₦airaland Forum

goldfish80:
You forgot to mention the small matter that Yaya Toure scored a breathtaking goal in the FA cup semi finals to oust Manchester United and also scored in the final against Stoke for Manchester City to win their first ever trophy in 35years. He also scored double figures that season which helped Man city climb to the pinnacle of English football.
This is no small achievement for a midfielder.

Osaze's case wasn't helped with the fact he played for a terrible West Bromwich Albino team. Amir Zaki would have won the award in 2008 but he played for Wigan....
I still can't find the anti Nigerian agenda here..

So, those two goals were enough to crown him?

Why is terrible West Brom problem if it is all about individual performance?

Did Yaya win player of the month and Manchester City player of the year?

Jarus:
LOL.

Someone sits beside all 94 african coaches and captains and say "don't vote for a Nigerian o, if you vote them, I will beat you"

Nigerians are very funny.

Out of the 94 African countries, how many are French?

The remaining English countries don't seems to like Nigeria based on my personal encounters with them.

Jarus:
Where is the question?

Look up small, na. Thanks

mazimee:
.

This justifies the point someone here made saying that the criteria changes when a Nigerian is involved

There is double standard used I guess.

Jarus:
I dont agree there is any gang up against Nigeria anywhere.

If you do well enough, you will win anything.

Can you pls help me answer my questions? Thanks

darkelf:
You raised a valid point Bros. Looking at all you said, one wonders why?

Was it a beef toward Nigerian players or was a francophone cabal ruling at CAF?

I may be wrong though. Anybody care to chip in a thing or two

@bolded is the bias determinate factor used i guess.

Another Blow: No Nigerian On The CAF Player Of The Year List


nametalkam at 05:36 PM, 9 Nov 11 (6 years ago)
(13464 | Hero) Online (m)
Nigerian football once again got overlooked when Caf announced the list of players that will contest for the African footballer of the year awards in December.

Ten players were placed in the long list that includes Ivorians Didi-er Drogba, Yaya Toure and Gervinho; Ghanaians Asamoah Gyan, Kevin Prince-Boateng and Andre Ayew; Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o, Senegalese Moussa Sow, Malian Seydou Keita and Moroccan Adel Taarabt.



Peter Odemwingie didn't make the list despite scoring 15 league goals at West Brom and win two Premier League player of the month awards.

However, Uche Kalu of Enyimba was listed in the section for players based on the continent. The 25 year-old has never been invited to the senior national team.

The last time a Nigerian won the Caf player of the year award was 1999 when Nwankwo Kanu took his second title. The Super Eagles’ poor international performances have likely affected the standing of Nigerians in individual awards as well.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiYhKC4uJjYAhVB6KQKHS-sDRwQFghFMAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww..com%2Ftalk%2Ftopic%2C84306.0.html&usg=AOvVaw0wNP0bu7MQEhvNKklgipK5

In 2010/2011 season, Odenwingie scored 15 goals with 9 assists and won EPL player of month two times, i say two times but he was not even considered for CAF award. Why? if it is not all about winning trophies but individual performance.


That same season Yaya Toure scored only 10 goals with just 7 assists yet he was crowned the best player in Africa, why?

To add salt to injury,the runner up Seydou Keita scored only 6 goals with 4 assists. what is the criteria used?

Adrew Ayew came 3rd and he managed to score 13 goals with 6 assists. Why was he nominated but Peter Odenwingie ignored?

I need cogent and precise explanation. Thanks

darkelf:
You're right bro

Just saw the name of one of the wonderkids you mentioned; Lukas Nmecha. Born to a Nigerian Father and a German Mother

He played yesterday.

I have said it times without numbers that Onyekuru can't play the Striker role but some people : wants to make us believe otherwise just to squeeze him into the team.

Onyekuru must fight for the LW position but I don't think he is the best or inform in that position currently in Europe even in Belgium.




Everton Loanee Henry Criticized By Anderlecht Coach For The Umpteenth Time

Published: December 18, 2017

Henry Onyekuru is still in the bad books of Anderlecht manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck following his side's disgraceful 5-0 loss to Club Brugge in the Belgian First Division A on Sunday.

