₦airaland Forum

tbaba1234:
Mikel Obi played zero games for plateau United.. ZERO... Omeruo was signed shortly after under 17 and can not be said to be a product of the league.

Agbo and Musa are not at the moment part of the starting 11 but they are products of the league.

For Goalkeepers, Nigeria has no issue producing quality locally.

We have to go back to the 1990s and early 2000s to see our league players, going abroad to big leagues and succeeding. After that we suffered from a lack of quality players as the bulk of our players end up in the back waters of Europe, never coming out.

Look at the Olympic team, how many of the home based lads made a solid impression? How many moved to better sides?

Odey, the top league scorer went to FC Midtjylland on trial. Do you know that FC Midtjylland has signed Nigerian players without trial from FC Ébèdei, a third tier side. They sent their people to observe players and signed them.

Why are our top league players going on trial?

See the length you went just to prove these guys mentioned weren't products of the league system.
For starters, Mikel Obi played atleast a couple of cup games for Platuea Utd. Even if he dint feature much, the fact that he trained with an NPFL team for a season makes him a product of the league.
Omeruo played for Sunshine after the U17 World Cup. He didn't leave the country immediately after the 2009 U17 championship. His partnership with Oboabona started from their days at Sunshine.

Agbo is a bona-fide member of the super eagles squad. He's a Nigerian international even if he is playing a support role.

How well the Bronze medal squad have transitioned is not a matter I raised but rather I pointed out that they helped win us our only medal at the Olympics.

Did I read you say FC Midjiland sign Nigerian players from the 3rd tier without trial? That's a total falasy. Apart from Ezekiel, I don't think any player have secured a deal from Nigeria to Europe without trials. Not even Mikel Obi, Iheanacho, Obafemi Martins , Success or any player for that matter have achieved such transition. It is not peculiar to Nigeria. Europeans don't trust talents from Africa enough no matter how good you are, in my opinion.

tbaba1234:
Disappointed is the term...

Is it not clear that the league is not exposing talents to quality leagues?

Look at the Super Eagles, Only two outfield players in the first eleven are direct products of the league. Elderson and Etebo.

The league should be providing the talents that go out and make the national team. There is a problem if it is not able to market its best talents to the best leagues in the world.

Until recently, We had struggled to get Nigerian players to top European teams. Our recent success is primarily due to under 17 tournaments and players moving directly from Academies abroad as is the case with Simon Moses and Ndidi.

It is frustrating to see Egbuchulam unable to play a single second in Sweden. Sweden o!! While Nwakali and Ifeanyi Mathew who played under 17 in 2013 are starting in Norway.

There is a myriad of problems in NPFL that need to be resolved and wearing blindfolds will not make them disappear.

Etebo and Elderson aren't the only League products in the current super eagles. I will add to that list, Uche Agbo, Kenneth Omeruo , Akpeyi, Ezenwa, Ahmed Musa, even Mikel Obi played a few games for Platuea Utd.

Even with the defective system we run, it is still on record that our best results in international competitions have been achieved by products of our not so fancied league.
Take stock of the 3 nations cup we won, the fabric of those sides were cut from home. How about the 1996 Olympics? That squad was purely made up of home grown players. The silver medal winning WYC squad of 2005 had close to 100% make up of home grown players and by home grown I mean players that cut their teeth in our league system.
The last bronze winning Olympics team was largely home grown too about 80% I reckon.

It is wrong to make it out like nothing good have come out of our league while in retrospect the reverse the case.

tbaba1234:
When i express my opinions about things, you are free to disagree at least i clearly state my reasons.

However, you do not know me and should stick to issues rather than trying to guess my feelings. People disagree widely about things but when you start making it personal, you are crossing a line, especially when you start attributing hate to me.

I did not attack your personality, rather it is your stance on certain issues especially when it affects the NPFL that I interprete based on our previous discussions that you're not down with NPFL.


Am sure youre a great guy, but if we are to take stock of thread members who are always at the opposing end of arguements against the inclusion of the best legs at the npfl for national team try outs, your moniker will pop up. It is very clear you have lost faith in home talents in our elite league based on the structure we run but when you start comparing grassroot teams (they are not academies) with professional clubs in the elite league then there is a problem,especially when the make up of the playing personel from our clubs come through the grassroot teams.

By the way, this is a football thread. People throw light hearted banter just like it is done at bars, viewing centres and stadia. If you start taking it personal then it becomes your problem.

tbaba1234:
When people start attacking personalities instead of issues, you know they can not defend their positions. And this is not the first time, you have done so.

