₦airaland Forum

komekn:
I would like to see Aina in his most natural position which is RB we need to know our best players in each position. Then we can shuffle them around to see how versatile they are. Is Shehu our best RB compared to Aina that's a question we need to ask and know the answer too.

I thought of that too.

krattoss:
why do the Argentina's coach likes releasing list like 2-3 weeks prior to any international match..??

They know their team already. Besides November 11-14 is by the corner. We should expect our list later this week or early next week.

TheGoodJoe:
It has been too long to remember.

The thing is no one's opinion is useless here and no one has The superiority of opinions. If we consider our ways of reasoning in the past and how we reason now you'll find out that we have all learnt from each other in diverse ways.

TheGoodJoe:
I agree with us having little room for experiments in the Algeria game. The game would have been a good opportunity to test players with potentials of breaking into the Super Eagles but with the Argentine game on the horizon, we need to begin our World Cup preparation with the Algerian game, some how look at it more like a Grade A friendly. We field our strongest line-up in preparation for the Argentine game.

I feel this is our most balanced and strongest line-up.

https://img.startingeleven.co.uk/usr/a/59ec5dcbe58fc.jpg

I pick Ndidi over Onazi because I do not think Onazi can displace Ndidi in a club like Leicester City. Mikel Obi playing a deeper role will give us more defensive balance and also give him more time on the ball to dictate play.

Iwobi in AMF will orchestrate the play of the attackers with his incisive passes and with his new dimension in his work rate can help support the defence when we are under pressure.

The success of this set-up against Algeria will determine us using it against the Argentines.

When was the last time you and I agreed on a subject matter?

E don teh o.

We test it against Algeria. If it works we use it against Argentina.

blueto:
Sir Icon4s is right as regards the players that should start against Argentina. Experiments and testing of fringe players should be done against Algeria, while the first starting xi should be used to prosecute the game against Argentina. the coach of Argentina have released list with the likes of Messi, Aguero, Di Maria and others to face the S.E and it wouldn't be fair to just use them as experiments by capping our bench warmers against them. It will not be seen on a good note which can also deter the likes of Germany from organising friendlies with Nigeria. No highly rated team will want to be used as experiments for testing bench warmers. Not too long ago, this was reported to what made Egypt to pull out on a friendly with Nigeria when they perceived that Nigeria was planning to parade a “weaker” team against them. The Argentines are not just going to play the game for the fun of it, they want to see how their team can perform against this good Nigerian side.

As for the S.E, playing one of the rated favorites should enable the team to know the areas to improve on, and that may not be possible when playing with fringe players. The team's strongest starting xi should be featured from start to finish if possible, lets see what they will look like in the encounter. Who knows, Nigeria might just beat them and that will draw recognitions from other highly rated teams and put Nigeria in a better position to get more grade A friendlies.

Thank you for this post my brother. You sabi every.

may I also add that even against Algeria we should not make more than 2 or 3 changes from the normal starting 11. The team is taking shape already and we need to sustain the momentum and build on it.

One of the players I would love to see is Aina starting at LB. Let us see if the food he will cook would be better than that of Echiejile. I would also want to see Iheanacho starting. Let's give him another chance to prove his worth. Thirdly, let's rest Onazi and make Mikel play from CM so Iwobi would play the AM role, flanked by the two Moseses. Let's see how that midfield combo would play out.
This setup should aim at beating Algeria.

The outcome of the experiment would now determine how we'll line up against Argentina.

Rohr should aim at going into the WC unbeaten from qualifiers and friendlies. That will do a lot of good to our mental strength.

Mickael2:
There are like 5 standard ways to cheat your way through an MRI. That is why they also do drug tests before the MRI in some instances but the simple truth is that it can be cheated.


Moreover who is to say the MRI test was actually carried out? The FIFA agents right? What if they say it was carried out without actually carrying it out?

Bros you still dey for that Iheanacho's age matter?

Rohr knows Simon and Onyekuru better than any of us here.
They have both been in camp together. If Onyekuru is better suited to Rohr's game philosophy I don't think he would drop him for Simon.

Yes Onyekuru is up and coming. He should just keep working hard. The WC is about 8months away. His performance this season will determine a lot for him.

tbaba1234:
It would be tough.

Based on past world cup experiences, we have had 7 or 8 defenders. 7 in USA 94, 8 in 98, 7 in 2002 , 2010 and 2014

Ekong
Balogun
Awaziem
Elderson
Aina
Shehu

These are the 6, that are almost sure of making it if injury free. Leaving one more slot. Ebuehi, Omeruo, Agbo and co will fight for that slot.

Well most teams present 6-8 defenders.

Chile even presented 5 at the last WC while Nigeria presented 7.

Shehu, Aina, Ebuehi all RB, reason why Ebuehi was dropped from the squad that faced Zambia. I am not completely ruling out Ebuehi but the coming of Aina has mad him an outsider in the contention for the RB position. Forget that he can also play LB that is not his key strength.

I don't have anything against the guy o. But my own is no sentiments in the selection process. If you are not up to the mark, step aside.

tbaba1234:
Ebuehi plays both left and right back comfortably. Same with Aina.

