₦airaland Forum

I still maintain Ekong's performance has only boosted his chances for the Super Eagles starting line-up and nt dat he is now better than Omeruo and Balogun. Omeruo or Balogum would still have put up a very good performance if they were in this Rio Team.
Ekong's experience at competitive levels really reflected in his performance. Sincere and Amuzie hu were d two least experienced in d back line struggled.

I have always been an apostle of "experience in the defence". If that team had either of Omeruo or Balogun to partner with Ekong at CB we would nt have conceded some goals we conceded in this tourney. Siasia wasted that slot he gave to Akpeyi. It should have been given to a CB like Balogun. Ambrose or Obaobona also would have paired with Ekong better dan what Sincere did.

I sincerely apologize for the numerous errors on my earlier post. It was due to d auto-correct phone I used plus I never had time to go through.

Well, every1 here is right with what ever criticism and standpoint.

Goldfish80 is seeing the negative side of the team while TheGoodJoe is taking the positive side of it. More like a glass of water being "half full" or "half empty".

I told someone before d Germany game that if Nigeria should win that Gold then God of soccer must really be unfair to those teams who were better prepared and motivated.

This team only got as far as they potentially can. We think we can repeat Atlanta '96 with this kind of team? If this team had succeeded permit me to say dat the NFF and Sport's ministry wouldn't have learnt their lessons.

This team right from kick-off was a disaster in waiting but thank God for the doggedness and Nigerian spirit which saw them through to how far they got. The truth again is we dnt deserve that final.

Several peeps have criticised certain players and hailed some. I just to take out some positives from this team, go forward. I mean to the Super Eagles.

Oghenekaro Etebo is definitely now a Super Eagles player. His being able to play as a winger, AM, CMF and also a striking (at some of in d Sweden game ) has set him apart.

Imoh Ezekiel has staged a major claim to a winger's position in d Super Eagles. He would b added to our pool of wingers which already has Moses, Simon, Musa, Iwobi & even Etebo.

Sadiq Umar started brightly in d tourney bt lost composure at d knock out stages. I laughed when peeps said he should b playing basket ball.My take on him has d potential to become a great striker by he is nt yet in the class of Success and Iheanacho. God enough he is in a fantastic club like AS Roma. We expect his rapid development. The Super Eagles coaches should keep a very close tab on him. He may also b handed a Super Eagles call-up.

Azubuike Okechukwu is another player that proved his mettle. He will definitely give Onanzi a run for his money. He , just like Ndidi, has joined d competition for d DMF position in d Super Eagles.

Stanley Amuzie to me is a major revelation of this tourney. He has staked a major claim to d LB position of d Super Eagles. He is ahead of Madu.

Shehu Abdulahi has showed dat though he is nt a natural RB he is still our best RB option for now for the Super Eagles.

Troost Ekong to me was our most efficient player in this tourney.What would we have done without him? He has made a great statement that finally he has matured enough to b a Super Eagles regular. Good replacement for Injury prone Balogum/ Omeruo.

Sally Popoola, though my gifted height wise, is a baller. He is a very creative midfielder. His introduction in d Germany brought creativity to d midfield. This lad needs a consideration in d Super Eagles more so as we dnt have creative CMFs.

Emmanuel Daniel has proved he is good enough as one of the substitute goalies of d Super Eagles. Akpeyi has lost out.

For the other players they were just a share waste of time. Seth Sincere I must single out for his age and fact that he still plays in d academies. I wish he signs a professional contract soon and develop as RB at nt that CB he plays. Amino Amur was overjoyed by Siasia. Us man Mohammed nt creative enough.

A bronze medal would nt b bad as a consolation .

tbaba1234:
In other news, I got married this weekend. Friday and Saturday. I barely watched the match. Saw highlights though.

Who has watched the Germans play? How good are they?

Aw! Better late than never. Happy married life bro.

It was disappointing that some peeps wrote this team off bc dey lost 2-0 to Colombia in a meaningless match. Same way they wrote off the last Golden Eaglets hu lost 2-1 to Croatia having already qualified from d grp. Those set of fans never learn.