My Criticism is borne out of a desire to see improvements. I have not only criticized, i have made constructive suggestions on how to improve the league.

Instead of having constructive engagement, your conclusion is that "He hates the NPFL players". On what basis, should i hate anyone?

I think i have seen enough over more than 2 decades of actively following the league to make valid contributions.

Your digs at the NPFL players and the league itself is not subtle,rather it is as clear as daylight.

I am not sure anyone here will argue that the NPFL is the best league in the world, but when you go out of your way to post comments from Twitter in an apparent mockery of the league (you have done this repeatedly in the Odey super eagles invite saga), one need no prophet to tell him that you are out to tarnish the NPFL products just so you can have a laugh.

Recall when you called Chisom Egbuchulam (25yr old) an old man? When we both know deep down that he's about the same age as Wilfred Ndidi.

Also recall when you tried to argue out the bare faced fact that Odey was the highest scoring Nigerian player this year? You mentioned Paul Onachu and Henry but when I asked you how many games it took them to score those goals you became silent. There goals weren't even in thia calendar year.

Also recall when you went on about the NPFL teams not doing well on the continent hence NPFL players don't deserve a call up to the national team. I asked you the last time Belgium produced a team that went to the later stages of the Champions league, how about the last time a Dutch team made I to the quarter finals of the champions league? Does it mean, players from those leagues shouldn't be invited to the national team? Am still to get a reply from you on those questions.

You said I attacked your personality because I called you out for being anti NPFL. A fact which any intelligent fellow will figure out just reading a few lines when talking about npfl.

BascoVanVeli:
If u knew MFM didn't know where Odey was, why did u try to absolve the agent of the blame? U know that if the agent is not to blame then it must be the player. U can act like u are doing a good service but i can see thru that one easily.
Forget the details of Ndidi's move the point is that we are in the NPFL transfer break right now.

Honestly i want to ask why u have a problem with the progress of Nigerian based players? Is it that u don't see them as humans? U went as far as posting wat some goof had to say, like that is pure hate if u ask me.

You just realised tbaba1234 hates NPFL homebased players? I take it that it is one of his guilty pleasures taking shots at NPFL whenever he can.
Well better late than never.
Good morning

ChrisKels:
U already answered the question, there established relationships with agents and the peanuts paid to the academies for the players.

Exactly, the objectives of the academies is to hawk players abroad while NPFL clubs aim to perform well in the league to justify government subventions given to them.

ChrisKels:
Nwokem, what's your point exactly? They ain't worth being termed an Academy or they ain't producing stars as they would, if they were better ran? U just stated how they manage to remain afloat. That's their business strategy and it has been working for them and with time, things will improve. Remember these nurseries are run by private individuals with little or no support from anywhere and whatever that keeps their ship afloat, let it sail.

The question have always been why do academies seem to export players abroad than the NPFL. You obviously came in the middle of this and didn't follow up on previous discussions.

tbaba1234:
That's the thing.

Many of these so called street clubs built a reputation and have sold multiple players to big sides. I am not talking about your typical road side team.

For instance, From Muntunchi Academy, Musa Yahaya, Moses John of Porto, and Ajax recently signed a kid named Aliyu Mahmoud.

Football College Abuja is another one that has been successful in selling multiple talents abroad.

Simon Moses is from GBS Academy. Gent went back there and signed two more Nigerians.

These clubs are not randomly choosing academies. The club close to you has not yet gotten the reputation. They choose the ones with some reputation.

You have to understand the business model of these people. They simply rely on players sales to stay afloat. To that end they seek partnership with clubs abroad. Abuja academy have such relationship with Tresin.
They also have established relationship with agents who come to Africa for scouting. The ones with buoyant proprietors attend competitions abroad where their players are exposed to prospective buyers.

Those who get signed by NPFL clubs are released on loan. (70% of NPFL players are actually on loan from these "academies" , the loan fees are renued every season). It may interest you to know Chisom Egbuchulam is not a Rangers player, Obinna Nwobodo is not a Rangers player, even Ahmed musa was not a property of Kano pillars, Venlo paid his transfer fee to Gbs academy not Kano pillars.

These "academies " are not doing anything so special. The way they draw superlatives from you, one will think they are running a world class business model whereas, they get get their bread and butter from established relationships with agents and nothing more.

