₦airaland Forum

Philosopher1979:
Nwakali did not play against Tunisia at the nation's cup and he did not play against Ghana in the world cup qualifier.
In those games we needed a midfielder.
Iwobi was not available for those games and nwakali should have stepped in.
We lost both games because of midfield issues

We have Iwobi now so what's the argument for?

TheSuperNerd:
Did an Ndidi x Aribo Midfield get us past the Round of 16 against a Covid ravaged Tunisian Midfield?? Did Nwakali play vs Tunisia? Why mentioning him with respect to that game?

Did that midfield duo even create chances through the middle?? We are talking raising the quality of our middle game dynamics and you are already jumping the gun to Afcon title.

Fabyom, stop deceiving yourself by asking evasive questions. You have to run well first before you can fly.

Before talking Afcon title, let us get the midfield in order. Right now, it is not in order and we only do a disservice to our national team to keep buttering them up as okay when they are poor in several middle game aspects.




And yes, the Same K. Nwakali went to that Afcon and emerged Tops as Nigeria's Highest Big Chances creator. He also turned our set piece situations into real dangers against the oppositions and did so well in the middle.




And Onyedika only had 5 cameo mins against Algeria. 5 MINS!!! Fabyom!!! 5mins!!! What did you expect him to show or do in 5 mins?? How many touches of the ball did he even make??

That you are using 5mins to rate a player shows that your level of football analysis needs to be SERIOUSLY upgraded.

You are the one spilling Half truths here. 5mins to rate Onyedika... Smh. You are unbelievable. Tufiakwa!!!

Why would Paserio give him Onyedika five minutes and Frank 90 minutes when Onyedika is better? Paserio doesn't know a good player or what? Nwakali was at AFCON and made no difference. Zero assist and goals. We were the only team that defeated Egypt within 90 minutes with that exceptional midfield. We pressed Tunisia and could have Equalized even with 10 men. The same midfield stood tall against Brazil and Argentina. Stop the half truths Supernerd!

TheSuperNerd:
Iwobi, Ndidi, Etebo Midfield got owned by that Algerian Midfield in 2019 in that Afcon semis. Absolutely reduced to mere passers-by.

Also, we saw Aribo x Ndidi Midfield against a Tunisian Covid-ravaged Midfield and they were totally shit. Totally clueless. Rubbish all round. Tell yourself the bloody truth and stop this nonsense.

Just stop capping Fabyom. We need to upgrade our midfield personnel in terms of tactical and technical quality and cease this "he plays in the EPL mentality".

Player Actual Quality >>>>>>> League One plays in.

So, Alhassan, Onyedika and Nwakali midfield will win us the Nation's cup? Wow! The same Nwakali went to that AFCON. The same Onyedika played against Algeria few weeks ago he was no where to be found. Rest Supernerd. Stop the half truths.

TheSuperNerd:
Respect them from now till 3035 but It doesn't change the fact that Ndidi is a limited CDM. And that Onyeka is a benchwarming poor ball playing Midfield personnel. And that Aribo is a Pseudo Midfielder. As for Etebo, let's be honest here, the Etebo of 2018 WC is not the same today plus he is a Visionless and Non-creative ball hugger in the middle.

Etebo gave us one of Nigeria's best Midfield Performances in the last few years and I mentioned it in another discussion pages ago when discussing Mikel Obi.

I give every player their props and accolades but the hard truth must be told about our midfield. We keep fielding limited MFs and we keep paying the price.

So it is not a matter of respect but one of tactical and technical truth. Truth that will continue to haunt us until we get it right in the middle game.

Alhassan, Onyedika and Nwakali won't even make Brentford bench. When Onyeka was balling in Denmark those guys you listed were no where to be found!

Iwobi, Wilf/Onyeka, and Etebo/Aribo is one of the best midfield in Africa.

TheSuperNerd:
Respect them from now till 3035 but It doesn't change the fact that Ndidi is a limited CDM. And that Onyeka is a benchwarming poor ball playing Midfield personnel. And that Aribo is a Pseudo Midfielder. As for Etebo, let's be honest here, the Etebo of 2018 WC is not the same today plus he is a Visionless and Non-creative ball hugger in the middle.

Etebo gave us one of Nigeria's best Midfield Performances in the last few years and I mentioned it in another discussion pages ago when discussing Mikel Obi.

I give every player their props and accolades but the hard truth must be told about our midfield. We keep fielding limited MFs and we keep paying the price.

So it is not a matter of respect but one of tactical and technical truth. Truth that will continue to haunt us until we get it right in the middle game.

Name 3 African countries with better midfield? So Nwakali, Alhassan and Onyedika are better ball playing midfielders? Are you joking?

