₦airaland Forum

Joebie:
He can rub shoulders. Fine, so call for his invitation. Don't say he is better than our available options. Besides, Rohr watches some of our NPFL games live. Do you think he is not experienced enough to know a good player when he sees one?

Lol.. You just spoke like a foreigner observing Nigerian football from his country.
Like you don't know being homebased prejudices one from playing for the Super Eagles, no matter how good they are.

Take it from someone who have watched the said player for a while. No player invited by Rohr in view of playing the RB position can match Okoro's skills, power and work ethic down that right flank.

tbaba1234:
Before joining Lyn Oslo, Mikel and Isaac Promise had trials in Chelsea and a few other clubs in England. They were not unknown to the staff of those clubs.

That was right after they featured in the U17 world cup in 2003. You're saying Mikel was signed by Man Utd because of what they saw of him do in training back in 2003? Decision to sign him had nothing to do with his progress in Norway?

Joebie:
oga, I watched that game live. Benin Republic was a very weak opponent. You can make a case for the invitation of Osas Okoro to compete with the others, but to say he is better than our available options at RB is yet another thing.

Okoro missed out from the list, for the same reason why Kingsley Eduwo missed out. They have to prove that they can meet up to a high standard of competition.

Let's not forget Stanley Amuzie who was highly rated by Siasia during Rio qualification. However, he didn't look good in Rio. The level of competition matters a big deal.

It's not about just the Benin game. I mean, Some of us actually watch these NPFL game game, you know. The form he has shown during the season have been breathtaking.
Why do I think he's better than Rb we have? Well, Osas have been a winger throughout his career, a very explosive winger for that matter. Spare a thought and imagine such an explosive player converted as a RWB, you have for yourself something mimicking a Victor Moses.

Eduwo as a striker is playing in a competitive position against player from big clubs and reputation. Tyronne and Shehu are basically our RBs. A guy playing in Cyprus and Ado Den Hag. Osas can actually rob shoulders with these guys and own that spot. That's what we are talking about.

I believe Friday Ekpo was referring to Osas Okoro, who I still maintain is better than any of the available options we have at right back. Rohr choosing not to invite him because he plays in the NPFL shows weaknesses.


°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Ekpo, Bosso fault Rohr’s list against Lions

Former Nigeria midfielder, Friday Ekpo , and former Flying Eagles coach , Ladan Bosso, have disagreed with Nigeria coach , Gernot Rohr , over his 23 - man list for the 2018 World Cup qualifying double - header against Cameroon on September 1 and 4 .
The German on Tuesday released his list , which was dominated with known names , except for Israel- based Anthony Nwakaeme and Hull City defender Ola Aina .
The Super Eagles host the Indomitable Lions in Uyo on September 1 before embarking on the trip to Yaounde on September 4 for the reverse fixture .
Nigeria top Group B with six points while Cameroon are second with two points .
Ekpo and Bosso told our correspondent that the coach should have called up players based on current form .
Ekpo said , “ The European leagues are just starting and most of these players have yet to show their current form . Apart from Mikel ( Obi ) and ( Odion ) Ighalo , who have been playing in the Chinese league, some of the other players in the list may struggle for form before the game .
“(Kelechi ) Iheanacho has not really impressed for Leicester because he is injured . He may find it difficult to replicate the form we have known him for in past games . I am not saying he should call up only home - based players for the ties but the left and right - back positions have been problematic since he ( Rohr ) took charge of that team . The solution may lie in the domestic league players , who did well against Benin recently . ”
Bosso said there were better goalkeeping choices in the domestic league, who should have been considered by the German ahead of Portugal- based Dele Alampasu .
“ The list is good given that Rohr called up players he is used to . But I believe that some of those players , especially in the defence , could be replaced by one or two - home based defenders .
“ Also, there are active goalkeepers in the NPFL , who need to be given chances rather than Alampasu , who hasn ’ t featured this season for his club . ”

http://punchng.com/ekpo-bosso-fault-rohrs-list-against-lions/

tbaba1234:
I am talking about the Super Eagles (what the thread is about). Onyekuru, kalu, Bonaventure, Olayinka etc can't get a look-in. A crowded position.

Mikel was one of the most highly coveted youngsters after the under 20 world cup in 2005. He did not have to play for a big club to be spotted. Mikel also had trials with big teams after the under 17 world cup. Several teams already knew about his potential.

So the Mikel comparison doesn't work.

I saw Adegbenro play a few times last year. I am not knocking against his talent.

