₦airaland Forum

Exclusive : Flying Eagles Star Chidera Ezeh Delighted To Sign Four And A Half Year Deal With Porto
Published: January 23, 2016


Exclusive : Flying Eagles Star Chidera Ezeh Delighted To Sign Four And A Half Year Deal With Porto
Nigeria Under 20 international Chidera Ezeh has completed his move to Porto after appending his signature to a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Primeira Liga powerhouse in the January transfer window.

The attacker had to wait for about two years before penning a professional contract with the 27-time Portuguese champions, as he was yet to attain the age of majority when the club expressed interest in his signature after the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup.

“Porto showed me love, they waited for me for two years after clinching the Under-17 World Cup. It shows they believed in me so much,” Chidera Ezeh told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“I will repay them by working hard every blessed day. I could not meet up with the start of pre-season training because it took four months before I was issued a visa.

“When I finally arrived in Portugal, I was told to start with the Under - 19s since I am still in the age bracket.

“I will move on to the second team when they see I am ready and I play much games, but surely next season I’ll fight for a place in the first team.”

The Nigeria Football Federation has already sent Chidera Ezeh’s International Transfer Certificate to Portugal, meaning his transfer to Porto is cast in stone.

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=17657

I don know say na Ilupeju before i read am but i no know say e don reach that level to put caveat stating only Indians and Lebanese are wanted. The guy should have settled for Anthony Village or Idiroko Maryland. They are both good areas.

Official : Portland Timbers Announce Signing Of Akinjide Idowu
Published: January 23, 2016


Official : Portland Timbers Announce Signing Of Akinjide Idowu
Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers have announced the signing of Nigeria youth international Akinjide Idowu, subject to the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

The financial terms and duration of contract have not been disclosed per league and club policy.

Aged 19, the defensive midfielder had been linked with possible moves to a host of clubs in Europe, including Celtic, Udinese, Sogndal and Sparta Prague, before pitching tent at Providence Park.

Akinjide Idowu was an important member of the Golden Eaglets squad that won the Fifa Under 17s in 2013 and represented the Flying Eagles at the World Cup two years later.

For a start, he will represent Portland Timbers 2 in the third - tier of American football.

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=17652

Icon4s:
The Tunisian league is ahead of the Nigerian league.Oliseh is d coach so? The Tunisians no get coach?

See, I cannot put my money on even our main Super Eagles beating that Tunisian team.

Kayode Scores; Akpala, Olaitan In Action; Saviour Benched


Former Nigeria youth international, Olanrewaju Kayode, was on target for Austria Wien in their 2-1 win against Sandhausen in a club friendly game on Friday, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.


Kayode opened scoring for Austria Wien in the 46th minute of the encounter.
Ranisav Jovanovic drew Sandhausen level in the 76th minute.
And with four minutes remaining in the match, Alexander Gorgon netted the winning goal for Austria Wien.
In the Belgian league, Nigerian duo of Joseph Akpala and Michael Olaitan, were in action for Oostende and Kortrijk respectively.
Kortrijk won the game 2-1, thanks to goals from Athanassios Papazoglou and Elohim Rolland. Oostende's goal was scored by Fernando Matos.
While Akpala came off for Knowledge Musona on 65 minutes, after being yellow-carded on 49 minutes, Olaitan, was also substituted in the 74th minute for Rolland. He also issued a yellow card on 52nd minutes.
Meanwhile, former Flying Eagles star, Saviour Godwin, was an unused substitute for Oostende.


http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kayode-scores-akpala-olaitan-in-action-saviour-benched/

Icon4s:
Tunisia with all their Esparance, Etoile Du Sahel, and Cfaxien could nt beat our boys from Enyimba, Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars, Warri wolves and co. It shows our league has some quality jst dat organisation remuneration and motivation have been poor.

I am nt surprised if Chikatara made d NPFL 11 for d Season. Thank God for competitions like d CHAN.

In my Opinion, Nigeria should nt field any player above 23 @ d CHAN since this is abt unearthing 'over-shadowed talents'.

The CHAN has jst un-earthed the Kola-nut boy, Chisom Chikatara.

Are you underrating our clubs? I think 11 men played against 11 men, no big deal. And i expected them to do better. After all, Oliseh is the coach and there will be no room for excuses if he doesn't win this competition.

Impressive

Icon4s:
I know Chikatara scored a couple of goals this season bt i cant tell how many. U know d NPFL dnt have good statistical records.

