₦airaland Forum

Lyon Join Arsenal In Race For New Nwankwo Kanu, Sadiq Umar

Published: April 15, 2016


Lyon Join Arsenal In Race For New Nwankwo Kanu, Sadiq Umar
Roma sensation Sadiq Umar is attracting huge interest from Europe’s elites,with the transfer window set to open for business in the next two months or so.

The teenager has been linked with a possible move to Arsenal in the summer and there is a new suitor from France interested in snapping him up.

According to celebrated Italian sports daily, la Gazzetta dello Sport, seven-time French champions Olympique Lyonnais have joined the race for the signature of Sadiq Umar, who has been touted as the new Nwankwo Kanu back in his homeland.

If it comes to a bidding war, Lyon do not have the financial muscle to compete with their more illustrious rivals, with Arsenal reportedly prepared to pay up to 20 million euros to secure his signature.

The 19-year-old Umar has suited up six times for the first team of Roma in the Serie A and has netted two goals.

http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18674

Rio 2016: Siasia squad list headache as April 19 deadline looms

Posted By: Adeniyion:

April 15, 2016

Dream Team VI Coach, Samson Siasia has raised concerns over the challenges of getting players in camp for the team with 4 days before the deadline of the submission of the squad list.

Siasia expressed worries that none of the 30 players invited have been given leave by their clubs to join the coaches in camp which is at the moment ‘ virtually camp’ and he and his assistants have been wiping up names they hope to send to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

In a chat with footballlive.ng, Siasia warned that only early preparations could help the country do well in the Tournament though he admits the Group B pairing was a fair bargain.

Nigeria get their campaign in Rio off on August 4 against Japan at the Amazônia Arena in Manaus. The Dream Team VI will complete their group stage campaign 6 days later with games against Sweden ( 7th August) and Colombia ( 10th August).


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/825939115?-21310:8643:t

terzurum5:
This is what I do not understand about our Coaches, what has this tedious produced with the likes of Ajayi and other strikers he took to the AAGS & U23 AFCON? He might have managed to win the U23 Trophy, but remember at the Olympics, its not going to be the same ball game.

This might just be a pointer to the fact that Sir Forgiveness's stance on our Coaches' player selection is not out of place.

Siasia will surely suprise us with his final list. Well, na him go lose pass.

adeyemi2015:
RIO 2016 OLYMPIC DRAW

Group A
Brazil
South Africa
Iraq
Denmark

Group B
Sweden
Colombia
Nigeria
Japan


Group C
Fiji
Korea
Mexico
Germany

Group D
Honduras
Algeria
Portugal
Argentina


*https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgAh_DdXEAA3KhD.jpg:large

The fear of Sweden is the beginning of wisdom.

GreatSE:
NOO, It sucks to be a Yoruba Man...... when will you ppl stop stabbing your fellow Southerner at the back..... you ppl voted for change not knowing Northerners voted for power, the only reason you are crying about that railway is because it will benefit the SW more than SS and SE...if not you ppl would have called Amaechi a thief.

How does the Calabar railway line benefits the West than the SS/SE?

Icon4s:
The Guy is playing an old record.
We have gone pass arguments like that.

Probably! But we can't say some boys no dey cheat ooo apart from those who went through the MRI test.

binhozie:
I never said all players that turn up for U 20 are 30 yrs ,You are purposely missing the point even a yr makes you an age cheat, 24 yr olds 25 yr olds in U20 are cheats you don't have to be 30 before you are a cheat and they are honest ones,and they are those that are more than 35 self but I believe about 50% or more are not honest with their age MRI has an age span of 5 yrs or more so 21 yr olds or older can fit in to an U 17 team, There has been a conscious effort to reduce it in Nigerian youth set up I can see that, kudos to the relevant authorities but its still there, Some players fail MRI scan for U17 and play for U20 in 2 yrs time, I don't know why it happens thus maybe you know kindly enlighten me.

Bros, 100% of Nigerian are not honest with their age. Especially the ones that have played in the NPFL.

The ones with their true age are those who went through MRI. No bi new thing na.

BascoVanVeli:
We do have a meaningless competitive match which we could use to cap those guys.

Na really meaningless competitive match.

