₦airaland Forum

Further modified:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.

We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through the years. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: We sincerely appreciate the current effort being put in place by the NFF to ensure that bonuses and allowances issues are sorted out ahead of the World Cup. This is a commendable step towards avoiding players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup.
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018. We propose camping in Russia where we expect high profile friendlies in the window leading to the World Cup
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to curb “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.
7. The technical bench should be fortified to world standard. The NFF should also engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physios

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.

goldfish80:
Top post. Lovely contribution, I will just add 2 points ;

1) The team should set up a base camp in Russia immediately after the European season in May.
I believe the team may have to criss-cross around Europe, playing friendly games or mini pre world cup tournaments.
The Base camp in Russia should serve as their home ground and training base where they return to after every friendly. Camping early in Russia will defeat the problem of acclimatisation which is very key.
I studied past world cups and discovered that European countries usually win world cups hosted in Europe.

2) The technical bench should be fortified to world standard.
The Nff should engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physio. You can't have a good tournament without these two in your crew. Germany employed an American guy Shad as their physio at the last mundial.
We must shop for the best in this very sensitive area.
In my opinion

Noted. Thanks

Further modified:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.

We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through the years. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to look critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: We sincerely appreciate the current effort being put in place by the NFF to ensure that bonuses and allowances issues are sorted out ahead of the World Cup. This is a commendable step towards avoiding players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup.
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018. We also expect high profile friendlies in window leading to the World Cup
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to curb “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.

Afritop:
I AM OK WITH THIS;

RUSSIA
PERU
IRAN
NIGERIA

You don't want us to enjoy games for Wold Cup ni?

temblor1:
Argentina, Argentina.....Argentina, Nigeria
Thats Our Group
Amen.

Meeting them at the WC would be a different ball game o.

Cmyname:
Lol, maybe we go meet one of them later, after group stage.

My brother na die be that.

We may be lucky not to play any of them until the Q/Final and beyond.

holluphemydavid:
Eagles will escape from group stage irrespective of the club we meet

A "plastic" fan spotted

Cmyname:
How you want make e be?

Ok o.

3 Teams I just want to avoid: Germany, Brazil, Spain.

Cmyname:
Argentina

Switzerland

Iran

Nigeria

For una mind abi?

klexycole:
Mikron, TheGoodJoe, Goke7, Mujtahida, MetalJigsaw, daveP, joebie, Icon4s, Icon79

We're waiting for your predictions.



O pari.

Predictions for?

Mujtahida:
I have done some modifications and editing of the above points as shown bellow:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.



We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.(suggested as a statement to be added as a sentence after... "coaching crew"
" ... followed it with burning passion all through the YEARS

Excellent!

All your inputs are noted

Work in progress.......

Goke7:
Some lessons so far on our failed world cup attempts from responses so far include