PROVERBZ:
you are right onazi and Mikel played here

even me I tried out but it was to though for me :p :p the pitch at township is bad I just moved to another team with small grass on their pitch at least

correction I won't call el kanemi Jo's an academy is more like a street team no much co ordination but lots of talents

I think I've mentioned this before. The so called academies aren't really academies. They are just Street teams who survive on the benevolence of individuals.
Its just cosmetics that we call them academies on the Internet.
Its so different from what is on ground.

A proprietor of one these kind of teams within my neighborhood asked for my assistance to get a few balls and training bips. That is how they survive until a NNL or NPFL club signs up one of their players. Those who get deals to travel to Europe is just a 1/1000 chance of winning a lottery.

The gold medal he won at the London Olympics was controversial. In the gold medal bout, he got a favorable decision (home decision) against the Kagastani. Anybody familiar with boxing will understand what home decision means.
Even the quarter finals bout was controversial.

Had he represented Nigeria, he wouldn't get those decisions and would not smell the gold medal. That is the gospel truth.

ChrisKels:
Awaziem never played for El-kanemi warriors of maidugri, rather, he played for El-kanemi juniors of Jos. The same nursery club that produced the likes of Moses Simon et al . This is not to contradict the fact that the NPFL does churn out Super talents but we ain't gon distort fact just to drive home a point.

I didn't distort facts. I simply quoted the article which read that he played for El kaneni warriors.

TheSuperNerd:
Transfer rumor: Liverpool linked with Porto defender, Chidozie Awaziem

https://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/05191632-1024x683.jpg




Jurgen Klopp has decided to go beyond Europe to scout for new talent, as reports emerge of him eyeing Porto’s Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem

According to a report by The Sun , Jurgen Klopp has his sights set on FC Porto’s 20-year-old central defender Chidozie Awaziem as the transfer window gets closer. The Merseyside club have been tracking the Nigerian player in recent weeks, as Klopp is looking to boost his defence.


In the report, it is said that a Liverpool scout contacted Awaziem during Nigeria’s friendly match against Senegal at Barnet, where the defender was an unused sub as both sides drew the match 1-1.

Media reports from both Nigeria and Portugal claim that a move to Anfield is likely to be on the cards for the youngster.
Although Awaziem’s agent has not confirmed the meet yet, he did mention that it could happen, given the 20-year-old’s potential.


Awaziem broke into the Primeira Liga club’s first team last season. He has made 33 league starts for FC Porto’s B team so far this season.


The Nigerian international joined Porto way back in 2014 from a club called El-Kameni Warriors, and has made 10 senior appearances for the Portuguese outfit.

https://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/05191635-1024x683.jpg



Another one of Awaziem’s biggest triumphs is when he featured in the UEFA Youth League, which resulted in a victory over Real Madrid for his team.

He also put up an impressive defensive display when Porto played Benfica recently, which is touted as one of their biggest games this season.

Liverpool’s defence has not impressed much this season, and as Klopp gears up to take control of the club for the second full season, he is likely to make some changes to the back line. Liverpool have also been linked recently with Mattia De Sciglio ,
Elsied Hysaj and Ryan Sessegnon .

The club recently lost to Crystal Palace 2-1, and will be looking for a victory against Watford as they get ready to fight for a Champions League spot.


Source: http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2017/04/30/transfer-rumour-liverpool-linked-with-porto-defender-chidozie-awaziem/

Interesting to know Awaziem played for Elkanemi warriors of Maidugry. Sheybi they said NPFL players no dey move to better leagues.

ucheo:
let's open a fresh thread for kelechi Iheanacho please specify that some people will leave us to enjoy this place.
The thread is even more of Man city than super eagles ..haba

Lol..

cc TheGoodJoe

BascoVanVeli:
Lets go Sand Eagles!!! We shall not carry last.

What was their score against Italy in today's game? By the way, who came about that silly name Super sand eagles? The name lacks imagination to be honest.

Leather works for me especially when the air conditioning system is top notch.

I believe the coach was Obisia Nwankpa

TheSuperNerd:
#Goingbackdownmemorylane.......
.........................................................................................................

NFF Technical Director Made Mikel Star Of Nigerian Football & Nine Other Facts About Ex-Chelsea Ace

https://allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/81760Mikel.jpg

Allnigeriasoccer.com has uncovered ten interesting facts about former Chelsea star and Super Eagles skipper John Obi Mikel.

1) A certain Bright Okafor is credited with the discovery of Mikel and he took the attacking midfielder to the Nigerian U17 camp in 2002.