Although we won 2-0 but we still missed Etebo. Aminu Umar was lost for most of that first half.

Azubuike's absence is a major cause for concern. He also missed the semis at d CAF U23.
And I think one of Etebo or Usman Mohammed played d DMF.

Abdulahi Shehu is a DMF bt we dnt have a credible replacement for him at RB. I would suggest Usman Muhammed plays the DMF role. I know his poor first half performance against d Danes was there to see. But the Usman Muhammed I know is better than that.Players usually once in a while have their off days or off few minutes. Let's also look at his other good games.

Sadiq Popoola can play in CMF. I am not with those that ask that Mikel be withdrawn to d DMF position. Let him continue with the AM role.

As for Sadiq Umar, he has to work on his foot work. At times he gets clumsy with it. His height is a major factor here.

Imoh Ezekiel got selfish in d second half. It is understandable bc he too is a striker.He could also be playing according to d coache's instruction by taking his own chances too. And this will make him so unpredictable. Ah but there was a pass he was supposed to lay back to Mikel by he turned and attempted to score.

As for the Germany game. With the right spirit and if the boys really show up we can very easily win that game.

Prio to the kick off of the tourney my expectation for this team was a semi final place. But I am now begining to think we can get Gold. But henn Brazil are on fire o.

thegoodjoehunt3:

2014! 2014!! 2014!!!

Icon4s, Iheanacho, Super Eagles, 2014!!!

Then you do not know Icon4s. New Zealand, WYC was in 2015 and you think Icon4s who thinks the Senior team is strictly for experience will endorse Iheanacho who had not seen first team Jersey at Man City for Super Eagles in 2014.

Thanks TheGoodJoe for watching over my back. Have been so very busy of late.

I dnt know where forgiveness got that from.

Oasis007:


Thank God Siasia collected Bribes from Umar, Imoh, Etebo and Co to be in the Team!

This is the same Siasia many have condemned on this thread, and this is the same Team many expected to be disgraced out of the Tourney because their favourite Players ain't making List!

I was once an ardent Follower of this thread, but I quitted because of sentiments and favourism. Majority believed Amuneke is by a mile better than Siasia..... alas where is the U20 Team now?!

Goodjoe was a Believer until he was convinced confused and eventually gave up on Siasia and his Team, all because of false allegations!

Supernerd wasn't fully buying the allegations, but didn't know which side to be at the same time! But He never loses hope on the Team, perhaps a slight hope on Siasia!

Forgiveness was tagged a tribal Bigot because of his stance! He believes every Player should be given a fair chance, but some Dudes believe without Iheanacho, Iwobi and Co the Team is a complete right off!

Without playing the third Match..... the Team has already booked a place in the next Round - as the Winner of the Group, and by God's willing they will go further and do us proud!

Firstly let me set the records straight. No one of us who criticised Siasia's players selection wrote him off. We still believed that the team would at least put up a descent performance.

I have been active on joseph's threads since early last yr and i can tell u that we have here some of the best foorball analysts in this country.

Nobody needed to convince or confuse any1 here. His selections and friendlies results were there to see. Which included repeated trashing by d Flying Eagles.

Every single person that criticed Siasia's team selection had every reason to do so. In our very eyes, our best talents were being neglected for mediocre players and u expect the pundicts here to clap for Siasia abt that?

I still feel we could have produced a better team than this sef.

And no use playing d "i told u game". The same forgiveness that u claim is justified for clamouring for inclusion of Sadiq wrote off Etebo Citing reasons that any player hu is above 18 that is still in the Nigerian league is a write off. TheGoodJoe would remember that argument. After Etebo's 4goals Y didn't we come here shouting "i told u, i told u".

U have mentioned that we all cannot have same opinion so if u have a contrary opinion , this is a free forum, feel free to say it and nt waiting for an outcome beforw commenting.

adrainuche:
Yes he was quarreling with Amuzie I dunno why ...

The cheap late goals they conceded.

adrainuche:
No No No he should play his position he has excellent work rate ...if he plays as a striker he's work rate might reduce a bit ...

I was only referring to his future career development and not just this Olympics.