1. Stick to the coach that qualifies you for the world cup cos you you need that strong bond between the coach and the players who have been working tirelessly together.
2. Do not discard half or majority of the players that qualified you for the world cup as it affects team spirit and you end up with players in the world cup who are strange bed fellows. Case in point keshi despite qualifying for the world cup and going to the world cup ended up with players who were not really used to each other. This may be the reason Mikel rejected the inclusion of ramon azeez [though unprofessional of mikel] in the game against France.
3. Go with at least 90% of your players who qualified you for the world cup. case in point USA 94 team. If you must bring in new players, very very few however there seems to be strong cases for the inclusion of Kayode Olanrewaju, Henry Onyekwuru and Sone aluko to the team. They are not strangers to the Eagles as they have been invited before.
4. Nff need to sort out issues of bonus and players welfare on time. I heard before the end of this year, Nff will meet with the players to tell them how much they will earn during the world cup next year. Good one I must say.
5. Quality warm up games for the team, perhaps warm up games against Germany and Yugoslavia brought out the best of Nigeria against Spain in France 98.
6. We must check over confidence from the players, case in point is one of the reasons we lost the Denmark game in 1998 as the players were already thinking about brazil when they haven't finished with Denmark
7. We must check players who tend to be selfish in the game, result against argentina in the 2010 world cup would have been different if the likes of martins were not selfish in their play. Okocha was another culprit in past world cups. Victor Moses need to be checked on this. Players in better position must be given the ball for clinical finishes in front of goal like we saw against zambia with Iwobi's goal. This could decide games.
8. Team selection must be based on those who are hungry for the team success and not those who just want to appear as some big players have failed to turn up on the big occasions, e.g. Yekini of blessed memory and Okocha.
9. Good mix of youthful and experienced players. One of the reasons we failed in the 2002 world cup was the way we discarded experienced players who were still in form and hungry. Thank God Rohr had admitted that it was the mix of young and experienced players that achieved qualification. So those who feel the likes of Mikel, musa, onazi, echiejile even omeruo are not relevant may need to have a rethink. One advantage of the crop of young players we have now like iwobi, iheanacho, ekong and co is that by the next world cup, they will be very experienced players.
10. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naive situations. Reason we even failed to qualify in 2006 as we knew nothing about head to head rule. Players also need to be warned about inscriptions on their inner wears as they risk unnecessary yellow cards like we saw in the match against Cameroon involving Ighalo.
11. The technical bench assisting the coach need to have a good balance of competent and experienced hands that will complement the coach technically. e.g. in 2014 world cup the technical team that won the afcon in 2013 was overhauled without coach kehsi's consent which in turn affected the balance of the team from what we saw in afcon earlier.
12. Discipline on and off the pitch must be maintained by coach and players. This cost us in the 2010 world cup where kaita was sent off and the indiscipline acts and rows among players that happened in both 1994 and 1998 world cups including the lack of concentration that cost us the match against Italy 1994 in the dying minutes.

I have done some modifications and editing of the above points as shown bellow:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.
We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to look critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: This is to avoid players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018.
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to cub “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.



*** The floor is still open to add points.

Meanwhile: The above write up is open for editing.

I call on our English grammar specialists in the house. Safarigirl tops the list and every one here. We are all stake holders.

We need to publish this on the twitter hanldes of The NFF and Toyin Ibitoye ASAP.

[quote author=Kog45 post=62425652][/quote]Yeah another excellent piece

On the Enyeama return issue, prio to the Algeria and Argentina game I was of the opinion that one of Ezenwa and Akpeyi would do.

However, I am having a rethink.

The thought of recalling Enyeama became so loud in my mind when Akpeyi picked up that ball outside the 18 yards box.

What I personally feel Rohr can do is invite Enyeama for the march friendly(ies). We also assess him. If he is still good to go, fine he is back for the world cup. Else we take a risk with one of Ezenwa and Uzoho.

safarigirl:
On the topic


If we rated the best-performing team according to which team has the best-looking players, Nigeria would obviously win . The ranking would go:

1. Nigeria
2. Tunisia
3. Morocco
4. Egypt
5. Senegal

However, if we are to gauge their performances at the mundial based on how they played at the Qualifiers, I would say:

1. Nigeria

They made it out of a group of death comprising of two former African Champions, a reigning Champion and a formerly ranked number 1 team in Africa.
They did this with a game to spare and with no losses. They scored a total 12 goals, NONE of which came from a PK, ALL from open play (Lethal Attack)
They conceded only 4 goals, 2 of which were from Penalties
Obviously, this is the African team to be feared. No be beans to whip top opposition, considerably the best teams from each region at the start of the Third Round of Qualifiers.
They obviously have a team mixed with both youth and experience, both will be vital at the mundial.
The goal keeping issue might be their biggest hindrance going into Russia and sincerely, could be the only thing that will stop them from making a Quarter final berth in Russia


