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darkelf:
Aiyenugba, Ejide still remain best goalkeeping options for World Cup


IKENWA NNABUOGOR has warned that Super Eagles could run into deeper goalkeeping crisis at the World Cup in Russia and reckoned the experience and consistency of Dele Aiyenugba and Austin Ejide could still keep things tighter between the sticks for Nigeria.


The essence of friendly games leading up to the World Cup or any major tournament is make amends, plug loopholes, bring on experience and most importantly right some wrongs to ensure a decent outing going forward.

The double friendlies against Poland and Serbia have definitely confirmed my humble fears in the Eagles goalkeeping, which continues not to enjoy much-needed conviction.

Young goalkeeper Francis Uzoho asserted himself creditably well, but lots of improvements need to be assured before the Eagles hit the grounds running in Russia in June, hence, the urgent need to bring on experience and that will not come in short supply from Austine Ejide and Dele Aiyenugba, two top goalkeepers keeping it real for their respective Israeli clubs.

Uzoho, no doubt, at 19, has proved he could perform, but certainly not primed to face Argentina and company in Russia judging by his performances against Poland and Serbia.

It was clearly evident he overcame first-half jitters in both encounters to get things done, and creditably well, to say the least.

But I fear that competitiveness will be a lot fiercer in Russia and tough customers like Messi and company could capitalise on this to wrap the games in record time.

First half is way long 45 minutes and enough time for the likes of Messi to punish any team. Eagles may not recover after the collateral damage! This is World Cup, be warned!

Uzoho’s ball kicking technique is another worrying concern to me, I don’t know if watchers are seeing it. This is also danger looming. Unconvincing as they seem could land on the feet of players like Messi, Sergio Aguero, Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric and the ball could be re-directed into the Eagles’ net.

Experience, age, key elements

Wine gets sweeter with age and experience cannot be thrashed, why then are we keeping ours in the cooler as danger looms?

Rohr must do something fast and get Ejide and Aiyenugba into the squad as the clock ticks away fast.

Both ‘keepers have all going for them and most importantly, game competitiveness going into the global party in Russia.
The World Cup is not U20 World Cup, and age and experience are the ingredients for assured goalkeeping.

Talents abound no doubt, and Uzoho has it in abundance, but not in a big boys’ party like the World Cup.

Ejide and Aiyenugba, on the other hand, were deputies to Vincent Enyeama in the previous World Cup outings for the country and have continued their acts at their clubs, matching consistency with top performances.

Ejide/Aiyenugba vs Uzoho

Uzoho’s experience and game competitiveness are significantly in low supply compared with the older duo.

Besides, Ejide and Aiyenugba are not new to top competitions having garnered top level experiences playing in Africa and Europe and as well, at international levels with the Super Eagles.

Ejide, for sure, has the biggest imposing physique of the three goalkeepers, but the shorter Aiyenugba makes up for his lack of enough inches compared to Ejide and Uzoho, with uncommon bravery, good enough to keep strikers at bay.

Interestingly, his penalty-stopping qualities have also stood him out.

Uzoho plays in the Spanish third-tier and this scores him low compared to the duo playing first and second-tier football in Israel.

Though, some can argue that the level at the Spanish third-tier cannot be compared with that of Israel, experience and consistency of the older duo cannot be looked down on.

Defence organisation can only get way better for Ejide and Aiyenugba due to their age and experience, but for Uzoho, a lot has to be done in this regard, no thanks for his lack of experience.

His performances have shown he could be up to the task in barking instructions to his team mates, but could it have been better than Ejide and Aiyenugba judging by his age?

Ejide’s and Aiyenugba’s ball kicking techniques can initiate quick attacking options that could lead to goals, but Uzoho has shown he needs a lot of improvement in this regard..

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Home Opinion Aiyenugba, Ejide still remain best goalkeeping options for World Cup
OpinionSuper Eagles
Aiyenugba, Ejide still remain best goalkeeping options for World Cup
By admin - March 29, 2018, 1:08 pm248 0
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Dele Aiyenugba
IKENWA NNABUOGOR has warned that Super Eagles could run into deeper goalkeeping crisis at the World Cup in Russia and reckoned the experience and consistency of Dele Aiyenugba and Austin Ejide could still keep things tighter between the sticks for Nigeria.

The essence of friendly games leading up to the World Cup or any major tournament is make amends, plug loopholes, bring on experience and most importantly right some wrongs to ensure a decent outing going forward.