Mikel actually went to South Africa after the U17 world cup before joining a modest Lynn Oslo. His quality while playing for Lynn Oslo alerted Man Utd before WYC 2005.
My point is that when someone is doing well, he's doing well. For me, a footballer's talent shouldn't be judged by where he plays.
Who says Adegbenro would not have done better than Iwobi against South Africa?

tbaba1234:
Adegbenro is better than Norway and a good season in the Euro cup might help him get a good move. However, the position he plays from the wings is crowded.

In other news, Owusu Kwabena, joined La liga side, Leganes straight from Sporting Club, Accra. Can't wait for NPFL players to be able to do that.

Crowded? Every discussion must not be about the super eagles.
Adegbenro is a very good winger. We should celebrate when we see a talent coming through.
Mikel used to play in Norway for a much lesser club than Rosenborg and he never played Europa cup before Chelsea snapped him up.

BascoVanVeli:
Chisom Egbuchulam excited to fire first hat-trick in Sweden


By admin -
August 24, 2017

Chisom Egbuchulam has expressed satisfaction after he scored his first-ever hat-trick in Sweden in the cup.

BK Hacken defeated Kvibille 9-1 in a second round game Wednesday night with Egbuchulam, who is on a season-long loan from Enugu Rangers, hitting target in 16th, 51st and 72nd minutes.

He also provided two assists.

“I am happy to get my first hat-trick and two assists in our FA Cup…thank you Jesus,” he celebrated on Twitter.

The winger whose goals helped Rangers to an historic league championship last October has gradually found his feet in Europe after his delayed arrival in Sweden.

POWER!

Icon4s:
1st game on the 1st next on the 4th. If the decision to invite a stand-by player is taken on the 1st (shortly after the game), that is a good enough time for the stand-by player to blend especially if he is an old regular

How many days do you even think the team has to prepare for the game of the 1st September.

Players on stand-by will still be in their Base in Europe. However you look at it, it's going to be a rush job if we someone gets suspended or injured.

I see Ezenwa is getting a love in.... Lol
Shows how fickle Nigerian fans are. Just watch them deny they ever insulted Akpeyi if he produced a master class.

Icon4s:
That's Omeruo and Uche Agbo are on stand-by.

We know who Victor Osimhen's attorney is here.

Players on the standby can only be called to fill in if someone gets injured before the first game.
It will be a rush job if we need to replace someone for the second leg 3days after the first one.

AndreTAyodeji:
Best lineup to prosecute the match,Aina should replace Awaziem while Alampasu or even Ezenwa will have my nod over Akpeyi who is now the third choice goalkeeper in his club and he as not even kept goal this season.I just dont know why people are sleeping on Ogu,i am not a fan of his before the senegal match but with the way he and Ndidi dominated that physical Senegalese midfield 3 that consisted of Gueye,Ndoye and Ndiaye without Mikel in the side,they both won me over.The duo covered for eachother very well when ever one of them ventures forward with the ball which helped relieve the pressure on our backline.Ndidi and Ogu will make us more defensively disciplined and will liberate Mikel to create for Iheanacho.Another part of Ogu's game that caught my attention is his throughballs and we very much know it is one of cameroon's weakness which we can effectively exploit with the right players and not hoofing longballs to our opponets half.

Akepyi is the number Gk for his club. He hasn't played this season as a result of the carry over of red card he received in their last game of the previous season. He's even the captain of that club.

TheGoodJoe:
6ft is not my criteria for selection. Maybe yours. Nwakeme is on my list for speed. Yes our players can play at a high intensity. Apart from Nwakeme, the rest have played together and can bring the much needed intense play.

They are footballers and can adapt to strategies.

Awaziem is not there because Balogun is back. Balogun is also fast. As you can see, you are just ranting. Please, are you from South Africa? Because, you sound like Rantie.

But you didn't explain why you left out Iwobi and Ebuehi. They are not physical just like you love it.
Why list Kelechi as the AMF after you want a whole year defining how awesome he was against Algeria and South Africa

TheGoodJoe:
Nwakeme is up there because of speed, skill and creativity. That is what I have always called for. So, I wonder your problem. You were talking about a big man upfront to lob long balls to. Which to me is a no and I have not changed my stance.

So please, what is the problem?

You think it's possible to play relentless ground passes for 90 minutes in international football? Are those players you listed familiar with that method?

For starters, Nwakaeme is a proper 6 footer. He can contest and win aerial battles. Out of curiosity, why didn't you choose Iwobi, Awaziem and Ebuehi?
They are lightweight and possess those speed and movement you want to see. Also, they shy away from physical battles.