However, @ age 17, Chikatara emerged d highest goals scorer in the 2012/2013 season in d lower league helping Abia warriors gain promotion to d NPFL.
He also emerged best young player in d NPFL for d 2013/2014 season. After returning from a spell of injuries, he struggled to regain his form for much of d 2014/2015 season.

Sadiq Umar and Dom Solanke would b 19 by d Olympics and IMHO may b ripe for d games if dey impress d coaches. D 18yrs olds I am talking abt are those dat were U17 last yr. Bt an exceptionally talented 18yrs old may also break in.
My pt is 70-80% of d players are expected to b 21-23yrs olds.

I see. He is even included in NPFL best eleven of the season as a midfielder. I think he is good. I saw him today.

I think i now understand your point but nobody is expecting the 2015 U17 set to make the Olympics squad. It is impossible.

Icon4s:
Good news.

I hope so.

Icon4s:
I agree to some extent with Lexyman, particularly on Chikatara being injury prone. He shone like a million stars at the commencement up to the middle of 2013/2014 NPFL season. Injury hit him and he never recovered that form until his heroics against Niger. When fully in form Chisom Chikatara can wreck havoc against any defense. He is a kind of player that scores impossible goals even from the tightest of angles and slimmest of chances. I follow the NPFL wella so I know him very well. He is supposed to make a move to Kano Pillars from Abia warriors when the League commences. Hey! but if the guy venture scores again in his next match, even if it is jst one goal, na "Europe tins" be that.

@ Forgiveness, the guy is good enough to be invited for the U23. Apart from his goal scoring prowess he already has the physique and stamina to compete with the U23s better than some of the 18yrs old we have in mind(partly what affected Awoniyi and Osimhen at CAF U23). He, Chikatara, would be 22 during the Olympics. And I have always maintained that fielding too many under-aged players in age competitions has it's negative tolls on a team. An ideal U23 Team should have at least 80% of the team being 21 to 23. Exceptionally talented 19 and 20 years olds may also be selected. Let the 18yrs olds feature for the U20s.

We always learnt from History; so I like going back memory lane .Take a look at the ages of the all conquering 1996 Olympics team as at when the Olympics was being played:

1 GK Emmanuel Babayaro (aged 19)

2 DF Celestine Babayaro (aged 18)

3 DF Taribo West (aged 22)

4 FW Nwankwo Kanu 1976 (aged 20)

5 DF Uche Okechukwu (aged 28) -over-aged player

6 MF Emmanuel Amuneke (aged 25) -over-aged player

7 MF Tijani Babangida (aged 22)

8 MF Wilson Oruma (aged 20)

9 MF Teslim Fatusi (aged 18)

10 MF Jay-Jay Okocha (aged 23)

11 FW Victor Ikpeba (aged 23)

12 DF Abiodun Obafemi (aged 22)

13 FW Garba Lawal (aged 22)

14 FW Daniel Amokachi (aged 23) Was to turn 24 later that yr, so overaged.

15 MF Sunday Oliseh (aged 21)

16 DF Kingsley Obiekwu (aged 21)

17 DF Mobi Oparaku (aged 19)

18 GK Dosu Joseph (aged 19)

The 19 and 20 yrs olds in that team (including 18yrs old Babayaro) u would observe were mostly the 1993 U17 graduates who u and I know were doing exceptionally well in Europe at that time. And those players can be likened to the likes of Awoniyi, Iheanacho and Success of the 2013 Eaglets. The 1993 U20 produced a lot of the 22 and 23 years olds (even though that team crashed out at the grp stage of the AYC).J-J Okocha, Taribo West, Tijani Babangida, Abiodun Obafemi and a host of others were members of that U20 Team

In my opinion Siasia should invite a lot more of the 2013 Flying Eagles to the current Olympic team. Not jst bc they would be mostly 22 and 23 yrs old during the Olympics bt also that team paraded a good number of talented players most of whom have been playing professional football in Europe and some featuring in UEFA Competitions already. These guys have gathered tremendous experience to compete at this level. See some of them:

Wilfred Ndidi
Kingsley Madu
Abdulahi Shehu
Johnbosco Amaefule
Aminu Umar
Michael Olaitan
Olanrewaju Kayode
Christian Pyagbara
Chidi Osuchukwu
Edafe Egbedi
Abdul Ajagun
Emem Eduok
Uche Agbo
Moses Simon

From this crop, only Johnbosco Amaefule and Aminu Umar have featured for the Olympic team thus far. Wilfred Ndidi, Kingsley Madu, Abdulahi Shehu, and Moses Simon have already featured for the Super Eagles of which 3 or all 4 can easily get a starting place in the Olympics team. Michael Olaitan and Abdul Ajagun are also fantastic players that are worthy of Olympics invites. Uche Agbo plays for Granada along with Isaac Success.

