₦airaland Forum

Dedebanky85:
My takings on the game. Just as I expected, Nigeria won but not how I had hoped it would be. I thought the Zambians would have loved to attack more from the beginning which would have opened up more spaces for us, but hey they remembered what we did to CMR and didn't come out until the second half precisely after the goal. Who knows maybe Zambia were hoping for a draw to try and see if they could trounce CMR in their final game and hope for a Nigerian loss.

To judge a players performance you need to combine both halves of the game not just one half. Therefore, it is very unfair to say Mikel Agu was poor in this game. If this game was only a first half game then he was very very very pisssssss pooooooor. But in the second half he grew into the game and played very well.

I'm thinking Aina has taken Echejile's shirt for good. Aina started reciprocating the same optimum value our RB was enjoying under Shehu. As for Shehu, if you don't leave Cyprus for a better league by first week of August next year, sack your agent and get you a new agent that would take your career to the next level. Shehu is a damn good MF. He made Iwobi's substitution really look good because Iwobi was an extra body in the midfield while Shehu ran the show alone in the right wing for the last 20mins. I don't know who is more energetic btw he and Onazi. This leads to the next point on Onazoi.

Onazi! Onazi!! Onazi!!! That guy is really disrespected and underrated by Naija fans. Where I watched the game got into a panic mode when Onazi got injured. It should never be so!. His energy level and consistent pressing makes him a very valuable assets to teams. The only sub for him is Shehu, but I'd never trade Shehu from RB to the MF cos he's very good in the RB. Rohr should start looking towards Azubuike Okechukwu as a replacement to sit on the bench for Onazi.

Lets face the truth, except injuries, Ndidi, Onazi and Mikel would always be the starting MF.

Overall, this game was of a very high quality and any neutral fan would have enjoyed the game. But why can't Nigeria have a good playing surface. Today it's good, tomorrow e don dabaru. Look at CMR and their lush green stadium. If we can't get the required training from Europe or SA, at least we can go learn from CMR on how to maintain a lush green pitch. It's becoming ridiculous and it's affecting our game. Little wonder the 2 games we played on a smooth field have been our best games (against CMR in Uyo and Yaounde).

No sane coach would make wholesome changes to a team all in the name of trying out new players. If it was in a competition proper where games are back to back then you can. Qualifying games are like get togethers and far apart so you want to try your strong team always. I expect only 3 or 4 changes to the starting line up against Algeria. I don't see the CB pairing altered at all.
My squad for Algeria:

Ezenwa GK
Ebuehi RB - 1st change
Aina LB - 2nd change
Ekong CB
Balogun CB
Ndidi DM
Ogu CM
Mikel AM
Iwobi LW - 3rd change
Moses - RW
Nwaekeme - ST - 4th change

If we are looking for a direct replacement for Onazi in the CMF role, my first choice is Joel Obi followed by Abdul Ajagun. But it these two are not available then Raheem Lawal is a better option than Azubuike.

Joebie:
Yes I agree. That DMF needs more competition. Let's call a spade a spade, Onazi has not been as good as his last world cup performance. We will need that level or higher in Russia from any DMF.

Did Onazi play the DMF role today?

enomakos:
then who do you want as their replacement?

.

For now we don't have any choice. We just need to manage them.

However, Felix Uduokhai, Jordan Torunarigha and Tiago Ilori are good enough to be their back up should incase they have off day.

AIG07:
I am very sure some people must have mocked us. Sticking to the team even after we failed to qualify for AFCON '17 and hoping against all hopes. We have finally scaled through to Russiah.

Shouts out to everyone who have supported this team from regular commenters to ghost readers. You are the real deal and you've made the journey worthwhile.

Special shout out to the op who created this thread in person of Terzurum5-I hope you are glad and happy over there, to the news crew and updates specialist(Sirs Okpyendega, Joebie, Tbaba1234 who is our camera man, forgiveness, blackalbino6 etc) Kudos to you too...

Finally, Wishing the SEs greater success in the future.

God bless the Super Eagles of Nigeria!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

#SoarEagles and spread your wings over East Europe.

TheSuperNerd too. Anyway, thanks

Danielnino00:
My people lemme not lie ehn... . It was a tension soaked game . I missed a large part of the first half cus it was raining and DSTV signal dy f**k up.. ;
Here's my thought on the game..

