₦airaland Forum

mallamsk:
Watch this guy. He is the most skillful football player I have ever seen. He is better than Messi and Ronaldo combined together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVY74S_2COs

Na lie. Wetin him just do now.? That guy wey him dribble no sabi play ball.

tbaba1234:
Right Backs:

Ehizibue
Ebuehi
Aina
Musa Muhammad
Omeruo
Shehu Abdullah

My verdict:

I think we have probably seen the last of Musa Muhammad as a right back in the national team especially with Ebuehi and Aina. Musa Muhammad's case is made worse by the fact that he is not even playing as a right back in his Bosnian club. He came on as a late sub and played left winger again in the last game. Musa needs a good club move to help him bounce back.

I watched Ebuehi this weekend and he was class. What he does not have in physicality, he makes up in pace and technique. Aina is most likely going to take the right back role and Omeruo will be more focused on the CB position. We have certainly missed natural right backs in recent years. awesome.

Shehu Abdullahi can also do a very good job at Right back and at DM.. He even played CB at his club recently. His flexibility makes him an asset.

Ehizibue's capture is cool as well but it is hard to see how much of a role he will play. He might however be considered more physical than Ebuehi.

Ebuehi and Aina can also deputize for Elderson.

Our weakest position at the moment is CB.

Nice piece bro.

However, i dnt agree with ur last statement.

We have 3 established and experienced CB in Balogun, Troost-Ekong and Omeruo. Remember Awaziem is also part of the mix.

Where there is still uncertainty is the RB.

Omeruo has played that RB twice but we know he is not the ideal kind of player for that position. Ola Aina. He trained with the team and was even listed in the 'A' team for a practise match. Two things: Knowing Rohr's philosophy can he trust him well enough to start ur next game? Secondly, June is only 2 months away and August is 4months away would issues surrounding his switch in nationality be sorted out before our next matches?
A wise man does not plan based on what he is yet to have except if he is guaranteed to have it when he needs it.

Alternatively, can Rohr trust Ebuehi or Shehu well enough and throw Omeruo to the bench or CB?

Joebie:
That wasn't my point. I was talking about the long run if that means Russia 2018 proper. For the qualifiers, if Ola Aina can make his way into the team, why not Idowu if he can prove he is better than Echiejile? I think Rohr's mentality is to keep on building.. Not saying any newbie will just displace the regulars. The likes of Echiejile will keep their place for the meantime not because they are the best option but because they have been dependable. You don't change a winning team too soon.

We are saying the same thing then.

TheSuperNerd:
I trust you My Man.... I know say you go reject this one....


Chief Icon4s, I no tell you say Oga Forgiveness go reject am sharp sharp?

Who no like beta tin? Pesin wey like beta tin go know which one no beta naa... no be so?

Chief Icon4s... Oga Forgiveness even ask the brother why na this time of the night he wan play for us??


Looollll.... laugh wan kill me here oooo....

I just dey pull him legs. U know he likes oyinbo naija boys.

Danycrusoe:
I saw someone asking about the whereabouts of some players from the 2013 u17 and u20 teams some pages back, I have to say that the narrow and shallow coverage that our leagues get (NPFL n NNl) is the reason y we don't know that this guys are still playing active football.

For example, CHIGOZIE OBASI is currently playing in the first team of Osun united in the NNL, although I may not know about Lazarus, the last I can recall of him is that he was being courted by a North African team.

However, there are many other former U20 and U17 players in the NPFl n even NNL just that the lack of coverage won't expose them.

KING OSANGA from 2005 u20 still plays for FC Ifeanyi Ubah, DELE AJIBOYE has been with some NPFl teams in the past and is currently playing for plateau united, AMBROSE VANZEKIN was with Warri Wolves I think before their relegation.

Many of them are scattered across teams in the league just like that.

not all players from other countries' underage teams plays abroad, many of them are absorbed by their local leagues and due to the good coverage their leagues get we still hear about them.

