₦airaland Forum

Icon79:
But we didn't the NFF protest this Botswana ref thing sef? Botswana has a affinity with Zambia. It's like asking a Ghanaian ref to officiate in a game between Nigeria and Egypt.


O pari

The Ghanaian ref will blow in favour of Egypt. Gba bee.

Mujtahida:
It's the slowness of a Viper (remember Finidi was called a viper). I watched a clip where Oliseh was talking about how remarkably swift the 94 set could switch from defence to attack.

This slow thing was what finished Cameroun. The first fifteen minutes even Victor Moses could not be seen but by the time we were on, we were on.

The game is a psychological checkmate oo: if they attack, they die, if they don't they die. How dem go do now?

Your last paragraph is exactly the problem for them.

They will want to come out early to get an early goal and so Rohr should be ready to set up his team to soak up early pressure and hit them on the counter.

That defense of theirs cannot stand the pace, power and skills of our forwards.

The only way they can cope is to pack the bus but they cannot just afford to do that. So they would have to come out and hit us first and run back to secure the game. That early attempt to get that first goal would lead to their down-fall if Rohr strategizes well his counters.

Mujtahida:
One Zambian commenting on their page said we like playing a slow game. Truly it's become ingrained in our psyche. But the 94 set had a beautiful rhythm and tempo. When did we start this slow thing cos I know it predates Obi's era

We usually have slow build-ups from the rare but easily convert this into quick attacks.

For a team to hold us all 90mins the opposing players will need to switch on and remain on for good 90mins.

The Zambians have a tough game in their hands and unfortunately for them they cannot pack the bus and hope for a draw and so must come out and play. This is where we will really hit them cos they cannot match us blow for blow.

Sincerely I would be surprised if they(Zambians) are not down by at least 2 goals at Half time.

Mujtahida:
Just what I thought when I read this news early this morning. He's always ever so enthusiastic and committed even after not having played once since this campaign began. I envy his passion. Yes to your hopes cos I trust that is the hope of lots of fans.

Every player wants to make the World Cup squad either as a starter or as a bencher. His high level of commitment will count for him during the final selections.

You recall why Oliseh appointed Ahmed Musa as captain? Because of his punctuality to camp and commitment.

This type of commitment counts.

solonnachi:
Any link to watch U20 female falconets v Tanzania? Pls has the match started?

Nigeria 6-0 Tanzania. 9-0 on aggregate.

Joebie:
Chan 2018: Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia & E.Guinea official bidders

Take out Ethiopia and any of the other 3 countries would be good to go.

daveP:
lol. He and his Chilean namesake are having one kind sleek understanding that would soon make Ozil be forgotten.

Alex and Alexis right? Hahaha never came to my mind. But what's up with Wenger and Alex?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Iwobi
Alexis Sanchez
Alexander Lacazette
Alexander Hleb

The Iwobi - Sanchez combination is really fast becoming a great one. I have personally forgotten about Ozil.

The area Iwobi needs to work on more is his shooting. He could have scored a hattrick yesterday. He Doesn't often have enough power behind his shots and I think that was addressed at HT break which was why he used so much force to strike that ball for him to score.

Mujtahida:
They wore green for our last two home matches and White in the away to Cameroun. I think they even wore white for the the away match to Zambia

It is an age long tradition.

The home jersey is green while the away Jersey is white.

However, if we play away and the home team's Jersey is white then we wear green.

So against Zambia it is surely green.

EEGA:
I prefer Iwobi to Ozil because to me whenever he starts Arsenal wins or draws.

And I am really pleased at the new role Iwobi plays for Arsenal. Mikel Obi's replacement is beginning to emerge.

Iwobi out Walcot in.

Iwobi oya go pick your "kaya". We dey wait you for Uyo.

Goal Iwobi.
This is the only aspect of your game we have been begging you to improve on.
COYG!!!

joseph1013:
Guys, good morning.

I didn't want to comment until I get to the last page but it keeps getting longer and longer. I'm still on page 1600. LOL

The recent event was unfortunate and I hope thesupernerd would come back. Thanks Icon4s for playing the role of an elder, as usual.

Nairaland is nobody's house. And while I have gotten angry and said some not-too nice words in the past and I can't promise I won't get angry in the future, I believe we can resolve our differences in a humane manner. Even identical twins fight. I look forward to seeing people on this thread offline someday soon. tbaba1234, a get-together for the group okay?

safarigirl, I see you. But go easy on our guy. The deed is done, time to mend fences.

Joebie, you make this thread rock.

I expect these setbacks from time to time, but the thread is self-correcting.