Icon4s:
Bros Immediately FIFA Ban us I will just Ban myself from nairaland. Na to deactivate my account be that because nothing to discuss here again.

Mtchew.

I don't think Nigeria government will allow that to happen but if they(Giwa and sport minister) are hell bent on sacrificing the interest of the whole Nation for their personal interest, well me i no go deactivate ooo because of those polithievesians ooo.

Icon4s:
Are u grinning or Crying?

My mood to discuss football was deactivated since d day that useless court sitting in Jos sacked Pinnick and installed Giwa.

I knew it would lead to a FIFA ban.

Senegal is waiting to take our position at the Olympics.
Burundi is waiting to walk over our Flying Eagles
The Terranga Lioness still have hopes of making it to AWCON cos the Super Falcons would be banned too.

I just tire.

All of the above. I don't even know wetin man go do.

When i read Giwa will take over glass house today, bros i weak because i know FIFA ban is inevitable. Meaning, no Olympics, no flying Eagles, in short no football competition for us this year, depending on the length of ban.

Icon4s:
Good one for us.

However, FIFA ban on my mind.

forgiveness:
Arsenal Midfielder Iwobi Could Face Off Against Childhood Pal Akpom At Toulon Festival


Published: April 13, 2016

Nigeria’s Olympic National Team is among the ten teams invited to participate in the 2016 edition of the prestigious Toulon Tournament which will hold in France from 18–29 May 2016, according to the official website of the tournament.

The Dream Team VI and South Africa will represent Africa in the tourney, while Australia, Japan,Mexico, Czech Republic,England,France,Portugal and Colombia have been handed invitations as well.

With the English Premier League set to end three days before the start of the competition, the likes of Alex Iwobi(Arsenal), Kelechi Iheanacho(Manchester City) and Nathan Oduwa(Tottenham Hotspur) could feature in the tournament for the first time.

The draw for the group stage is yet to be determined, but it is confirmed that the Nigeria U23s will play a minimum of four matches during the competition.

Traditionally, the Toulon Tournament is reserved for U20 players but the organizers have decided to allow participants select players born from January 1 1993 to enable them use the tourney to prepare for the Olympic Games.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel


http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18654

This is the best time to cap or access some foreign born players. It is likely Portugal will not call Tiago Ilori, so this is the best time to take advantage of capping him.

On the other hand, Solanke, Akpom, Onomah, Sheyi, Ibe, Moses Odubajo and Iorfa might likely feature for England in the tournament if we don't invite any of them. Anyhow, this will at the same time afford Siasia and Nigerians the opportunity to access these players before we finally decide on who should be on the list to Rio Olympics.

Arsenal Midfielder Iwobi Could Face Off Against Childhood Pal Akpom At Toulon Festival


Published: April 13, 2016

Nigeria’s Olympic National Team is among the ten teams invited to participate in the 2016 edition of the prestigious Toulon Tournament which will hold in France from 18–29 May 2016, according to the official website of the tournament.

The Dream Team VI and South Africa will represent Africa in the tourney, while Australia, Japan,Mexico, Czech Republic,England,France,Portugal and Colombia have been handed invitations as well.

With the English Premier League set to end three days before the start of the competition, the likes of Alex Iwobi(Arsenal), Kelechi Iheanacho(Manchester City) and Nathan Oduwa(Tottenham Hotspur) could feature in the tournament for the first time.

The draw for the group stage is yet to be determined, but it is confirmed that the Nigeria U23s will play a minimum of four matches during the competition.

Traditionally, the Toulon Tournament is reserved for U20 players but the organizers have decided to allow participants select players born from January 1 1993 to enable them use the tourney to prepare for the Olympic Games.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel


http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18654

EXCL: NIGERIA DREAM TEAM TO FEATURE AT TOULON TOURNEY

by Samm Audu

Wednesday Apr 13, 2016. 09:23

Nigeria’s Olympic team, Dream Team VI, will feature at the annual Toulon Tournament in the south of France next month as part of their build-up for the Rio Olympics.
The tournament organisers specially informed AfricanFootball.com of Nigeria’s participation in the 44th edition, which will be played from May 18 to 29.

This will be the second time Nigeria will feature at the Toulon Football Festival, which was founded in 1967.

The Flying Eagles played in the 2013 edition on their way to the U20 World Cup in Turkey.