2. Morocco

Funny how the two least ranked African teams will be my picks for the top two performers right?
Not only did Morocco qualify for Russia 2018, they did it in GRAND style, conceding 0 goals all through the final round if qualifiers.
They also ensured the Elephants of Ivory Coast missed out despite them having the better players in the likes of Serge Aurier and Eric Bailly, two of Africa's best defenders in Europe, as well as veteran Gervinho and former Three Lions player, Zaha
It should also be noted that they have a brilliant coach in the person of French man Herve Renard, a man with a stellar record in African football having taken Zambia and Ivory Coast to the AFCON trophies in 2012 and 2015 respectively. If his record is anything to go by then I expect this Moroccan team to give other nations some serious headache next year


3. Egypt

Going into their first World Cup appearance in 27 years, the 7-time African Champions are obviously not going to Russia to visit Edward Snowden.
Coming off a performance that saw them clinch the second position at the just concluded AFCON and saw them end the hopes of one of Africa's most consistent performers at the World Cup, Ghana, you can tell these Pharaohs will not be beaten by anyone as easily as they were beaten by Moses.
I expect blood, sweat and tears from Egypt, I expect a battle Ghana would be proud of and with the likes of Mohammed Salah and El Neny and El-Shawarry, I expect other nations to keep a keen eye on this Arab nation.


4. Senegal

This is one team I NEEDED to make it to Russia, having lost out of the ticket to Brazil in an EPIC encounter with Ivory Coast, Senegal was the team to beat in their Group and I expected them to give the others a resounding fight..
Granted, they did not kick off their battle in the manner I expected of them and considering the opposition, I was a but disappointed, but that FIFA's decision for a replay against SA gave them the right boost and Mane and his boys weren't going to just let it slip past.
I expect Senegal to put up a fight the likes of which they gave in 2013 and being that they are the only other West African team at the mundial, I will be waving the Senegalese flag alongside that of Nigeria

5. Tunisia

I didn't quite follow their qualification journey, however, they did show great team spirit coming back from a 2-goal deficit within the last 10 minutes against DRC in the latter's home that was incredibly decisive as the one point they earned in that draw was the difference between them and DRC as they clinched the ticket with 14 points to DRC's 13.
I expect a similar fight as the one they gave DRC, however, I have the least expectations of them of all Africa's representatives.


Generally, Africa is going to give the world something to talk about come next year and I am highly optimistic that our reps will show up. This is one of the best contingents this continent will be sending to Russia and I wish them all the best at the World Cup Draws come December 1st.



dd
Cc: Icon4s, Mujtahida, Icon79, junnyjake, joebie, terzurum5, Kog45, Goke7. Drop your own analysis

Semid4lyfe, make this thread reach FP abeg, this my sexy analysis cannuh just lost in NL's Archives mbok

A good wrap up our first lady.

In terms of ability I would personally put Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco and Egypt on the same level. Tunisia is just a step behind.

In terms of which team will perform best at the world cup I would like to see the groups pairings first. Then also who each team would likely meet if they qualify for the second round.

For eg if Nigeria is to be in group D with a team like Spain and a team like Germany or Brazil are in C it means we have to top our group so as to avoid Brazil or Germany who are likely to top their group. A meeting with Germany or Brazil will LIKELY be WC dreams over for us. You know Permutations like that. So let's see the groups pairings first.

Also note that the best African representatives on paper do not go the farthest all the time. A lot of things come into play.

Kog45:
Did he concede it with nation team,hope you remember Cech conceded like 5 goals this season,does it mean he is not good.

As at 1993 Rufai was just trying to get his feet back and dropping a la liga keeper keeping week in week out raised a lot of questions then,though we won Afcon but it was glaring in the semi final and final Dodo Manyana was not Dodo of maroc 88.

The best of Rufai was 1983 to 1989 and nobody to argue that, this was Rufai of Stationary Store,Femo scorpion of Eruwa,Require Dragon of Benin Republic.

