this same view when Keshi was coach?

krattoss:
get ready to be disappointed. .And get ready to dust ur cvs cos u 're going to replace rohr..

Give me a valid reason why Sokari should be invited over those guys?? Till today you "Rohr knows best" brigade have failed to give us a valid reason for inviting Chidiebere Nwakali.

junnyjake:
Ndidi was signed to replace kante. What can you say about Nacho?? Leicester City realised they had no need for him after he was signed.

They thought he'd be an upgrade on Okazaki. Doesn't have the work rate unfortunately

tbaba1234:
Kingsley Sokari for Poland Looks like the coach is looking for a Center midfielder...

I hope Azubuike and Joel Obi will get invited as well or I'll start questioning Rohr.

komekn:
Zaha English born and English made.

Are you saying Sturridge is not quality.

Sturridge is more talented than Kane imo. Injuries ruined him. I frankly don't buy the hype of Kane. Consistent goal scorer yes -no way in the world is he the best 9 on the planet. Icardi would be receiving the same hype if he was british.

Icon79:
Haha!! That dude was something else. I've never seen anyone like him. He feeds and lives on endless debating.


O pari

He loves Nwakali ehnnn. In all his teams, he always has him in the first 11.

Icon79:
I think I can guess whom the SuperEagles person is: based on his style of writing and the method of argument. Those of you who have been to the Cyber Eagles forum (not sure whether it still exists), you might recall a guy we call "AyoAkinfe". I can put my money that the SuperEagles poster is the same AyoAkinfe guy. The writing style and the argumentative circular reasoning ... down to the 10 pointers (we used to call Ayo Mister 10 Pointer) all betrayed him on that post.


O pari

Ayo aka wAyo . He's like the Forgiveness of CE.

Certitude:
Bad day for me as I lost my dear father this morning.

Sorry for your loss. You have my condolences.

forgiveness:
Every matches played count. That's why I said Martins played part in our qualification to the WC. EOD

Didn't score or assist to be fair...

Lmaoooooo what are the NFF technical committee smoking?? This is how they didn't tell Siasia we only needed to beat Guinea by one and we missed Afcon 2012.
Inexcusable error...imagine if we were only a point or two ahead of Zambia?? This is crazy.
Come to think of it, why would Algeria report this now?? What do they stand to gain?? Petty but we'll within their rights tbh. Maybe we should've tested Aina and Ebuehi like most wanted...this wouldn't have happened.

g0tze:
Super eagles sports fans, i am here to report to the house the childish and irresponsible behaviour of one of your own TheGoodJoe or Cityjoe. I have been his fan on this thread till he dabbled into some threads in the political section. His posts portrayed him as a full blown tribalist.
Anybody that knows TheGoodJoe should warned him to refrain from posting tribal comments on the political thread otherwise this once peaceful thread will become a theatre of war.

You must be a comedian...

Tolulopefinest:
Taking into consideration last season's achievement I think Victor Moses deserves the crown...the award is about last season achievement not this season...salah wasn't Victor Moses level last season both in club and country.

But, Are you really a Nigerian?

Salah was also superb for Roma. Why do you think Liverpool spent 35m on him?? He also was great at afcon. Add that to his current form and you'll see why he won. If Mane hadn't gotten injured, he probably would have won it.

Icon4s:
Performance induced votes.

Mohammed Salah is Africa's best. Gbam!

No surprises to be honest. Salah will also win Apoty. His form and numbers speaks for itself.

TheGoodJoe:
Very nice and well written article. However, I do not think Rohr will flash his search light on Joel Obi even if he keeps himself fit from now until the World Cup. My reason is, I feel Rohr prefers midfielders who can play the defensive midfield role or have high defensive attributes. That is why my call for Sone Aluko reduced. The likes of Aluko, Joel Obi and Ifeanyi Matthew might evade the list of the German Tactician simply because their Limited defensive attributes.

We need more creativity in the team. Can't rely solely on Mikel as a source of creativity in the middle

What an slowpoke. For him mind, him be "good guy" as him no scam his fellow Nigerian?? Later now when the white man treats him like shit because of the color of his skin, he'll be the first one to cry racism and the white man is the devil.
I pray to God he gets caught and he gets the type of Judge that'll give him a 100 years in prison like that Judge in Mississippi. It would be a thing of joy for me

Waste of a solid beat

Abfinest007:
reaping off someone of his/her hard earn money u call it business

Don't mind the dumb Bleep. The annoying part of this bullshit is they don't even have the balls to scam the useless politicians that have made the country horrible as it is.

