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MetalJigsaw:
Morata, Mata, Fabregas Out Of Spain’s World Cup Squad; De Gea, Costa, Iniesta In
May 21, 2018

Spain’s head coach Julen Lopetegui has left out Chelsea quartet of Alvaro Morata, Marcos Alonso, Pedro and Cesc Fabregas from his final squad list for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Lopetegui also left out Manchester United duo of Ander Herrera and Juan Mata.

Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez and Atletico winger Vitolo who scored four goals in five appearances in Spain’s qualifying campaign are also missing.

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, Barcelona midfielder Andreas Iniesta, Real Madrid’s Isco and Manchester City’s David Silva are also in the squad.

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa, Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno and Iago Aspas of Celta Vigo were included in the squad along with Real Sociedad youngster Alvaro Odriozola..

Spain begin their campaign in Russia against Portugal on June 15 in Sochi, before facing Iran in Kazan on June 20 and Morocco in Kaliningrad on June 25.

Spain’s final 23-man World Cup squad:
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli); Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani
Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid); Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City); Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/morata-mata-fabregas-out-of-spains-world-cup-squad-de-gea-costa-iniesta-in/

Spain will rather choose a player from their league, especially if the players in la liga is in the same level with what is outside their league.

Icon79:
Monreal over Alonso is a bizarre choice. Having said that their GK, DEF and MID look outstanding. All in all, not a lot of surprises here, but I am surprised they're left Marcos Alonso out. And to a lesser extent Bellerin and Fabregas as well.

Having said that, look at the players Spain, Germany and France can leave out compared to how we struggle to find 23 half decent players to fill out squad. Puts the Nigeria's Squad in perspective. Spain can afford to leave out Alonso, Fabregas, Bellerin, Morata etc. Let's hope that those airheads at the NFF can see that, as they go on with their ultimatums of semi finals and shis.

I mean, looking at the Brazilian, Spanish, German, French and Belgian teams shows just how far we are behind in terms of quality. Gernot Rohr deserves a compliment not an ultimatum!


O pari

Perform or commot for road. No excuse.

His philosophy could breed mediocre players if he keeps showing favour to under performing players over players performing in their various clubs.

Caspian22:
Guys I wrote this piece on my blog:

Who Will Make The Super Eagles 23-Man List For The World Cup?

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has released the 30-man provisional list for the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The list had very few surprises with inform forwards, Junior Lokosa and Simmy Nwankwo making the list. The squad is expected to resume camp on the 21st of May in Uyo. However, the final squad of just 23 players will be released on or before the deadline on June 4.

Today, we look at the possible 23 players who could make the Super Eagles squad going to Russia.


Possible 23 Man Squad Of The Super Eagles For The 2018 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers:
Gernot Rohr named four goalkeepers in his provisional list, with Dele Alampasu missing out on the list. Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi, and Plateau United shot-stopper Dele Ajiboye. Three goalkeepers are expected to make the list of 23.
I expect all, except Delete Ajiboye to make the final squad. The starting spot will be a battle between Uzoho and Ezenwa.


Defenders:
10 very good defenders were called up in the provisional list. Gernot Rohr will obviously name eight defenders in the final squad. Two players for each position, one as a backup. We already know the coach’s preferred back four of Shehu Abdullahi, Ekong, Balogun and Echiejile. Four more players will be added to this current ones, and two will be dropped. Players who are versatile will have an edge. I’m expecting Ebuehi, Omeruo, Awaziem, and Idowu to make the final list. Stephen Eze and Ola Aina might miss out.


Midfielders:
Nigeria’s midfielder position is up for grabs for only inform players. The friendly matches against Congo and England will play a part in deciding who makes the final 23 man list. 8 players were named in the 30-man provisional list, but 6 are likely to make the final cut. Mikel, Onazi and Ndidi already have their place in the squad after their strong showings in the qualifications. Uche Agbo and Mikel Agu the likely players to miss out on the final list, they have not done anything to cement their place in the National team



Forwards:
This is where the real competition lies. There so many in-form attacking options at the disposal of Gernot Rohr. The recent form of Simmy Nwankwo, Junior Lokosa and Kelechi Iheanacho will give the coach a serious selection headache. The versatility of the forwards and their performance in the friendly games will determine who makes the squad. The real competition will be between Moses Simon, Junior Lokosa and Simeon Nwankwo. Although I’m expecting the competition to be stiff, I expect Simeon Nwankwo to edge out Moses Simon and Lokosa, if he performs well in the friendlies.