Since you don't want to contest physically with the Camerounians, they should be your obvious choice. Otherwise, you're being hypocritical.

This team can surrender Cameroun in Uyo.


............... Akpeyi.........

Shehu..... Balogun... Ekong.... Elderson

................... Onazi.... Etebo.....

.................. Obi........


Kelechi...... Ighalo........ Moses

TheGoodJoe:
............................................Nwakeme(CF)
Musa(LMF).................Iheanacho(AMF).................V. Moses(RMF)
.......................................Ndidi(DMF).....Mikel(CMF)
......Echiejile(LB).....................................................................Aina(RB)
.........................Balogun(CB)....................Ekong(CB)
...................................................Alampasu(GK)

Very early review and revision of the list. Simon Moses out for Musa. Musa comes in because of his speed and directness. Unlike Simon Moses who delays some times when he is with the ball, Musa's direct run into the gaps of the defence gives Mikel good options to deliver accurate defense splitting balls.

V. Moses also offers this.

So Musa takes the left midfield role.

Stay tuned for more updates.

I see you're no longer maintaining your hard line stance on Kelechi starting as the top striker come rain, come sun. I wonder why it finally took you one year to see the light.

I see you omitted Iwobi from your list and instead had Nwakaeme as centre forward. You're no longer backing your argument of having light weight players running riots on the Camerounians.

This tells me that you say most things you say, just for the shock value. You know the truth but in a fetish kind of way, you thrive on causing commotion and arguments. That's the way you function.

Kayode not even on the standby list? That's quite chilling. A sucker punch to this list.
I have this feeling he will open his goal account this week in the La Liga, if and when this happens, Gernot Rohr and the Nff technical committee will look quite silly.

Why is nobody complaining about Victor Osimhen being excluded? I thought we wanted young light weight players to run the Camerounians to the ground.

It's high time people get to understand and live with the fact that Aluko is not on the radars of the national team handlers. Sad but true

Finally, I see we are one defender short. 7 defenders instead of 8 leaves the list one CB short. Since this game is a double header in quick succession, if we loose either of Ekong or Balogun in the first leg, we will be travelling to Yaounde with no extra CB on the bench.
I know Ndidi can fill in there but.... God help us

There goes Emmanuel Daniel. The man Nigerians on the Internet want in goal for Cameroun ahead of Akpeyi.
His last competitive appearance should be close to a year now. When we said Daniel was not the answer, it was for a reason.
.........

OFFICIAL: ORLANDO PIRATES PART WAYS WITH EMMANUEL DANIEL


Daniel found game time hard to come by despite Kjell Jonevret rotating his goalkeepers for different competitions last season
Orlando Pirates have confirmed the release of Nigerian goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel.
He becomes the latest player to leave the club after Oupa Manyisa, Roger Majafa, Brighton Mhlongo, Sello Japhta,James Okwuosa and Donald Mokondelela to mention but a few.
The news was confirmed on Thursday by new coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic in a press briefing, saying they only have three goalkepers right now.
"Daniel is not with us. We have three goalkeepers - Sandilands, Mabokgwane and Mpontshane," Sredojevic told the media.
Daniel leaves the club without having made a single official appearance following his arrival in January.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/official-orlando-pirates-part-ways-with-emmanuel-daniel/11whx53z8fzju1q85n6f9vhou0

tbaba1234:
One example but i will argue Arsenal struggled many times were mental not physical. It is the same reason they capitulate when the pressure is on.
Other technical and less physical teams like Man Utd whooped Bolton left, right and center. Chile are not anywhere close to the physicality of Cameroon.

Arsenal struggle against physical teams, every man and his dog know this. It wasn't only Bolton or Stoke . Even Birmingham beat them in the Carlin cup final. The problem with Arsenal is Arsene Wenger who have refused to evolved with the realities of the morden game.
Over the years, you always knew Arsenal will conceed from corner kicks because Wenger preferred short players, when it became too obvious he bought Matersacker and Giroud, with them in the side, Arsenal hardly conceed from corners.

The top teams in the Premier league can mix it up with physicality. Man Utd had Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Fletcher, Tevez, Rooney name them, while Chelsea had Essien, Lampard, Carvalho, Terry, Drogba, Anelka etc. Compare these guys to paper weight players like Denilson, Fabregas, Senderos, Clichy, Bendtner, Hleb etc you get picture.