This year’s tournament will be used by countries to prepare for the Rio Olympics in August.

Some of the qualifiers for the Olympics have already confirmed their participation at the Toulon tourney.

They include Japan, South Africa, Mexico, Portugal and Colombia.



http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/825548413?-21310:8643

I know the people Ffk is trying to refer to as Bosnia because it seems they are the only who believes in peace and diplomacy.

Icon4s:
I got excited when i saw Sheyi Ojo on d starting line up. Thank God Spurs vs United was delayed so i really had time to assess d young lad.

The way he took d ball round Shaqiri was world class.

Henn bt England would want to by all means keep this boy. Nigeria should try o bt England,, after losing Iwobi would fight to keep sheyi.

Chai! I missed that match. Although, i have seen him play in the championship for Wolverhampton and Liverpool in the FA Cup where he scored a goal.

If England doesn't put him on European Cup list then i hope Siasia will invite him for the Olympics to fight for a place.

binhozie:
How will they just declare their interests when some of them have never been to Nigeria in their lives
They need to be influenced u think if Iwobi and V. Moses uncles Didnt influence them they would be playing for nigeria think again bro

Most of them are undecided they will go for the country that shows more interest and promise for them
If hungary was a strong footballing nation otigba will not be sitting around waiting for you bro.

Talk to them invite them for underage qualifiers when they are young spot them wen they are showing promise

Not when they become world class u start running after them

Sheyi Ojo get him now
Josh Onomah now
J.ibe talk to him again, he has been over looked he might reconsider.
Akpom talk to him
Solanke talk to him
Tosin Adarabioyo talk to him
And a long list of others

Trust me England do not really need this guys

@bolded is the point.

All the players you mentioned are very good for the Super Eagles but........

Klopp Sings Praises Of Liverpool Rising Star Sheyi Ojo

Published: April 11, 2016


Klopp Sings Praises Of Liverpool Rising Star Sheyi Ojo
Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has doffed his hat, literally, to Nigerian winger Sheyi Ojo on the heels of his impressive showing for his team in their 4-1 rout of Stoke City at Anfield on Sunday in the Premier League.

The German gaffer made seven changes to his starting XI,handing the England youth-teamer his first ever start in the top-flight and he repaid that faith by setting up the goal scored by Daniel Sturridge in the first half.

“And the same for Ojo. It’s more important than if he would have played a perfect game today and set a level and everybody would be waiting for him to jump over this,” said Klopp to liverpoolfc.com.

“He is a good boy, he has a way to go, no problem. After three, four moments on the right wing, to do what he did on the left [for Sturridge’s goal] with the dribbling and the cross was really brilliant and then Daniel finished perfectly.”

The 18-year-old Ojo has five appearances under his belt for the first team of Liverpool in all competitions this season.

The young star spent the first half of the 2015-2016 campaign at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Igho Kingsley

http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18631

chrisooblog:
mikel has achieved everything in the game so one can overlook his own what has ajagun ''the defender of nigeria's midfield universe achieved''

Where Mikel Obi take start em career? For Chelsea?.. The young shall grow. be patient and avoid witch hunting.

tglobal:
The fact that the author couldn't even get his starting line up right brings his claim in doubt. Also, as far as I remember, Amuzie wasn't even on the pitch in the second half of the match hence I don't see how he cost us in Alexandria.

Is that the only thing you saw in the article?

Meaning he got his tactics wrong from the beginning and that's what we are talking about

chrisooblog:
but your super hero the best current midfielder that ever liveth played 85 minutes but his club lost. what hapin?

even mikel obi's chelsea lost. so, what do you say about that?

Premier League Wrap:Ojo Shines On First Start For Liverpool; Alli Hits Eighth Goal;Ibe&Onomah Not Involved


Published: April 10, 2016
Premier League Wrap:Ojo Shines On First Start For Liverpool; Alli Hits Eighth Goal;Ibe&Onomah Not Involved
Catch up on the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the English Premier League on Sunday.

England youth international Sheyi Ojo made his first ever start for Liverpool in their 4-1 rout of Stoke City at Anfield. The winger notched an assist in the 32nd minute when he ghosted past his marker before crossing for Sturridge to head in.

