₦airaland Forum

komekn:
They need to be cutting it at thier parent clubs and showing quality or playing U20 will amount to nothing for both the SE and themselves.

You can't push your professional career on youth football. It's a stepping stone to announce your potential not much more.

Potential not nurtured developed and enhanced will sadly fade away and be forgotten.

When you look at most top countries some of thier players have had 2/3 seasons of first team football. That's progression.

So what do we do? Exclude them from the U20 Team when they are among our brightest U20 players presently?(especially as they are of about the right age)

Nobody is saying they should not be cutting it at their parent clubs. I mentioned Samuel Chukwueze, Orji Okonkwo and Kingsley Michael. Not just any other kind of players. I do not call for every d!ck and Harry's inclusion into the national teams.

BascoVanVeli:
I was talking about the world cup.

You mean "just play 1 or 2 games at the U20 WC and then haul him off to the AFCON"?

BascoVanVeli:
He misses a game or 2 not a big deal

It may be a big deal if they need those two games to stay off relegation. Remember the position they are presently.

BascoVanVeli:
They are no robots but you are not his team doctor for you to tell me when his body can burn out or not. Plus if our coaches manage his minutes there shouldn't be a problem.

I am not going into that who is better than who but it would be crazy not to consider taking a player like Samu to the AFCON.

The first bolded got me laughing

We need players who will concentrate on each tournament and give their all. Nothing like manage his minutes.

Again he is no Messi or Ronaldo. He has no guaranteed place in the Eagles. He has to be in camp to fight for a place and bond with the team because he is still a Newbie.

It would be crazy taking a player like Samu, who is still a New inclusion in the team and yet to pin down a starting place, to a tournament like the AFCON without him going through the rigorous camping, screening and team building process.

BascoVanVeli:
U want him to participate in only one tournament but the fact is that he can do both.

Yes he would miss the build up games but it won't be because he is on vacation in Dubai, he will be representing the country at a world cup so there will be no hard feelings to see him back. As far as club is concerned Samu has them by the balls. He has not signed a new contract and his agent can easily force them to allow him play both tournaments.

Oga firstly, these players are no robots. They are humans and can easily burn our when over used.

Secondly, Chukwueze is not a Messi or Ronaldo that a shirt will be reserved for him whether he was part of the camping or build up or not. Besides, he is still trying to break into the team. Musa, Iwobi and Kalu are ahead of him in the pecking order. I didn't include Simon until he plays a couple of more games. Chukwueze more than any other older winger needs to be in that Eagles camp. If he goes with the U20, then a shirt needs not be reserved for him in the SE.

tbaba1234:
I disagree,

He should play AFCON. He is already at par with the wingers in the senior team and is beyond under 20 at the moment.

That is where we always make the mistake: underrating the U20 competition. With this mindset we can never win the U20 World Cup

Samuel Chukwueze is not beyond the U20.

I don't need to mention the composition of players in the last English U20 team.

do4luv14:
I know, but taiwo was always sent to SE to help with QUALIFIER. While still with U20

That one is normal. Ahmed Musa at a point was playing U20, U23 and SE Qualifiers.

do4luv14:
yes,

that's remains me of taye taiwo,

it got to a stage sia1 had o cry out,

Did a major tournament like the AFCON hold same year or month Siasia played the U20 WC in 2005? No. So this is not the same scenario here.

Danielnino00:
You haven't considered the possibility that Chuks himself mayn't want to play the world cup... He would need time to recover after the European football season ends...

That is not a problem. The La-liga ending after the kickoff of the U20 is the issue. If FIFA wants to have the best of the U20 WC they need to consider the European season.

Besides, the NFF can also apply for the release of the player. If players were released for the Olympics and AFCON in years past same can also be obtained here.

Danielnino00:
There's another problem o

The La liga season will end the day after the u-20 world cup starts...and in the event that Villarreal reach the Europa league final,Chukwueze won't be available for the tournament.


The NFF won't be the problem

Then that is the major determinant.

I would have loved to see Chukwueze play with his mates sha.

BascoVanVeli:
The U20 ends the same day the AFCON begins so could miss the group stage but I would advice to take him because even a single moment of brilliance off the bench could be worth its weight in gold. If there is the possibility he could play both we should grab that with both hands.