The possible Nigerian 23 Man List For The World Cup

Goalkeepers:

Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Francis Uzoho
Daniel Akpeyi

Defenders:

Abdullahi Shehu
Tyronne Ebuehi
Elderson Echiejile
Brian Idowu
Chidozie Awaziem
William Ekong
Leon Balogun
Kenneth Omeruo

Midfielders:

Mikel John Obi
Ogenyi Onazi
Wilfred Ndidi
Oghenekaro Etebo
John Ogu
Joel Obi

Forwards:

Ahmed Musa
Kelechi Iheanacho
Victor Moses
Odion Ighalo
Alex Iwobi
Nwankwo Simeon

There could be a few surprises, so we might never know. But baring dips in form and injuries, this is the most likely 23 man squad. We hope the best players make the list and do Nigerians proud in Russia, come June

cc: TheSuperNerd safarigirl forgiveness andrew444


SOURCE: https://www.yoursoccerblog.com/super-eagles-23-man-list/

Ezenwa going to the WC is based on sentiment. Ajiboye is better than him. I will prefer Ajiboye as the first choice, followed by Daniel and Uzoho.

But Ajiboye could be dropped by that goalkeeper coach.

I really wish Echiejile is in good form because I not sold on Aina and Idowu playing that role but if he is not fit, I don't think it is wise to pick Echiejile.

As it stands, Aina is ahead of Idowu based on his reaction in that last game he replaced Idowu.

The midfield is ok by me.

Now, it is becoming clear to me that we are going to the WC with Ighalo, Musa and Iheanacho as the three strikes because Simon Moses can't be dropped if fit. He is a starter in Rohr's team.

The reason Rohr invited Simy and Lokosa is just to fill the list.

elyte89:
So wetin sir forgiveness go talk abt DT one

Maybe the coach doesn't like his personality.

I was looking at the players in the 23 man list of the Brazilian national team and suprissingly Taison and Fred from the lowly rated Ukrainian league made the list ahead of Williams Jose and Leo Baptistao from the highly rated La liga, Malcolm from the highly rated Ligue 1, Vitinho from the highly rated Russian League, Allan from the highly rated Seria A and Richarlison from the highly rated EPL. Chai!

I can't understand how a whole almighty Brazil will go so cheap and low for players in the Ukrainian league for players who did wonderfully well in the top 5 leagues in the world?

What could be the index used for selection by the Brazilian national team coach?

Then, I stumbled at this article where the coach gave the index and criteria used for selection then I know this country is successful in soccer due to their ability to choose players based on high level technical knowledge of the art and momentum of soccer. There I salute. But it isa different ball game here.

The coach didn't give a technical reason he choosed some players.

He just released the list with no explanation because na Africa we be.

Just read the the bolded and you are blown away.




Brazil's World Cup Snubbed XI
Brazil's 2018 FIFA World Cup Snubbed IX

By David Kappel - May 18, 2018 07:16 PM

Brazil coach Tite recently announced his 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and left out some pretty big names. Here is a strong starting line-up made up of Selecao stars who were not selected for the World Cup.

The 56-year-old announced his squad for the showpiece in Russia on Monday, opting to select just 23 names instead of a provisional squad, despite the deadline for the final World Cup squads only being on 4 June.

Tite gave some insight into his selection process, which was supported by his technical team.

"There were many doubts. Sometimes the decision of an athlete to be called depends on the system, the way the team acts, what I believe, what the technical committee believes," the coach explained, as quoted by Globo Esporte.

"Sometimes it's his technical momentum, solidity during the high-level playing campaign. The World Cup moment is the maximum, mentally the players have to be very strong, and they need to be in good physical shape, while we also take the technical and tactical aspect into consideration."