Olympics football is jst next to senior team football. Our team should comprise of players that have jst broken into the Super Eagles our are jst abt to beak in. That was what helped us in 1996.

Siasia is such a lucky coach with the abundance of talented players Nigeria currently has both in Europe and in the NPFL. He has no excuse not to get at least to the semis of the Olympics games.

Ok i see. How many goals did he score this season? Although, i was impressed with his first goal but i wasn't impressed with those two goals he missed. A one on one with the keeper and a tap in. However, i think if he scores another goal today then he is good for selection for the Olympics football game and probably he is going to Europe straight.

@ bolded. I agree that most of those players should be considered because they have been playing professional football in Europe and some in the UEFA competition. That was the point i made earlier when i wrote on each players in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic team. I emphasised that since the 1996 set played regularly for top clubs and were champions before they were selected for the Olympics, the same criteria should be used for selection. However, i do not agree that the players under 18 should not be given the chance to prove themselves. If they are doing well in a top club before selection, they should be considered. So, i think Siasia should still open the door for more good players to prove themselves in the camp.
Moreover, most of the players on my list will be between 19 and 23 before the Olympics football game commence.

1, Isaac Success (aged 20)

2, Moses Simon (aged 21)

3, Ezekiel Imoh (aged 22)

4, Michael Olaitan (aged 23)

5, Kelechi Iheanacho (aged 19)

6, Dominic Solanke (aged 18)

7, Umar Sadiq (aged 18)

10, Abdullahi-shehu (aged 23)

11, Wilfred Ndidi (aged 19)

12, Kingsley Madu (aged 20)

13, Kenneth Omerue (aged 22)

14, Moses Odubanjo (aged 23)

15, Abdul Ajagun (aged 23)

16, Ogehnekaro Etebor (aged 20)

17, Azubuike Okechukwu (aged 19)

18, Ogenyi-onazi (aged 23)

19, Leon-balogun (aged 28)

20, Chuck Aneke (aged 23)

21, Daniel

22, Dele Alampasu (aged 19)

Notwithstanding, your advice should be considered.

Thanks Moderators for unbarring me and restoring my post.

Official : Olympiakos Send Michael Olaitan On Loan To KV Kortrijk
Published: January 21, 2016


Official : Olympiakos Send Michael Olaitan On Loan To KV Kortrijk
Belgian Pro League club KV Kortrijk have finally announced the capture of the signature of former Flying Eagles dazzler Michael Olaitan until the end of the season from Greek champions Olympiakos.

The attacker was on loan at Dutch club FC Twente at the beginning of this season but lost his place in the starting lineup in November and has decided to join a new club where he can play more regularly.

A product of Mighty Jets, Olaitan began his career in Europe with Veria and assisted the Queen of the North gain promotion to the Super League during the 2011 - 2012 campaign.

The 23 - year - old spent time on loan at Ergotelis last year, scoring 1 goal in 12 games after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He has already started training with his new teammates and could make his debut on Friday against KV Oostende in the league.

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=17639

Sheyi Ojo Becomes Youngest Goalscorer For Liverpool In FA Cup
Published: January 21, 2016

England youth - teamer Sheyi Ojo netted his first-ever professional goal in Liverpool colours in a competitive fixture in their 3 - 0 thrashing of Exeter City in the FA Cup third - round replay.

The winger was recalled from his loan spell at Wolves earlier this month following a string of injuries picked up by key players in the Liverpool squad and his lack of first - team opportunities at the Molineux Stadium.

Aged 18 years and 215 days, Sheyi Ojo entered Liverpool folklore when he hit target in the 74th minute against the League Two opponents, thus becoming the youngest ever goalscorer in the competition for the Reds.

There was a lot of Nigerian interest in the game played at Anfield, with manager Jurgen Klopp naming Tiago Ilori and Jordon Ibe in his starting lineup while Ojo hopped off the bench in the 65th minute.

Liverpool’s reward for beating Exeter City is a fourth - round meeting with Victor Moses’s West Ham United on January 30.