2) At the training camp, Mikel’s performance did not measure up to standard in the eyes of the technical crew and he was subsequently dropped by coach Ganiyu Salami.

3) If not for Bitrus Bewarang, now the Technical Director of the Nigerian Federation, perhaps nobody would have heard about Mikel. Bewarang was unhappy that Mikel was axed from the U17 squad and he gave a written note to Bright Okafor to take to the U17 coaches to reverse their decision.

4) Mikel was reinstated into the squad after starring for Plateau United Feeders in their 4-0 thrashing of the Golden Eaglets in a friendly. Another gem was uncovered in the national team’s trip to Jos in the shape of Ezekiel Bala, who netted a brace for Jos City Raiders in their 2-2 draw with the Nigeria U17s. Both were handed fresh call ups.

5) Mikel spent his formative years as a footballer at Greater Tomorrow FC (now known as El Kanemi Junior Jos), before joining Pepsi Football Academy and Plateau United Feeders.

6) He began his education at Township School Jos before proceeding to the famous Saint Murumba College Jos.

7) Mikel played the number ten role for all the grassroots teams he represented in Nigeria due to his exceptional qualities.

8.) Born on 22 April 1987, he trained with South African club Ajax Cape Town for several months before he was snapped up by Lyn Oslo (Norway).

9) He holds the record of being the most expensive Nigerian teenager signed by a European club when Chelsea paid a combined transfer fee in the region of 20 million euros to secure his signature from Lyn Oslo.

10) Mikel racked up 16,228 minutes of game time in the Premier League prior to his move to Tianjin Teda.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : chelseafc.com


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22854

This is how we roll in Nigeria. Man must know man before anybody looks your way, be it to sign for a club or to be considered for the national team.
If Mikel had nobody to speak for him, he would probably be playing for Platue Utd or Delta force in the NNL.

safarigirl:
so, ehat hapoened to them Yesterday against PSG? They left their scoring boots at home? 5 goals is a lot to let in unreplied.

You forget that Juve are a highly defensive side who haven't left ant goals in this KO stage, let us see who will break down that solid back 4 and breach Buffon's fortress

#Juve4UCL

Monaco played their 3rd string squad with only Germain who is their second 11 striker starting (he was even substituted).
Monaco have bigger fish to fry with the French league and champions league in sight. Psg obviously wanted the league cup more.

Juventus are good but they aren't infallible,Monaco will prove this. Just watch

Icon4s:
Definitely a youngster to follow from now on.
His number goals almost double that of his closest rival. A candidate for the next class of Golden Eaglets.

But his look and name look like those of our West African neighbors.

Thank you to NPFL for this nobel tourney.

This is exactly why I have even advocating for the Nff looking from home and developing home grown talents,not depending on foreign nations to develop players while we take the easy option to lurch in the corner and stake claim these players. When we can't get them, we throw tantrums and cry foul.

I will share a first hand experience when I was in secondary school, a friend of mine James used to be fastest sprinter in the school. He was clocked by our games master running sub 12 seconds in a 100 meters dash at Js 3. This guy haven't met a trainer in his life, he doesn't know anything about diets and haven't trained at a high performance training centre.
If he had undergone some of these training programmes, we would be looking at an African record holder before he turned 18 and probably a multiple Olympic gold/silver medalist.

All that is past tense, he is now working in a chilled ac office and probably haven't done 2 push ups in donkey years.

A lot of talents slip through our fingers in this country in astronomical numbers that even those we call our best aren't really the best.

Mickael2:
I do remember. They took advantage of a scared Dortmund side and won a match that should have been postponed but that's in the past. Next week we will see how well they perform against Juve although they have impressed but that's the last hurdle

You think Monaco were not scared and shocked as well?
Even if the game was replayed this morning, they will still win. They are that good.

I will be surprised if Juventus can contain Europe's most scoring team. Those guys have scored triple figures goals this season with games still to play.

TheSuperNerd:
Why Monaco Are Yet To Announce Signing Of Moses Simon Despite Postive Talks With Gent

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/image-46.jpg



High flying French Ligue 1 side Monaco are presently locked in talks with Gent of Belgium over a possible deal in the summer for dashing winger Moses Simon according to Belgium publication Voetbalkrants.com.


Monaco have resigned to losing some of their top stars after a stellar season in France and Europe, with the team currently leading the Ligue 1 table and also through to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.

The club views Simon as a player who can replaced some of their stars who are expected to leave in the summer, and suggestions are that the deal is almost near completion as both parties are eager for the move to go through.


