₦airaland Forum

Nne, that was a very good analysis. You deserve a pat on the back for this one

I think the real dark horses amongst the African teams are Nigeria and Morocco. Morocco may not have the name pedigree of a team like Senegal but they are a well oiled machine. My only concern is that some of these North African teams tend to underachieve when it comes to the World Cup. As for Nigeria, the less said the better. And funny enough, these two teams are going to find themselves in pot 4.

But regardless, all things being equal, it's gonna take a real group of death for Nigeria not to make it out of the group stages. For instance, on a good day, as from Spain I will not bet against Super Eagles versus any team in pot 2. And in pot 1, I won't mind playing either Poland or Portugal. Even Belgium and the perennial underachievers France are beatable too. For us not to get out of the group stages, it gotta be something like this:

Group F
Brazil
Spain
Sweden/Iran
Nigeria


O pari

safarigirl:
On the topic


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

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

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

1. Nigeria

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


2. Morocco

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


3. Egypt

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


4. Senegal

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

5. Tunisia

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


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



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

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

Yes, you're correct. It ended 1-0 Argentina .... with Sergio Aguero's goal.

I was getting it mixed up with another game.



O pari

nelszx:
It actually ended 0-1 to Argentina, Russia didn't and couldn't score
One wonders how they were able to put 3 past Spain....
Football can be crazy sometimes

Russia 1 Argentina 2. But the scoreline flattered Russia ... it would've been more like 6-1, if not for their goalkeeper - Akinfevev.


O pari

Icon4s:
Abeg how did the Russia Vs Argentina game end?

I totally agree. Right now the 2 top names on Rohr's team list are:
Mikel
VicMo


O pari

tbaba1234:
Victor Moses is a definite starter.

I think that, going forward, John Ogu would give Onazi a run for his money in that CM role. Onazi is a hard worker and very experienced and I used to be a big fan. But I have started to re-evaluate his game lately because of his new hard tackling style. I think that the Euro refs would punish him if he plays that way at the World Cup....they are always looking for a reason to flash red cards to African players.


O pari

ykalhaji:
And guess what Onazi wasn't playing in those 2 games..

I haven't checked yet, but I believe that you can catch the game on youtube now. Our second half yesterday (considering the opposition) is the best Super Eagles display I have seen since the USA '94 World Cup. I believe that this team can get it together and surprise people at the World Cup if there are no interference from the NFF.

Haha @visiting a native doctor. No worries, my prayer warriors can take care of the situation. They have never failed me before.



O pari

Danielnino00:
I'm so angry with DSTV ehn... I went to the viewing centre like 5 times today,they didn't open...I even ran to the home of the center owner to inform him that AIT and NTA will show the match he wasn't at home..
Had to switch off my phone due to anxiety.. switched it on 3 hours later and rushed to nairaland...I saw 2-4 on FP I no trust NL mods at all so I ran to goal.com and livescore.com . Mehn I was so happy


I'm very happy for Ebuehi ehn ..the dude finally got his chance and he didn't let it slip.. TBH,Rohr will be faced with a selection headache for the final 23 man squad.. Brian Idowu also made his mark..

As for Akpeyi, Sir Icon79, me and u shall visit a native doctor very soon to make sure he is never invited to the super eagles team again,cus it seems like our goalkeeper trainer are too lazy to do their job...BTW,I saw the highlight and I'm so impressed with Uzoho.. f##k those who will say he isn't experienced... let's groom him and he will turn out good...

All in all, today's game would be a massive confidence boaster for the boys.


O pari

BascoVanVeli:
I didn't think there was any malicious intent either

The picture quality of the Galaxy S7 is top notch. I think it's actually better than my iphone 6s plus but, for some reasons, Samsung never does it for me. That's why I have been holding myself back from wasting another money on the Galaxy S8 plus because I know that I probably won't use it for more than 3 months.

And I have some concerns about the iphone x face scan. I don't know whether that is the beginning of the mark of the beast



O pari

ollah1:
Wonder what made you didn't like those phones cos they are beasts.

LOL. I vowed that I am never buying another Samsung phone after experimenting with the Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy S7. But I am getting tempted by the Galaxy S8+ plus because of the 6.3" screen. Problem is, I always revert back to the iphone each time I have tried Samsung ... some people are just apple inclined



O pari

ollah1:
Well that's Apple for you,it's not the same with Samsung

Well and succinctly put .... as always, boss.