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=17631

Done deal: Spurs youngster completes loan move to Portugal

Published
21/01/2016 18:22
Remember this guy? Apparently he's gone to Portugal but he's expected to back in the summer
Most of you should already know about Musa Yahaya, the 18-year-old Nigerian dubbed "the new Andres Iniesta" who joined Spurs in summer 2014, but has barely been seen nor heard from since.

The last I heard of Yahaya was way back in August 2014, when the youngster's agent revealed he was training at Spurs and learning English.

"Tottenham Hotspur have hired an English teacher for Musa Yahaya. The lady speaks Hausa and English, so it's easy for Musa to understand what is being taught," Babawo Mohammed told Nigerian website SL10.ng at the time.

"She comes three times a week to tutor him. Before now, he spoke only Hausa and little Nigerian pidgin English, but he has improved now.

"During training, he wasn't really understanding what they were telling him to do. On the pitch, they are highly impressed with his performance. He is staying in their club house and they take care of his meals. A vehicle picks him from the club house and takes him to training every day."

Since then, there's been next to no word about the player whose performances in youth football earned comparisons with Barcelona's pass-master.

Until now, that is...

Yahaya has joined Portimonense on loan from Tottenham, the Portuguese second division side have confirmed. He could be available for Portimonense's Segunda Liga game against Academico Viseu on Saturday.

Portimonense doesn't say if Yahaya has even signed from Spurs but a couple of websites believe he is still a Tottenham player and will return to Hotspur Way in the summer.

http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/812554320?-21310:8643:t

P0intBlank:
I just saw this. Didn't get any notification. Thanks for d response. I'll respond over d weekend. Hope ur week has been good. Take care

Oh I see. I will be expecting your response. Yeah! Hope yours been good too. Thanks

Without the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Suarez, Bale etcetera La liga will be a shadow of itself and all these players are no Spaniard.

Without the likes of Aguero, Yaya, Costa, Sanchez, Williams, Oscar, Lukaku, Ozil, Ayew etcetera Premier-league will become a shadow of itself and all these players are no English.

So, bringing players from different background improved those leagues and clubs.

Ifeayin Uba your on the right track. If your club wins the League, the Champions League and go ahead to win the FIFA World club Cup, Dangote's BBC Lions will be forced to buy good foreign players to improve our league. And if that is achieved Nigeria Football players will benefit alots from an improved and lucrative league hence end to more slavery contract in obscure leagues abroad.

But I hope those are not mediocre players ooooo. Anyway, I wish Ifeayin Uba the best of luck.

terzurum5:

If Chisom Chikatra continues with his form, I would go for him for one of the slots in the forwards.
Just love his confidence and positional play in the opponent's goal mouth.

Still can't understand why Coach Samson Siasia didn't include him on his U23 roaster.

I am still observing the guy. Tomorrow, i will see him again because i was not convinced with those chances he missed. Olympics football game is a different ball game entirely hence you must take your chances else you will lose.

Icon4s:
I dnt know where u reside bt d contact is in Benin. However, how u culture the fish is more important than where u buy the fingerlings/Juveniles.

Well, lets nt derail the thread. Lets discuss U23 News, u know we have a 'police' here.

If it is Benin then it is better because it is also my home. When i am ready i will find a way.

However, i concur that we don't further derail the thread.

Na dis go make front page.

Chai! This is laudable. I hope all clubs in Nigeria are privatised.

Lalasticalcal.

Icon4s:
I can give you the contact of where I bought the fish bt to tell you how I cultured them....? Men we go negotiate that one o. No free lunch even in Freetown.

There is love in sharing. You know.

Wait o. You mean, buying the fish is not enough.

Bros, how far na? Pls, give me the contact first before you change your mind then we will talk about 'cultured' afterwards.

Icon4s:
Ambrose is also a natural CB that Keshi converted to a right back. Like him or nt, he is one of our most trusted CB presently in d Super Eagles.Odubanjo may b a good young defender bt i doubt he can do the RB job better than Balogun. If Aneke was that good Arsenal will nt b looking for a back up DMF.

To the fish: It is a clarias garipanus, a specie commonly sold in Southern Nigeria. The way they were cultured made them that big.

Arsenal sabi better thing? Trusted pls ask Celtic fans, they will tell you.

Jesus! Abeg, give me the contact of where you buy them and tell me how you culture them.