Despite the intensive scouting and preparations for the 23-man selection, there are still some Selecao stars who might feel hard done by.

Valencia goalkeeper Neto, for example, had a great campaign in LaLiga and was part of the latest Selecao squads, but was replaced by Brazil-based Cassio in the World Cup selection.

At the back, AS Monaco right-back Fabinho and Juventus left-back Alex Sandro would probably start for many international teams, but were not chosen by Tite.

David Luiz and Rodrigo Caio missed out as central defenders, while new FC Barcelona signing Arthur was hoping for a spot in central midfield.

Napoli midfielder Allan was one of the standout players in Serie A this season, and many hoped the uncapped player would be part of Tite's World Cup squad, but the 27-year-old was once again overlooked.

Lucas Moura and Malcom would also feature in many other teams on the wings, but they, too, were not considered good enough for Brazil. Anderson Talisca starred as an attacking midfielder for Besiktas this season, scoring 19 goals, yet the 24-year-old was also not called up.

Gremio striker Luan is reportedly on the scouting list of many Premier League sides, but the 25-year-old won't be in Russia, with Tite and his coaching team preferring other options up front.

Which Brazil stars do you think Tite should have called up to his World Cup squad? Have your say in the comments section below.


https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/international/categories/world-cup-2018/brazil-s-2018-fifa-world-cup-snubbed-xi/295176

andrew444:
Simmy Nwankwo club crotone has been relegated

I think dey still have to play the 3rd best team in the Serial B to decide their fate.

I watched Nigeria vs Togo friendly live at the national stadium before we went to Olympic in 1996.

I watched most of the Nigeria 99 matches played in Lagos at the stadium and the finals.

Watched all our matches in 2000 saved the finals for obvious reason.

But I no remember Nada.

How I go take remember 1984 Challenge cup btw Leventies vs Rangers I watched live at d stadium? .

ChrisKels:
Honestly bro, if ur last paragraph was anything to go by, then, I must say u don't keep tabs on the young players in the pipeline anymore. That's bad

Hahaha! Do you think it is easy to keep tabs on these players in the pipeline?

Before you can vouch for a player you must follow for at least two seasons or more to be sure of what you're vouching for.

Now, that takes a lot.

ChrisKels:
That's why I didn't add him among the probables, it is also same reason that made me say when the time is right.


I'm only concerned with our left back position. I hope Deji Behruether and chima okoroji start playing for Frankfurt and Freiburg first team respectively next season. Deji's free kick ability no be here oo.

Well, sometimes you don't need to wait for some of these FB to play before you clamour for them once you have seen dem played and you're sure they are very good enough or if you have followed their progress from their academy until dey make the bench of a top club.

Once you are sure den you can do like me here, who is ready to vouch for any player I know is good enough, regardless of opposition or resistance from here.

I don't know Deji and Chima but I know we need natural LB players urgently after the WC hence my indifference to their call.

ChrisKels:
Haa who doesn't know Chinweizu Egbo? The boy that plays for Borrussia Monchenglabach. The one they call Mandela nah

Ok. He has only played one game.

tbaba1234:
I understand Ehizibue decided to wait for Holland.

I thought he rescinded his decision on that.

charlesemeka85:
ehizibue is very good but slightly better than ebuehi. both were nominated for eredivisie right-back of the season. he was in the dutch u20-21 setup but rumor has it that he is willing to play for 9ja if given a chance. also heard he is on the verge of joining a bundesliga team this summer. after lasting first team football for the first time in his young career, aina moving to an epl team next season should be the next step for his development. a move to any of the epl new boys will aid his development.

Well, I feel Ehizibue is more talented and versatile than Ebuehi. That is why I rate him above Ebuehi.

Ehizibue can play RB and RW perfectly. Same goes with Odubanjo. It will be great we cap him right after the WC else we might loose a very great player once he begins to shine in the Bundesliga peradventure the deal comes to reality and it will not be easy to fight off Germany and Netherlands if they beckon for his service.
But I still want Ebuehi to be capped because we never can tell what could become of him.