1) The Zambians were good. I must confess,they gave us a run for our money. speed everywhere. That goal they scored might not be an offside though (But I don't care ). If they keep it up,they might make it to Qatar 2022

2) I never knew that Iwobi had that much speed oo.. . . the way he ran at the ball after that Zambia corner gave me joy .. His goal was class!! his celebration was wow . To be honest he is a sure starter in the team.. he has more footballing brain that Simeon Moses

3) We were wasteful today.. We could have been 2-0 up by half time had we converted our chances.. If not for Onazi injury, Rohr would have brought in Nacho. we can't rely on Ighalo all the time.. he has shown that he is an unreliable striker..

4) Apart from Echijele, our back four are quite solid..Balogun and Ekong are the real deal,no argument . And that Shehu should get the hell outta Cyprus , I might be wrong tho,but he seem too good to play in that kinda league..

5) Aina got his chance, and he made good use of it . Too bad Moses couldn't convert his cross.. Moses was kinda selfish today though with some unnecessary dribbles. I hope Aina get his chance in hat role against Algeria

6) Mikel is the Igwe . .I used to be a proud member of the "Slowobi" crew but Mikel's recent performance in the team since Rohr took over has proved me wrong..Currently I don't see any player that can replace him in the SE team.. his leadership quality is another great motivation in the team.

7) I'd like to see this lineup vs Algeria next month..
Alampasu.. Aina ... Awazeim...Agbo...Ebuehi
Etebo.. Ogu...Agu
Onyekuru... Iheanacho... Iwobi

An invitation should be extended to Cyril Desser and Dennis Bonaventure..





I almost slipped on my way back from the viewing center today the ground was too slippery..



*Modified*

I think an invitation should be extended to Tiago Ilori too for the Algeria game...Otherwise Baba Ilori(forgiveness) might vex

Lol

AIG07:
you saw that too Baba. Lots of work still need to be done

Balogun and Ekong are not good enough.

AIG07:
E b like se most people no know or de don forget who Joel Obi IS? No thanks to his injury laden career.

Here is how I rate and rank our CMF/AMF Players.
1. John Mikel Obi
2. Joel Obi
3. Oghenekaro Etebo
4. Alex Iwobi
5. Ongenyi Onazi
6. Okechukwu Azuibuke
7. John Ogu
8. Mikel Agu.

In regards to the above, this is my own rating.

1, Mikel Obi
2. Joel Obi
3, Onazi Ogenyi
4, Alex Iwobi
5, Abdul Ajagun
6, Raheem Lawal
7, Jonh Ogu
8, Ramon Azeez

If i add Tega Onomah, he is number 3.

tbaba1234:
MOTM

I knew he was going to win it after his impressive show in the second half.

Chrismario:
We still won

Because the coaching took note hence the way we played cautiously in the first half.

Humility017:
abeg just leave that guy...his talk on onazi leaves me baffled..

Hahaha!

Mickael2:
he started out as the CMF. We were talking about the game against CMR

Ok

Those who don't regard foreign born, let it be known that these same regetted stones are the corner stones today.

Ekong, Balogun, Victor, Iwobi and Aina.

And some people say make I forget foreign players.

Mickael2:
Onazi made more interceptions than Ndidi in the game because he was the last midfielder, no brainer there.


Etebo in that middle would have gone straight into the CMF role and Ndidi would move into the DMF role and we won't know Onazi was subbed except for his hair color that would go missing.


Which attack are you talking about anyways?

What position did Onazi played today?

Daporeals:
Igahlo does not have any business in that team, I hope rohr give nwekeme chance against Algeria

Ah!

Though he missed about 3 chances I expect him to be given another chance.

Chrismario:
Honestly as my people always say,,, Eziokwu bu ndu


Zambians are speedy, their heights gives them little advantage.

I respect that tall midfielder,,, Mulenga

When I pinpointed these some people wan kill me.

Goaaaaaaaaaal! Inside Russia ....

I no talk say wing backs are the problem?

As soon as Shehu attacked, he freed Iwobi and goal entered.

Make una cool down.

Agu came in to do the dirty work of a DMF, he didn't come to replace Onazi in the CMF role.


Ndidi is now pushed to the CMF. We don't expect Ogu to play the DMF role now except he comes in as a direct replacement for the CMF position. If that is the case two slow players will be left in the midfield.

Una want chop goals?

Chrismario:
Shehu is underatted

Shehu is not good.

On a good day, wing backs are suppose to support the attack but our wing backs are just defending.

jotey:
that was a clean goal

Shu! No let them hear.