I dey throway salute, sir!!!



O pari

Icon4s:
Well, Akpeyi messed himself up by himself. His lack of composure again consumed him like a flame. Uzoho showed more confidence, though the defense became more composed after a tension soaked first quarter of the game. I no know why dem dey fear Argentina like that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall, a great game.

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

Congratulations Nigeria.

Are you serious? This is not good



O pari

terzurum5:
Argentina vs Nigeria: Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital after collapsing in dressing room

SERGIO AGUERO has reportedly been rushed to hospital after fainting in the dressing room during Argentina's 4-2 defeat to Nigeria.

By JAMES CAMBRIDGE

19:21, Tue, Nov 14, 2017 | UPDATED: 19:30, Tue, Nov 14, 2017

[img][/img]

Sergio Aguero has reportedly been taken to hospital after passing out in the dressing room following Argentina's 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in Russia.


Website Tyc Sports have claimed the Manchester City star collapsed at half-time and was immediately transferred to a hospital in Krasnodar.

More to follow...

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/879605/Argentina-Nigeria-Sergio-Aguero-Fainted-Collapse-Hospital

Argentina is definitely NOT the same team without Messi. Case in point, besides Messi no other player has scored for them in a competitive match in more than 1 year. However, they are definitely not a crap. They have too many quality players to be called crap.


O pari

tbaba1234:
Argentina are crap without Messi...

He definitely has the skills to play like Pirlo. Problem is, Mikel started playing too conservative when he joined Chelsea. If Jose Mourinho has unleashed him and let him play his game, that dude would've been world class.



O pari

krattoss:
if mikel should find himself in a classy team..he would do more than pirlo. .pirlo's luck is that he play in the midst of world class stars thereby giving him the edge with trophies and all...

Mikel is pirlo 5.1..

O pari

Agreed. But it was just two players going for the ball and Nacho was trying to get some balance (advantage) with the elbow. This wasn't like one of those Casemiro or Marouane Fellini's elbow hooks



O pari

BascoVanVeli:
haba intentional or not it was an elbow to the face. Otamendi's reaction was probably because u don't expect that kind of treatment from a former teammate. Nacho on his part showed good maturity by just laughing it off.

Yes, Ndidi has definitely upped his game. These two games - against Algeria last Friday and today - are two of his best performances in the Super Eagles shirt.


O pari

tbaba1234:
How much ground does Ndidi cover?

We are becoming a good counter attacking team under rohr...

Yea, I was about to say that we didn't play 4-4-2 today at all. It was always 3-5-2 or 5-3-2. What changed was that we introduced two more mobile Fullbacks (Idowu and Ebuehi) in the second half.


O pari

tbaba1234:
It was flexible... 3-5 2 when attacking

5-3-2 when defending..

See how far upfront, Ebuehi and Idowu were going..

Yes, we're definitely playing 3-4-3, once we get a healthy Joel Obi. I am actually surprised that Joel wasn't considered for these two games.

Simon Moses can play a Wingback role ? I yam confused
I know that Simon can play in the Left wing (AM) position, but he would always have a LB behind him.



O pari

forgiveness:
They will be back up for Joel Obi and Victor Moses and don't forget that Iwobi and Simom can also play that role.

Yea, it definitely wasn't intentional. Otamendi sold it very well to the ref - he's an Argie, after all



O pari

OMANBALA1:
But did you notice how much Iwobi pressed today...Unbelievable. I was impressed by that aspect of his game.

Now, to the yellow card given to Nacho and the shove by Otamendi. It shows Iheanacho is a well controlled person because if na me I can let that dude treat me like that ooo given the fact it wasnt intentional.

I am sure that Safarigirl would be happy with his performance today. He's one of Safari's fave SE players



O pari

isan:
Ebuehi served many people on this thread a humble pie and is very very hot

Now, you can understand why I've always called upon my prayer warriors, since after the South Africa game, to ensure that Akpeyi would never smell the field during our matches? The dude is hopeless - no more, no less!



O pari

goldfish80:
Hahaha Akeyi is an idiott I was fooled by his form back in 2009 when he was in Heartland.

It was magical. In fact, those two players: Brian Idowu and Tyronne Ebuehi have to play if we want to play a 3-4-3 formation. They are the closest things we have to Wingbacks in this team.