JOEL OBI RESURGENCE: ANOTHER FALSE DAWN?

Joel Obi
The Torino man is undoubtedly everyone's favourite midfielder Nigeria never had. Could he hold together long enough to fulfil his promise in Russia?
Article continues below
COMMENT By Solace Chukwu

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The year 2010 was an undeniable point of inflexion, and more than just in the sense of bringing the previous decade to an end.

It called time on a generation of Nigerian footballers; the retirement of Kanu sounding the call to finally rebuild the national team after the disappointment of that year's World Cup.

The line of succession was, however, compromised by failure and, to a lesser degree, misfortune. The inability of the Samson Siasia-led Super Eagles to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations was a rude shock, and consigned the likes of Dele Adeleye, Taye Taiwo, Promise Isaac, the crop from the Under-20 World Cup in 2005, to the compost heap.

Where misfortune struck was in sweeping up behind, doing reconnaissance, as it were, on those who managed to emerge from that debacle with their reputations intact: the promising Olubayo Adefemi was killed in a car crash, while both Onyekachi Apam and Chinedu Obasi remain the great what-ifs of Nigerian football in the 21st century.

Chinedu Obasi

Another in the latter category, and an even bigger regret in all likelihood, is Torino midfielder Joel Obi.

To borrow (and slightly paraphrase) a Yoruba saying, a dead child is better than a missing one. It is the hope that blocks the process of healing and cloture, you see. While we know that Obasi will never don the green and white again, and so can 'grieve', Obi presents a hope so real as to be tangible, and yet so tantalizing in it elusiveness.

Joel Obi | 2017-18 stats

The former Inter man, now 26, is presumably at the peak of his physical powers, and has made nine appearances (eight of those starts) in all competitions for Torino this season, scoring three times and assisting twice. Then again, there has never been any uncertainty over his productivity and ability. What is rather less apparent is how consistently his skills can be harnessed.

This term, Joel Obi has already missed five weeks due to injury. In 2016/17, that number was 13. In 2015/16, it was 20. This is the tragedy at the very core of a wondrous talent, the thorn in his flesh as it were: to be eternally buffeted by muscular injuries.

Joel Obi of Nigeria

Yet so great is his talent and range that, when fit, he is impossible to ignore, and this is true both for club and country. Following that initial stumble, the reboot of the national team did eventually happen under the late Stephen Keshi, and when he had secured a ticket to the 2014 World Cup, it was to Joel Obi he turned to improve the then African champions.

His slaloming brilliance and deft left foot would not have looked out of place in Brazil, the Mecca of the mercurials. Predictably though, just on the eve of the final squad announcement, he suffered yet another injury, drawing a long, plaintive sigh from all and sundry; he has not played for the national team since, withdrawing through injury when turned to for a meeting with Tanzania in September 2015.


This is all the more relevant now, for two reasons. Now that Nigeria know the identities of her three World Cup group-stage opponents, the mapping out of the 23-strong playing delegation will begin, and preparations will kick into gear.

Second of all is that there is so blatantly a need for a player like Obi in the Super Eagles midfield.

Joel Obi Andrea Belotti Torino Cagliari Serie A 10292017

Both Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi are scrappers, John Ogu is a calm distributor, John Obi Mikel plays in the hole and Oghenekaro Etebo is a runner.

What is lacking is someone who can dribble forward and pick a pass, take risks in possession and, in doing so, shift some of the creative burden off Mikel. Far from being simply an option to have in certain eventualities, this is arguably the one variable that could truly elevate this team, the x-factor.

It is easy to see that Gernot Rohr has the same idea – he invited Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali out of the blue last month for the Algeria game, and is surely experienced enough to appreciate the slightly blunt edge his midfield wields in the event that his captain gets marked out of a game.

Chidiebere Nwakali

And so, from now till the end of the season, we shall watch Joel Obi with bated breath and muttered supplication, because the question is not so much whether he ought to be a part of this team (that goes without saying), but whether his promise will crumble to dust in our hands once more.

Then again, perhaps it should suffice that we simply enjoy his progress from a distance, like an elegant fawn grazing, and not rustle the bushes, lest the spell be broken.

It seems that, more than his own explosiveness, the sheer weight of a nation's hope might be too much for those brittle hamstrings.

After all, to expect nothing is never to be disappointed again.

http://www.goal.com/en-ng/amp/news/joel-obi-resurgence-another-false-dawn/1lzmtwsmenyzg1bv5yvjpoop5b?__twitter_impression=true