Presently what is holding the deal is a compromise on what will be the sell on clause due to Gent, if the 23 year old leaves Monaco in a few years time, and the duration which the clause will last.


Reports gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com sources has it that Monaco are willing to pay £12M for his services, plus the promise of first team football which will sway him their way ahead of English Premier League side West Brom who are also interested in his services.


Simon wants to represent Nigeria at next summer World Cup in Russia, if Nigeria qaualifies and will only accept a move to a team that will assure him of their plans for him as regards playing time.

**Osas Mahawi.

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/26/why-monaco-are-yet-to-announce-signing-of-moses-simon-despite-postive-talks-with-gent/

This would be a massive deal if they can see it over the line. Hopefully Monaco will be signing 2 Nigerians in Azubuike Okechukwu and Simon. Would be nice having the new Kings of Europe parade 2 Nigerians. Mickeal2 remember our dare

joseph1013:
This boy scores alot of goals. Look at this from last year:

Enugu ’s Koma Million Wins Copa Coca -Cola 2016 MVP Award

Enugu State’s National Grammar School, star footballer, Koma Million has won this year’s COPA Coca-Cola Golden Ball award, as the best player of this year’s football tournament.

Regardless of his team losing out to Oyo State’s Asegun Comprehensive with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out, following a goalless 90 minutes in the grand finale, Koma’s excellent play saw him being voted as the Player of the tournament.

Koma, who was exceptional in the final, was handed over the prestigious Golden Ball award for being the stand-out player of the competition with four assists and eight goals.

Recounting his best moment during the tournament, Koma stated, “My best moment was in the semi-final match where I scored a free-kick that took us to the final”.

Koma thanked Coca-Cola for creating this platform to discover more talents, and he believes the award will improve him. “With this award, I will continue doing well until I finally play for the Super Eagles and professional football in Europe”.

Fosla Academy forward, Prosper Chidera Ojokwu won the Golden Boot after finishing the tournament’s top scorer chart with 10 goals, while Rockford Junior College, Ikorodu, James Ogene Tega was awarded the Golden Glove for his stunning saves throughout the tournament.

http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/enugus-koma-million-wins-copa-coca-cola-2016-mvp-award/

National grammar school about to produce the next big thing? This same school gave us Emmanuel and Jay Jay Okocha, Christian Chukwu, Sylvanus Okpala, Solomon Okoronkwo etc..
I will be watching out for this Koma kid. Although his name doesn't sound Nigerian.

TheGoodJoe:

I do not know how you missed it the first time when I clearly quoted you or are you bound at making wrong meanings of what I say.

When I said Eddie Howe is a small boy to Rodgers, it has nothing to do with age but in depth knowledge of tactics. Please get it. Steve Bruce is older than Brendan Rodgers but tactically a small boy to Rodgers.

Howe is a small boy to Rodgers tactically.

Howie is one of the best managers in England. This guy took Bournemouth from league one to the championship, then the Premiship all in a space of 3 years is nothing short of phenomenal.

His winning ratio stands at 46%. That is very decent for a team with operating on a wage bill of about £25M. Man city runs a wage bill of about £225M,you can measure the gulf in margin between Bournemouth and Manchester City and to think that his team have not been in a relegation dog fight, one can see why Howie is being touted as the best British manager.
If his tactics aren't up to scratch, his records won't be this impressive. Little wonder he's been tipped by many to take over from Wenger. I forsee him in nearest future lead England or secure a top job in the Premier league. He's the definition of a proper manager.

Danycrusoe:
cc: Bascovanveli, tbaba1234, Icon4s, thesupernerd, thegoodjoe, goldfish80, AIG07, Komekn etc

No gains will be made without TV coverage, as simple as that.

Xzbit91:
I get your argument but I just want you to know, it not gonna happen. As long as Gabriel keeps drawing the O'phenomeno comparison.

BTW, Gabriel has already nailed the starting berth in Brazil national team. He's played a few games, so it's not just the Olympics I'm talking about sire

I have explained earlier why Jesus is starting ahead of Firmino. The Brazilians don't consider Firmino high profile enough, owing to the fact that he played for a small club before leaving for Germany. He was unknown in his country so to speak,while Jesus on his part played for the famous Palmerias and he was properly packaged with the Brazilian way of hype for Europe.
I posted a link to that earlier.

By the way, Firmino started the last 2 qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay. He was pretty solid with his combinations with Coutinho - Neymar - Paulinho. Especially his combo with Coutinho.