While the 18-year-old was withdrawn at half time, there was no place in the squad for the Reds number 33 Jordon Ibe.

Tottenham Hotspur have closed the gap on leaders Leicester City thanks to their 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United at White Hart Lane.

Three Lions rising star Dele Alli found the back of the net in the 70th minute, his eighth league goal in a Spurs shirt, then was substituted in the third minute of stoppage time. He was booked a minute earlier.

The young midfielder Josh Onomah was not involved for the Londoners. It would have been his eighth appearance in the EPL if he was given a run out.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel


http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18627

justiz5:
[b][size=14pt]
Nigerian Exports: Rabiu,Kalu,Bentley&Eleke Score;Onazi,Otigba&Igboun Play Full
[/size]
https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/72060eddy.jpg
Allnigeriasoccer.com reviews the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the leagues in Europe on Sunday.


Super Eagles midfielder Eddy Onazi worked a ninety-minute shift in midfield as Lazio thrashed Palermo 3-0 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. It was his fourth start for the capital team in the last 15 games in the Italian Serie A.

Out-of-favour Nigeria midfielder Joel Chukwuma Obi played 57 minutes of Torino’s 2-1 victory over Atalanta.


In France, Vincent Enyeama was in between the pipes for the umpteenth time for Lille as they thrashed Elderson Echiejile’s Monaco 4-1. The left-back took an early shower after he was dismissed in the 65th minute.

Former Hungary youth-teamer Kenneth Otigba played the entirety of SC Heerenveen’s 4-2 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie.


Bartholomew Ogbeche remains on the sidelines and wasn’t involved in Twente’s 1-0 loss to Feyenoord.Twente winger Chinedu Ede was replaced in the 67th minute.


In Belgium, Anderlecht needed a late winner from Stefano Okaka, who went the distance, before seeing off Zulte-Waregem 2-1. Imoh Ezekiel is still recovering from an injury he picked up while on international duty, so was not in action for RSCA.

Midfielder Anderson Esiti worked a ninety-minute shift for Estoril in their 4-1 loss to Nacional in the Portuguese top-flight.

Chidozie Awaziem played 76 minutes of Porto’s 1-0 defeat to Pacos de Ferreira .He was booked in the 23rd minute.


In the Norwegian Tippeligaen, Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali was handed his first start as IK Start shared the spoils with Molde(1-1). The midfielder was booked on the hour mark before he was replaced 16 minutes later.


Chuks Akabueze opened his account for this season as Odd Grenland beat Viking 2-0. The ex-Flying Eagles dazzler went the distance in Stavanger .


Suleiman Abdullahi and Samuel Adegbenro played the entirety of the game for Viking and the former was booked in the 29th minute. Teammate Aniekpeno Udoh subbed in five minutes from time, while Usmani Sale was an unused sub.

In the Danish Superliga, one-cap Nigeria international Izunna Uzochukwu lasted one hour in OB Odense’s 1-0 loss to Brondby.


In Sweden, Michael Omoh watched proceedings from the bench as Oestersunds FK beat Hakeem Araba’s Falkenbergs FF 2-1. Ex-Flying Eagle Alhaji Gero did not make Oestersunds’s 18-man squad. Araba played the full game.

Over to Switzerland, Manuel Akanji was not involved in Basel’s 2-2 draw with FC Zurich.


Macauley Chrisantus remains out of favour at AEK Athens. The former Golden Eaglets star sat out the team’s 2-0 win against Panionios in the Greek Super League.


Ex-Flying Eagles skipper Abdul Ajagun played 85 minutes of Levadiakos’ 2-0 loss to PAOK.

Brown Ideye was an unused substitute as Olympiakos extended their record in the top-flight, thrashing Panaitolikos 5-2 away.


Aiyegbeni Yakubu played the last two minutes of Kayserispor’s goalless draw with Antalyaspor. He hadn’t featured in the Turkish Super Lig since December 27,2015 before he was given a run out on Sunday.

Kehinde Fatai came on in the 82nd minute for Sparta Prague as they struggled to beat Pribram 2-1 in the Czech Synot League.


In Slovakia, Rabiu Ibrahim and Samuel Kalu got on the score sheet in the 46th and 76th minute respective as AS Trencin defeated Spartak Myjava 3-1.