A coach that knows how best to utilize such a player would train him in a more forward role. That is my point.

TheGoodJoe:

Carlos Tevez comes to mind. With Etebor's energy and work rate, he can help press the defence of the opposing teams and be a nuisance to them. He can also drop deep to help build up play.

I agree with Icon4s. He can fit the role perfectly. It still would take nurturing. Coaches like Villas-Boas and Mancini can do this. Same with Guardiola who likes trying his players in different positions.

Spot on.

I may not recommend Etebo to function as a CF but I fell he should be played in a more forward role. That was y I initially recommended a supporting striker position. Just like what Amokachi played in his days in the Super Eagles.

safarigirl:
My people my people, una don see the advert wey Delta Airlines use the U23 Olympic team do?

Y'all can visit their handle on Twitter to see how to take advantage of the incompetence of a people's government to market your airline. It's brilliant!


Meanwhile, today is the finals of Mr Nairaland. So, please, y'all should help me vote for my friend and brother here:

www.nairaland.com/3271417/mr-nairaland-2016-grand-finale/26#48240918

Just type "I vote IamKingzlee" and cc NL-Jega (without the hyphen). Thank you soooo much guys


Cc Thegoodjoe, icon4s, lakesidepapa, joseph1013, tbaba1234, robosky02, confun, terzurum, daninya11, napoleon55, thesupernerd

God Bless Delta Airlines.

safarigirl:
My people my people, una don see the advert wey Delta Airlines use the U23 Olympic team do?

Y'all can visit their handle on Twitter to see how to take advantage of the incompetence of a people's government to market your airline. It's brilliant!


Meanwhile, today is the finals of Mr Nairaland. So, please, y'all should help me vote for my friend and brother here:

www.nairaland.com/3271417/mr-nairaland-2016-grand-finale/26#48240918

Just type "I vote IamKingzlee" and cc NL-Jega (without the hyphen). Thank you soooo much guys


Cc Thegoodjoe, icon4s, lakesidepapa, joseph1013, tbaba1234, robosky02, confun, terzurum, daninya11, napoleon55, thesupernerd

Done. I only did it bc of your persistency.

GoodLuck to your candidate.

I vote IamKingzlee. cc: NLjega.

[quote author=tbaba1234 post=48240477]Etebor uses a lot of energy, playing him as a striker would cut a lot out of his game.

quote/]

Was Amokachi a Midfielder or a Striker?

goldfish80:
Etebo as a striker? Well, I think he is better off a midfielder. He is the modern day box to box midfielder. You know, Goal scoring midfielders are like hot cake these days. He is of that breed although he still have to work on his stamina because I notice he tires out most times in 2nd half of games. He also improve on his ball recovery and interception to be a complete midfielder.
Generally, the ultimate winners will be his Portuguese club, they will be rubbing their palms in delight because they will sell him on for a handsome profit. Warri Wolves would be mad not to include a sell on percentage on his contract.

On Iheanacho, let's keep our fingers crossed. Pep Guadiola is an adherent of the Joan Cruyff school of thought, which is that a complete player should play multiple positions. That is why you see Pep converting Alaba and Javier Martinez to ball playing centre defenders. Lahm as a midfielder in some games.
It's not entirely out of character for Pep to play Iheanacho on the left or right wing. He loves those kind of tweeks.

Kanu Nwankwo started out as a Midfielder. He scored 4goals at the FIFA U17 WC. He got converted to a striker, though more of a Supporting striker.

Victor Ikpeba started as a winger/AM. He emerged one of our major goals scoring threats at the 1989 FIFA U17 WC.He became one of AS Monaco's most celebrated strikers

Finidi George started as at right Winger but there was a point in time in the national team when that Right Wing role was given to Tijani Babangida and Finidi George played as a SS. Recall 2000 AFCON.

Brown Ideye also did not start as an out and out striker.

Even more recently Iheanacho. He started off as an attacking midfielder. Bc of his goals scoring prowess even as an AM he is now being drafted into the striking role.