The Nigerian mass media and broadcasters especially the sports writers need to have a better level of nationalism as far as our local leagues are concerned.

Now the federation cup in the 36 states draws av been made yet I m sure only like 5% of football lovers n followers know about it because our radio n tv stations dont see a need for it until the federation cup proper starts.

A good write up.

But let me jst correct a little error. OSANGA KING played with the 2007 Eaglets and not 2005 U20.

Talking about press coverage. I tow in ur line. It is a pitty majority of our sports writers of today are more interested in what happens at The emirates, Camp nou, Old Trafford, and the likes. They have so much neglected the local scene.
Not completely their fault though.

I give kudos some guys on these nairaland threads. I personally have benefited more from them than all those daily football magazines u buy at newspaper stands.

Joebie:
Be like say na manage manage SE you go like make Rohr build oh. Though it may be too early, I'm already thinking Brazil. Not playing Brazil but i'm talking about standard wise. I'm sorry Echiejile is not good enough. We are not looking for a back up, but a better option. This is also applicable to the RB and Central Defense.

That reminds me. Rohr said he has a good feeling, he wants to raise a team than can beat any team in the world.

No be matter of manage Super Eagles. The guy was worried abt LB options.

The fact is from the available LB players we have now. Both home and abroad Echiejile is the best option.

Or can u suggest for us a player u would feel comfortable to field as LB against SA and Cameroun.

I am talking in the light of the available players we have presently.

If u think Rohr is gonna field any debutant LB in any of our next 3 games then u are on a long thing.

TheSuperNerd:
Looooollll.... and if Oga Forgiveness come reject am nko....?

Na em be say ... at all at all.... hope no dey for the guy sef.... looollllllll....

You sabi say oyinbo naija players dey sweet him belle. Him go like this one too.

TheSuperNerd:
Looooollll..... me sef shock when I see that part of the interview.... I just had to share... dude is 28 and wants a chance so bad now because his Swedish Dream have failed....

Sorry Kyle... we Neva even give debut to Otigba and Maunel Akanji... na you we go come consider?? Like Tbaba just said.... dude!!! Gerrarahia mehn!!!!

The guy get oyinbo skin so Make him contact forgiveness to add him to his wish list.

TheSuperNerd:
Just sad we won't see him make his debut anytime soon until after the Cameroon WCQ double header most likely.... unless Rohr means to include him in his squad for South Africa before the Lions come calling?

All the same.... 14 goals and about 7 (or is it 8 or 9) assists for A team like KAS Eupen is no small feat. Dude got goals in those boots and audacious ball skills.

No need to be sad bro.

The boy is jst starting and has many yrs ahead.
But let him continue doing what he is doing and even better.

If he sustains the tempo we may even see him in the Eagles squad in our next game.

But also know that changes in the team will only take place gradually.

ChrisKels:
I really can't fathom u guys' fascination for lengthy arguments. U are really having a field day.

Plz I think right now there is the dearth of left full backs in our new look super Eagles. We really need options at that LB. I neither see amuzie nor Madu as an option. I need as much depth as we already have at the RB position. How good is Torunarigha? Is uduokhai committing to us? How good are the ones we have in the NPFL?

Chairman, we dnt have issues with our LB IMHO. Echiejile is there.

When Iroha was the LB boss who were the other options? When it was Babayaro who were the other options? When it was Taiwo who were the other options?

Lets not make the mistakes of the more recent past that we were focusing more on 'the other options' rather than focusing on how to maximise the abilities of the main player. Oliseh fielding Onobi ahead of Mikel, all in a bid to create an option for Mikel, comes to mind.

If Echiejile is not in the team for any reason, we have tried Madu and Amuzie in that position before and heaven did not fall. Echiejile is nt too far better than those 2 IMO.

As for Torunarigha and Uduokhai I cant rate them yet for very obvious reasons. Though they may be good additions to the squad if invited.