Icon4s:
I would prefer Balogun as right-back while Ambrose pairs up with Omeruo at CB.
Onazi and Azubuike are my midfield picks. I like ur forwards line.

Balogun is a natural CB before he was converted to RB but Ambrose will not make my team. I have seen Odubanjo played many times and I can say he is a utility player. he can play as a RB, LB, RM and RW.
Well, Azubuike is good but Aneke is another Yaya Toure or Pogba. It is just that he commits fouls easily.
Thanks but it can change at any time.

Bros, that fish you displayed never commot 4 my head ooo. Are they special species and where did you get them from.

Make una no vex ooo.

joseph1013:
I can almost hear the lad screaming, "Dude, get off my back! How many times will I tell you I don't feel Nigerian.

Thank God you heard it in your imaginary.

Continue.... Dream is free.

My dream team


...................... Daniel

Odubanjo........ Omerue...... Balogun ........Madu.................


..................Aneke......... Onazi....................


........Simon ...........Iheanacho........... Imoh


........................ Success


Substitutes:
Keepers: Alampasu,

Defeners: Wilfred Ndidi, Elohor Ekpolo and Abdullahi-shehu

Midfielders: Abdul Ajagun, Azubike Okechuchwu, Oghenekaro Etebor and Alex Iwobi

Attackers: Dominic solanke, Umar Sadiq and Michael Olaitan.

If we consider talent over sentiment, these players tower above the rest for now.

Icon4s:
Nt being tribal here bt u must b from d SouthWest.

Sir, What has that got to do with the fact on ground? And why are you asking?
I love facts and not deception hence I will support what is good.

Icon4s:
Most of their mates are still at their prime. Taiye Taiwo has fizzled-out for like 4yrs now. Obinna has been out for like over 2 yrs now. Meaning they fizzled out at 27yrs. Mind u Messi, Aguero, and Mikel played U20 with them o. Obinna was at 2005 AYC so I classify him with Mikel and co.

Honestly that set held promises. 3 years later they even got to the Olympics final losing only 1-0 to Argentina that paraded: Pablo Zabaleta, Juan Requelme, Ezequel Lavezzi, Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Sergio Remero(goalie) among others. The Argentines are still at their prime but most of the Nigerian players are already pensioners.

That set was the best crop of U20 since after the Saudi '89 set.

Sir, Obinna Nsofor leg no touch ball last season while Taye Taiwo leg touch ball after some months off.

Taye Taiwo still played in the Champions League in 2013 for Dynamo Kyvi and Bursaspor in the play off in 2013/2014. And he also played regularly that season in the Turkish league. As at then, he was 29. Those players you mentioned were not denied playing time by their National coaches hence they are motivated to fight for playing time in their clubs.

So, how did he fizzled out 4 years ago? Maybe 2 years ago is what you mean.

However, the most important thing is what they achieved as professional footballers. And you know very well Taye Taiwo is no push over when it comes to winning trophies.

TheSuperNerd:
Yeah... If I consider his time at Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC), Kanu also falls into the third class.

As for Osimhen, I just hope the Wolfsburg crew keep their words pertaining to his development into a "worldie"...... One-time Chelsea reject KEVIN DE BRAINS..... Oops... Sorry... (I kinda prefer calling him that coz he's quite a super player) Kevin de bruyne went to Wolfsburg and was transformed into One of EUROPE'S FINEST PASS MASTERS AND ASSISTS MAKERS. He was Bundesliga MVP even in the presence of all those Big stars at Bayern. Little wonder Man City snapped him up and De Bruyne keeps getting better and better.

For the Olympics Team, Why only Iheanacho and Ndidi?

Doesn't Moses Simon, Success, and Iwobi catch your fancy?

Also, are you referring to the foreign based U-23 talents alone? What about the home-based like Etebo, Usman Mohammed and Emma Daniel?

#JustSaying *smiles*

OK oo! I hope so. Remember, he is an African.

Of course, Moses Simon, Isaac Success and Etebor are on my list na. I just answered according the tenor of the discussion.

Icon4s:
Another member of the U20 class of 2005.
They let themselves and Nigeria down. They are nt even up to 30yrs and have all fizzled out. D likes of Taiye Taiwo, Onyekachi Apam, Dele Adeleye, Obinna Nsofor, Chinedu Ogbuke, Solomon Okoronkwo, Isaac Promise, Monday James all showed promises bt.... where are they today?Their only stand out player is Mikel Obi.