TheSuperNerd:
Yep, you got that right.

And it is sad because all 4 players together address the bulk of our middle game deficiencies from tactical and technical viewpoints analytically.

Yet only one was invited. We are in for a long thing. We would always stay limited in the middle because we play with a limited personnel. That's terrible.

Peseiro have got to really watch these lads and assess the best tactically balanced we need to uplift our middle game dynamics.

Handing out calls to Bruno and Osayi now is no surprise to me as I have since mentioned them as options we could look at in both fullback positions. Given them mentions for months. So it's just routine and logical to call them up now.

The Midfield is our major problem and until we fix that, we would keep being nearly men and our attack would keep being starved when it matters.

For how long must Peseiro wait to fix something so obvious?

Anyway, looking forward to the Portugal game.

As usual, I would be hoping for a good game for our boys.

None of those 3 midfielders you listed is better than those invited. Stop disrespecting Onyeka, Etebo, Aribo and Wilf!

AndSunGorilla:
I was honestly surprised Musa and Shehu were dropped. I totally agree with you that the list is a fair one. Now to Onyedika and Alhassan, it's not premature for them to get an invite in my opinion, however, JP has decided to with experience which isn't a bad thing. Coaches are human and in most climes there are always some debatable selections, case in point, Benjamin Mendy at the last WC, Southgate dropping Tomori, Smalling, Tite dropping Firmino

Agreed!!

TheSuperNerd:
Senegal's list: Mane in, Ligue 2 player in

Sadio Mane is going to the WC even if on crutches. Senegal need their main Talisman.

Meanwhile, Formose Mendy, A player from French Ligue 2 side, Amiens SC is heading to the FIFA World Cup with Senegal but in here, some folks will talk down HYPOCRITICALLY on division 2 players who can come in and add value to the Super Eagles.

Senegal has more than one Division 2 players by the way. THEY HAVE 5 DIVISION 2 PLAYERS heading to the mundial.

Apart from the well known, Ismaila Sarr of Watford and the above mentioned Formose, there are 3 others from the English Championship. A GK from QPR (Seny Dieng) and 2 Ndiayes from Reading and Sheffield utd.

They even have a player from Cyprus.


Question: You (Nigeria) better past Senegal??

I insist that National team selections should always focus first on the quality and tactical value a player brings before we consider where he plays. It's that simple.

Player's Tactical and Technical Value >>>>>>>> Player's playing location.

Senegal doesn't have a good team. All these na sugar coating. They barely score from open play. With Mane injured they will score no single goal at the world cup. Mark this post.

AndSunGorilla:
Wow, I have no complaints whatsoever, some people will question Ndah and Duru's inclusions but am shocked Musa and Shehu were dropped. Coach probably not impressed yet with Onyedika.

Perfect list for a friendly match. The midfield is great. Out of the 23 only 18 might play so no complain. Paserio is a no nonsense coach. Only inform and tested players will be invited. Etebo was the star man in our last qualifiers. He is going no where. Alhassan is average. Onyedika still finding his feet. We are good to go. Happy Ebeuhi is back. I was expecting either Success or Okereke to make the list. No wahala, we good.
The battle for the 2nd striking position is between Awoniyi, Iheanacho and Onachu. Oshimen and Moffi are safe.

Samuel Kalu is back. Watford fans can't get enough of him. They have not seen anything yet. They should wait till when he is fully fit. Only 20 minutes display and they are calling him Pele. Lol!
P.S

Samuel Kalu will play against Costa Rica!!

AndSunGorilla:
Thanks sir. What position does Shehu play in his club sir? There's a Bright Osayi playing for Fenerbache and maybe Osaze Urhogide playing in Belgium too. I get it that Shehu is more experienced, not just sire about his current form in the Bulgarian league. It's hard to get information about the Bulgarian league you know.

Osayi is not a right back but I had he was invited as well. He was used as a wing back in some games same way Rohr used Simon. Osaze is not a right back. Akpoguma and Awaziem can play at right back as well. Shehu will continue to get invite as long as he is playing and fit.

Success with an outstanding assist.

Sir, we are already in Costa Rica. Aina is injured, and Ebuehi excused himself. Shehu is the only right-back playing regularly that is available. Why is his invitation not deserved?

AndSunGorilla:
Could you help me understand sir how the invite is well deserved, I ask politely sir for my education.

Meanwhile the cost Rica game is on Thursday o, are we even at the venue? Not hearing anything about the game.