If the U20 is ending the same day the AFCON is commencing, Rohr would not want to gamble with putting him on the AFCON roaster. Besides, the SE would be engaged in build up games for team building and so it is completely out of place to put a player on your list who would not be part of camping and team building. It is easier to exempt an Oldie that has been part of the team for years and not a Newbie like Chukwueze cos such players are the ones that need the more time to bond with the team. Also Chukwueze's club would not want their property to be flogged that way(playing both tournaments) so he does not come back at the beginning of the next season burnt-out.

Chukwueze will only participate in just one of the two of which I would prefer he plays the U20.

Danielnino00:
The AFCON starts the day the u-20 world cup ends. so he definitely can't play both.

If the NFF truly know what they are doing Chukwueze should play the U20 WC and not the AFCON.

BascoVanVeli:
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I never heard that but I think it would be a bad idea. For Chukwueze personally, winning the golden ball will take his career to the next level and lets not forget that this is cup that is still missing from our cabinet.

Apart from Chukwueze, I would also love to see Orji Okonkwo and Kingsley Michael in that U20 Team. Some of these youngsters need to be gradually eased into the national team. They need to go through the age grade developmental phase.

BascoVanVeli:
We definitely are not out so we have to keep that date in mind.

U20 because he Has unfinished business but who said he can't play both?

Even if the two tournaments clash I would like Chukwueze to play the U20. That is where we will need him more and that is even a better avenue for him to showcase his abilities. We have enough wingers in the SE team.

EEGA:
I thought the NFF said he is not going to be part of the U20 team.

Please what is the sauce of this information.

mostob:
we shouldn't have sack Omagbemi,we should have paired both together.
me, i still dey watch.

In female football you will always reap what you sow. You are only as good as the results you get. No upsets.

elyte89:
Can rohr tried what westerhoff did after d match,sitting with d fans,most especially after our loss against argies ,dem go too beat BABA

Nigerian fans were about the most entertaining in the world at that time.

You could not help loving them. Dr Rauf Ladipo really made a name for himself and the supporters Club.

Throw back Thursday: Nigeria vs Zaire 1994 AFCON Q/Final


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLWLiQ4_n2U

China 3-0 Nigeria. FT

China 1-0 Nigeria. HT

mostob:
OK...make we siddon dey look

There are hardly surprises in the women's game

Alfryd:
guys the NPFL is on
the 24team have been group in to 2(A&B)
but I need someone to explained this To me:-


1)If the league is finally over which team will be the Nigeria league champion
2)which team will represent us At CAF champion league


*CAUS the winner of the AITIO cup(FA)will represent us @ confederation cup

explanation NEEDED

The top 6 teams with 3 drawn form each group will play in a final play-off and 1st, 2nd , 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th determined.
The team that finishes 1st plays Champions league.

jihday:
they won't say anything now o, but if the guy marry next month daggers will be drawn

Na den you go here say him get Younger sister wey don complete NYSC.

mostob:
Thanks for the correction sir...but if we defeat them nko?

We no fit

mostob:
China will tackle the super falcons tomorrow at the China invitational tournaments.
The winner will play who ever wins between Romania and Korea for the trophy (if there is any )
The super falcons squad are made up of mainly those who won the AWCON at Ghana. The notably absentees are oshoala and Desire. I think Desire is not yet fit and Oshoala is excused.
However there are two new additions , Patricia George (Rwb/Rb) and Ini Umotong (CF)
Patricia won't be at the tournament due to passport issue though .
sorry for derailing the thread.

China will play whoever wins between Romania and South Korea.

tbaba1234:
Maybe like 12/13 years challenge

Possible.

But the smaller guy looks more like Akinjide Idowu meaning that smaller kid is him. If he is 22 today, that smaller kid looks 7 to me which is why I feel it is a picture taken about 15years ago.

tbaba1234:
Akinjide Idowu (2013 under 17), 10 year challenge with his bro.

I don't know which of them is Akinjide Idowu who is 22 already. None of those kids look 12. Looks more like 15 years challenge

gamaliel9:
Stanley Okoro....hum.. Philip Osondu and Odatey Lamtey are a joke to where that guy is...John Obuh is stroooooong guy

Hey no go there o. These are other John Obu boys and they are still balling: Kenneth Omeruo, Shehu Abdulahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ahmed Musa, Simon Moses, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo, Olanrewaju Kayode, Abdul Ajagun, Usman Mohammed, Emmem Uduok, Jamilu Collins, and Semi Ajayi. Others like Uche Nwofor, Ramon Azeez and Kingsley Madu have played for SE in times past

Abeg the guy try for Naija Football o. Respect am.