Mickael2:
I take it back, Onazi is better than Mikel Agu 10 times over

Confession

Icon79:
If Nigeria is a country with visionary leaders, Siasia and Amuneke would be the coaches drafted to assist and understudy Rohr. Those two are the future of Nigerian coaches. But in naija, we specialize in putting square pegs in round holes.


O pari

Garba Shehu should replace Amuneke because his boys are doing better than Amuneke's boys.

Chelsea Dazzler Victor Moses Aiming To Score Against Seventh Country

Published: October 07, 2017

Victor Moses has been in fine form as of late, and will be hoping to take his tally in the World Cup qualifiers to at least four goals when the Super Eagles face off with Zambia in a World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The Copper Bullets technical crew will have to draw up a plan to stop the Chelsea right wing-back as he has contributed to four of the ten goals scored by the Super Eagles in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers.

Moses inspired the national team to a 3-1 win versus Algeria in Uyo last November by scoring a brace and put in another man of the match performance in the 4-0 rout of Cameroon, with a goal and an assist to his name.

Of his ten goals for the Super Eagles, seven of them were scored at home against five different national teams, Liberia (2), Malawi, Ethiopia, Algeria (2) and Cameroon.

If the former England U17 star finds the back of the net against Zambia today, they would be the seventh country that have fallen victim to him.

Victor Moses also netted against United States in a pre-World Cup friendly on June 7, 2014.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel


http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24917

Mweene & Daka Fit To Start Vs Nigeria, Charter Flight Lands In Uyo 10 AM With 250 Fans


Published: October 07, 2017

Mweene & Daka Fit To Start Vs Nigeria, Charter Flight Lands In Uyo 10 AM With 250 Fans
Allnigeriasoccer.com has been informed that skipper of the Copper Bullets, Kennedy Mweene, and FC Liefering wonderkid Patson Daka are set to be named in the match day squad to face Nigeria this evening, amid speculations in the local media that they are nursing injuries.

This website did some digging and can reveal that the two players were at the training ground on Friday evening and trained without any apparent problems.

Patson Daka is regarded as the Kelechi Iheanacho of Zambian football, and made a name for himself at the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after winning the Most Valuable Player award and making the ceremonial team of the tournament.

The 18-year-old striker was seen jogging during Thursday's session in Abuja because he was having a recovery session, few hours after he jetted into the Nigerian capital from Austria.

Including the qualifying rounds, Mweene has started and put in a full shift in all the six games contested by Zambia in the World Cup qualifiers, while Daka logged ninety minutes each in victories over Algeria in September.

Meanwhile, the estimated time of arrival of the chartered flight bringing the Zambian supporters to Uyo is 1000 hours, and it is understood that 250 fans are on the plane that took off from Ghana on Saturday morning.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel


http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24916

Zambia/Nigeria: World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria Against Zambia Should Be a No-Contest


By Jide Alaka

This is in no way disparaging the quality of the Chipolopolo of Zambia. But if we talk about the value of the parts that make up the teams, then Nigeria's Super Eagles are way ahead of their opponents.

But the Zambians are chasing a first ever World Cup appearance. And their coach, Wedson Nyirenda, believes his 'young' team can catch the Eagles cold in Uyo on Saturday.

"We know you beat Cameroon here, but we also know you lost to South Africa at the same venue," Nyirenda told Complete Sports in Uyo on Thursday.

On a first look at the Zambian team, the first assumption is to say there is nothing to fear. But the Super Eagles need to be cautioned; at this juncture they cannot underestimate the Zambians.

There really is no standout player amongst the Zambians, but they have a good work ethic and very fast strikers - like the 18-year-old Patson Daka, who got the goal against Algeria in Constantine last month.


Which is why talk from the Eagles' camp, especially from Captain Mikel Obi helps one to keep at rest.

"The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of underrating the Zambians," Obi said at Thursday's media parley.

The Eagles probable 11 is loaded with players who if they are not world-class are just a little short. Victor Moses has come into his own -shown by his five-star performances for the Eagles, especially the two matches against Cameroon last month.

A football website, Transfer Market, postulates that Moses' present worth is about N 7.6 billion ($21 million) while the player with the greatest worth in Zambia's probable 11 is Stopilla Sunzu, at N650 million ($1.8 million).

That illustrates the chasm in worth between the Nigerians, whose entire squad is estimated to be worth around N47.5 billion ($132 million) while that of the Zambians is estimated to worth a 'mere' N2.8 billion ($7.8 million).