The double friendlies against Poland and Serbia have definitely confirmed my humble fears in the Eagles goalkeeping, which continues not to enjoy much-needed conviction.

Young goalkeeper Francis Uzoho asserted himself creditably well, but lots of improvements need to be assured before the Eagles hit the grounds running in Russia in June, hence, the urgent need to bring on experience and that will not come in short supply from Austine Ejide and Dele Aiyenugba, two top goalkeepers keeping it real for their respective Israeli clubs.

Uzoho, no doubt, at 19, has proved he could perform, but certainly not primed to face Argentina and company in Russia judging by his performances against Poland and Serbia.

It was clearly evident he overcame first-half jitters in both encounters to get things done, and creditably well, to say the least.

But I fear that competitiveness will be a lot fiercer in Russia and tough customers like Messi and company could capitalise on this to wrap the games in record time.

First half is way long 45 minutes and enough time for the likes of Messi to punish any team. Eagles may not recover after the collateral damage! This is World Cup, be warned!

Uzoho’s ball kicking technique is another worrying concern to me, I don’t know if watchers are seeing it. This is also danger looming. Unconvincing as they seem could land on the feet of players like Messi, Sergio Aguero, Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric and the ball could be re-directed into the Eagles’ net.

Experience, age, key elements

Wine gets sweeter with age and experience cannot be thrashed, why then are we keeping ours in the cooler as danger looms?

Rohr must do something fast and get Ejide and Aiyenugba into the squad as the clock ticks away fast.

Both ‘keepers have all going for them and most importantly, game competitiveness going into the global party in Russia.


Daniel Akpeyi (left) with Ezenwa in Eagles training
The World Cup is not U20 World Cup, and age and experience are the ingredients for assured goalkeeping.

Talents abound no doubt, and Uzoho has it in abundance, but not in a big boys’ party like the World Cup.

Ejide and Aiyenugba, on the other hand, were deputies to Vincent Enyeama in the previous World Cup outings for the country and have continued their acts at their clubs, matching consistency with top performances.

Ejide/Aiyenugba vs Uzoho

Uzoho’s experience and game competitiveness are significantly in low supply compared with the older duo.

Besides, Ejide and Aiyenugba are not new to top competitions having garnered top level experiences playing in Africa and Europe and as well, at international levels with the Super Eagles.

Ejide, for sure, has the biggest imposing physique of the three goalkeepers, but the shorter Aiyenugba makes up for his lack of enough inches compared to Ejide and Uzoho, with uncommon bravery, good enough to keep strikers at bay.

Interestingly, his penalty-stopping qualities have also stood him out.

Uzoho plays in the Spanish third-tier and this scores him low compared to the duo playing first and second-tier football in Israel.


Austin Ejide
Though, some can argue that the level at the Spanish third-tier cannot be compared with that of Israel, experience and consistency of the older duo cannot be looked down on.

Defence organisation can only get way better for Ejide and Aiyenugba due to their age and experience, but for Uzoho, a lot has to be done in this regard, no thanks for his lack of experience.

His performances have shown he could be up to the task in barking instructions to his team mates, but could it have been better than Ejide and Aiyenugba judging by his age?

Ejide’s and Aiyenugba’s ball kicking techniques can initiate quick attacking options that could lead to goals, but Uzoho has shown he needs a lot of improvement in this regard.


Francis Uzoho dives to stop Robert Lewandowski in Poland
Understudy

Going forward, the best thing to happen to this youngster is to understudy Ejide and Aiyenugba in Russia and by the next World Cup in Qatar, he would be a finished product.

He will be 23 in 2022 and he continues to do his thing well at club level, there won’t be anyone stopping him in Qatar.

Surely, he got the potential to get the top spenders breaking the banks for him, but he has to work his way up there.

Handing him top responsibilities in Russia could expose him big time and his progress could be affected negatively afterwards.

We are not running against the time yet and Eagles will gain a lot more with an assured cover in the last line of defence.

Genuine lovers of Nigerian football will and should be on the same page because football unites all diverse ethnic groups at least for 90 minutes.



By Ikenwa Nnabuogor

Coming from someone who understands what is at stake.

Kog45, I am sure you have read this too. What is your take?

realpoacher:
No sir, My FIFA rankings simulator says otherwise

We are moving 7 places up to 45th position

I calculated mine from the Fifa official website where our next raking point has been put at 635. Your is showing 653 and that is where the difference lies.