Our next 3 games for the Super Eagles are very very crucial. Echiejile is first choice. Madu is 2nd. I dnt see Rohr parading any debutant in that LB position for any of those 3 games.

TheSuperNerd:
Ndidi Rep Rules Out Move To Southampton, Confirms Unofficial Approach From Arsenal


https://allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/51357Ndidi.jpg


With the summer transfer window approaching, the representative of Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has revealed that his client will be staying put at the Premier League champs amid speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal, Manchester United and Southampton.

Prior to his transfer to the King Power Stadium, Manchester United made an official approach for the services of the Nigeria international but the Red Devils higher-ups were too slow in sanctioning a move after manager Mourinho recommended that he should be acquired.

If performance related extras are included in the mix, Ndidi’s transfer fee could rise to £18, and Southampton will have to break their transfer record to sign the Super Eagle if Leicester City decide to sell him at a premium in the summer.

“There are many unofficial approaches but he is never going to leave because of the way Leicester players and coaches welcomed and treated him. Besides it is normal, ” Ndidi’s rep told allnigeriasoccer.com .

“Southampton never pay big money for players. Ndidi was one of the most expensive Leicester signings and that might increase due to league points and championships. ”

The 20-year-old Ndidi is poised to make his 52nd appearance of the season for club(s) and country on Tuesday night when Leicester City host Sunderland in the Premier League.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : lcfc.com


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22603

I personally recommend this boy to Arsene Wenger.

We are tired of all those Useless Midfielders that only know how to make reckless tackles and take unnecessary cards.

TheGoodJoe:

I remember reading that Clemens Westerhoff held a camp of over a hundred invited players (Local and foreign based) after Nigeria won the Tunisia '94 AFCON. After the camp, most of the former Super Eagles players made the final list. Does that mean that Westerhoff did not have an open mind?

I repeat, Amunike would not go through all that trouble if he did not want new players. Remember, he held a National screening process before he picked his team.

Ah! what a comparison.

BascoVanVeli:
Yes. Henry is at the stage Moses was when he first got the Belgium, just running and scoring but now Moses is expected to do more tactically. He is a more complete player.

I love ur answer.

I know some peeps here who would say other-wise.

goldfish80:
I've read through your opinion about the Amunike U20 crash. I believe you've made some valid points but I think the issue boils down to the structure the political class operate at the FA.

In my opinion, the technical department of the Nff didn't do their job. I've always believed that the technical department of any FA should be the strongest. This department is responsible for charting a course for the development of football at all levels in the country.
It falls within their responsibility to put up policy of recruitment into the various cadet teams. If they had done their job properly, we wouldn't be in this quagmire.
Failure to qualify for both U17 and U20 Caf championships is a disaster to put it mildly.

If the technical department was in tune with international standards they wouldn't have allowed Amunike to recruit only academy players to prosecute the AYC qualifiers. The John obuh team that won the AYC had a fusion of league players like Terry Envo, Ajagun, Uche Nwofor and the likes while the Manu U20 team had the likes of Sokari, Nwobodo, Ifeanyi and so on.
If these successful teams had these players, it begs the question, Why take an exclusive U18 academy boys for AYC qualifiers? What was the method to the madness? This brings me back to the technical department of the FA.

In my opinion, the quality of personel in the technical department should be reviewed. I don't think people like Lawal, Ikpeba, Jay Jay Okocha and likes should be there, with all due respect. I don't know if James Peters is still in that department but if he is still there like I suspect, then his position should be reviewed.
The technical department should be manned by competent technical people. Their job description shouldn't be just to recommend coaches or interview prospective managers.

I will wholeheartedly support the hiring of a foreign manager to head the technical department. I was quite open to the appointment of Tom Saintfield a few years ago as the head of technical Committee. I stand down.

Cc: TheGoodJoe.