Kingsley Madu and Rabiu lasted the distance while the teenager was replaced in the 85th minute. Aliko Bala was an unused substitute.


Sylvester Igboun started and played ninety minutes of FC Ufa’s 1-0 win over Terek Grozny. The Super Eagle has made 19 appearances in the Russian Premier League, scoring three goals. He was yellow-carded six minutes out of intermission.


In the Ukrainian Premier League, Akeem Latifu was in action for 90 minutes as Stal Dniprodzerzhynsk played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk. The Nigeria international got cautioned in the 85th minute.


Finally in the Slovenian top division, Dream Team VI hopeful Blessing Eleke rescued a point for Olimpija Ljubljana, scoring in the 90th minute in their 1-1 draw with Zavrc. He has now scored 14 times in the league this term.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18629
[/b]

I really thank God for Onazi because now he can see more game time after his coach was sacked and replaced with Inzaghi. This is what happened to Ajagun.

TheSuperNerd:
I had mixed feelings when I read through the article. It was written by a complete sports journalist, Johnny Edwards.
(saw it before it was even pasted on this thread... I knew Baba Forgiveness will likely paste it )



Mr. Johnny (who I've followed since I was in my teens) really sounded shallow in his thoughts. I was kinda disappointed he was the writer. He mentioned a few truths here and there like players selection for instance but he also missed the whole picture on the reputation and motivational abilities of our local coaches (he forgot how Siasia won the U-23 Afcon for instance). On the whole his thoughts were just surprisingly shallow.

well, to you he is shallow but to many he is right on point.

out of all what he said can you pls pinpoint on what you think is shallow about the writer's article.thanks

TheGoodJoe:

Whoever wrote this article needs to study football better. He is so illogical with his point.

Every point he made sounds ridiculous.


How can our Local coaches have battered reputations after the Successes of Coach Keshi.

Coach Oliseh can not stand as the reputation of local coaches.

Talking of tactics, Coach Siasia stood toe to toe with one of the bright brains of European Football. In the first leg, he outplayed the Egyptians and they drew with a lucky late goal after refusing to handover the ball. Ignoring fair play.

The player selection was not that poor. We had two injuries that took away the chance of making appropriate changes to change the game. Etebo and Amuzie injured. That is two changes which can affect a coach's tactical plan.

“I respect the Super Eagles players and I was edgy during the game but I’m happy we have been able to pull through. It’s a shame Nigeria won’t be at the Africa Cup of Nations,”...Hector Cuper (Egypt's Coach)

This journalists and Pinnick made it look as if it was all bad.

Is it not silly to suggest that the indigenous coaches do not know the best team and then suggest a foreign coach? How many Nigerian players do these foreign coaches watch?

Saying Nigerian coaches lack the ability to motivate is one of the most myopic things I have ever heard. Can this journalist show me a coach that can motivate their players to play for years without allowances?

Hehehe! The writer was right on point.

1) If the local Coaches failed to qualify the Super Eagles for 2 consecutive AFCON, is their image battered or not?
answer; Battered.

2) can you pls tell us the tactics our local Coaches are using and do they have plan B?
Answer; me i know no the tactics neither do i know their plan B. Meaning anywhere belle face.
If you know the tactics, kindly tell us.


3) Can the local Coaches be trusted with players selection?

Answer; Never. Sentiment, Nepotism, na my brother etc are the criteria for selection. Na lie?


4) If the local Coaches are biased with selection, how can they know their team?

Answer; Impossible


5) When player A who is working very hard in training and performing well in his club is overlooked, ignored, despised, abandoned,....... for Player B who knows that without him even kicking a ball in the League, he will surely get invited and even play ahead of any inform player in the camp, what do you expect?

Answer; demoralized players all over. Ezekiel Imoh is one of the numerous case study. Na lie?