Did you remember Rufai was clubless in early 90s that forced him to go back to school,his clubless gave rise to Alloy Agu who was doing it well with Maastricht in dutch league and Agbonavbare at Deportivo LA Coruna.

Rufai contract at Lokeren was later cancelled it was hectic for him during this period and Westerhoff need to come in and recommended him to Go Ahead Eagles in Dutch league.

Westerhoff needs to listen to yearnings of fans cos we don't want see any keeper apart from Rufai, this was what cost the like of David Ngodigba eagles shirt.

Prior to our last WC qualifications match against Cameroon in Yaounde, Rufai came to camp uninvited and Westerhoff said no way,he took Ngodigba to Yaoundé, we lost the match by a lone goal but fans descended on Ngodigba for no reason.

The meted the same treatment on Alloy Agu,Nigerians don't want Alloy in goal no matter his performance though a very average keeper by every standard but Rufai was not having it good in Europe.

The discovery of long forgotten Agbonavbare was a masterstroke that assisted Nigeria in qualifying for her first WC,despite his heroic performance, fans still believe he was not the best even the NFF believed Rufai was the ultimate.

This forced Westerhoff to invite Rufai after qualification to afcon and WC to see Rufai cos he thought despite Agbonavbare performance and for fans to be yearning for Rufai then he must be a good keeper.

Goalkeeper trainer really work on Rufai to bring him back to form,this paved way for Dodo as number 1 at Afcon and WC but very glaring those that watched him at afcon 84 and maroc 88 knew Rufai has passed his prime just like Stephen Keshi.

I had a lot of discussion with Clemens Westerhoff cos i handled most of his utilities bills so we talked a lot on Nigeria football and the politics involved,so i was able to get some fact from him ranging from players selections and he said loyalty first before perfornance.

He said initially he doubted Rufai loyalty and also his club form did not help the situation and need to settle for Alloy Agu and Agbonavbare but he regretted not given him the chance prior to Yaounde match in 1989,that he later listened to fans yearning after 4 years just to take a look but funny enough the goalkeeper trainer admired Rufai.

he said Super Eagles was the most difficult job in the world cos everyone in Nigeria knows the game and love the team passionately.

Wow, a good insight into our goal keeping history.

My brother to tell you the truth I was one of those Peter Rufai die hard fans.

I never liked Agbonavbare and Ngodigha after their exploits at the Seoul 1988 Olympics. They didn't inspire confidence.

Alloy Agu was a good goalie IMO but we felt Peter Rufai was better and so we clamoured for his return for the 1994 AFCON. Alloy Agu didn't really have a good outing at Senegal 92 AFCON.

Westerhoff was right about Nigerian fans' knowledge of football then. We were closer to the national and local scene than the European scene. So we knew almost every Nigerian league and national team player and what they were capable of.

Good knowledge Nigerian football bro. Kudos to you.

Abeg how did the Russia Vs Argentina game end?

Joebie:
I said 48th.
Consider both pics. I'm using FIFA calculator, not my own guess. It's still an estimate like I said earlier.
And you will be dead wrong.

That is it bro.

Nigeria to drop from 41st to 48th in the world.

Once again, no thanks to that Algeria draw.

WQ qualifiers carry more weight than friendlies.

junnyjake:
He's calculating as if those other teams would be looking at us while we ascend the ranks.

As if na only us win match.

realpoacher:
Where do you get this your voodoo calculations from?
A draw against Algeria will take us down?... Like a - ve?...
26th November no far na... Its less than two weeks from now.
You say 45 - 50 Position
I say 25 - 30 position
If you want we can place a bet!!

Nigeria is dropping bro. Cameroon is among the countries to over take us.

Mujtahida:
Some complained about our Jersey but me I love that Jersey ooo. It's very vivid and intense, very masculine. It breathes suaveness and power. I love it. Fitted sef.

I don't particularly like that darker shade of green. It is not our color. I would have even preferred it to be white.