Etebo to me can fit into a "pseudo 9" position. Just like what Neymer, Messi and Suarez play in Barcelona. Aside Suarez who is a natural CF, Neymer and Messi are AMs. That is the angle from which I am seeing Etebo.

A coach that knows how to effectively utilize such player would always play him in a more forward role than just a box to box mdfielder.

adrainuche:
A leader yes, matured yes but he shouldn't be starting the game... mikel should be used when nigeria are winning the game to calm the tempo spread passes and then intercept ... I don't hate mikel am just saying the truth ...

That team lacks quality in the midfield. Mikel is a better of the lots.

tbaba1234:
Siasia should move Mikel to CB and play madu ahead of Amuzie.

Mikel may likely not cope as a CB because of his lack of pace and slower reflexes due to his age.

Football at this age grade level is played with plenty of pace. I would say Mikel should fall back to CMF position were he can also support Azubuike in the DMF role when the need arises. Aminu Usman who is a more pacey player and has good eyes for goals should be drafted to the AM position. He can also fall deep into the midfield often to initiate attacks with his pace. Etebo, Ezekiel and Sadiq need players who can throw the passes at them more quickly. Usman Muhammed can start from the bench.

Oh how I wish Iwobi, Iheanacho and Omeruo made this trip.

tbaba1234:
Peter Ogaba died today, he was the youngest member of the Under 17 tournament in 1987 at 13 years old. He was also part of the team to Saudi 89. He died today after a brief illness.

Condolenses to the family.

See Ogba sliding in pic below

What a lose.

One of my then favorite players. We bare the same first name (Peter). I was nicknamed Ogaba in school those days bc of this lad.

I can recall vividly the role the 13yrs old Peter Ogaba played at Canada '87. How would I forget his champaign performance in that semi-final against Italy? He tried his best against a highly gifted Capellini even despite his size then.

He also played U21 at age 15.
He went out of the lime light just like Philip Osondu, Chris Nwosu, Taiwo Eneguwa, Dimeji Lawal, Lemy Isa and the rest of his Canada '87 class.

That white on Green jersey in that pix was what they used for most of that tourney. Hmmmm memories...

Rest in peace Peter Ogaba.

goldfish80:
The minister will do well in dropping the name Solomon and just go by as Mr Damlong. He's obviously not a wise man. But I wonder if the Directors and permanent secretaries are doing their job in guiding the minister properly.
As we all know, ministerial appointments are purely political. The so called technocrats doing the heavy lifting should be the Director and permanent Secretary. Apparently a lot of people aren't doing jobs. Calls for the minister's resignation should be extended to other principal in the ministry.

To the game, the standout player, Etebo is a freak. His stats read: Warrior wolves: 64 appearances, 25 goals. Super Eagles: 6 appearances 1 goal. Nigerian U-23 team ie Dream Team: 17 appearances 11 goals. And I’m not sure that includes the 4 goals he scored yesterday against Japan.
These are silly numbers for a central midfielder. Even Pogba, Vidal and Co will struggle to get those numbers.

It's worth pointing out that the super eagles got eliminated for the Afcon by Egypt when he got injured and was replaced. We practically conceeded when he got replaced.

He's the definition of a diamond in the rough. What a player we have on our hands

U know, one thing that strikes me is his shooting accuracy.

U forgot to also mention that he was highest goals scorer at the CAF U23 which earned him enough points to win the most promising young player award.

He has good eyes for goals just like Iheanacho. At a point in time on this forum there was an argument about who was better between him and Iheanacho. I am thinking that guy should be converted to a supporting striker. He and Iheanacho combination would become "shot the goal post at sight". Iheanacho as a CF and Etebo as SS. God help us to qualify for Russia 2018.

What a lose.

One of my then favorite players. We bare the same first name (Peter). I was nicknamed Ogaba in school those days bc of this lad.

I can recall vividly the role the 13yrs old Peter Ogaba played at Canada '87. How would I forget his champaign performance in that semi-final against Italy? He tried his best against a highly gifted Capellini even despite his size then.

He also played U21 at age 15.
He went out of the lime light just like Philip Osondu, Chris Nwosu, Taiwo Eneguwa, Dimeji Lawal, Lemy Isa and the rest of his Canada '87 class.