Despite the Everton loanee spending approximately half an hour on the Jan Breydelstadion (Brugge) turf, he came under fire from the coach yet again.

''It does not make much sense to put Onyekuru at the center, but when he is standing there, he does not move, and he just moves to the left..., he always lets himself down,'' Vanhaezebrouck was quoted as saying by voetbalkrant.com.

Henry Onyekuru is one of the best players in Belgium and Anderlecht's top scorer in the league, but Vanhaezebrouck is not impressed.

He added : ''He does score now and then, but the last few weeks have not been as good either, his contribution went down.''

This season, Onyekuru has written his name on the score-sheet ten times from 27 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian champions.

Igho Kinsgley

Photo Credit : Instagram.com


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/915905483?-21310:11479:1

Time to recall Vincent Enyeama

Published December 19, 2017
Orji Ogbonnaya Orji



The need to recall Vincent Enyeama to join the Super Eagles squad to the 2018 World Cup in Russia has become important and urgent. The team needs a strong, experienced goalkeeper to prosecute the tournament. I have followed the debate over the need for Enyeama to stage a comeback from retirement with keen interest. But one has difficulty connecting logic with reason on the varied opinions so far expressed. For instance, those afraid of Enyeama’s recall have argued that his inclusion will bring rivalry, acrimony and disaffection in the team over the issue of leadership. But they hardly explained how. Those with this opinion neither realised that Enyeama has since moved on; nor appreciated that the train has since left the station because a lot of water has passed under the bridge.


There is also the argument that because he was not involved in the qualification stages of the World Cup, his inclusion would amount to reaping where he did not sow. In their opinion, the other goalkeepers would feel short-changed and their aspiration to showcase their talents at the world stage would have been jeopardised. Some even went further to demand that if Enyeama wants a place in the national team, he should gather his kinsmen to go and tender an apology to the Nigerian Football Federation officials and others that he might have “stepped on their toes”. A close examination of these views point to nothing that serves either national interest or public good. All the arguments against the recall of Enyeama are largely narrow, driven by ego, pride, selfish and flimsy considerations.

The only valid argument, that one could relate to, remains the concern by the Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr over the fitness of the Lille of France goalkeeper. This remains a genuine reason especially with reports that he just came out from a nagging injury. Even at that, the optimism of the coach that Nigeria’s current quagmire over who mans the post during World Cup would be laid to rest if Enyeama is fit, able and willing to return to the Super Eagles. The confidence of the coach from his pronouncements is not only valid but professional. It also conveys a strong message of a coach with sincerity of purpose and focus to deliver results by using the best we have to get the best we want. Rohr should follow this path now that Enyeama has fully recovered, has rejoined his team in France and has resumed training. Besides, the coach should please move closer to the player with some authority of ownership. This will help push the boundaries of pride over who blinks first which we do not need at this time. Every good coach knows that the World Cup tournament is where experience, character, courage and track record count a great deal. And success is what matters. Besides, football is no longer just a game but has assumed a strategic position in the world economy. It has also become an emerging big business and an element of state power. That is why big economies like China and the USA have become big investors with huge interests in the game of football.



For Russia 2018, all Nigerians around the world look forward to results not reasons. Enyeama is not finished. Something points to his direction that in the 2018 World Cup, he has a date with history in favour of Nigeria. Enyeama has virtues that we currently lack among the aspiring goalkeepers in the team. It requires more than two eyes to see why Enyeama is needed in Russia. The coach should develop more eyes to see the opportunities in Enyeama’s return to fortify the team he has worked so hard to assemble within so short a time.

The young goalkeepers that we have seen so far – Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi, Dele Ajiboye, Francis Uzoho and Dele Alampasu lack the required World Cup confidence. They are better as reserves on the bench. They need time to get there. And their time will surely come. Enyeama’s ability to take full control, marshal instructions to his teammates, read the movement of players easily on the pitch, decode very quickly the character and structure of a game are experiences that one cannot easily pick on the shelf. Besides, his presence on the post sends very powerful signals to strikers because of his ability to calculate with precision. His presence in the goalpost equally exhumes confidence, trust and reduces the chances of hypertension for the rest of us watching on television. And he never allowed that to enter into his head. Why then are some people afraid of his return?