Chile is one he'll of a physical team. As a matter of fact they are the most physical South American team. If you watched them at the last 2 Copa America which they won, you will see how they bully people all over the place. I saw them bully Messi and he almost cried in the finals last year.

tbaba1234:
Technique beats physicality. That is why smaller, more technical teams were able to outplay Cameroon in the confederations cup.

Just like the way a technical Arsenal side used to beat the physical Sam Aladyce Bolton team.

Joebie:
OWNGOAL FAKE NEWS CORRECTION AGAIN.

Osimhen In, No Ifeanyi Matthew, Aaron Samuel, Joel Obi In Eagles List
August 21, 2017027

‎The list been spread around by respected Nigerian journalist Wale Ajayi has been dismissed by Owngoalnigeria.com sources close to the players he claimed have been invited to the team for the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers against Cameroon.

Ajayi sent a mail to Owngoalnigeria.com where he listed Aaron Samuel as one of the players but a source close to the player said he hasn’t been contacted, hence he is not in the squad.

Joel Obi is one name listed by Ajayi, whom we can now confirm isn’t in the list even Ifeanyi Matthew who played for Lillestroem in Norway is also not in the list which is set to be released later today.

However Victor Osimhen of Wolfsburg made the cut as against several reports according to a source close to the player. He confirmed Osimhen has already received his invitation letter.



Osas Mahawi

Victor Osimhen might actually play against Cameroun? Heavens

Icon4s:
First of all, free your mind of bias and watch it again.

I don't do bias, sentiments or tribalism. If I wasn't Igbo most people would have tagged me a tribalist for pointing out the flaws in Ndidi and Kelechi's game. I honestly don't know which state Onazi or Akpeyi comes from but I have defended them here.

Critically analysing that goal, the Zambian defence went on a vacation. They were carved open by Ideye and Kelechi had an easy run at the stranded goalkeeper who has 2 options, which were to either foul a goal bound Kelechi or pray he slips on his way to goal. The only exceptional play I see here was Ideye having the presence of mind to flick that ball to Kelechi's in that crowded area.

Icon4s:
Bros you think that Zambia goal was easy?

A Brown Ideye would have hit the ball straight to the goalie. Take that to the bank.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSlvLsRnA2E

what was so special about this goal? Start watching from 1:23... His famous bad first touch nearly let him down again but he quickly rallied and got the ball before it went into touch. I cant see what was so extraordinary about a professional football player scoring this.

TheGoodJoe:
Those stats do not paint the true picture. There are different scenarios that can make the stat look different.

Your coached the skills out of him is not true because I just pointed at one of the friendlies where Nacho showed nice skills. You will not look at that because watching is difficult for you. Just to look at numbers and rant. I also pointed out the way he skinned the Zambian keeper with confidence and composure.

Numbers can not show you that. So keep arguing. Dribbling - Strong.

Lol..he only shows those skills in friendlies?Till he starts showing those skills in competitive games, I wont take you serious.

What was so special about the Zambian goal again? Any average joe will go past an unrushing keeper. Every man and his dog knows that kelechi is deficient in the skills department these days. His stats for 3 seasons in professional football stands at 0.3 on the average. chew on it

TheGoodJoe:
You can argue from today until tomorrow, they know more than you.

Lol.. Kelechi the dribbler with 0.3 average of dribbles completed..... This is hilarious... hahah

TheGoodJoe:
Lekwa who can analyze data.

Please, football is more than numbers. Unlike you, I watch games and analyze. Not look at numbers and claim ITK. Dribbling - Strong.

You cant even back up your argument with proper data. I have always said skills have been coached out kelechi at Man city having watched him closely for 2 years. Icon4s can recall when I said this a long time ago.
This afternoon when I looked at his stats, it confirmed my thoughts. Kelechi as a matter of FACT is one of the worst dribblers in the present Super Eagles team. I can say this before any oracle, I have the evidence.

TheGoodJoe:
Do you have a problem knowing that numbers do not paint the real pictures always? Do you think you know more about those numbers more than those who work with whoscored?

Is it not in one of the recent friendlies that people hailed Iheanacho for some of the skills he exhibited?

If you like dance alanta. Dribbling strong.

If a player completes 0.3% of his dribbles does that make his dribbling strong? Who scored also described him as a player who likes to tackle in the column you're referring to. Please does Kelechi tackle? Lol

TheGoodJoe:
They know more than you. I wonder why that is so difficult for you to understand.

Their numbers suggests his dribbling is below average. So which one is they know more than you? Do you have problems with numbers? Maybe you cannot analyse data or you're just being willfully dense.