*Back to reading from 1600. But mehn, you guys can talk, maka why? terzurum5, what is wrong with these people?

A get together not a bad Idea.

However, distance will definitely be a challenge.

Twill be amazing to meet some you here in person.

However, also we can take a census of our various locations and look for a meeting point that is central.

Or if over 60% of us stay in a particular city. Eg Lagos, then all routes leads to Lagos. Then we give live updates to those outside the country. Hahaha.

Even before reading those comments I already knew those that will be for and against Mikel.

Reminds me of the days of Kanu Nwankwo as a player. No matter what he did some people still never rated him highly.

Finally October is here, our month of World cup qualification.

Happy new month all.

Joebie:
Please take heart sir. I know him as a child from back in the days in DBS. although I don't know him personally.

I knew him in Warri a couple of years back.

Through him I got my first live TV appearance during 2008 AFCON hosted in Ghana.

Been calling Timi's number since I got the news for him to tell me he is not dead but only rumours. But it has been switched off Been calling Timi's number since I got the news for him to tell me he is not dead but only rumours. But it has been switched off

Joebie:
oh no

Sir, where is Harrison Ochulor?

If it is the same Harris Ochulor I know he is a director at Bridge FM Asaba. A newly opened radio station.

RIP Timi Ebikagboro.
He was media officer to the U23 Team @ the 2016 Olympics.
An ardent follower of our football threads here.
My age long friend in the profession of sports journalism.
RIP Timi.

do4luv14:
Guys am sorry i had fo bring this up, its never my intention to bring it up, but i had to, as to sake ansa




after all the brouhaha that happens here, btw NERD, and PETRICO,

i don't know who i insult, or what my offence is,
but i did like to know what warrant me being banned for two solids day, or who was it that report me and on what basic



cc: TBABA1234, JOEBIE, SAFARIGIRL, ICON4S, ICON" opari master" THEGOODJOE, and others elders in the hauz,

pls i need ansa, thanks one and all

I don't think any body reported you.

It happens once in a while. In fact it happened to me last week.

Mickael2:
where is Ogude sef

Same goes for Gabriel Reuben and Okechukwu Uchebo.
Keshi and his selections sha.

tbaba1234:
One of my biggest issues with Azubuike in the Olympics and even before that was poor positional discipline. Playing as a lone DM, he drifts out of position way too often.

He is a great prospect if his declared age is true or even close to true. Rating him close to Etebo is hyping in my opinion. He would do a decent job though.

Remember our argument centres on comparison with Mikel Agu.

Then the description you gave of Azubuike is typical of DMs his age.

But you same how he marshalled the position against Egypt.

Joebie:
FLASH BACK:

Take a look at Sunday Oliseh's second match in charge (a friendly against D.R. Congo) of the Super Eagles. What does the starting line up tell you? See the picture below.

Also consider, Olusegun "Mathematical 7" Odegbami made these observations in "his humble advise to the team", after Nigeria's boring draw away to Tanzania, which was Oliseh's first match in charge of SE. (How true is it today?):

1. I think Mikel still has a few more years of service he could render the Eagles. The only proviso are that he must relinquish his captaincy and be ready to play strictly as a defensive midfield player, never venturing upfront for anything, providing additional cover for the shaky central defense Nigeria has been parading for some time now, and keep floating those immaculate passes of his to running forwards on both wings. No more, no less.

2. Onazi is still critically needed in the midfield with his endless running, tackling and shooting from a distance. His temperament must be kept in check.

3. Joel Obi, when healthy and fit, has the experience and skills from the Italian league to play as the creative attacking midfielder in the Super Eagles.

4. Victor Moses is still definitely needed in Nigeria’s line-up. His dribbling skills, acceleration and inventiveness for now are still unmatched. His presence in the team will help boost the confidence of the new comers and make them want to also freely express their individualism, a trait on which successful Nigerian players thrive.

5. Add to these tested warriors some of the emerging talents from the junior teams, and a new team would start to emerge. I am still not so sure what to make of Iheanacho’s ability, but Awoniyi is surely ready for a place in the front line of the Super Eagles.

Culled from Mathematical7.com
The baptism of Nigeria’s new coach: Sunday Oliseh
SEP 13, 2015

Hmmm that backline of Shehu, Ekong , Balogun and Echiejile has really come a long way.

Joebie:
You know, the Rio olympics afforded Rorh an opportunity to look at some of our players at that level. Shehu and Troost-Ekong were the beneficiaries. Rohr also spoke highly of Etebo at the time, but I think Etebo was injured so he didnt get an immediate call up. Did Rohr not see Azubuike enough? -- I can't say. But one thing I believe, Okechukwu will have a long spell with SE in future. Let's see how our bench fare against Algeria, then we can have more discussion about the options we still have out there.