Samueltemi337:
I'm hearing Shehu made the list against Portugal


what exactly is Shehu doing in that list when we have ebuehi

Ebeuhi just recuperate from injury. He excused himself. Shehu invite is well deserved.

charlesemeka85:
rumour has it that he won’t turn us down if approached

Yes, he has decided to play for us if approached. Unfortunately, we have some very good forwards at the moment.

Absolutely!

Meliforme:
My admiration for Bassey began when i saw the friendly game against Arsenal, while he was at Rangers, in that game he was played as a left-back. Bassey won me over.

When i saw him played as a CB, i was like wow, what a versatile player. The quality that i saw in Bassey made me believe that he is an upgrade to what we have in S.E especially at CB, but a closer look at Bassey as a CB revealed what looked like a deficiency, but which is actually a strength when he is deployed rightly

Bassey is a world class LB and should not be wasted at CB. He has qualities that makes him a good LB and at the same time limits him as a CB. He has the skills of a fullback. He anticipates well as a fullback, but makes poor judgements as a CB and there are good reasons for this.

Any coach that believes in Bassey will play him at LB and allow him to develop further in that role.

If Ajax desires let them continue him at CB and watch the opposition exploit Bassey's obvious weaknesses at CB, a situation which is quite unfair, and has a way of affecting his confidence.

Bassey had a great game when he switched to left-back. Ajax needs another CB to unleash Bassey at left-back.

Overpriced and not good enough for Ajax. Shockingly, right now he is one of their best players. Ajax presently does not have a good midfield which put a lot of pressure on the defense in big games!

BannedLarge:
How does the Ajax press feel about bassey

Ajax fans are attacking Bassey and I understand them. I didn't see the second goal but how could he have allowed that first goal to happen? How?

Danielnino00:
Osimhen
Moffi
Sadiq
Onuachu
Iheanacho
In that order...
Only reason Iheanacho isn't ahead of Onuachu is because of his lack of game time this season...
You can chose not to admit it, but there's some limitations to Onuachu's game that makes him not much of a sort after player..

I remember when Klopp took charge of Liverpool and we had Benteke who was one of the premier league prolific target man..He could score,but he was so limited in his performance..Always hanging around the 18 hard box for a pass... Klopp got rid of him immediately and started a false 9 system with Firmino that produced plenty of goals...

By what criteria is Sadiq and Moffi better than Onachu. I am waiting.

Mujtahida:
Exactly. Like Akpoborie. Any one who has watched Super Eagles for a long time knows that not every striker is meant to be an Eagle

Onachu is definitely a Super Eagles player and none of your strikers is better than him aside Oshimen. Facts!

Iwobi should be scoring that!

He is going to Chelsea or PSG!

Samueltemi337:
Please remove Chelsea for this list


I nor one hear say osimhen go Chelsea

Don't ever disrespect Oshimen ever again!! Chelsea, Bayern, Madrid, and PSG are watching!

Danielnino00:
Who is Robinson? Is Trent a winger? Trent is one of the main source of creativity in Klopp's system..He and Salah play the same wings,you won't see Salah playing crosses into the box.. that clearly highlight my point that in the modern game, wingers don't do much crossing of the ball.. Somebody said our wingers should be crossing the ball for Onuachu...

In a 4-3-3 it is the wing backs that crosses. Robertson and Trent does the crossing. Wingers often time square play. Liverpool scores from a lot of crosses. Onachu scored his goals under Rohr in a 4-3-3 system.

Danielnino00:
Wingers in this age and time have moved pass the era of crossing...that's the job of fullbacks.. Why? Because you need a mobile forward line that can flow together... Play Onuachu in a 4-3-3 with Salah and Mane as it was with Liverpool and he wouldf struggle cus they won't play no dammed cross to him...

What about Robinson and Trent? He has scored 4 goals for Super Eagles and only one came through header.

Onachu was the number 2 to Oshimen before his injuries and loss of form. He scored crucial goals for us. Benin republic away and another 2 against a team in Lagos. The transfer speculations got to his head in the latter part of last season.
He is back to his best, will get invite and score goals for us.
I bet most guys talking rubbish about Onachu here don't even watch him play at Genk.

Danielnino00:
Talking about Giannis, do you think he can displace Hakeem Olajuwon as the greatest player of Nigerian origin to play in the NBA??

CC: Bascovanveli, thesupernerd, lovewins

I love watching Hakeem. Giannis not really interesting to watch. Giannis might have a better legacy but the "Dream " played better basketball!

Amedino99:
this dude is overdue for a transfer!!!. Get a good agent for God sake

Age is a big factor.

Amedino99:
this dude is overdue for a transfer!!!. Get a good agent for God sake

Age not on his side.

Number 4 for Onachu!!!