However, If Aina goes to the WC and he somehow gets to play and perform, it's likely he returns to Chelsea were he played a part two seasons ago.

ChrisKels:
Steve Bruce the Aston Villa coach who bought Moses odubajo from Brentford during his time at Hull, wants to work with odubajo once again, odubajo's contract with Hull runs out this summer. If Aston Villa overcomes Fulham in the qualification race, they we probably would be having two of our RBs plying their trade in the EPL come next season.


I hope this deal pulls through because Moses odubajo is quality. I will also like Aina to join a team like southampton on loan next season if he failed to break into Chelsea's first team.


Have a glance at our RBs post Russia ;
Ebuehi Benfica
Aina EPL
Odubajo EPL
Ehizibue Bundesliga
Nura Roma

Aina is a Chelsea player. Odubanjo is still a Championship player. Ehizibue is still in Eredivise.

Among the lot, without blinking an eye, Odubanjo is above all and he is followed by Ehizibue bumper to bumper.

chrisooblog:
so he scored five league goals?

See question!

tbaba1234:
That is just one person's opinion

Ok na.

author=chrisooblog post=67705867] abi is it false information that he scored 1 league goal

Only in ya imagination he scored 1 goal. Bhuahaha!

Person wey don agree say em score 5 goals come dey compare em 5 goals with Simy's 7 goals. Bhuahaha!

Abegi!

chrisooblog:
17 year old with one league goal

Be deceiving yaself. Ndo!

Bolowolowo:
2018 World Cup: Player Rohr will drop from Super Eagles squad revealed
 Ifreke Inyang
22 hours ago

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr is set to drop Crotone forward, Simeone ‘Simy’ Nwankwo, from his 30-man provisional squad for the 2018 World Cup.


The inclusion of red-hot striker has led to suggestions he could force his way into the final 23-man squad when it is named in June.

Simy netted six goals in his last six Serie A games and his fine form caught Rohr’s eye.


However, respected Nigerian journalist, Clement Nwankpa, says he will not be on the plane to Russia.

“Rohr likes Simy. He has sent scouts to watch him a couple of times this season. But Rohr’s mind is made up on the players he is taking to the World Cup and Simy isn’t there.

“Rohr appreciates the physical presence that Simy brings but he wants to stick with the players that saw him through the qualifiers. He wants players he knows better and can vouch for. These few weeks before the World Cup isn’t enough for him to have a closer look at Simy. It will take something extraordinary to happen in this World Cup camping for Simy to make the final list.


“You know we have AFCON qualifiers soon after the World Cup. Simy will play a big part in those matches and the AFCON proper,” he said.

So Rohr wan go world cup with one striker!?

Well....

Joebie:
What’s Kayode’s predicament?

You're asking because you didn't try to know or you know but you are trying to see wetin I go talk.

chrisooblog:
lol yes you are right 7 is the same as 5 continue to deceive yourself if that will help you sleep well at night

From 1 goals to 5 goals...bhuahaha!

Ogbech's stats for 17 years old lad, playing for PSG with Ronaldiho, Okocha, Leroy, Heinze, Arteta etc is better than that of Simy's who is 26 years old. Sorry.

mazimee:
The Coach has responded to Onyekuru's outburst, ofcourse, he always makes it obvious that he doesn't like the guy.


“He or his entourage should not blame us for his non-selection in the World Cup.
“Henry should check how many international games he missed because of his knee injury.
“He is not ready to play.”
Anderlecht have an agreement to extend his loan stay for one more season, but the coach stressed that a decision has not been taken on whether he will continue at the club.
Asked if Anderlecht will extend the player’s loan deal, Vanhaezebrouck said: “That depends on other options and also on the attitude of the player.”

How come you pay attention to full details of Onyekuru's predicament but you find it hard to do likewise for Kayode?

He is not good enough... He failed in the la liga...etcetera are the only things that comes to mind but Onyekuru is hated by his coach.. the coach doesn't like him...the club doesn't want him to go to the WC and that was the reason the coach benched him though he was fit....etcetera...