Azubuike cannot make the squad now because of the quality we have already in the midfield and not because he is not good.

Ekong could easily walk into that defense because Ambrose and Obaobona fell down the pecking order.

Shehu Abdulahi is at RB because of lack of credible options.

But so cannot be said of the midfield where we have Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, and John Ogu.
Azubuike if he continues working hard and keeps improving he will get his call back.

tbaba1234:
In the first leg, Agu played decently in my opinion. He got unfair flak for the second leg. If not for Ezenwa's error, we had the second leg won.

He was never the creative player to hold on to the ball and make play happen.

Stats are useful in this case because both players are playing at the same level so a better comparison can be made.

Azubuike is one for the future and he will get his time. Many have not seen him since the Olympics. U-23 football is not national team football.

Azubuike has featured at senior level asides Olympics. Go and watch the Nigeria vs Egypt game. He IMO is one of the most underrated youngsters we have. While some others are being over-hyped Azubuike is being underrated.

I personally rate him slightly lower than Etebo.

I wonder who his representatives are.

I am sure you know i am not in the habit of hyping or projecting young players unnecessarily but if I see one that has the quality I project.

I am not Rohr but I will take him in my squad ahead of Mikel Agu.

tbaba1234:
Olympics is still an age group competition

Agu and Azubuike play in the same league and these are their stats

Tackles
Agu averages 3.7 tackles per game
Azubuike averages 2.3 tackles per game

Interceptions
Azubuike averages 3.2
Agu averages 1.8

Fouls
Azubuike averages 2
Agu averages 2.7

Clearances
Azubuike averages 0.5
Agu averages 2.7

Dribbles
Azubuike averages 2
Agu averages 0.8

Blocks
Azubuike averages 0.2
Agu averages 0.5

Overall rating
Agu: 7.02
Azubuike: 6.89

For tenacity, clearances and tackling, Agu is your man.
For dribbles and reading the game, Azubuike is your man.

From a defensive standpoint, Agu is a better choice.

Overall, Agu has had the better start to the season so far from available stats.

And of course we have said it here repeatedly that stats do not tell the full story.

Some players contribute more when they are with the national team than at club. All the times Azubuike has worn the green and white jerseys he was excellent including the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt.

Meanwhile Mikel Agu, from the two occasions we have seen him play for the national team, seems not to be the kind of player we initially thought he is.

Consider also that Azubuike is just 20.

Joebie:
You like arguing in circles. I've already made my point with stats. Barring injuries, only can Mikel can be considered above Joel Obi in AM/CM. Of course the coach decides who starts regardless.

You mean if Joel Obi is fit he will be considered ahead of Mikel?

Anthony Nwakaeme scores for Hapoel

Icon79:
....in the Persian Gulf Pro League.
Persia = Iran.

O pari

From Barcelona to Iran.
O pari o

Dry land and we are seeing all these water?

jaksmillioniar:
Ghana goat

Hey! we don't do stuffs like this here.