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Top players from previous tournaments who became superstars. 3 Nigerians make list



The Fifa Under-17 World Cup is a window to witness football brilliance really early. Most of the current and former legends of the game took their first steps towards dizzying heights of fame in this global tournament. Players such as Neymar, Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas, Alessandro Del Piero, Luis Figo have all featured in previous Under-17 World Cups for their respective national teams.

As the 2017 edition comes to India, it would be an opportunity to witness talented youngsters, who could one day become stars. Here, we look back at some of the top players who performed at the U-17 World Cup and then made it big at the senior level.

1985 – China: Marcel Witeczek (GER)
This attacking midfielder won the golden boot for scoring eight goals in six matches as Germany finished runners-up. He also won the golden boot at the 1987 U-20 World Cup, where Germany again finished runners-up. He went on to play for German giants Bayern Munich and won one UEFA Cup and two German Leagues with them.

1987 – Canada: Mirdjalal Kasymov (USSR, then went on to represent UZB)
He scored two goals in six matches as the erstwhile Soviet Union finished champions. He later played for Uzbekistan national team and was also their coach twice. He won the 1994 Asian Games as an Uzbekistan player and was named the best midfielder. He is the second Asian after South Korean Cha Bum-Kun to score in UEFA competitions. In the 1995-96 UEFA Cup, he scored for Russian club Alania against Liverpool.

1989 – Scotland: Luis Figo (POR)
Figo scored two goals in six matches as Portugal went on to finish as the third best team. He went on to become one of the greatest footballers that Portugal has ever produced; a ‘galactico’ at Real Madrid. He was part of the Portuguese golden generation that finished on the fourth spot at the 2006 World Cup and ended runners-up at the Euro 2004. Figo is one of the few players to play both for Real Madrid and Barcelona.

1991 – Italy: Alessandro del Piero (ITA), Juan Veron (ARG)
Del Piero had a forgettable tournament, scoring just one goal in three matches. He, however, went on to become one of the greatest forwards ever and won the FIFA World Cup in 2006. Juan Veron’s Argentina ended up in the third position. Though he scored just one goal, he would later go on to play for top European clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Lazio.

1993 – Japan: Francesco Totti (ITA), Nwankwo Kanu (NGR), Hidetoshi Nakata (JPN)
Francesco Totti of Italy, who had a long career with AS Roma, managed a goal in the 1993 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Japan -- marking the start of an illustrious club and international career.
Kanu scored five goals for the Super Eaglets, who emerged champions. Totti and Nakata scored only one goal each as their teams went out in the first and second stages respectively. All three later became big stars at club and international football. Totti became the second-highest scorer of all time in Serie A history with 250 goals for Roma. He also won the World Cup in 2006. Nakata and Kanu represented their countries in three FIFA World Cups.

1995 – Ecuador: Esteban Cambiasso (ARG), Julio Cesar (BRA)
Cambiasso was instrumental as Argentina finished third. Cesar was under the goal as Brazil went on to play the final, where they lost to Ghana. Cambiasso later won the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan and also represented his country at the 2006 World Cup. Cambiasso had Cesar by his side when Inter won the Champions League. Cesar played in 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups for Brazil.

1997 – Egypt: Ronaldinho (BRA), Iker Casillas (ESP), Xavi Hernandez (ESP)
Ronaldinho scored two goals in six matches as Brazil went on to become the champions. Casillas and Xavi helped Spain perform well but they could only finish in third position. Ronaldinho also won the World Cup in 2002 and has a Ballon d ‘or. Casillas was the captain of Spanish 2010 World Cup winning squad, while Xavi its nerve-centre. Casillas also represented Real Madrid in 510 matches in 16 years and Xavi the midfield maestro at Barcelona.

1999 – New Zealand: Landon Donovan (USA)
Donovan was instrumental in the USA finishing fourth. He scored three goals in six matches and was the winner of Golden Ball. He prospered for the senior team too. Donovan was part of the US team that reached 2002 World Cup quarter-finals, where he received the Best Young Player Award. He is the second-most-capped player of his country (157). He is also tied with Clint Dempsey as all-time leading scorer for USA (


2001 – Trinidad and Tobago: Carlos Tevez (ARG), Fernando Torres (ESP), Andres Iniesta (ESP), Pablo Zabaleta (ARG)
Andres Iniesta and Spain had a poor FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2001 (Trinidad and Tobago) but his career took off since the tournament and he has won all the trophies that is there to be won in football. (Getty Images)
Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta scored two and one goals respectively as Argentina finished fourth. Torres also scored one goal but Iniesta none as Spain could not progress beyond the group stage. Tevez went on to win two Premier Leagues and one UEFA Champions League with Manchester United. Zabaleta also won the Premier League with Manchester City. Torres went on to become one of the costliest players ever when he went from Liverpool to Chelsea in 2011. He also scored in both the Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 final match, which Spain won. Iniesta became an integral part of the Spanish team that ruled international football from 2008 to 2012.