Taye Taiwo will be 31 this year and you know very well that he had a very successful career. Of course, we know Keshi snubbed him when he was at his prime for lesser players but it does not take anything away from Taye Taiwo. His club record shows that he is best left back Nigeria has ever produced.

Obinna Nsofor will be 29 this but he also had a descent career. Played for Inter Millan, Malaga and West Ham. It's not easy now. The thing is we had/have a lot of young strikers doing well. So, you don't expect us to notice him. He currently playing in 2 Bundesliga.

Chinedu Ogbuke : The boy is good but his body his weak hence not too good career. He will be 30 this year. He is a free agent.


Onyekachi Apam : He was also plagued by injury. He will be 30 this year. He is also a free agent.

TheSuperNerd:
I kinda agree with you Sir based on these classifications I once drew up months ago last year...


The 3 pathways of young soccer talents today:

1). The Talents that start at a top/elite club and remain at that top/elite club or move to another top/elite club.
E.g. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona), Andreas Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Michael Owen (Liverpool FC to the likes of Real Madrid and Man Utd), etc.
**seems Kelechi P. Iheanacho is falling into this class also**


2). The Talents that start at a top moderately decent side and move on to bigger sides (the top/elite clubs).
E.g. Kanu Nwankwo (Ajax Armsterdam to Arsenal FC), Celestine Babayaro (Anderlecht FC to Chelsea FC), etc.


3). The Talents that start at lowly rated sides (based on global scales) and move on to moderately big or bigger sides (the top decent and top-elite clubs).
E.g. John Mikel Obi (Lyn Oslo to Chelsea FC), Taiye Taiwo (Lobi Stars to Olympique Marseille), Robert Lewandoski (Lech Poznan to Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich), etc.

.........................................................................................


I really feel for Chidiebere Nwakali... He doesn't even make the bench at Girona. I think it's been once or twice I saw his name on their bench list on match days.

I'm glad Osimhen chose VFL Wolfsburg over Arsenal FC based on "strong feelers" that they wanted him more and are willing to give him great opportunities to keep developing and getting game time.


I also hope the likes of Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze have it good at Arsenal FC. I believe Arsenal wanted them if not they wouldn't have coughed out in little excess of £ 3-4 million for both players combined.

Can't wait to see Taiwo Awoniyi under Jurgen Klopp. But I'm worried he doesn't see enough games in the bundesliga 2.
Chidera Ezeh is still undergoing good development at FC Porto U-21s/U-19s.
Musa Mohammed is doing good too.

Ndidi and Success are super-regulars.

Well, hopefully, a new golden generation is slowly but steadily rising. *smiles*

Sir, I think Kanu Nwankwo belongs to the third class because he played for Iwuanyanwu Nationale before going to Europe.


Kelechi Nwakali will likely play for Arsenal-fc because he will be given work permits but Samuel doesn't fit into that special status hence he will be sent on loan.

Taiwo is wasting his time in that bundesliga 2 division because I don't think they will give him the chance to prove himself. Remember, Macualey Chrisantus wasted his time there. I pity Osimhen because of what Nigerian youth had experienced in the Bundesliga.

So far, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ndidi are on my list to the Olympics football games.

Is it wire or wireless?

P0intBlank:
This our argument nawa.

You can't use players who play for other countries. U can create a thread for that. It creates the impression of u being desperate (looking for anything to prevent you from losing an argument). Let me ask you a question? Please be honest.

A)If you saw these names: Roger Milla, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto, George Weah, Didier Drogba, Eusebio, Zidane as names shortlisted for the prize of The Greatest African Player by CAF. Would you not say something is amiss? Even if you don't admit it. I'm sure the rest of Africa would. Why? Zidane and Eusebio though of African descent are not eligible as they neither played in Africa nor for an African Country. Zidane or any french player (as long as he plays for France) can win French Player of the year as a result of his club exploits but a David Trezeguet (though one of his parents is Argentine) will not come into reckoning when discussing impact of Argentine footballers because he opted to play for France. U get my drift?

In same vein, Adebayor, Alaba et al do not qualify as their performances make Nigerian Football neither better nor worse.