What the Nigerian football fans would be praying and hoping for is that this gulf in worth would be proven with goals at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.


http://allafrica.com/stories/201710060390.html

Zambia/Nigeria: Nigeria V Zambia Clash - It's Fire for Fire - Mikel

By John Egbokhan

Captain John Obi Mikel has said the Super Eagles will match World cup foes Zambia attack for attack, defence for defence.

Eagles and Chipolopolo clash headlong tomorrow at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo in a match day five 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match, with Eagles needing a win to qualify while Zambia must win to take the campaign to the final games next month.

Looking ahead to the knife-edge cracker, the former Chelsea midfielder said that his team were ready to go the extra mile to secure another Nigerian appearance at the World Cup.

"We have gone too far, laboured too hard to now look back. Zambia will attack but we will attack back as well as defend to reach our goal of playing in Russia 2018. We are ready to win. We will do the talking on the pitch. Our defence is ready to stop them", said Mikel, who captains Chinese side Tianjin Teda.



http://allafrica.com/stories/201710060126.html

Nigeria: Why We Lost to Nigeria Last Year - Zambian Coach

By Jude Opara

Abuja — Ahead of the crucial Russia 2018 FIFA world cup qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Chipolopolo of Zambia, Wedson Nyirenda has again boasted that he is Nigeria for the maximum points at stake.

Nyirenda who spoke to Sports Vanguard in Abuja shortly before jetting out to Uyo yesterday said his team lost the first leg played last year because he was just 15 days on the job.

According to him, they have been rebuilding and the South African nation is now ready to tackle Nigeria with a formidable team that can snatch the sole group B ticket from.

While expressing respect for the Super Eagles who are plying their trade in some of the best leagues in the world, Nyirenda boasted that his team which surprisingly defeated Algeria home and away will even be motivated the more by the joy of humbling Nigeria at this crucial stage of the qualifiers.


"We are here in Nigeria for a serious business. Yes we have a lot of respect for the Nigerian players but today we are a different team from the one they defeated last year in Ndola. Before that game I was only 15 days on the job, but we are now fortified after overhauling the team.

"My boys now have the required confidence and that is why we were able to defeat the highly rated Algeria and you know it is not easy to beat such a big team. Nigeria has many big stars in Europe but that will even motivate us more."

However, the coach accepted that the game is not going to be easy one especially with Nigeria playing in front of their home fans.

Nigeria is dictating the pace in group B with 10 points from four matches while Zambia are chasing behind with seven points from the same number of games played. A victory on Saturday will seal the qualification for the world cup for Nigeria.


http://allafrica.com/stories/201710060135.html

England face tug-of-war with Nigeria over international futures of Liverpool trio

Jack Lusby

6 October 2017

England U21s manager Aidy Boothroyd has admitted there is a chance Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo could commit his international future to Nigeria.

Ojo earned his first call-up to Boothroyd’s squad for the September international break, and was also included for this month’s clashes with Scotland and Andorra.

The 20-year-old was forced to pull out due to a dislocated shoulder, but his absence could be prolonged if the Nigeria Football Federation have their way.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Friday night’s Euro U21 qualifier against Scotland in Middlesbrough, Boothroyd discussed the possibility of Ojo and Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham committing to the Super Eagles.

Abraham is said to be likely to remain with England, but according to the Telegraph, “Ojo’s future is uncertain.”

“Nigeria are trying to get as many players as they can and you can’t blame them because we’ve got some good players,” Boothroyd explained.


“There was talk about Tammy, while Sheyi Ojo is another and they might still be trying [to make him represent Nigeria at senior level].

“You just don’t know. It’s a hard one because I can’t guarantee they are going to play because the group is so good.

“Tammy didn’t start the game before last and that’s just one of those things.

“Perhaps other countries might see that and try and get into him, promise him the world and get him in the first-team before you know it.

“But these are lads that have played for England and have an affinity with us and a relationship.

“There is a pathway and I can always pick the phone up and speak to them.”

Meanwhile, both Dominic Solanke and Ovie Ejaria are also eligible to play for Nigeria, as an ongoing struggle for allegiance rumbles on.

Ejaria was initially part of the NFF’s youth setup, but has since made seven appearances for the England U20s, including at the U20 World Cup in South Korea over the summer.


The 19-year-old is yet to feature for the Liverpool first team this season, instead turning out for the U23s, ensuring he is no closer to securing a regular role for England.

As a result, it could be that Ejaria would be more open to opting for Nigeria, and a clearer pathway, in the future.

Solanke has been a key fixture for England youth sides in recent years, even alongside Ejaria and Ojo at the U20 World Cup despite having barely featured for Chelsea last season.