TheSuperNerd:
You forget Ambrose Vanzekin too..... so much for U-17s not being able to cope at U-20 levels because they are "amateurs"


The Stars of That Siasia U-20 team had the 2003 U-17 Core guys as the main figures.... Mikel, Ogbuke Obasi, and Ambrose Vanzekin... even Isaac Promise.

Taiye Taiwo was not at Finland 2003 though but apart from him who else made the most impact alongside the u-17 boys from two years before 2005?

Like u still dnt get the point. Nobody is saying all the previous U17 cannot cope. A good number end up not meeting up. Go back to that 2003 U17 squad list and look at the 2005 U20 squad list and tell me how many of that 18man list From 2003 U17 made the 2005 U20.

Have u also forgotten that from that 2005 U20 apart from Taye Taiwo we also had players like John Owoeri, David Abuo, Dele Adeleye, Adefemi Olubayo, Sanni Keita, Kenedy Chinwo, Daddy Bazuaye, Yinka Adedeji. Obinna Nsofor was in the team but was later dropped for him to go settle his club issues. The whole of that defense never played at the 2003 U17.

My point is have an open camp with an open mind. Not that u would have already decided on picking ur boys even before the camping.

You see the massive inclusion of players into the Manu's and Siasia's U20 lists above. How can Amuneke include only 1 new player. He cant tell me he did nt see players who were better than the ones he already had in camp.

TheGoodJoe:
There is no mathematics to this. Manu Garba had factors that affected his team. An example was his top players like Iheanacho, Success and I think Ndidi arriving late to camp. Some few days to go. You always neglect factors which is due to our poor preparation and protocols. Also, in the 2005 WYC, despite the change of coaches, we had promotion of players like Mikel, Obasi and Isaac Promise.

It is not just promotion. I do not get the incessant attack. The factors against Amunike was too much against him. It is unfair to try to bring down the massive effort, hard work and sacrifice he put in.

You mentioned Mikel, Promise and Obasi. U did nt mention the whole 2003 U17 squad. That is my point.

The late arrival of Iheanacho, Success and Ndidi had little or nothing on the outcome of the performance of that team.

Go back to Siasia's U20 and find out when Mikel, Obasi and Taiwo joined camp.

tbaba1234:
You are correct, I remember clamoring for chikatara's inclusion at the time. An under 17 side should not be running rings around professionals regardless.

I think, it is best to have a different coach at under 20. The same coach is tainted by his boys and is influenced by sentiments.

Your last paragraph. Nigeria learnt the bitter way.

Experience is always the best teacher.

Problem is we keep forgetting.

Our two best Flying Eagles teams did nt have the same coaches from U17 to U20. And they were never U17 champions. So no automatic promotions and the U20 coaches scouted for the best available players with the believe that the team at U17 level was nt good enough. And that yielded results.

Go back to our results at U20 two yrs after each time we win U17. Manu U20 boys even with the 2nd round exit were better than the others.

tbaba1234:
There were plenty flaws with Siasia's selection.

Sure. So very obvious.

terzurum5:
(Picture Confirmation) – Michael Eneramo Joins Al-Ettifaq Football Club Of Saudi Arabia

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/image-11-1024x819.jpg

Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq FC on a free transfer after the expiration of his deal with Turkish side Manisaspor.


31 year old Eneramo is not entirely new to playing in Saudi Arabia as he had a short stint with Al-Shabab in 2004, where he played 8 games with a goal to his name while on loan from Esperance of Tunisia.


He has played in Italy for the last seven seasons but injuries have slowed down his productivity on the pitch, as he has failed to stay fit since recovering from a serious knee injury picked up while at Besiktas.


The burly striker penned a year deal with the Saudi outfit, where he will be hoping to recapture the form that gave him ten caps for Nigeria from 2009 to 2011, which helped Nigeria beat Tunisia who were keen on having him play for them to his services.

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/image-12-300x240.jpg

* Prince Michael

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/03/picture-confirmation-michael-eneramo-joins-al-ettifaq-football-club-of-saudi-arabia/

Is this Eneramo?