It is worthy of note that when Enyeama left the national team, he did not do so with fanfare and great memories as expected. He left under painful, controversial circumstances that could have been avoided. From public information, Enyeama was said to have been stripped off his captain’s band while he was away for the burial of his dear mother in his native Akwa Ibom State by former coach Sunday Oliseh. The dust raised by the decision and chain of reactions that followed complicated the crisis. And he was ignored by those who should have immediately intervened.



Before the ugly development, followers of the Super Eagles believed in Enyeama as a loyal, patient, dedicated, humble, creative and dependable goalkeeper ready and willing to sacrifice for his country. He was also the presiding pastor and spiritual leader of the Super Eagles before, during and after every match. The ‘ambush” of Enyeama’s and his apparent “humiliation” while away at his mum’s graveside was crude, insensitive, lacking in sympathy, empathy, support and compassion. It was an unfair and an ill-timed decision with huge moral burden. His anger, feeling of betrayal, and disappointment which led to his hurried exit could be justified, when one puts in context the deep loving relationship between him and his late mum. Those who plotted Enyeama’s exit during a most trying moment of his life actually hit him below the belt. But Enyeama must put all that behind him now as history. He must move on.



While Nigeria has yet to recover from the moral crisis of rewarding Enyeama with a bad coin in spite of his valuable, exceptional service to his country, the time to let go has come. While one notes and in fact applauds the amazing job so far done by Rohr with stoic support of the NFF led by Amaju Pinnick, the recall of Enyeama is one more hurdle they must cross. And the time is now. This bold decision will simply nail the coffin on Eagles’ preparation. Let the request be formally made publicly for Enyeama to have a soft landing. I have no doubt that Enyeama will not let his country and his numerous supporters down especially at this time. No matter how it is presented, a half -fit Enyeama is better in Russia than the current plot to “gamble” with those eager to learn on the job. Pinnick’s NFF, Rohr must note that since the 1994 squad, at no other time in the history of Nigerian football, is our country ready to take the world head-on than now with the squad they have laboured to assemble. We therefore need to seize the moment. Examples are common of many footballing nations that put pride aside and recalled their stars from retirement to fortify their teams when it mattered most. It happened in Chile, neighbouring Cameroon with Roger Milla and recently in Egypt. The triumph of the Pharaohs of Egypt in the last African Cup of Nations lay on the experience of their national goalkeeper recalled from retirement. Enyeama’s recall with every encouragement extended to him to strengthen the Super Eagles squad to Russia will be in the overriding public interest. His country needs him as much as he needs his country in Russia.



Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji wrote from Abuja

OPINION SPORTS


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/915952410?-21310:11479:1

Enyeama vs Uzoho.

Who be Uzoho where best goalkeeper in Africa dey?

Some people funny oooooooooooooooo. Uzoho!? Wey ordinary Alampasu don bench, wey dey play for division 3!?

Maybe he may come good in the future but as it is now, na kindergarten football em still dey learn compared with Enyeama.



Some people dey condemn a 19 years old Abraham Tega because em no dey score, forgetting the boy na still small boy wey fit grow.

I have seen the boy and I can say he is good. Chikena!

MetalJigsaw:
You're obviously the one lying or you're ignorant about it.

You haven't answered my question. Is he a starter yes or no?

MetalJigsaw:
Nope, he doesn't always play. And when he plays, its a stoppage time introduction.

You dey lie ooooo.

He doesn't get to play and if he plays, it's a stoppage time introduction don turn to, he is not a starter.

You can lie.

MetalJigsaw:
You're actually the one lying here. How many games has he started?

Kayode is nowhere near a starter at Girona as a matter if fact... No disrespect though.

MetalJigsaw:
Nope, he doesn't always play. And when he plays, its a stoppage time introduction.