"The fact that club performance was used to determine Africa footballer of the Year" (This statement is true only if one plays for or is eligible to play for African team)

The fact is Nigeria has won the CAF Player of the Year award five times (and not six). Three of those went to Igbos. Secondly, If the BBC award was given in 1992 and 1993. Abedi Pele would have won 1992 and Yekini might win 1993 (I said might cos France Football Magazine (the body who used to handle the awards before CAF) handed the 1993 African Player award to Abedi Pele because of his exploits with Marseille in French League and UCL. The BBC might toe the same line). However, lets assume Yekini would have won both that would have made it two against five

B) I had to check the CAF Women Awards again to be sure my memory wasn't failing me. I see Mercy Akide once and Cythnia Uwak twice. Which other year did Mercy Akide win? Now, Mercy Akide is from Rivers State. She got married to Colins Udoh in 2004, three years after her award in 2001. Marriage does not change your state, it can change the state of your children.

C)"P.s : you said the players were Igbo's in 1994 and 2013 but atleast Rasheed Yekini(Yoruba) and Victor Moses(Edo) were the best players of the tournament and best player for Nigeria respectively".

i) I never said the players were Igbo's in 1994 and 2013. U're misquoting me.
ii) Please provide reference that the Samsung fair player award is an award given to the best player. Do crosscheck.
(Fair Play award is not the same as best player award. Orange POTT handles that. Come on, u should know this)


D) I chose these years 1980,1994,1996,2013 cos we won the trophies. The 1973 All African Games (Soccer) is another one that should have been included. I didn't include it because of insufficient information. If u come across any info I'd like to read it

E) I'm beginning to think u give imaginary awards just to support ur cause. U claimed Muda was the best midfielder but he wasn't even in 1980 CAF team of the tournament. Infact, he played in five nations cup and not once did he make the CAF team of the tournament. When comparing players it's not just about the number of games played. Another question that needs an honest answer whose career would you rather have Muda's or Okocha's? Nation Cup Gold, Olympics Gold, World Cup Appearances (Okocha was not a passerby in those teams. He was a key component) Consider, Okocha played club football at much higher level and still shone. Furthermore, Okocha was nominated for CAF Player of the year awards thrice and made CAF team of the tournament thrice. In addition, he has a better goal to game ratio than Muda plus an amazing skill set. Should it surprise us that we only hear of the search for the next Okocha and not the next Muda?


F)"Even though Arsenal-fc had won more leagues than Chelsea, Chelsea is still rated over Arsenal-fc. Why? Because of the ultimate continental price. And as long as Iwuanyanwu Nationale participated in West Africa Club Championship and failed then it also counted hence Bendel insurance and BBC Lions are still rated above Iwuanyanwu Nationale."

Ur example doesn't match the situation. Bendel Insurance and BCC did not win the ultimate Continental Price. Do u know what West Africa Club Championship is? Why would u rate BCC Lions over Iwuanyanwu Nationale?

G) "Nigeria's first Nations Cup was in 1963 and the major tribe that helped to qualify and participated was Yorubas with 9 key players. Nigeria qualified for the first Olympics football game in 1968, the dominate tribe that achieved that dream was Yorubas."

- Noted. But what did they win? U forgot to add that they left both tournaments without winning a single match.


H) "In 1976 Nigeria won her first medal in the African Cup of Nations when they came third and as usual Yorubas dominated the team with the likes of Muda Lawal, Haruna ilerika, Ojebode, Kunle Awesu etcetera. Ilerika and Awesu were in the CAF team of the tournament"

- As usual? I like the arrogance. But the fact is they've been more Igbos in CAF's teams of the tournament. If u doubt it, check it.


I) "Nigeria won it's first Nations Cup in 1980, Igbo's had 7 and Yorubas had 8 number of players but the first 11 was between 5 and 7 Yorubas"
"Yorubas had 2 players in CAF team of the tournament, Best Ogedegbe and Segun Odegbami"

No, Sir. They were 9. David Adiele, Okey Isima, Christian Chukwu, Aloysius Atuegbu, Ifeanyi Onyedika, Henry Nwosu, Sylvanus Okpala, Emmanuel Okala and Frank Onwuachi.

Pls, how did u arrive at 8 Yorubas? Also, name the 5 to 7 yorubas in the first 11?

Moreover, Best Ogedegbe is not Yoruba (I think he's from Warri)

I'll appreciate it if u stick to the facts.



J)"My point is that every tribes dominated and contributed to Africa football".

Contribute, yes; dominate, no. Not every tribe has dominated. This argument has been enlightening. There's no denying the fact that the other tribes have done well (particularly the Yorubas). But I still agree with the writer that the Igbos have been the more dominant. For me the way u've tailored your arguments have given more credence to the idea that the Igbos have been dominant. U've not stuck with a tribe (u feel has been more dominant than the Igbos) but u've had to compare them with the achievements of multiple tribes put together and every now and again (when it's convenient) throw in someone who has neither played nor contributed to Nigerian Football (Someone who actual represents another country).