As for me I know both players predicament hence the need to balance my judgements but ..na was ooo.

tbaba1234:
Ebuehi appeared to be limping in his Benfica presentation..

Na we ooo. So Rohr is aware a player is injured yet he is on the list.

I hope the injure will healed before WC!?

solonnachi:
His world cup dreams are over. Bring in Henry Onyekuru

See dem. But if na me talk am, person no go hear word 4 here.

Joebie:
I don’t argue opinions as regards the Bible. Let’s keep learning more about Jesus. Let me leave u with 2 Corinthians 6:6-7

By the grace of God, it has been demonstrated by me but ....

ChrisKels:
What fact u talking about bro?

You have suddenly forgotten, ba!

Ok, the fact that you falsely claimed that Raheem Lawal relegated his club to division 2 eventhough Raheem Lawal has been out of action for 3 months due to injury.

chrisooblog:
hallelujah you have finally pasted it dear bros how many goals did ogbeche score in Ligue 1?

Oga! You have been proven wrong. Kindly move on because how many goals did Ogbeche scored was never initially the bone of contention, rather it was Ogbeche had the same form Simy is currently having prior to the 2002 WC which you falsely claimed was not correct but proven wrong, sorry.

ChrisKels:
Oh really?

Dats by d way, what do u think prompted Cisse to drop his best striker(Niasse) for some unknown kids in France?

Oga, those that change the fact you goofed big time with that false information?

Joebie:
Understanding Jesus’ example of humility etc is hard for many Christians, ironically.

Modified
I’m sure you have read the Bible extensively. Did Jesus ever call himself God, although he was accused of doing so?

What is humility?

Is it by claiming you are a sinner though he justified you, sanctified you and call you saints?

Rather the most arrogant man is the man who sees himself differently from the way God sees him.

I didn't call myself saint because I lived as a saint but because I have been made a saint through Jesus and accepted that fact through faith. This is humility.

Why did Chief Priest rent his garment before Jesus was judged to be worthy of crucification?

fabyom:
I know bro but fringe midfield players playing together for the first time might be calamitous. Might not bring out the best in them. As you know we are very judgemental. One floppy performance, you are out. Ask nwakeame and forgiveness oh sorry (kayode)

Kayode never flopped. Don't try to pass wrong Info.

Nwakaeme was even given better chance than him by starting and almost finishing a match but Kayode never started a match and in most cases played out of his favourite position or given very few minutes to impress.

chrisooblog:
pride goeth b4 a fall

Without faith it's impossible to please God. Don't confuse it for pride.

chrisooblog:
lol someone scored 7 league goals the other person 1 yes you have sure busted my ''false information''

Plus you have not showed where I said simy was blistering mr truth and honesty

Which other person 1?

8 Bartholomew Ogbeche
Born/age: Oct 1, 1984 (33)
Nationality: NigeriaNigeria
Height: 1,78 m
Position: Centre-Forward
Contract until: 30.06.2018
Agent: Soccer-Solutions
Former international: NigeriaNigeria
Bartholomew Ogbeche
Getty Images


PERFORMANCE DATA
The result is either the total result or the result of a selected season.
Select season:

PERFORMANCE DATA 01/02

Ligue 1 Ligue 1 21 4 1 2 - - 1.087'
Coupe de la Ligue 3 1 - - - - 178'
UEFA Cup 2 - - 1 - - 137'
Coupe de France 1 - - -

Total 01/02: 27 5 1 3 - - 1.416


5 goals and 1 assist is what is on that source as the bolded suggest.

Joebie:
Show me a system that is clean. I’m not surprised this is coming from someone who calls himself a saint. Even Jesus Christ said only the Father is good.

Then, why are you searching for what is not?

Call me so called saint? What about if I am holy, what will you call me?

My friend, 'unto the church of God which is at Corinthian.. to them that are holy...called to be Saints..' Who was Paul addressing as Saints in that quotation in 1corin 1:2?

If you want to know I can teach you.