Stop lying.

mazimee:
Nigeria’s Head coach, Gernot Rohr, says he needs just four ‘stronger’ players in the Super Eagles to complete his team for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Speaking in Germany last week, Rohr said it is not fair if critics continue to take aim at his goalkeepers for not being good enough for the World Cup.
”We are looking at the World Cup and it is not gamely if people express concerns about the goalkeepers. With the goalkeepers we defeated strong teams during the qualifiers. I have that experience of this level, qualifying through Africa zone is much tougher in Africa and we took the goalkeepers to face a strong fire-force of Argentina”

In fact, Rohr said what he was looking to add are four players who he believe can give the team a steelier outlook.
”We are looking at the team all-round but because we need a rhythm, we shall be looking for just four players to improve the team. If we can be successful with them, then we are ready for the World Cup.
The Franco-German added that the Nigerian team, being the youngest going to the World Cup are looking beyond Russia 2018.

”We want a smart appearance at Russia but this project does not end here. We believe we can empower young Nigeria players to do well in international and continental football, so that is why I tell the Federation that we need a long-term plan for the Eagles which include a good preparation for AFCON 2019.

Obafemi Martins is number one.

One striker
One AMF/CMF
One DMF
One DF

MetalJigsaw:
Nope, he doesn't always play. And when he plays, its a stoppage time introduction.

Dat is a fat lie. Out of the 15 matches he was available to play he has played 12, and it is only in 3 matches he didn't play up to 10 minutes.

MetalJigsaw:
hmm... How?

Because he always plays if he is available.

MetalJigsaw:
I really feel for this guy and Iheanacho's career.

Nothing is happening to kayode's career. His situation is far better than Iheanacho for now.

Joebie:
Forgiveness don thief d udeme

By the grace I no dey take.

Joebie:
ehen just checking oh..

there is news that Sokari is already been considered for the Poland friendly.

I dey wait forgiveness and komekn etc.. We are talking about the Tunisian league here. Isn't Sokari outstanding at least?

I still dey observe.

goldfish80:
Time for Forgiveness to light a cigar
.......................
After playing for Holland, I’m ready for Eagles — Owobowale

https://bc.marfeel.com/statics/i/p/punchng.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/17011422/Segun-Owobowale.jpg