O pari

Mujtahida:
Seriously that's a good omen. I always keep an eye on players who score on their debut

That's what I have always said: Iwobi is an AM and should play there if we want to get the best out of him. The only down side to his game right now is that he just can't last 90 mins and he could do more defensively as well.


O pari

Joebie:
Moses Simon will have to fight again for a starting shirt.

Who has noticed that Iwobi's 4 goals so far have all come from the AM position?

I think both would miss out. Agbo hasn't seen any actions in months. Both Ekong and Balogun are fixed, and Awazien is the #3 option.


O pari

Oasis007:
Fixed!

Either of Agbo or Omeruo won't make the List! Perhaps both could even miss out on the List.

I totally agree. There's so much similarities between his game and NK25.


O pari

TheGoodJoe:
I pointed out the similarities in play between Iwobi and Kanu Nwankwo. Today's second goal reminded me a lot of Kanu.

Iwobi might be Okocha's nephew but he got Kanu's blood in his vain. Props to the young man.

I am very happy for him and for Nigeria. It's funny because I have been kinda feeling sorry for him .... the way we always invite him and then he won't see even 1 min of action. And at a stage we even stopped inviting him completely.

But after today, I think he's definitely going to Russia. He's a natural in that position.



O pari

eazyjakes:
My brother....he made d game a beauty to behold.....wateva made rohr kip him till today,am pleased we finally got to see him play!

Without a doubt, our second half today is the most impressive Super Eagles team I have watched since the 1994 World Cup.



O pari

realpoacher:
Oh Lord!... I feel like crying. Sitting in front of the big TV at the viewing center I can't believe the scoreline. Argentina 2-4 Nigeria, wow! God bless Rohr at least for building our confidence and psychological edge going into the world cup that we can at least stand shoulder to shoulder against the big boiz!

Thumbs Up Nigeria.

Me neither. I think we should gradually promote Uzoho to #1 goalkeeper and Alampasu and Ajiboye should be invited as well. Let's start with a clean sleet in the goalkeeping dept.



O pari

Kog45:
Am one of Uzoho critics but watching him against Girona changed my mind,the guy is better than Akpeyi and Ezenwa.

Also Ajiboye i watched against Guinea is better than Akpeyi and Ezenwa cos the duo lacks so many things as keeper.

Alampasu need to be called back cos Uzoho has shown us that the young lads can do it.

[color=#000000]I don't think we need Enyeama again due to the team spirit[/color]

My pick Uzoho, Ajiboye, Alampasu.

I agree. For this formation to work well, Mikel should have to move down to the DM. And Etebo and Iwobi can play AM. I was totally amazed with how the game changed in the second half once we introduce the Ebuehi and Idowu, who are more comfortable bombing forward.



O pari

Mickael2:
we have been trying this formation in training since, I remember before the SA game we tried it. The problem here is putting square pegs in round holes, like playing Shehu at wingback leaving a more natural wingback on the bench. Playing Ogu and Mikel, two slow players in the middle at the same time, playing Mikel a slow player as the AMF in a formation that requires quick transition from defence to attack etc etc

Akpeyi is out. Music to my ears



O pari

Joebie:
Alampasu is now ahead of Akpeyi. And you know what that means.

Word!

I just don't understand why he's been riding the bench for this long sha. Rohr doesn't want the rugged African players to damage him?



O pari

eazyjakes:
Dis Ebuehi is a pure footballer....shehu is good but ebuehi is d real deal!

Cosigning. We definitely made a few discoveries in today's game.

And goalkeeper.... that's the one that sweet me pass today Wow! Uzoho may not be world class yet but, unlike Ezenwa and Akpeyi, he definitely has the basics down:
Has Confident
Has command of his area
Organizes his defenceline
Good with cutting crosses



O pari

Joebie:
I want to assume we will start our next game the way we ended this.
I"m sold on Ebuehi and Idowu.
Iwobi is a beast
Iheanacho, 2 two assists and a goal -- class act
Mikel oh Mikel...the rock at the middle of the pack

This is what Argentina get because of their over-dependence on Messi.

I am actually surprised that Rohr reserved him until today. I mean, Shehu has been good but I didn't knew that Ebuehi is this good as well.



O pari

tbaba1234:
He has been awesome, they can't get past him