Unless the coaches find another left back. He can very easily make the world cup due to his flexibility.

Bros see, 6 defenders: Baring any injuries we have: Ekong,Balogun, Shehu, Echiejile. The other two likely to join are Awaziem and Aina . Aina is an asset in that defense as he can play both LB and RB and is ahead of Ebuehi. If Aina displaces either of Echiejile or Shehu any of the two becomes a back up. Shehu is one of the first players to make that squad because of his abilities in multiple positions. Echijile's previous WC experience would be a major factor for his selection.

Realistically, Ebuehi's chances are slim.

I am not Rohr o I am just saying.

tbaba1234:
There is no indication that he has not done well in camp. We know Rohr will rather test him in friendlies first.

The Nigerian invites have done a lot for his confidence, whether he makes the world cup or not. He is more adventurous and expressive compared to before his invites.

Shehu and Aina are ahead of him. That is the case.
Only 6 defenders will make the squad. We cannot have 3 RBs.

Nigeria to play Argentina Nov 14th in Russia. Good one.

tbaba1234:
Balogun got injured at the weekend with a broken chin. I also though he might not be available. He might have to wear a mask, i presume to protect the chin from impact.

OK but you saw his comment na.

tbaba1234:
Ebuehi just gave a terrific pass with his left foot but the striker messed it up... One on one with the keeper

Na so we dey here but when them reach Eagles camp....na some thing else.

With Shehu and Aina in our team, I doubt Ebuehi would make it to Russia.

tbaba1234:
Leon might be available for Algeria going by his tweet.

I was surprised this morning when I started seeing Awaziem-Ekong pairing here.

Is it that people are wishing Balogun ill so that Awaziem will get to play against Algeria?

Mickael2:
who is this again? I said 14 is impossible and you are telling me they graduated between 15-18, how is that 14years kwanu? Nna eh

You don't know Orkpekyandega? He is one of the founding fathers here o.

Mujtahida:
You that will look at Rohr and pin conservative style on him because he doesn't field your mind doesn't want tap in merchant to be pinned on Iheanacho because you are his deep fan. It's all sentiments but you will never agree

O pari!

Humility017:
unfortunately Leon may likely not be available....
and for elderson please...you and I know...how pacy this Argentina team is...let's start aina...

Why would Leon not be available?

And what makes so sure that Aina would cope with the 'pace' more than Echiejile?

PDPGuy:
My team for the Argentina game:

----------------------Ezenwa-------------------------

----Shehu-------Ekong------Awaziem-----Aina------

-----------------Onazi---Ndidi----------------

---Onyekuru-------Mikel-------Sone Aluko----

-----------------Nwakaeme-----------

Then, 2nd half subs could be :
Iheanacho for Nwakaeme
Etebo for Ndidi
Alampasu for Ezenwa

Not trying to rubbish your list. But we must understand the purpose for which some of these friendlies are played.

Firstly, it is not every time you get the opportunity to face an Argentine team that has the likes of Leonel Messi, Di Maria and co. Let us have the opportunity of testing our "Oyinbo wall" against these top players. If they can handle Messi, Dybala and Di Maria effectively that could give them the mental strength to face other attackers in the world cup.

We should focus more on exposing our 'A' team more than the fringe players. Only 3 of the whole sqaud have played in the world cup. It basically means over 70% of the 'A' team are green horns as far as facing opponents of that calibre is concerned.

We need our 'A' team to play more together. Thank God there are rooms for 6 substations we can be introducing those fringe players little by little.

So for that Argentina friendly we must start our best.

tbaba1234:
Awoniyi's goal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBQp4e7c5EE

Using the advantage of his long legs.
A goal is a goal all the same.

Humility017:
and so....this should be a litmus test to those other players hoping to break into the team....a solid performance from any will be a break through....

we have got players we can play good football...just take a look at Henry had it been he played with SE players same way he played against PSG.....his efforts would have been more yieldful

Nothing like that. This kind of friendly is to test the strength of your 'A' team. It should be an insight as per how our team would fair against an 'A' opponent. This could give us the mental strength to face big teams in the world cup.

If we want to test the fringe players we play against an average opposition.

Humility017:
yes sir....I hope to see Henry make the team, he has the pace and guts just like Moses...also we have etebo as well and for the defense....I will love see awaziem test his gots....hope he keeps fit wit Nantes...
likewise Aina replace Elderson and ebuehi test some minutes of action in the Algeria match....

I believe the least we gonna get from that match...Will be a draw

There is allowance for 6 substitutions. So more opportunities for upcoming players.

tbaba1234:
We should discuss about Algeria and Argentina games. These are essentially 2 friendlies. What is the team, you want to see? Who do you want to see tested?

Thank God we are not in the Keshi era where we would parade a team that has likes of Gambo Mohammed,Chima Akas and Gbolahan Salami in a high profile friendly of this nature. I hope to see our 'A' team lined up

tbaba1234:
Nigeria va Argentina confirmed by the Argentinian fa twitter handle.