That white on Green jersey in that pix was what they used for most of that tourney. Hmmmm memories...

Rest in peace Peter Ogaba.

tbaba1234:
Good analysis.

Feirense got promoted last season so Etebo will play in the Portuguese top flight.

If they can sort out their defence, they will go far.

Good to know. But bros if Etebo repeats even half of what he did today in our next match he fit no return Feirense o.

TheGoodJoe:
Commenting on the airlifting, Delta Airlines spokesman Anthony Black “This is a special occasion, not only because it’s the Olympics, but also, exactly 20 years ago, on this day, the Nigerian football team needed a miracle to beat Argentina to win the gold medal in Atlanta at the Olympics. Today, we are happy to help them with another miracle.”


We should never forget what Delta Airlines did for these guys. That was special and brotherly. Increased my love for America and the City Atlanta. They did not forget.

Even Delta Airline spokes Person remembers that Triumph how much more we Nigerians. Abi wetin we dey talk sef?

Haven watched a total of about 4 matches since last night. I think our boys will go far.

Siasia needs to work on Amuzie and Sincere Seth. There inexperience is very obvious as they are even the two youngest in that back four and were largely involved in most of the goals. Shehu and Ekong who are already full Super Eagles players showed more maturity.

Our midfield didn't do too badly as most of our goals came from pressures from our midfielders on the Japs.

Etebo exceeded expectations. 4 goals in one game. His winning the Africa's promising young player award is no fluke. A player that scored in his debute for the Super Eagles and highest goals scorer at the CAF U23. That guy is another Amokachi in the making. He may not go back to his Portuguese second division club.

Sadiq Umar had a wow performance. He may look unstable with the ball but those his long legs work magic. He so destabilized the Japanese defense and he always looked like a player that would win a penalty any time and he did.

Mikel. The game seemed to be too pacey for him but he still managed to make his impact. It shows he has really blended with the team. I am not surprised he was given a more attacking midfield role.

Azubuike is a jerky. Workaholic of a player but he still has to do more in shielding the backline.

Imoh Ezekiel was fantastic especially in the first half. That is what u get when u play a striker as a winger. O... defenders find it difficult coping with their pace. His initial shot from which Sadiq tapped in for the first goal says it all.

Usman Muhammed though not too visible (typical of his play) Did very well in the midfield in foiling the attack of the Japanese and initiating attacks. See his 1-2 combination with Mikel at the edge of the box of which Mikel did nt hit target. His combination with Azubuike was also solid until the later moments of the game before he was substituted.

Emmanuel Daniel. Siasia what happened to Daniel Akpeyi na?

The boys really suffered from jet lag. There reaction time each time the Japans re-took the pass after conceding each of the first two goal is a reflection of that. Same thing happened again as the third goal came after a substitution.

Each time the game pauses it takes them a little longer time to get back into the frame of things.

I believe we would have won that game by 5-0 or 5-1. Our boys were that good.

Siasia need to sort out that defense before our next game.

At least the boys would now go back to their hotel rooms and rest very well.

God Bless Nigeria.

tbaba1234:
SINCERE SETH was at fault for 3 goals.. I don't know who gave siasia the idea to play him at CB.

We should have tried to get some experience into the defence.

That team is lacking in the CB position. Ekong tried but Sincere Seth struggled.
Why did Siasia drop Wilfred Ndidi sef?

Yes. That is the spirit. Nigerians do well even under the most unfavorable conditions.

Congratulations Nigeria.


I hope those Flying Eagles boys who let themselves down would learn from this. cc: TheGoodJoe.

TheGoodJoe:
My written Igbo is poor, so cope with me.

Ihie Siwike Kpo Ya Jehovah Mo, Ko Zah,
Ihie Siwike Kpo Ya Jehovah MO, Ko Zah
Oga Zarigi.

(Icon4s do not shoot me.)

Interpretation to the best of my knowledge:

When Things are hard, call Jehovah and he will answer you.

Na so. You tried my brother.

Na prayers things now o.