He won the Golden Ball at that tournament, and has since made the step up to Boothroyd’s squad where he will vie with Abraham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a starting role.

While it seems likely Solanke will remain committed to England, there is still a looming threat that any of Liverpool’s three eligible youngsters could instead pledge for Nigeria.

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/905322731?-19787:21190:0

Nigeria Vs Zambia : Five Super Eagles Players To Watch


Published: October 06, 2017

Here are five important Super Eagles players to watch for the World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Zambia on Saturday.

1) John Obi Mikel : The 28-year-old would be duly expected to put up an astute performance once again in the centre of the pack, just as he did in the Cameroon games.

What he lacks in pace and power,he more than makes up for with his shrewd judgement on the ball, precision and accurate distribution which are his very distinct attributes.

It is tantamount to tomfoolery to think any of his team mates can really match these.

2) Odion Ighalo : Quick,powerful and packing a poacher's howitzer of a shot,Ighalo is unarguably the perfect striker for the current Super Eagles set-up.

His continuous tormenting of the Cameroonian defensive pair, Ngadeu Ngadjiu and Adolphe Teikeu was a delight to watch and the Chipolopolo must equally be wary of him.

The early notions of lethargy and rustiness has been completely jettisoned; Odion Ighalo has lost none of his edge and the stage is once again set to continue to prove the stoic doubters wrong.

3) Victor Moses : Nigeria's dangerman. At the moment,the 26-year-old might not just be indispensable but equally the man-to-go-to when in need of results.

Possessing a wand of a right foot and a keen eye for goal, taking on and outwitting opposing defences are his specialty.

His well-taken goal against Cameroon further highlighted his importance to the Super Eagles — (he's already had three altogether) and it would be particularly difficult to keep him off the scoresheet on Saturday.

4) Leon Balogun : Balogun is swiftly exemplifying the complete epitome of a libero in the Eagles rear-guard.

Strong in aerial duels,gritty in defending and equally poised to thwart opposing forays with last-ditch challenges, the German-born defender is perhaps the first name on Rohr's team sheet.

Expect him to put in one or two crunching tackles as usual.

5) Alex Iwobi : The poster boy of the new generation of Super Eagles attackers has gradually took some time to get going, no thanks to injuries at club level but suffice to say he is no doubt a very much talented player, unplayable on his day.

It would look somewhat of a crack-pot idea to draft him straight back into the starting XI ahead of Moses Simon(he did substantially well in the last qualifiers) but Rohr might decide to do just that.

If his cracking effort against Brighton & Hove Albion in the English topflight last week was anything to go by, then Alex Iwobi is a man on fire!

Emmanuel Chinaza

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24906

Somebody from England is on this thread.


Nigeria still eyeing Everton FC star Ademola Lookman



Blues youngster could pledge allegiances to African nation

COMMENTS

BY DAVID PRENTICE 14:35,6 OCT 2017

He may have won the World Cup with England - well the under-20s version - but Nigeria are refusing to give up on their attempts to persuade Everton youngster Ademola Lookman to pledge his future to the country of his parents.

Ademola lifted the U20 World Cup in the summer with England, the Blues youngster scoring three times in the tournament.

But is has been reported that Nigerian officials are hopeful that they can use the World Cup finals as a potential lure.

The African country can reach a third successive World Cup finals by beating Zambia at home on Saturday in Uyo.

And Aidy Boothroyd, the England U21s head coach, has admitted there is a genuine fear that many of the FA’s leading junior team youngsters could be poached by the Super Eagles before next summer’s tournament in Russia, writes the Liverpool Echo.

In addition to Lookman, Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and Liverpool’s Dominic Solanke and Sheyi Ojo are all eligible to play for Nigeria despite representing England at various age groups.

Boothroyd said: “Nigeria are trying to get as many players as they can and you can’t blame them because we’ve got some good players.

“There was talk about Tammy, while Sheyi Ojo is another and they might still be trying, you just don’t know.

“It’s a hard one because I can’t guarantee they are going to play because the group is so good.

“Tammy didn’t start the game before last and that’s just one of those things. Perhaps other countries might see that and try and get into him, promise him the world and get him in the first-team before you know it.

“But these are lads that have played for England and have an affinity with us and a relationship. There is a pathway and I can always pick the phone up and speak to them.


http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/International/Nigeria?type=ts

komekn:
Rumours that's all.

Why are Everton fans kicking against it openly in their forum if it's rumor?

komekn:
That's if he is actually good enough.

Of course, he is good enough.