Well, for those interested in where the 2 friendlies have taken us to in the FIFA Ranking, we gained Ranking points from 609 to 635. We are expected to move 4places up(from 52 to 48).

Kog45:
Ebuehi not fully fit but played 90 minutes with Aina on the bench and Balogun was declared not fit for the match and replaced by Awaziem.

So Ebuehi is highly rated to the extent that Rohr need to force him to play when he knew is not 100% fit and Balogun was replaced some minutes to the match due to fitness.

Pls why all these excuses for Ebuehi performance,for God sake i know how some are bashing Shehu performance just cos of Ebuehi.

Shey you are seeing what I have been talking about here?

They chose certain players to defend and some others to slaughter at every slight opportunity.

I have been reading and have not seen anyone here mention the poor positioning of Uzoho for that second goal. What was he doing at that corner of the post when he already had players covering? Very poor anticipation from him. That and that ruled out goal in the first half were the only low points of his game IMO. He had a better game than against Poland. But I Must say I am still worried.

Love of country over individual players should be paramount.

First off, can the NFF please change those lemon jerseys we played with today?
1. They were very offensive to the eyes
2. They make the team look uncoordinated and unbusiness like
3. They make the team look childish and so ordinary
4. That jersey does not make a bold statement.

Can the NFF please make a white copy of the darker green as our away jersey while the darker green becomes the home jersey.

Peeps may wonder why I take this jersey issue this serious. I take branding and image making serious. Your national team jersey is your first medium of branding. I always make reference to the bigger brands in football and what their jerseys say about them. Nuff said on that.

Today's game, though we lost but we learnt some additional things that will help strengthen the team.

Some observations from our last 2 friendlies. I will drop more as discussions proceed:
1. This team has lost its passing and ball possessive abilities all in a bid to play more of counter attacking football. Rohr needs to do something about this as this has been a major strength for us especially when we play against European teams. Poland and Serbia totally dominated us.

2. Mikel is the heart and soul of this team

3. The oyinbo wall is the best CB pairing

4. We are going to the WC without cutting edge strikers.

5. Idowu's performance over the two games may have given Rohr reasons to take another look at Echiejile

6. Ebuehi is second choice to Shehu. Ola Aina: I fear for that lad. He may be the sacrificial lamb.

7. Uzoho had a better performance today but we are still in a crisis situation in that department. We may be watching the WC with our hearts in our mouths each time there is enemies incursion.

8. Alex Iwobi is the closest replacement for Mikel in that AM role. But when Mikel is in the team he may operate from the wings.

9. Onazi clawed his way back into a vantage position in the team. Presence of Joel Obi could be responsible.

9. Ndidi is the engine room of that midfield and should be handed the CM role while Ogu and Onazi should battle for the DM position.

10. Joel Obi's inclusion into the team, contrary to remarks on here, is value added. He has brought more steel to the midfield as he combines his skills with physicality. He may not make the first 11, though, with Ndidi as the CM and Mikel as AM.

11. We don't have business like wingers. Simon is not imposing enough, Musa never makes one perfect cross. Moses stands out but often plays to the gallery.
Iwobi some times does one trick too many and may occasionally get lost in the game

12. Odion Ighalo. I think we need to tell ourselves the truth. Once Mikel is back Iheanacho should take up that CF position. What do you call a CF that could not even test any goalkeeper over the two games?

13. We are most comfortable with the 4-2-3-1 formation with which we qualified for the WC. The other formations may just be back-up options that may be employed depending on the dynamics of the game.

14. One major positive: We have a better bench than that of the 2014 WC.

I am not shaken by this defeat even though I had wanted a 100% record in our build up process.
The team building is continuous even after the WC.

Over all, quality friendlies and quality oppositions. Yes we were tested.
Let's see what the team offers us in the May and June friendlies.

realpoacher:
On my way to the viewing centre close to my house that has a bar in it.

Today I am going to be taking two sticks of suya and some bottles of chilled beer before our match

Serbia must collect their own too...

Who is with me?

Who is with you assin going to share two sticks of suya with you?

Egypt Vs Greece kicks off on SS4

R2bees:
Supernerd and icon4s.. these guys eeh, una love for Nigerian football no be beans.. God bless una

UWC.

Like father like son.

Danielnino00:
Ehm,the jersey are for all our national teams,right?
Lets say our women team should face Cameroon or Zambia at the AWCON,will they wear the home or away Jersey?

CC : Thesupernerd

It depends mostly on who is home or away in the fixture.