jumbo4u:
na algeria dat cause dis wahala

I tell you

hAlexandro:
ianluigi DonnarummaEven though recent months have been filled with the drama surrounding Gianluigi’s contract renewal, don’t forget the level of football skill that the young Italian has showcased this year. Let’s face it, if Donnarumma weren’t that good, there wouldn’t have been a scandal to begin with. His agen, MinoRaiola knows that he has signed a top keeper that can protect the goal for years to come. Vulnerable only to the most precise and powerful strikes, Gianluigi is ready to become the next Buffon.9. Samir HandanovichSlovenia has proven to be a country that produces great goalkeepers, two of whom are on our list. First, we have Samir Handanovich – constantly underrated and overlooked. He has been protecting Internazionale FC for several years. And yet due to the team’s overall poor performance, Samir is ignored by the mass media. During the last season, Handanovich saved countless points for his club, making him one of the few bright spots in the blue-and-black part of Milan.8. Hugo LlorisThe agility and aggression shown by the French captain in the recent years have become legendary. For several seasons, Lloris has protected the goal from all Tottenham rivals, playing a major role in the two in a row second places that the Spurs managed to take. His efforts also resulted in the club breaking the defensive record in the Premier League – if that’s not a great season for a goalkeeper, we don’t know what is. The only reason why Hugo isn’t even higher on our list is that he has a weakness, which is his questionable long-distance shots.7. Mark-Andre ter StegenStraight out of the German Bundesliga, ter Stegen quickly became the number one keeper for FC Barcelona. Mark-Andre has shown great skill both in handling the ball with his hands and deflecting strikes with his feet. However, the German does seem to show his strength as much when playing against bigger opponents, or whenever he finds himself playing for the national team. That is a disadvantage that may disappear with age, but for now, he stands at number seven.6. Jan OblakNow we’ve come to the second Slovenian keeper on our list. At 24 years old, Oblak has already set a record of conceding only 18 goals in the 2015-2016 season, and he never looked back since. Some may say that such results are more likely as a result of the quality of Atletico’s defenders, but facts speak otherwise. Behind the top-quality defensive line stands one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Always jumping from side to side, deflecting every ball that flies his way – Jan Oblak is at times unbelievable in his skill.5. David de GeaThe Spanish goalkeeper probably would have been in the top three of our list, if it wasn’t for his weak season. Yes, Manchester United won the Europa League, and David enjoyed a high number of clean sheets, but the truth is that he did lower his guard a little in 2017.However, there’s no doubt that de Gea remains the best Spanish goalie of his generation, and his technique and decision-making speed allow him to be ranked fifth on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world.4. Thibaut CourtoisJust out of the top three we find Thibaut Courtois. The man who replaced Peter Cech in Chelsea is a force to be reckoned with. One of the youngest goalkeepers on the list, the Belgian was a major factor in the championship-winning season of 2017. Thibaut made sure that Chelsea was focused on scoring, instead of shaking in fear of conceding a goal themselves. Famous for his shot-stopping skills and reaction time, Courtois has filled Youtube with his fantastic-saves compilations. Meanwhile, his height allows him to dominate the box during corners and free kicks.Now we’ve reached the most important part of the list. You’ve guessed it right. Our three picks coincide with the choice that FIFA made. But will the order be the same? Only time will tell.To be honest, each of the top three keepers deserves to be called the best in 2017. And yet there can be only one winner, so let’s find out who it is.3. Keylor NavasThe Costa-Rican goalkeeper managed to clinch the third place for obvious reasons. Not that many players can boast to have won the Champion’s League and the La Liga the same year. And yet Navas managed to do just that. Why isn’t he number one then? That’s a logical question. The answer is that while Keylor had a great season, and demonstrated a consistently high level of play, he never showed anything exceptional. And to be the best keeper in the world that’s a word you need to be described with – “exceptional”.2. Manuel NeuerLet’s face it, when FIFA is going to announce their results, Manuel is probably going to win for the sixth time in a row. And if we’re talking aboutpure talent, then the German keeper is definitely the best of the best. Every manager in the world would want to have Neuer on their squad. Manuel is incredibly versatile, his shot-stopping skill is unparalleled, and he is a sweeper unlike any other.However, if we’ll take club results into account, we’ll see another routine Bundesliga title and the quarterfinals stage of the Champion’s League. Nothing to write home about, especially for a club such as Bayern Munich. Add to that his latest injury that put Neuer out of play for the remainder of 2017, and that’s why you find him in second place.1. Gianluigi BuffonWith a career spanning over three decades, at 39 years old, Gianluigi Buffon is still the best. He remains the most expensive goalkeeper in history. Not only does the Italian Superman maintain his skill and decision-making speed,but he also helps his team by being a leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Buffon won the sixth consecutive Serie A title and helped Juventus reach the Champion’s League final for the second time in three years. The Italian keeper conceded only three goals in twelve matches before facing Real Madrid.Gianluigi Buffon is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of alltime, and in our opinion, he is also the best keeper in the world in 2017.Now that you have our answer, it’s time to start a debate with your friends and find who they think is the best this year.

What is this naa?

You no sabi arrange something?

TheSuperNerd:
Would have replied a little earlier but already acknowledged that I have seen the message by being the first to like and share.....

The Antispambots stopped me from replying a little later so I sent the Supermods (Thanks to Madam Dominique and Sir Mynd44 again) another message (before going offline for a couple of hours to attend to Life matters) and now I am able to type this short response.


Chief Icon4s.... I have heard/read all you have said/typed. You know I see you like a father-figure and my respect for you goes very deep. It is well.

Thank you for making out the time to read every word in "my epistle" And Thanks for understanding why I must take my time to return.

But in all you are right about the bolded... We are united by a common dream and goal as regards seeing Nigeria Football rise and achieve even more greatness. It must be finished and accomplished. I have heard you O great and Kind Sir... thank you once again.



P.S: May this be the last we hear of this issue. Let the thread kindly move on and maintain focus full throttle. Chief Icon4s... Have a most wonderful day. Godbless.

Thank you.