He has really lost weight.

So him still dey play ball ni?

tbaba1234:
Ideally yes, but there is a disconnect. Did you not see how under 17 players were running rings around Enyimba and Kano Pillars? You can probably get a few quality players from the league like Etebor but if our Olympics experience is anything to go by, we might not get much.An open camp could expose some hidden gems.

Foreign based players will usually be unavailable for qualifiers.

Those NPFL guys were on season break.

I personally am an apostle of structured development.

A player jst came back from an U17 tourney and next month he is in the U23 team.

The other time i saw something similar was in the case of Femi Opabunmi. He played U17 late 2001 and by June 2002, which was abt 8months later he was the senior world cup. It takes only very exceptional players to make such fits

2004 Olympic qualifiers which was being played in 2003, rather than Opabunmi, Segun Abiodun and Richard Eriomogbe(nt sure of spelling) to play with the U20 they were in the U23 team as 18/19 yrs olds. Both the U20 and U23 teams crashed out that yr.

It was nt true that there were no quality forwards in the league then. That year 2015 if u recall was when players like Chisom Chikatara, Godwin Obaje, Emem Uduok and Mfon Udoh were on fire.

Was it not on this forum that we were clamouring for Chikatara and Obaje's inclusion?

TheGoodJoe was really particular abt Obaje.

BascoVanVeli:
He didn't promote all of them he called all of them to his first camp. He even dropped Lazarus for a match.
U say football isn't math yet you are calculating. Who says a whole team can't make it? Just like non can make it, all can. It depends on the hard work and focus the kids put in and the luck of avoiding clowns who pose as agents

Lazarus had nt fully recovered from an injury he sustained.

Apart from Funsho Bamgboye, who he said was becoming fat and out of shape, he never dropped any other player.

No matter how much hard work or focus, a green horn is still a green horn. And it played out in that Sudan return leg.

BascoVanVeli:
All the young stars in our league are forwards.

Yes bc, young players easily find break throughs in attacking positions. Look the Super Eagles for eg also.

With how physical our NPFL is who would want to field teenage defenders?

Look also at Musa Mohammed his mate like Iheanacho, Simon and Iwobi are already established in the Super Eagles. But Musa is nt experienced enough for the defense. Same goes for Ebuehi he looks too young and fragile to cope with the physical demands of African football. But his mates hu are strikers can cope well.

tbaba1234:
Osimhen was actually quite impressive in Senegal when he came on, he gave defenses trouble.

Siasia never explained to us we he never invited Kayode to that Olympic team.

tbaba1234:
Osimhen was actually quite impressive in Senegal when he came on, he gave defenses trouble.

I know. He was even better than Awoniyi.

But the question is do we not have 22 or 23 yrs old professional strikers that we would be fielding a 16yrs old academy player. He had not even moved to Wolfsburg yet.
The U17 WC ended in Nov 2015 and that Senegal U23 tourney was in December.

tbaba1234:
Odey and Osimhen were in under 23 camp.. Odey was dropped.

I dnt even know what Osimhen was doin in that U23 team. He and Awoniyi IMO were nt ready for the competition at that stage.

BascoVanVeli:
And he picks the easiest option. I already told u this, nobody in their right man would bench Osimhen for Odey at that time. Now tell me the player, remember that that team already have 3 in top flight Europe.

Again dnt miss my point. I am nt saying none of those his U17 boys deserve to be in d U20 team. What i am against is promoting ALL of them.

If u'll recall i raised an alarm when i discovered that. I knew by that kind of composition that the team will fail. Even if they scaled through Sudan they most likely would nt have made it to the WYC.

BascoVanVeli:
And he picks the easiest option. I already told u this, nobody in their right man would bench Osimhen for Odey at that time. Now tell me the player, remember that that team already have 3 in top flight Europe.

Did he even invite Odey?

See, I dnt have to start naming players from my finger tips bc i am not so familiar with their names.