And it also seem as if the joining of the two shades of green materials is not so smooth.

realpoacher:
No need to argue over nothing, next release is on 26th November.
721 + 200 = 921 points
Nigeria will move almost 14 places up to 25th - 30th ranking in the world.
Watch this space!

Trust my calculations bro and start getting used to the disappointment.
I was equally shocked when I did it.

realpoacher:
Big fat lie! You don't lose points for a draw!... Quote me anywhere .

When you draw with a team that is ranked far below you, you lose points. The calculation is not all addition there are negative operations embedded in it. And besides it is a 4 year ranking period. Although the more recent results carry more weight. A bad result we got 3-4 years could also be a contributing factor.

Thank God for that Argentina win else our ranking points would have been about 611. The win against Argentina brought it back to 671

Don't say I didn't tell you.

You will see things for your self the day the ranking is released.

realpoacher:
Most likely



With a draw you still get points. I have been able to get the formula from fifa website.

P = M x I x T x C

For November

Match 1: Algeria vs Nigeria
Scores = 1 - 1
Strength of confrendation = 0.86 - 0.86
Strength of opposition = 159(200-41) - 133(200-67)
Therefore M = 1 - 1
I = 2.5
T = 159(Algeria) - 133(Nigeria)
C = 0.86


Nigeria P = M x I x T x C = 1 x 2.5 x 159 x 0.86
= 286

Match 2: Argentina vs Nigeria
Scores: 2 - 4
M = 0 - 3
I = 1 (friendly)
T = 159 (Argentina) - 196( Nigeria)
C ={ 0.98 (South America) + 0.86(Africa)} /2
= 0.92
Nigeria P = M x I x T x C = 3 x 1 x 196 x 0.92 = 541

Total points for the month of November =
286 + 541 = 827 x 0.4(% for number of matches)
= 331

Current Nigeria fifa rankings points = 721(41st)

721 + 331 = 1052

Therefore, Nigeria's November points should be 1052. Barring any plus or minus, we should be around 25 in world rankings by December.

Thank you Argentina

If you calculate FIFA ranking arithmetically you would not get it.


SHOCKER! Nigeria to drop points despite beating Argentina.

The Algeria draw did the damage

The total ranking points for October stood at 721 while the projected November points would be 671.

Nigeria will fall places as even Teams like Cameroon and Australia will over take us.

This is shocking but that is the calculation.

One of the most controversial FIFA rankings is about to be released.

junnyjake:
You said nothing about Awaziem. Or is his performance today not worth acknowledging??

I totally forgot only to remember later. Not much of highlights about him, though he covered well for the RWBs.

edi879:
Akpeyi is such an odd guy. My friend in SA says he's a good keeper and doesn't understand why he's always nervous when he plays with us. Maybe the guy needs a psychologist or something.

I am a follower of the SA PSL.
Akpeyi is never nervous.
Go watch some of his PSL games and you'll know why the coaching crew still kept faith with him.

That decision he took today to pick up the ball outside the 18 yards box shows that those his village people followed him to Russia for this friendly.

edi879:
Echejile is the one in danger of missing out. There's also the option of moving Shehu to midfield to free up a place for Aina. It all depends on if Aina can maintain his great form with his club.

That midfield is already choked up. If Aina wants to make it to Russia he must prove he is better than one of or both of Shehu and Ebuehi.

What can even make things worse or let me say more competitive for the RB position is if Rohr chooses to adopt the 3-5-2 he played today. It means a player like Victor Moses would have to contest for the RWB position of which he would be favorite and that means we may just need one from the RBs to be a back up.

edi879:
Echejile is the one in danger of missing out. There's also the option of moving Shehu to midfield to free up a place for Aina. It all depends on if Aina can maintain his great form with his club.

That midfield is already choked up. If Aina wants to make it to Russia he must prove he is better than one of or both of Shehu and Aina.