Can you introduce yourself to our readers ?
Thank you . My name is Oluwasegun Owobowale , I ’ m half Nigerian and half Dutch. I ’ m 20 years old and I live in The Netherlands . I ’ ve played for ADO Den Haag but I ’m now playing for NEC Nijmegen in the Jupiler League, which is under the Eredivisie. I ’ ve also played for the Dutch national youth squads at U - 15 , U - 16 , U - 17 and U - 18 levels .
You were an unused substitute in NEC ’ s recent 6 - 0 defeat of Dordrecht . How is the season so far in the Eredivisie?
The season has been good . We are currently in the first position in the league and we are showing the fans some good football with our style of play .
Do you think NEC can gain promotion to the Eredivisie ?
Yes , I think so . If you look at our team , we have the biggest chance to win the league and gain promotion to the Eredivisie again . Team chemistry is good , everyone can find each other on - and - off the pitch. And we have good players and talents like Arnaut Danjuma Adamu Groeneveld , who is also a Nigerian talent, Ferdi Kadioglu , Frank Sturing and others .
How many games have you played so far and are you satisfied with your playing time for Adrie Bogers ’ side?
This year I ’ ve played just one game . And I ’ m happy with the chances I ’ ve got because I just came from the under 21 s . So , now every chance I get , I have to show the coach and the rest of the staff I can be an important member of the team .
You joined NEC from ADO Den Haag , where you started your career ? Can you tell us about your time there ?
Yes , I joined ADO Den Haag when I was 13 years old . When I was 16 , I signed my first contract with ADO . At the age of 17 , I played my first minutes in the Eredvisie against Cambuur . Later that year, I played against PSV with players like Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum. I had a good time at ADO , but I wanted to play more because that ’ s good when you are young . So , I left ADO and joined NEC Nijmegen . But I learnt a lot at ADO and made a lot of good friends . So , I will always remember that club ; sometimes I still visit the club to watch my friends play .
How close are you to Tyronne Ebuehi , who plays for the Super Eagles and ADO ?
Yes , Tyronne is a friend of mine . I played with him in the youth teams and in the first team ( of ADO ) . I don ’t see him a lot now but we speak with each other through our phones . And I always support him when he ’s going to the national team ( Eagles ) .
Growing up , who was your role model?
My first football shirt was that of Rivaldo , my mum bought it for me from a shop . But when I got older it was Robinho . But today it is ( Cristiano ) Ronaldo , because I like the way he puts everything he can in his dreams to be the best. My Nigerian role model has always been Obafemi Martins, what a striker he is ! I even tried to do a somersault like him ( laughs ) .
Did you do the somersaults successfully ?
No, I always landed on my back . So , I stopped trying them when I scored . I didnt break my back , so that ’ s a good thing .
Why your preference for Martins amongst Nigerian players ?
I prefer Martins because I always watched Inter Milan ’ s games . And he was scoring everyday, again and again . His first touch is always goal bound. And his celebrations were incredible . I also trained with Kenneth Omeruo in my time at ADO Den Haag .
Playing against the likes of Depay and Wijnaldum must have been memorable .
Are you hoping to play in England like them some day ?
Yes , that ’ s my dream , to play in the biggest league, like Mikel ( Obi ) , ( Austin ) Okocha , ( Joseph ) Yobo and ( Nwankwo) Kanu .
What role did your parents play in your career ?
Since day one, they played football with me; my dad is a big fan of mine . They always supported me, brought me to away games , and tournaments out of the country . They were always there for me and they still are . So , I always thank them for what they did for me . I think it’ s important that parents always support their kids ’ dreams .
You have a Nigerian dad. Is your mum Nigerian too or Dutch ?
Yes , my dad is from Nigeria and my mum is Dutch, that ’ s why I live in Holland right now . It’ s the same as Tyronne .
Why did you decide to play for Holland at youth level ? Did you get the support of your parents ?
I only had one choice because the Nigerian team never called me up for their youth teams . So , I decided to play for the Dutch squad and I played at the big tournaments . Yes , my parents always told me, “ you can choose what you want, and Nigeria will come , so it’ s your decision . ”So , if Nigeria or Holland pops up to ask me where I want to play , I would have to make a hard decision.
So , it was a hard decision picking Holland?
No, it wasn ’ t then because I had only one choice , but if both national teams will come my way now, then it will be the hardest decision to pick one.
Are you still open to a call - up to Nigeria ?
Yes of course ! I will be honoured to play for the Super Eagles .
Tyronne has been part of the Eagles set - up . Has he told you about the team ?
Yes , he told me that it is a good team with fresh , young players and a good chemistry. And that they are ready for the World Cup !
How often do you follow the Eagles ?
I watch every of their game I can , if I can find it on the internet .
How did you feel when they beat Argentina 4 - 2 with all their superstars?
I was happy for the team , Tyronne and the country because we all needed this win . This was a lesson for all of us. If you want something , you can achieve it.
What’ s your impression about the squad especially with players who have dual nationalities like you , like Tyronne , Leon Balogun, Victor Moses , Alex Iwobi , Troost -Ekong and others?
I think it’ s good to have different kind of players in a team . So you get different types of football tactics in a team , so you can play in different ways . And the young players can learn from the older players .
If you get an invitation to the national squad , what can you bring to the team ?
I can bring speed , power , technique and dribbles .
You were part of Holland’ s U - 17 team that lost the final of the Uefa U - 17 tournament to England on penalties in 2014 .
How did it feel getting so close and losing?
I felt so bad because we were so close ( to the trophy ) as a team . We did not lose one official game that whole year. And then you lose the finals with penalties , then you feel robbed .
As a left - footed player, you can play at left -back, midfield and forward positions. How did you attain the versatility ?
I ’ m fast and strong , that ’ s why I can operate as a defender or a defensive midfielder , but because I ’ ve always played as a winger, I can also make defenders have a bad day because I defend and attack . How I knew I could play in so many positions ? Honestly , I didn’ t know until my trainer said , ‘ hey , Segun , just try left- back once .’ And it all worked out well .
How much of Nigeria do you know in terms of the language, food , culture , music and more ?
Well , I know a lot of the food, because my father brought the ( Nigerian cooking ) skill with him ( to Holland ) . For the music I really listen to it every day , Wizkid , Davido , Iyanya and P- Square and much more . The language is one area I can improve on because I only know some basic sentences like ‘ how are you doing ?’ , ‘ what do you want to eat . ’ And yes, I visited Nigeria before to meet my family and have a taste of the country . That was in 2008 , but I ’ ve got family members all over the world , so every two years , we visit another country to see them all .

http://punchng.com/after-playing-for-holland-im-ready-for-eagles-owobowale/

I knew this boy through Solanke. That was when they both played the finals of the U17 European tournament which Solanke's team won.