Xzbit91:
Have you watched Gabriel when he's in Brazil colors?

The understanding and rhythm he strikes with Neymar is far beyond what coutinho and Firmino have going.

You also seem to forget coutinho is just finding his feet with Brazil, he's not a regular yet.

Firmino and Coutinho work day in day out at Liverpool, you must factor that in your argument.

Neymar and Jesus will be facing more solid teams in Russia than they faced at the Olympics. The World Cup is a different ball game trust me.

Coutinho and Firmino combo is more tried, tested and trusted playing for Liverpool in the Premiership with Champions league football in view next season. It will be interesting to watch them Light up the world cup.

Yes it took a while before Brazil recognised Coutinho's talent but he has grabbed his chance with both hands over the past 2 years. There's always a time for everyone to shine. This is his time and he's been proving to be dependable so far.

TheGoodJoe:
That is why I said that they are similar. I am not disagreeing with you. It is just that when Gabriel Jesus is on the field, he does these easier than Firmino.

Really? I don't want to believe your decision is being influced due to club allegiance.

TheGoodJoe:
Those forward players who start as creative attack midfielders have a sweet touch when it comes to attacking. A good example is watching how Van Persie plays his attack. They do not rely on taking players on the run but intelligent movement off the ball.

That is what Nacho gained from starting off as a ten. Although, the Vieira trained Iheanacho was sweet.

Van persie was a winger when Arsenal got him from Feyernod.

A lot of renound managers have said they prefer developing young players on the wing first because they develop their speed and skills out wide. I was particularly elated when I heard K. Nwakali was being developed out wide.

TheGoodJoe:
FLEXIBLE

Jesus is in the infancy of his City career but the versatility he offers is already a notable plus. Brazil’s No 9 can play anywhere across the front three but often drifts into different pockets if he is deployed through the middle.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-4183624/Man-City-news-Gabriel-Jesus-Sergio-Aguero-work.html

Firmino can play just about anywhere from the midfield to the no 9. He has two very excellent feet,deadly from free kicks, skillful, unselfish,highly tactical. He has everything in his locker,jokes apart.

Xzbit91:
I'm not making that comparison based on their age difference although it's a huge factor. I'm doing that comparison because Brazil are excited about the prospect of producing another R9.

Ok, as a Nigerian, would you prefer Igalo or Iheanacho leading the lines in Russia?

Brazil will benefit more with the flourishing partnership of Firmino and Coutinho. World Cups have proven to be won by teams with a very close unit and relationship among players from the club level.

The nucleus of the Spanish world cup winning team was Barcelona/ Real Madrid. Germany had the nucleus of their team from Bayern Munich. Italy had Milan/Juventus/Inter forming the nucleus of their 06 winning team. I can go on....

Here is the average age of the past world cup winners from 2010 down.

1962 Brazil 30.7
2006 Italy 29.6
1934 Italy 29
1954 West Germany 28.5
1994 Brazil 28.5
1998 France 28.3
1982 Italy 27.9
1990 West Germany 27.8
2010 Spain 27.3
1974 West Germany 27.1
1930 Uruguay 27
1970 Brazil 26.9
1966 England 26.7
1986 Argentina 26.7
2002 Brazil 26.6
1958 Brazil 26.3
1938 Italy 26.2
1950 Uruguay 25.9
1978 Argentina 25.7
Total Average =27.5

From this data you can see things for yourself. Numbers don't lie.

When I recommended Firmino(will be 26 next year) should start ahead of Jesus at the world cup, I was not blabbing.

If Ighalo was in the form which he was last season, he should definitely be starting.

TheGoodJoe:
Keep in mind that Gabriel Jesus is a natural winger converted to a forward. It is impossible for him to play as a fox in the box.

Nothing unique here really. The morden way to train strikers is to first develop them in the wings then later convert.

I think Kelechi would have developed better if he started out his Man city career as a Right winger then later converted into a striker a few years later.

Playing on the wings allows a player the liberty to take people on and polish the creative side of his game. And also develop the strength and conditioning of the said player.

Iheanacho was on that pedestal at the cadet level,unfortunately he was converted too soon to a striker in my opinion.
Martial is also suffering as a result of this. He was converted too quickly to a no9 by Man Utd.

I will have to watch more of Jesus to have a strong opinion of him. But from what I know of Firmino from his days in Germany, he was a top quality ATM /SS.

All in my opinion.