April 10, 2016 ↔

5 Reasons Why Super Eagles Need Foreign Coach


After the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the 2016 African Cup of Nations in Gabon and with a substantive head coach yet to be named, Completesportsnigeria.com’s JOHNNY EDWARD offers five reasons why the Nigerian Football Federation should hire a foreign coach…


1. Battered reputation of Nigerian coaches
After the 2013 African Nations Cup triumph, the Super Eagles have had three indigenous coaches in charge and that hasn’t helped the team from a steady decline three years on.
Importantly, the reputation and tactical acumen which the foreign coach will bring to the Super Eagles will be an invaluable asset during what will presumably be a phase of restructuring.
The Nigerian coaches’ inability to qualify for the African Nations Cup for a second straight time has seen the country’s football at a crossroads. So hiring a technically sound coach could see the country instantly propelled back to the top with the right mix of talent, team bonding and NFF support.
The Super Eagles need a manager who can command the immediate attention and respect of the so-called ‘senior men’. Past coaches of the team have had issues curbing the excesses of these influential figures in the team which ultimately cost the team the AFCON ticket.
And of course not only can a foreign coach do just that, but can even inspire the likes of Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi Victor Moses, Elderson Echiejile and the emerging talents like Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho to become leaders and winners.

2. Tactics
Currently the Super Eagles don’t have a defined style of play. What has been noticed recently is that the team often times showed naivety and a lack of quality both in attack and defence and have relied heavily on some individual brilliance to pull through in recent games.
The Super Eagles need a coach who can harness the current crop of emerging talent and use them effectively in their desired roles.
For instance, Mikel Obi is a player who has been a key member of the national team for over a decade and features for one of England’s biggest clubs Chelsea and yet Mikel has never hit the heights he promised since bursting onto the scene in 2005.
Some blame his lack of tactical application in game situations and his inability to become a thinking player like the Okocha’s and Nwankwo Kanus of this world.
Having stretched the Egyptians above board in the first leg draw in Kaduna, Coach Samson Siasia team never looked like a team that had a plan B to outwit a determined and resilient Pharoahs side in Alexandra. The team needs a bench that thinks faster.

3 Nigerian coaches can’t be trusted in player selection
Under the watch of local coaches, the Super Eagles have seen players nowhere near as good as their predecessors called up to represent the country.
Whether or not it’s the local coaches who selects the players, they surely have final say, and under their tutelage Nigerians have seen players not deserving of a place in the Eagles training.
Coach Samson Siasia needed a massive campaign on Twitter to call up Nigeria’s most in- form defender Leon Balogun for in his list of 21 foreign-based players for the Egypt games but there were places for Aminu Umar, Stanley Amuzie who has played two games since recovering from a cruciate ligament injury for Portuguese Second division side Olhanese and U-23s skipper Azubuike Okechukwu who was handed his debut in a crucial game against Egypt.
Sunday Oliseh too brought in average players like Rabiu Ibrahim, Haruna Lukman, Izunna Izuchukwu and Sylvester Igboun. Stephen Keshi had his own low-standard players like Reuben Gabriel, Michael Uchebo and the like.

4. Indigenous coaches don’t know their best team
There are lots of examples of managers whose tinkering on the job works for them. It has certainly not worked for Samson Siasia and his predecessors.
At the expense of a more experienced Ogenyi Onazi and Elderson Echiejile, Siasia opted to start his inexperienced Olympic players Azubuike Okechukwu and Stanley Amuzie which cost the team in Alexandra.
He also started Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi on the bench in the second leg despite been impressive in the first leg in Kaduna. The duo would have fared better than Ahmed Musa and Aminu Umar who started.
This also happened often under Oliseh and Keshi.

5. Nigerian coaches’ inability to motivate
Past coaches have failed to motivate the invited players to the Super Eagles due to their methods in favoring one player to the other which has left most of them looking woefully short of confidence.
The past three coaches had a knack for calling up their favourites for games at the expense of players who could actually make impact in games.
That defeat to Egypt which finally nailed Nigeria was a good example of the Eagles coming off second-best in a majority of the duels; not making good use of the ball, even though they played a possession game.
In such a scenario, a motivator who employs strategies to increase team unity and create a ‘siege mentality’, which makes his teams stubborn in defence and ruthless in attack was needed. A seasoned European coach should be able to do it.

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/825095759?-21310:8643

TheSuperNerd:
I love Michael Olaitan. He's definitely better than Eghenekaro Etebo in that midfield role.


Abeg, I know we can't get all the available foreign-born/bred talents but I think Nigeria should also focus strongly on getting the high potentials-laden defensive talents and not just attacking talents.