It was through him I discovered Ehizibue and Ebuehi when they both just started their career but he was 18 then and he was not getting game time. Hence, the need not to mention him since I don't get to see him play.

edi287:
I know about Sokari. He's used to be dubbed as the "Nigerian iniesta" those days. My point is many said Rohr is looking for someone to replicate Onazi's work and I'm asking why Sokari and not Joel Obi and Azubuike?? Both have better defensive qualities and offer more versatility(especially Joel Obi). I'm not against inviting him but it'd be unfair if someone like J Obi doesn't get an opportunity as well.

Nowadays, nobody understands the standard used for determining the invitation of players into the SE.

junnyjake:
Hehehe, see as you de shine teeth.

Body de sweet you abi? Good morning.

Na so. Good afternoon.

Danycrusoe:
I know it can be worked on b4 then but must we always be like that. wait for something to spoil and degenerate be4 we maintain or repair it?

I think it should be privatized.

goldfish80:
Discrediting players based on age is quite petty. Emphasis should be on performance not age.
The Swiss grand master Roger Federer at 36 played his best tennis at the Aussie open and Wimbledon. As a matter of fact, he won the Wimbledon without dropping a set.

In athletics, current world 100 meters champion Justin Gatlin is no spring chicken.

How about basketball? LeBron James is 32 and still looks unstoppable. I watch him power through games and dominate much younger players with ruthless abandon.

Stated above are 3 physically demanding sports. One may even argue these sports are much more physically demanding than football, yet the best in these sports aren't teenagers.

I don't know why people insist we must go to the world cup with an U23 team. Not when the last 4 world cup finals have been contested by older and experienced teams.
Anyone in doubt should check the average age of world cup finalists from 2006-2014

You're right on point. Gbam.

Joebie:
I have long accepted the MRI as a very very very good standard.
You say the MRI is not 100%, the yardstick that you have been using to measure the EPL, is it fool proof, sir Komekn ?
If we choose not to accept the ages of the players that have passed the MRI, then let's also not trust science. Everything is hardly 100% accurate.

I do accept the age of those who passed the MRI but I don't believe because their age is almost correct other players informed should be discarded based on age cheat in the past.

edi287:
Give me a valid reason why Sokari should be invited over those guys?? Till today you "Rohr knows best" brigade have failed to give us a valid reason for inviting Chidiebere Nwakali.

Why should dey give us valid reason when everybody na mumu?

nelszx:
E be like agent work
The rate they brandish average players
ANS said he's the next Iniesta. Someone who can't string 1 or 2 correct passes yet alone a defence splitting pass

Hahahaha! Na eyes don dey clear.

krattoss:
exactly ...

Since u can't decode sarcasm

Hahaha!

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

If I talk dem go call me names. So, there are no more CM in Europe again?

Icon79:
Do you know what else Kane has going for him? Being given playing time. Like I had always said, you can't score if you don't play. I wouldn't put it past KC that if he has been given as much playing time as Kane (and made the primary target man), he would've scored as many goals as Kane. After all, Kane wasn't scoring when he was sitting on the bench for Emmanuel Adebayor and others, remember?


O pari

Hahaha! This guy is comparing sleep with death.


Kane didn't just wake up one day and found himself in this limelight because he is a British. He earned the right to play based on his talent and performance. Period.

Kc is not even up to Rashford, na Kane you wan compare am with?

krattoss:
am not saying he isn't fit for eaglesoo..what am trying to say is that rohr doesn't owe any explanation to u if he isn't invited under his watch ...so far as rohr keeps getting us results...

He can use his household and execute matches for us for all i care. .

So, if he carry high school students enter SE, he doesn't own anybody explanations? Make em just carry go? Na waoooo.