TheGoodJoe:
He has changed his style because unlike the U17, he played a deeper role and required to use the ball a lot. At City he played a forward role and relied more on off-the-ball play. So he does not make much moves with the ball. Thus, the low completed dribbles. That does not mean he can not dribble or his skills disappeared.

As I repeat, whoscored stats know more than you. You can copy and paste from today till tomorrow, They clearly stated Iheanacho's dribbling is strong.

Finito.

The same stats I culled from whoscored shows he completes just 0.3 of his dribbles. If he dribbles inside his bedroom, na you sabi. But from what his stats say from whoscored, he's as average as they come in terms of dribbles.

TheGoodJoe:
Whoscored knows more than you and that bluemoon member. You know they know more than you. Move on.

This is Kelechi's whoscored stats, I had to do your job for you.

England » Premier League » Leicester
Kelechi Iheanacho Kelechi Iheanacho

Summary
Fixtures
History

Historical Participations

Summary
Defensive
Offensive
Passing
Detailed

View:
Overall
Home
Away

Season Team Tournament Apps Mins Goals Assists SpG KeyP Drb Fouled Off Disp UnsTch Rating
2017/2018 Leicester EPL 0(1) 8 - - - - - - - - - 5.80
2016/2017 Manchester Ci.. UCL 1(2) 103 2 - 2 - - 0.7 1 0.3 - 6.75
2016/2017 Manchester Ci.. EPL 5(15) 528 4 3 1.1 0.7 0.4 0.1 0.3 1 1 6.40
2015/2016 Manchester Ci.. UCL 0(4) 73 - - - - 0.3 - - 0.5 - 5.98
2015/2016 Manchester Ci.. EPL 7(19) 753 8 1 1.1 0.5 0.5 0.2 0.1 1.5 1 6.56
Total / Average 54 1465 14 4 1 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.2 1.2 0.8 6.45

https://www.whoscored.com/Players/289253/History/Kelechi-Iheanacho

His total average for dribbles completed stands at 0.4, Strikingly, he only completed 0.3 dribbles last season.... That is statistically he doesn't complete one dribble per game. If you have some numbers I am not aware of please you have the stage to present those let us verify.
But knowing you as the court jester of the thread, I expect you to come out with a hilarious statement to back up your phantom claims.

Icon4s:
When ever you make such comment as "City has coached the skills out of Iheanacho" I just laugh.

Let him go and play with the U17s now and we'll know if City has coached the skills our of him or not.

Some of you guys fail to realize that playing at senior level is a lot more demanding than playing at U17 or U20 levels.

You expect Iheanacho to still dominate defences just the way he did at U17?

Of course I still expect to see him retain the vital part of his game which made him become the best U17 player in the world.If at the senior level he is struggling to get past people, it tells me something have been coached out him. I know in most academies in Europe they dont encourage players dribbling past people, they prefer playing one touch with a team mate.If a naturally skillful player is working in such environment,the result will be that he looses the confidence to do what comes to him naturally.

This what I mean by skills being coached out of a player. Simply put, when a player is not encouraged to express himself, at the long run, he basically plays like a machine, which is what English football is all about.

TheGoodJoe:

Which stat are you seeing there concerning dribbling. All those one is story. You and I know whoscored are pretty accurate whether you like it or not. Whoscored proved you wrong. Move on.

Iheanacho - bad control per game - 1.2
Aguero - bad control per game - 2.8
Kelechi's current weakness isn't his touch but his dribbling; he gets dispossessed 3-4 times more often than he completes dribbles whilst Aguero is dispossessed about the same amount of times as he goes past someone.

If it takes him 4 attempts to complete one dribble that should tell you something.

TheGoodJoe:
From a forum member on Bluemoon over whoscored and you want me to the you seriously.

Whoscored has made it clear that he is a strong dribbler. Whether you like it or not is not my business. Bye yo.

Whoscored even claimed he likes to tackle. That should tell you something lol.

TheGoodJoe:
From a forum member on Bluemoon over whoscored and you want me to the you seriously.

Whoscored has made it clear that he is a strong dribbler. Whether you like it or not is not my business. Bye yo.

That forum member actually pulled his stats as you can see. Bring your own stats to put his stats to shame. Is that too hard to handle?
Bring his stats to support your claims of his dribbling abilities.

Iheanacho - bad control per game - 1.2
Aguero - bad control per game - 2.8
Kelechi's current weakness isn't his touch but his dribbling; he gets dispossessed 3-4 times more often than he completes dribbles whilst Aguero is dispossessed about the same amount of times as he goes past someone.

Bring numbers to counter this.