2003 – Finland: Cesc Fabregas (ESP), David Silva (ESP), John Obi Mikel (NGR)
Fabregas top-scored with five goals for Spain to win the Golden Boot and David Silva scored three goals. Courtesy their efforts, Spain finished runners-up to Brazil. Both went on to win the 2010 World Cup, 2008 and 2012 Euros. Mikel scored only one goal as Nigeria went out of the group stage. He went on to play for Chelsea from 2006 to 2017 and won three Premier League titles. He also won a Champions League with Chelsea.

2005 – Peru: Marcelo (BRA), Giovani Dos Santos (MEX), Carlos Vela (MEX)
Giovani dos Santos, along with Carlos Vela (not in picture) helped Mexico win the 2006 Under-17 World Cup in Peru. (Getty Images)
Marcelo played a crucial role as a defender as Brazil ended up as runner-up. Carlos Vela ended as the top-scorer with five goals. He and Dos Santos helped Mexico finish as champions. Marcelo is now an integral part of the Brazil senior team and also Real Madrid. He has won three UEFA Champions Leagues with the Spanish giants. Vela has been playing for Real Sociedad from 2012 while Dos Santos has played for clubs like Mallorca, Villareal and LA Galaxy.


2007 – South Korea: Toni Kroos (GER), James Rodriguez (COL), Eden Hazard (BEL)
Kroos won the Golden Ball award, scoring five goals in six matches. He helped Germany finish as runner-up. He later went on to play for the Germany team that reached 2010 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 semi-finals. He won the 2014 World Cup also. Rodriguez though could not score a goal as Colombia went out in the second round. But in the 2014 finals, Rodriguez won the Golden Boot. As for Hazard, he did not have a major impact as Belgium were knocked out from the from group stages. He, however, flourished later for French club Lille and helped Chelsea win English Premier League twice. He was the heart of the Belgian side that finished as quarter-finalists at the 201 World Cup.

2009 – Nigeria: Neymar (BRA), Isco (ESP), Mario Goetze (GER), Alvaro Morata (ESP), Shkodran Mustafi (GER), Koke (ESP), Granit Xhaka (SUI), Phillippe Coutinho (BRA)
The present football scenario is headlined by the boys of this batch. Neymar, costliest football player ever, however, scored only one goal in three matches and Brazil went out in the first stage. That team also included Coutinho, who did not score any goal. Goetze and Mustafi failed to take Germany beyond the second round in the U17 competition, however, they later went on to win the 2014 World Cup. Arsenal player Xhaka had his share of fame at a young age as Switzerland were crowned U-17 champions.
Granit Xhaka of Switzerland, who plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League, was one of the stars of the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria. The Swiss won the trophy that year.
Neymar went on to become the protagonist of a 222 million euros transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. Coutinho is currently playing for Liverpool from 2013.
As for the Spanish trio Isco, Morata and Koke, their team finished at the third place. Isco and Morata have been integral part of Real Madrid before Morata switched to Juventus and is currently playing for Chelsea.

2011 – Mexico: Raheem Sterling (ENG), Memphis Depay (NED)
Sterling played four matches in the tournament and scored one goal as England lost to Germany in the quarter-finals. Depay’s Netherlands went out in the group stages. Sterling is now a regular in the England senior team and plays for Manchester City. Depay, considered a fine young talent, went on to play for Manchester United and now plays for French club Lyon.

2013 – UAE: Kelechi Iheanacho (NGR)
Nigeria won the tournament and Iheanacho won the Golden Ball award for scoring six goals in seven matches He was part of Manchester City for two seasons and now plays for Leicester City.

(Note: the first three editions 1985, ’87, ’89 were U-16 events)

Danielnino00:
Nsofor keh

I weak o

Danielnino00:
Ramon Azeez wasn't at the tournament oo

You wey dey throw challenge no sabi answer

The guy in number 20 jersey who be that?

Danielnino00:
#10 years challenge. .

Can u identity these players from Nigeria 2009?

Isco and Ramon Azeez. With Omeruo right there at the background