Manu dropped Karo Etebo from his screening camp. Nobody new his name and it was nt until recently that i even knew he even reported to camp.

I may not know the names of the supposed dropped players from Amuneke's camping but as i said before with time u will start seeing and hearing abt them and the question would be raised again.

TheGoodJoe:

I am showing you that he held an open camp. If you want me to keep browsing to give figures, you can ask. The fact is that Amunike put out an open invitation. It was public news just as you can see.

Nobody is saying he didnt hold an open camp.

U brought in the 600 figure which makes it more difficult to believe that he only picked 'Paul scholes' from that lot.

U are talking abt clubs nt releasing their players for the qualifier matches. That is nt true as those teen NPFL players are not yet Key players in their clubs. Most are fringe or substitute players that the club would pose little or resistance to release.

As I once said, every club would want to cease the opportunity of an U20 callup to market their players so as to make huge returns on them.

Joebie:
I personally thought Edwin Okon was better than Mustapha Abdullahi. Okon reminded me of Babayaro at UAE. He joined Akwa United after the U17 WC. Chigozie Obasi never signed with Deportivo. There were also rumors about a Bastia move at the time..

Lazarus.. I dont know.. Have you asked about Makanjuola Habeeb? Still with Chelsea?

I think Manu Garba did the right thing. But some of these forgotten players we have mentioned may topple others eventually. It's just too early to say.

Emmm.. the comparison u are making between Okon and Mustapha is that of comparing a player at U17 and another player at U20. That is nt a fair comparison.

For eg, the Musa Yahaya of U17 and the Musa Yahaya of U20 who seemed better?

The Iheanacho of U17 and Iheanacho of U20 who was better.

What Chidi Nwakali of U17 vs Chidi Nwakali of U20?

The thing is the competition at U20 is far more than U17. Most exceptional players at U17 become average at U20.

You need to close that gap in the team by introducing some professional 19 and 20 yrs olds in the team.

I had always said that the U17 is for cadet or academy players while the U20 is for young professionals. Players with mostly 2 to 3 seasons of professional football. And nt for academy players.

BascoVanVeli:
I am still waiting on u to tell me about the players Amunike should have selected. U have mentioned no names but u are sure Amunike selected on sentiments.

Hahaha . There was a thread on NPFL youngsters created jst last week.

Stephen Odey tops the list.

TheGoodJoe:
For real. I said. Are you saying you did not follow the news? We had a thread dedicated to the junior teams.


Nigeria U-20 Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has decided to have a three -day open screening for new players ahead of the team's camping for a 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Burundi, Vanguard reports.

Following Democratic Republic of Congo withdrawal from the tournament, Burundi progressed to be entitled to lock horns with Cup holders Nigeria.

Dates

Amuneke called for the open screening between Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 April before a group of 30 invited players arrive camp in Abuja on Monday 11 April.

http://www.futaa.com/transfers/amuneke-opens-screening-camp-for-u20

From this piece where was it stated that 600 players were invited?

tbaba1234:
Go back well, you will see that I supported you. Especially after Manu's u20 failure.

Ok. I see.

I give Manu kudos for bringing back into the team Wilfred Ndidi, Ifeanyi Mathew, Benard Bulbwa, Ibrahim Alhassan(later dropped), Mustapha Abdulahi. I need not tell u what these 4 brought into the U20 team even though they were still very young. at that U20 Mathew was 17, Ndidi, Bulbwa, and Mustapha were 18.
Others players like Success, Awoniyi, Godwin, Iheanacho, Musa Mohammed, Zaharadeen, Yahaya were either 17 or 18. Only Success was already 19 and Iheanacho and a few others were 18+.

Manu recognised the team was too young and then included Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Nwobodo, Kinglsey Sokari, Moses Simon And Enaholo and we saw what they brought to the table



For Amuneke, for a start, where are those boys that failed d MRI? Or none of his players failed MRI?