TheSuperNerd:
Are you teaching Jersey-matics to the man himself who wrote the book on Jersey-matics ??!

Wetin come be the difference na between wetin him talk and wetin u talk? You sef na wa ooo

There are some that will always disagree even when you are both saying the same thing?

MetalJigsaw:
You don't get it bro, this is how it's done:

When the home team is up against the away team. The home team wears its traditional kit. while the away team puts on any kit that doesn't mix up with the home's team's kit, either their home or away kit.

So Nigeria are to wear their home light green and white kit while Serbia uses their all- red home kits. Finito

Go back and read my comment on this subject matter.

But this time, calm down and read it gently.

Kog45:
Chief icon4s you forget how some rejoiced over Elderson.

Oh what of Ezenwa injury against Sudan

What of happiness that trailed Onazi injury.

Hope you remember how Akpeyi keep on getting bashing.

So Iheanacho injury situation posted by tbaba1234 and the five likes shouldn't be an issue,part of craziness here

Anyhow bros,craziness full for here and we are all part of it and make we dey enjoy it.

Modified..... Sir icon4s likely the likes is for the news and not to mock Nacho.

My brother the thing tire me o

For those interested in Jerseymatics :

Today is Nigeria(Home) Vs Serbia (Away).

What will both teams wear tonight?


We all know our home and away jerseys.

The Serbian Home Jersey is all Red while the away Jersey is all white.

My prediction: Being the home team in the fixture, Nigeria wears its much talked about and marketed Light green and white Jerseys. Serbia being the away team has all white as its away jersey but because Nigeria has plenty of white in its home jerseys, Serbia wears the all Red.

TheSuperNerd oya soup go done tonight.

TheSuperNerd:
Breaking news: Ikwuowem Udoh have been named Captain of the Nigerian U-20 Flying Eagles.

Not surprised as he is the most exposed of the crop.

TheSuperNerd:
U20 Friendly – Flying Eagles Held To Barren Draw By Young Pharaohs Of Egypt

https://i2.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_4357.jpg

The Nigeria U20 team held the Egyptian U20 team to a 0-0 draw in the first of a two game friendly match against same team in Egypt as part of their preparations for the 2019 African Youth Championship Qualifiers.

Egypt had the best of the chances but Nigeria were resolute in defence and they showed no sign of a team that have only been in camp for just a month, unlike their counterparts who have been training for one months.

Coach Paul Aigbogun lined up his team in a 4-3-3 formation, but the wide men of his team failed to supply the necessary balls for top striker Jesse Akila who started the game to trouble the Egyptians.

Both teams will clash again next tomorrow, and this time around coach Aigbogun will be expecting a better performance in attack particularly as the livewire of his team’s attack Peter Eneji didn’t start this particular game.


Starting 11 vs Egypt U20s – Detan Ogundare – Mike Zaruma, Ikouwem Udo, Mubarak Abdulsalam, Valantine Ozonwofor – Mohammed Jamil, Asuquo Aneikeme, Abubakar Ibrahim, Alhassan Ibrahim – Akila Jesse, Alalade Wasiu


**Osas Mahawi


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2018/03/26/u20-friendly-flying-eagles-held-to-barren-draw-by-young-pharaohs-of-egypt/

A good start considering the pedigree of Egypt at this level and also considering it is an away game.

Kudos to the NFF. Way to go. More friendlies for the lads.

Joebie:
lol U always have to consider context.
If Echiejile is injured, is it good for his career? No. Is it good for SE? Maybe yes lol.

You see what I am talking about?

Because you don't like a player the next thing is to wish him injured.

TheSuperNerd:
Yes, yes... I didnt want to say this but I know there will be just one or maybe two who liked for "appreciation sakes" but truthfully speaking, that is not the case for all remaining likes.

I repeat... No player in the GWG has gotten that much likes for an injury news on GWG duty. All five likes most certainly cannot be just in appreciation of Tbaba's good works on the news now is it?

Lol.... I've been so long on this thread to read between the lines. Had Chief Icon4s not mentioned it, believe me, we would not even be talking about it right now... But when two eyes like Him and me notice this.... And he is the one to point it out and not me... Then this is not air talk. But I will let it lie... My message is already gotten across.

There is nothing to like on "five counts" or more on a player's injury while on GWG duty. And all five certainly cannot be "in appreciation" coz I know all will wanna hide under that umbrella whereas it is only one or two that belong there.

The last time I saw that kind of like or even more was when Ikechukwu Ezenwa was ruled out for 3weeks following the injury sustained in that CHAN semi-final.