Any date for the game?

tbaba1234:
"In the last five weeks I saw plenty of promo for the Aeito cup from everybody. Please excuse me if I did not get the spelling right. Brought in the caf president for the grand finale, and a whole lot of people. So the stage was set, for a wonderful show. The whole world was watching again and the outcome was nonsense, and this is not for the first time. A lot of local bloggers believe we should only say positive things about our league to promote it, and sell it to the outside world. My question is? What is positive about our league? Since the inception of the LMC what has changed in our league? Certainly not the quality of football, because the whole world saw that in the just concluded Aeito cup. So if the quality is bad? What do you want to sell?"

- Jonathan Akpoborie‏ @akpoborie Oct 18


League advocates, respond to Jonathan Akpoborie..

God Bless you Jonny.

Plus I wonder why that final was played at the Agege stadium?

Why not the Nest of champions? or National stadium Abuja? What of the new Adokiye stadium in PH?

Or they didn't want to give Akwa united the home advantage in Uyo? What ever happened to fixing the venue of the final right from the kickoff of the competition? Chelsea played Bayern at Alienz Arena in UCL final a couple of years back.

That final game was a poor publicity of the NPFL and Nigerian football as a whole.

safarigirl:
Lol, Osimhen and Tammy? You must be referring to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Oga, we are not going for U20 World Cup...eez Senior World Cup sah, eez for senior boys

Safari! you have joined the 'Experience' crew?.

SageTravels:
That emotional and proud moment when the First Officer flies his Mum. This was one of such moments for Moha Madugu who currently flies the Boeing 737 for Air Peace.

In his words: "Just had the best flight of my life. Had the opportunity to fly my Mum from Lagos to Kano! She actually cried." I really love this. This is one of those moments when you are really very proud of being a pilot. Can anyone relate? If I ever had to fly my Mum, the whole world would hear it. No be small thing!




https://www.sagetravels.com/proudmummy-moha-madugu-air-peace-pilot-flies-mum-for-the-first-time/

I feel you bro

Kog45:
Yea most of them went to United States, Canada on scholarships to further their education, players like Waidi Akanni,Taju Dish,Dehinde Akinlotan,Bawa Abdullahi, Niyi Aderinoku(obodo)now a multi millionaire, Austin IgbinabairoJonathan Akpoborie,Okechuckwu OfojeAndrew Uwe was in OAU playing for Leventis United and 1985 U20.

I remember Jonathan Akpoborie was part of 85 U17 he came to sport festival too,after that he went Boston university in d states on scholarship and moved from Boston after graduation to Germany, d samething Mike Emenalo after graduating from one of d university in USA,he went to Belgium and started pro career.

Honestly then it was football and education,I always give respect to Akpoborie and Emenalo coz is not easy leaving football for education and still come back to that football as a professional at d top level.

Good memories.

A good number were on scholarships something our yeye government cannot do now.

Most could not really combine schooling with Football which is why we didn't get to hear about them again.

I so much love that generation of Eaglets and them sabi tap soccer like anything. That Nigeria's second goal against Germany in the final scored by Victor Igbinoba is still playing in my head even now 32years later.

Kog45:
Good old days primary school,not safari aje butter primary school.

Principal Cup produced 1985 Golden Eaglet,one of my area brother Dele Abubakar made d team.I remember Nduka Ugbade made d team direct from st Finbarrs,so sometimes am always wondering why we always tagged our boys as over aged.

It was after Kodak U17 WC in 1985 that Kwara State hosted youth sports festival, most of these players represented their various states,Victor Igbinoba(Bendel)now Edo,Nduka Ugbade(Lagos)Fatal Atere(Lagos)Bella Momoh(Edo)Dele Abubakar(Kwara)

It must be noted that majority of 1987 U17 were products of Kwara sport festival, player like Dimeji Lawal,Bawa Abdullahi, Oladuni Oyekale,Peter Ogaba Christopher Nwosu.

The final of d sport festival was a thriller match between Bendel and Anambra with Victor Igbinoba scoring d goal

Pure secondary school boys then,Nigeria just need to go back to grassroots sports development.

God bless you my brother. You remember vividly. The 1985 Baby Eagles(former name for golden eaglets) were picked from secondary schools. I used to pass in front of Taiwo Enegua's house when going to school those days. He was still a boy years after playing for the Baby eagle.

Many of those boys didn't really play professional football. A good number attended higher institutions and forgot about football with the sole achievement of winning the first ever U17 WC.

Mickael2:
not to dispute your claim about his age but Iheanacho is still 5'11, 184cm actually. I mean you know wetin be 6'2?! Ronaldo is 6 and half, goalkeepers are 6'2, Iheanacho is 5'11 at best. How tall is Iwobi?


Now before the babylonians come for my head.... I hereby declare that I believe totally that Iheanacho is not more than 23, I have never believed such rumours so please disregard anybody that thinks otherwise

I don't even think he is up to 23.

tbaba1234:
I just started watching.. HT now

Ok

tbaba1234:
I hear Onyekuru is giving Alves a torrid time...

You still they believe "hear say"?

Seeing is believing.

Humility017:
meaning he was not in Indonesia or China...

Thank you.