10 man South Africa holding 12man Brazil (Neymer=2players). 84min: 0-0!

TheGoodJoe:

Correction.

Claudio Lopez scored the first goal from a cross from Hernan Crespo. A header. 0-1

Celestine replied with a header. 1-1
Hernan Crespo replied with a penalty. 1-2
Amokachi aka Gingah replied. 2-2
Amunike Won it from finishing a Wilson Oruma curling free kick. 3-2
Final score 3-2.
I still remember our players jogging with their Thank You America Banner.

No mind that guy jare. He no sabi say some people carry all the statistics of Nigerian football for head here

TheGoodJoe:
This are not the best team we could select but one thing we must remember is that these young men are fighters. From washing their jerseys during the qualifiers to not getting their bonuses, they have stayed together and believed in the dream of the coach.

As they arrive Rio to begin a great battle, let us rally behind these Warriors.

Yeah, that is the spirit.

Infact haven watched Honduras vs Algeria and currently watching Brazil vs South Africa, there is hope for us. The standard is generally low, Most teams if not all came to Rio with relatively green horns.

Although I am not raising my hope too high, but I know our team will present s decscent outing.

Hmmm but let them scale through this night's torture. Travelling 7-8 hrs and play 6hrs later. That torture is jst too much.

goldfish80:
LOL.. You may be surprised I followed the dream team's route to the gold medal more than you did.

From the game against Japan, Hungary,the 0:1 reverse against Brazil at the group stage, I think a certain Ronaldo scored the only goalif memory serves me, Mexico......

I remember the soldiers at the military post close to my house firing shots into the air in celebration when Celestine scored the second goal to bury Argentina in the finals.

If not for the political brouhaha between Abacha and Mandela which lead to our ban by caf. The Nigerian team would have won back to back nations cup titles between 96 and 98,in my opinion.

The problem you should rather "diagnose" would have been why we still make tunes and dance durring games about the victory in 96, 20 solid years after. Not even for national team achievement but an U23 tournament.

Have you seen the aparty top players have shown towards this year's Olympics?
It simply tells you nobody takes the thing seriously anymore.

I believe Nigeria have out grown the 96 victory. Am sorry to speak from the belly.

Hahaha, I laugh.

If not that google is everyone's friend I would have asked you some simple questions about some of the matches and you would have failed woefully.

Point of correction. The matches order was Nigeria vs Hungary, Nigeria vs Japan and then Nigeria vs Brazil and not the order in which you wrote it.

Bros just like TheGoodJoe rightly pointed out, we are going continue celebrating the Olympic Gold win.

1st August 1996 (nig time) is a day I will never forget in my life.

It was like an independence day to us.
See past results against Brazil prio to then:

1983 WYC: Brazil 3-0 Nigeria
1985 WYC: Brazil 2-0 Nigeria
1987 WYC: Brazil 4-0 Nigeria
1988 Olympics: Brazil 4-0 Nigeria
1996 Olympics grp match: Brazil 1-0 Nigeria.

We had never even scored against Brazil.

England recently celebrated 50years after winning the World Cup and we Nigerians are celebrating 20years after winning the Olympic Gold.

"When Nigeria beat Brazil, when Nigeria beat Brazil O. Bebeto come dey cry. When Nigeria beat Brazil"

BascoVanVeli:
Guys lets get pumped up the olympics are here. Lets not have wasted the time in building up, we can do this only if we believe.

YEAH!!!! LET GO THERE!!!

SA VS BRAZIL national anthems being sang.

Nkosi si ka le li Africa.....

MEGGATRON:
A very good morning to boss, I'm sorry to have disturbed you,but you have to help me now.

The Mr nairaland contest is on,as a matter of fact,today is going to be the semi finals and I need you to help me vote falconey. I am writing you because I am trusting You.

the link to the voting thread is

https://www.nairaland.com/3265483/mr-nairaland-contest-2016-semi-final

voting starts 10am- 6pm

the voting format is "" I vote falconey Cc; NLjega"


Thanks so much Boss.

Sorry bro.

I am just seeing this. Guess I missed out on it.

All the best.