A) The topic says the dominance of Igbo tribe in Nigerian football and not Africa football. So, if you include CAF awards it's no longer Nigerian afair, it has become Igbo's dominance in Africa and Global football hence tribe must be considered above Nationality.

Did the performance of Kanu Nwankwo and Emmanuel Amuneke in European leagues made Nigeria Football either better or worst?

Is CAF award the only individual award in the World?
What about highest goal scorer awards in an European league or CAF & FIFA organised tournament?
European league team of the season awards?

Tell us how many of those individual awards they have won. Remember, Only two Igbo's had won Africa footballer of the Year likewise two Yorubas had won Africa footballer of the Year( when you extended from Nigeria dominance to Africa and global dominance). How come you excluded CAF most promising player of year award won three times by Yorubas( Obafemi Martins twice and Taye Taiwo) against the Igbo's winning only twice (Mikel Obi and Kelechi Iheanacho)? Does it count?

Like i said earlier, BBC is a new award and you will have a point if it was available in the 70s and 80s.


B) You are right Mercy Akide is from Rivers and she has won it only once.

C) i) Meaning Igbo's didn't dominate 1994 and 2013.

ii)http://ameyawdebrah.com/photos-samsung-presents-fair-play-prizes-dede-ayew-others-orange-african-cup-nations-2015/

Maybe this will help. It's awarded to the most skillful and talented player of the tournament. So, Victor Moses remains our best player in 2013 Africa nations cup while Rasheed Yekini remains our best player in 1994. Just like Messi dominates Barcelona both of them dominated the team.

D) Those three years we won the Nations cup trophies, did Igbo's single handedly won us the trophies? And since, you included under age 1996 team, I will take you back to 1985 under 16.

How many Igbo's took part in that first FIFA trophy? 1 (don't bother to count Nduka Ugbade because he is not Igbo).

How many Igbo's were there in 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup? 5

How many Igbo's were part of 2007 FIFA U17 World Cup? 1 or 2

How many Igbo's were part of the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup?
Only 4

How many Igbo's were part of the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup? 13 to 14. Chai! God dey This is what i call dominance. Atleast, for the first time.)

So, out of 6 under age trophies(including Olympics football game) how many did Igbo's dominate?

E) It seems you don't know about Nigerian football. Every generation had good midfielders before Okocha. How come he was not a starter in 1994 Nations Cup and 1994 FIFA world Cup? But Muda Lawal was always a starter in any of our matches. You said Okocha played club football to the highest level. I am sorry, in the 1970s and early 80s nobody dey watch European football because Nigerian league was very good. Even, Pele's Santos can testify to that. So, if you played for Stationary stores, Shooting_Stars_F.C, Rangers, Bendel Insurance, BBC lions, Iwuanyanwu Nationale etcetera you are playing at the highest club level. What did Okocha win at the highest club level? Muda-lawal dominated club level and National level.

F) It doesn’t matter. Has Iwuanyanwu Nationale won just one continental trophy? Pls, come back when they do so.

G) It doesn’t matter. The title of the thread talks about dominance. So, they dominated the team and you forgot to tell us that they won their first medal(Bronze) in 1976 without 1 single igbo. That's all. Remember, we should have won it but because the referee was bribed we lost. After, investigation the referee was suspended for been bribed.

H) pls, prove it with facts.

I) Oh I see, I thought Adiele and Opala were not Igbo's. Sorry, my mistake. However, there are 7 Yorubas on the list. Shefiu was included on the list but i don't think he is Yoruba hence i excluded him for the list. Best Ogedegbe, Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Felix Owolabi, Tunde Bamidele, John Orlando and Martins Eyo.
However, Ogedegbe is not from Warri, he is from Edo(Yoruba speaking part. Not too sure but his name sounds Yoruba). Even, if i exclude him Yorubas will be 6.

Starting 11: Best, Tunde, Isima, Chukwu, Atuegbu, Owolabi, Lawal, Odegbami, Odiye, Adokie, Adiele.

This is the starting line up of the Finals.

J) Maybe the recent performance of Kelechi Iheanacho and Kelechi Nwakali made the written to think so. But the truth is Igbo's never dominated Nigerian football.