In fact, among the attacking and midfield talents, let's go for the possible stand-outs like Solanke who could add extra quality competition to an already potentially super competitive department.

Thanks goodness, we invited Oduwa to the U-23s. Now that's super quality for the future.

So in defence, our scope should look like this:

From Moses Odubanjo to Tiago Abiola Ilori to Kingsley Ehizibue and others such as:

- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Ola Aina
- Dominic Iorfa Jnr (his dad already said his son is for Nigeria at senior level though his son will choose finally at age 22/23)
- Ashinme Kigbu
- Tyrone Ebuehi
- E.t.c, e.t.c....


We still got Otigba in the wings. All these added to the likes of Awaziem, Omeruo, Madu, Musa Mohammed, and a couple of others already ours will see our defence not lacking quality options in the future.


We need "more than enough" quality options and rising top talents in defence just like we have in attack and midfield.




And one more thing, why do you like spelling "Omerue" instead of "Omeruo"?? Kilode?

#smiles

You are right on point. We need "more than enough" quality options and top "rising" talents in the defence but unfortunately our coaches are sticking with Ambrose, Oboabana, etcetera while the real talented ones are left to waste away.

Some will tell you they are not matured enough for the Super Eagles. So, when do we know they are matured enough to play for the Super Eagles after seeing them play for top clubs in Europe?

Otigba is there playing every week but they will prefer Oboabana.

Some of those players are playing regularly and some are already making the bench. Is this not the time to approach them? Oh! I see, they want them to become Super stars before they call them. Ola Aina even made Chelsea bench today.

My brother, the thing don dey tire me.

Omeruo is Omerue on my phone. So, sorry for that.

Hehehehe! I no talk am. Arsenal

Ooooo booooooy! Dis boy good for passing ooooo.

Hehehe! Who say foreign born lads no sabi ball?

Iwobi with two assist but i know say Arsenal go relax and lose the match. Wetin i talk, dem don conceive two goals.. That's Arsenal for you.

I just want to modify the list a bit.


Goal keeper
Emmanuel Daniel
Dele Alampasu

Defenders
Moses Odubanjo(RB) - Hull city
Kenneth Omerue (CB) -
Tiago Ilori (CB) - Liverpool
Chidozie Awaziem - (CB) - FC Porto
Kingsley Madu - (LB) - Trecin
Leon Balogun - (CB) - Mainz


Midfielders
Ogenyi-onazi - CM - Lazio
Abdul Ajagun - AM- Panathinaikos-fc
Ndidi Wilfred - DM - Gent
Michael Olaitan - Olympiacos_F.C
Alex Iwobi - Arsenal


Attackers
Isaac Success - Granada
Ezekiel Imoh - Anderlecht
Moses Simon - Genk
Dominic Solanke - Chelsea
Kelechi Iheanacho - Manchester City

Yesterday, Isaac Success started in the match against Malaga which ended at goalless draw. This time around he started the match as a RW and in the second half as a LW then finally as the main striker. He gave the ball away several times while trying to do leg over and was not really impressive in the first half. Although, he won a penalty in the second half but the referee mistook it for a free kick which was taken right at the edge of the box. Isaac Success later disappointed by missing a one on one with the keeper. Something he was supposed to have done with much seriousness and calculation but he put it away.

I no go lie. Ighalo better pass am well well. But the boy get skills oooo.

Icon4s:
Hmmm.. I nova join nairaland when this thread was created.

I watched the 19 years old Okocha feature at the 1993 AYC and 1994 World Cup qualifiers games played in 1993.

I also watched 18/19 years Old Mikel play at the 2005 AYC and 2006 AFCON.

And I think the 19 years old Mikel was a better player. (The 19 years old Mikel is far better than the current 28/29 years old Mikel even). This is what is called career regression.

TheGoodJoe, Forgiveness, Tbaba123. This debate may interest you.

I only saw few minutes of the finals of the U20 match against Argentina. So, i can't really access Mikel Obi at 19 years old but he was the reason i again picked interest in Nigeria football when i heard about his talent. But i never see wetin em take better pass Okocha.

Hmm! Okocha for 1993 would Cup qualifiers was already scoring goals with free kick and mesmerising with his skills.

However, I can't really judge between the two at 19 years of age.