The other day komekn attacked someone here for allegedly rejoicing over the injury of Okazaki of Leicester, but I defended the fellow as I saw it as being born out of patriotism for a Nigerian player - Iheanacho.

How some people would rejoice over a Nigerian player's injury is worrisome to me.

For those that have cleared the air on why they clicked like on that comment, no wahala but just be sincere about it.

I am not being a judge or a Police here. I mean... people have the right to like whatever they chose to or not. But let us remember that our overall target and expected is for us to contribute to the development of Nigerian football.

tbaba1234:
Kelechi Iheanacho ruled out of the Serbia game with a fractured right hand....

You got 5likes for this comment. I wonder what is to be liked about the comment.

tbaba1234:
According to OGN, Man utd stopped him from training with Nigeria today because they have a game tomorrow

Aw, Well at least a bond is being established.

MetalJigsaw:
Nigeria Can Only Beat Croatia With Counter Attack – Coach

Tomislav Obradovic, the coach of Croatia national team, has revealed that the only way the Super Eagles could defeat his team when both sides meet at the 2018 World Cup in Russia would be through counter attacks, boasting that there is no way Nigeria could overcome them.

Both Nigeria and Croatia will go head-to-head at the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16, 2018 and the coach is optimistic that they would see off Nigeria, saying that in the Super Eagles, there are several players in the team with the same characteristics.

Obradovic was coach of the Rwandan U-20 National Team for two and a half years, and he almost qualified the country for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Asked to compare Nigeria’s offensive players Iwobi and Chelsea’s Victor Moses, Obradovic told Sportske Novosti: “Compare all of them with their characteristics? Everyone is similar and quick, good within a group. But where are the world-class players?

“It’s probably quite enough, but as a team I do not think they have world-class quality. Why do I say that? They have too many players with the same characteristics.

“They cannot beat Croatia. Not in one segment of the game. Neither technical, tactical, nor organisational, nor in any sense.”

Tomislav Obradovic warned the Croatian team that Nigeria’s counter attack could be dangerous because they have fast players.
“The only way they can outsmart us is if they threaten us from the counterattack because they have such players, quick, fast.

“We have to hold the ball, wait and play our organised football because we are . , disciplined, stronger on the ball, better one on one,” Obradovic boasted.


http://247ureports.com/nigerian-can-only-beat-croatia-with-counter-attack-coach/

Oga, beating is beating. We will beat you any which ways.

tbaba1234:
This is really nice... Top top prospect.. I don't trust the youth coaches though.

He would be 20 this year and so would not be eligible for the Flying Eagles team.

But his chances of making Russia is quite slim.

Any which way, a good prospect he is.

Tosin Kehinde training with Eagles in London.

gamaliel9:
The explanation by kentebemoney has covered me..if you watched the second half against Argentina and last ten minutes against Poland ,you will agree with me that the trio are our best midfield combination excluding the two Obis

That is not enough to conclude the trio is the best combo.

Why do you have to exclude the two Obi's? Are they not part of the team?

The Ogu, Ndidi, Onazi trio is a defensive one and can only be used to secure a lead.

You cannot start a game with that kind of combo.

gamaliel9:
My thought on Nigeria vs Serbia

I think Rohr should rest Ekong and Balogun.. why? Their patnership has been tested,trusted and assured...of all the departments in the team,both gives peace of mind.. unless Rohr want to test other defenders with them INDIVIDUALLY.

Also, Ndidi,Ogu and Onazi...their midfield formation has gelled ...

On first bolded that partnership should continue and become more solidified. Omeruo and Awaziem may also show substitute showings as back-ups, when necessary, to also integrate them into CB fold. I think we are settled in this department of the team.

On second bolded, how many games have the trio played together for you to make such conclusion?

joseph1013:
Dele has not been playing games. He can't be invited.

If any goalkeeper deserves to be invited it has to be Aiyenugba.

And Uzoho needs to consolidate on his confidence. He didn't have a terrible performance yesterday. In fact, I think he should keep for the remaining friendly matches. He needs to be tested as much as possible, so we can know what he needs to work on.

That guy still lacks some fundamentals in goalkeeping. Leave confidence aside.

Kog45:
Hmmm Chief icon4s always happy to read your view and i need to bring this out from your post.

I think we have been in this business for so long i mean watching Eagles especially our goalkeepers and we should put sentiments and emotions aside and say the truth.