What can even make things worse or let me say more competitive for the RB position is if Rohr chooses to adopt the 3-5-2 he played today. It means a player like Victor Moses would have to contest for the RWB position of which he would be favorite and that means we may just need one natural RB to be a back up.

realpoacher:
Please someone should help me calculate our fifa ranking points gathered from this match.

Before the game Argentina ranked 4th. Nigeria ranked 41st. According to fifa rankings point calculator, a lowly ranking team gains more points for winning against a high ranking team.

Make una help with the calculations oo!

CC safarigirl
thegoodjoe,
icons, somehow, komen, etc

Yeah it would be a boost but don't expect too much for two reasons:

1. The Algeria draw: we will lose ranking points from that game.

2. The Argentine game is a friendly and so does not carry much weight as the WC qualifiers.

By and large I hope it will be a case of one step backwards but 2 or 3 steps forward.

I will do the calculation tomorrow and post the result here.

Goke7:
I just thank God for rohr's life, na here for nairaland dem for bury am today, dudes let's just keep more positive on this team than the negatives, just one goal then, the eagles were already buried here on nairaland.

The only two major downsides of today's game was the keeper and ola aina, those who feel elderson's time is over should rethink and I think it's safe to go with at least two defenders who were at the last world cup, omeruo and elderson. even musa we can't discard, we need some experience going into this world cup with the young talents at our disposal. we already have an experienced mikel in the midfield and with onazi too we should be fine.

To be candid with Brian Idowu's performance today, Aina is left floating. Do we take him to right back or leave him to fight with Echiejile and Idowu at LB?

Brian Idowu has something going for him and it played out today: He is based in Russia. He will definitely be very comfortably with the weather and also many of the pitches. He right now stands a better chance of being in Russia than Aina.

SerVik:
All through the qualifiers, we were always the first to score, we never really got the chance to come from behind.
In the Afcon qualifier where we went down to SA, we could not recover.

This team showed alot of character and fighting spirit to come from 2goals down today.

Expect big things from this team.

The Argentines were overwhelmed by the intensity with which we played the game.

That intensity that saw us go over Algeria, Zambia and Cameroon.

After they scored their two goals they took one foot off the gas believing they will have an easy run for the remaining 90mins.

By and large note that in 3 out of last 4 friendlies we have had to come from behind: Corsica, Senegal, Argentina. Meaning the team has a come back spirit.

Well, Akpeyi messed himself up by himself. His lack of composure again consumed him like a flame. Uzoho showed more confidence, though the defense became more composed after a tension soaked first quarter of the game. I no know why dem dey fear Argentina like that.

Rohr would have selection issues with the full backs.
He will have to make tough decisions as to who to drop.

Brian Idowu is ahead of Echiejile and Aina. I fear for Echiejile more so that he is not a versatile player. Players who are versatile are more sought after in modern day football.

In Shehu and Ebuehi our RB problem has been sorted out. Aina could also be given a shot at RB. But having 3 RB at the WC? Hmmm....At least one will need to drop.

Balogun had another slow start today. Ekong seems to have become the leader of the defense.

Iheanacho is a fighter. He played as though he was 2 players in one. Iwobi is pure class. No doubt an asset to this team. And of course Mikel remains the chief orchestrator.

Ndidi had a great game Ogu was a bit quiet but he covered his own part of the pitch especially in the second half.

The 3-4-3: This set up will definitely not favor the natural wingers as they will now have to fight for shirts with the RBs. Baring any injuries Moses is more than likely to be accommodated leaving one spot for the Full backs to play as wing backs.

Mikel-Iwobi-Iheanacho combo is a partnership that works.

Overall, a great game.

For those doubting Rohr's tactical abilities to lead this team in the WC, I think he has proven a lot tonight.

Congratulations Nigeria.

Neimar:
u beat a mediocre argentine team witout messi
u shoutin dem go hear am Russia2018

face teams like brazil, germany spain, france first

Eh?

You say wetin?