Sir with what i saw yesterday and with what we have presently in our goalkeeping dept,Dele Ajiboye deserves to be in Eagles squad to slug it out with Uzoho, Ezenwa and Akpeyi.

Hope to see better Uzoho against Serbia

I sincerely hope Uzoho improves against Serbia.

But men... this is the WC we are talking about. Uzoho is talented but..... he still keeps like a youth goalie.

He can easily get overwhelmed. It is so unfortunate that we find ourselves in this kind of situation.

Honestly, Ajiboye is better than that guy. Rohr needs to reconsider him.

TheGoodJoe:
Nice result yesterday.

A special commendation goes to Ighalo and Iheanacho for their hardwork in pressing the defence of the Poles and not giving them time on the ball. I think that was key to the set up and gave us the chance to cause the Poles trouble.

Another to Uzoho for his save against Lewandowski.

Joel Obi showed promise but the physical game of the Poles made it difficult for the man to show his capacity to help the team.

Ndidi is a Warrior.

Oyinbo wall looks promising but Omeruo still remains a defensive marshall. He showed presence in the defence.

V. Moses also suffered from repeated harsh challenges but he needs to learn how to release the ball earlier. That will make him more lethal. I also applaud his decision to go down when the contact happens. That was the right choice and earned us the winner.

Shehu Abdullahi fought with his heart and soul. I admire his commitment to the team. Ebuehi showed class and Idowu showed promise but he is still a work in progress.

Shout out to Onazi for his effort but still should work on releasing good passes because it can create chances for the opponents to exploit the gaps he creates with his runs. Musa also worked hard for the team too but some times needs to read game play and create space for passes instead of just running to space.

On the whole, Congratulations to the team and fans.

I love Ighalo's pace and intensity. And yes he and Iheanacho pressed but they didn't combine particularly well.

TheGoodJoe:
I think the punches were the right call with the opponents in the eighteen yard box. Trying to catch those balls can lead to a spill which in turn can make us concede. I always prefer a punch in a tight situation.

A goalkeeper his height should find it easier picking those balls in the air. Although, that might be risky for a goalie with his level of experience as he may mistakenly drop the ball.

Punching those balls mostly gives back the opponents possession.

But I get your point.

Overall, a good game from the boys.

Yet again, just like in the SA game, Mikel was highly missed. The link up play between the Midfield and attack was limited.

We played a 4-4-1-1 formation where Iheanacho was supposed to play behind the CF. But he played more as an SS. Making it more of a 4-4-2. I don't know whether it was the coaches instruction or Iheanacho in his quest to score goals drifted more into striking positions. This is majorly why the link up with attack was limited.

The wingers, V.Moses and Iwobi did not do enough to support the full backs. Iwobi did once in a while in the first half. But completely left Idowu exposed in the second half. The Pols major attacking strength seemed to be on their right side.
We played against a stronger opposition in their home ground. The full backs are expected to be very busy and so the wingers should have done more in falling back to help out. On creating of chances they didn't do enough even when Musa came in he didn't make any successful cross.

Joel Obi and Ndidi midfield combo worked well in the first half until close to midway into the second half(even before we scored). Our midfield later collapsed but thank God Victor Moses invented and scored a penalty which boosted our confidence level. Again we missed Mikel in that midfield.
Onazi and Ogu later brought in stability.

Our wings backs, I won't say they had a bad day. I would say they had their hands full as they were expectedly kept busy. As stated before, the wingers didn't do enough to support them. Our CB pairing(the oyinbo wall) is back after 3 matches of struggling. They covered the wing backs very well and check mated the Polish attacks.

Uzoho. Hmm.... fear still dey catch me.
Aside the fact he was gittery in the first half. He still displays some school boyish goalkeeping tendencies. What's up with all those punches in the second half?
No doubt he is a good shots stopper. He improved in the second half. But men.... he is not World cup ready. I wish Rohr can look into Ajiboye again.

All the substitutes gave a good account of themselves. It only implies we are beginning to have depth in the team.

Over all a good game and another confidence booster. I wish we keep winning like this and continue building the momentum.

I expect a better game against Serbia.

Daejoyoung:
That was a probable line up from Murphy l guess. The official line up is out already.
Maybe it's true that joel impressed in training.

Ok

Daejoyoung:
Joel is actually starting tonight.

But the lineup I saw here says otherwise.

Joebie:
From what I saw, Brazil looks purnishable

O boy that was a friendly. and they even won 3-0 against their host Russia.