₦airaland Forum

FormationA

ok no wahala

kellycute:
na you dey see am as fight.

no be quarrel. most of your posts here involve fight.

kellycute:
quote me directly and say that to me. Just because I asked em to stop associating the team successes on "luck and poor form of their opponent" but to give credit to the team cos they earned it for themselves is now tantamount to me "being naturally angry" according to you. Na wa for some people here.

Nigeria would love Bukayo Saka to play for the Super Eagles, but refuse to chase him
Colin Udoh | Special to ESPN | 1.08AM

Young, talented, able to slot into multiple positions on the pitch, Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka is the perfect example of the foreign-born player of Nigerian origins that the Super Eagles need.

But in what has become a change in approach, the Nigeria Football Federation says it will be up to the player -- and others with dual nationality who are eligible to represent Nigeria -- to decide whether to represent the country.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick said in an Instagram Live chat with the federation's official channel, that players would not be begged to represent Nigeria.

"There are many players that play like Bukayo Saka in Nigeria. We don't want to go begging any player," Pinnick said.

Pinnick's statement is indicative of the NFF's new strategy, following criticism of their methods of approaching dual nationals and elevating them over home-grown players.

An NFF source told ESPN that the new policy is simple: Talented dual nationals who have the required quality would be informed that they are welcome to play for Nigeria if they so choose.

But after that initial approach, the choice of representing Nigeria will be down to them. And the NFF will only engage again if the player reaches out, especially those -- like England-born Saka -- who have already represented one country at junior level and are looking to switch.

The source added: "The Super Eagles is a very prestigious brand and we need to keep it that way. Just because a player is born or raised abroad does not mean they should automatically be invited.

"We will monitor them, and those who are good enough and fit into the areas that the team needs will be approached, but after that, it all be up to them to come back to us if they are interested.

"If they do, we all work with them through the process of change of nationality. If they don't, we will wish them well."

Saka is one such player who ticks every single box. Over and above his quality and versatility, the teen also fits perfectly into a position of need for the Super Eagles, at left back.

In his four years and change as Super Eagles coach, the left back position is one that Gernot Rohr has struggled to fill. Elderson Echiejile, Bryan Idowu, and lately Jamilu Collins have all had shots at being the regular occupants of the position.

So far, Collins is the only one who has gained some measure of the German's trust, with Ola Aina filling in when needed. However, sources with the team have told ESPN that the coach continues to explore options.

And this is where Saka would fit in. Not only has he shown great defensive ability in his breakout season with Arsenal, the 18-year-old has also shown offensive capabilities, with four goals and 18 assists.

Nigeria team sources told ESPN that Saka has been approached, and it is now up to him to decide. It is a decision that the youngster is currently wrestling with.

"It's a tough choice," Saka told SkySports. "I'm happy to have represented England at youth level but I'm also proud of my Nigerian heritage from my parents.

"We haven't been picked by any team so it's about staying humble and when the time comes we'll make the decision."

Considering the quality he could bring to the side, could it be a good idea for Rohr to hand him a call up in order to speed up that decision process?

Former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie, who was born in Uzbekistan but chose to represent Nigeria, says the NFF are on the right track.

"I'm a believer that anything forced or manipulated in life never ends up good," Odemwingie told ESPN.

"The choice must come from those players. As they said, the door is open, but it has to come from their hearts and it has to be full commitment without looking back.

"If he says hundred percent, I'm ready, I want to play for Nigeria, even if I'm in Real Madrid and World Player of the Year. If he says that himself, then you know, you can cap him now."

Odemwingie pointed to his own experience and says players who decide to play for Nigeria must feel a genuine connection to the country.

He added: "It depends on how the person feels. It has to be a decision made happily. For me, my dad had no other words than it's Nigeria and luckily for him, my mom also loves Nigeria. It depends on the relationship you have with your parents, how connected you are, have you been visiting?

"Growing up, I had six years I spent as a kid in Nigeria, I watched a lot of our games on tapes. So, I had already built a connection and a bond to our national team, watching the Japan under 17 World Cup, watching the DVDs of Olympics 96, France 98, how we celebrated.

"All those things they build up inside of you, and you will want to be part of that. When you celebrate those moments, even if it means going back watching videos, you kind of feel like you want to be part of that, or try to bring that kind of happiness to the nation, then it's an easier decision.

"Obviously, some Nigerian boys will choose differently, like Tammy Abraham. I don't think it has anything to do with lack of interest for his roots or his Nigerian background. You have to respect everybody's choice.

"But I will advise guys like that to play for Nigeria."

If he makes the decision to play for Nigeria, Saka could be a game-changing addition to the team. But the NFF will not be pulling out the stops to get him, and that, it would appear, is the right strategy.

some people are just angry naturally and it shows.

Edopesin:
Abeg don't bring that tone here, must you always look for quarrel?

“It is not even about qualification for the World Cup, we should even be aiming to win the World Cup. We should be for Africa, what Brazil is for South America, always qualifying and present at the World Cup" -- Odegbami

Alan Hutton on Balogun signing

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“I was kind of stunned when I saw it, I looked on my phone and then bang, signing, it kind of came out of nowhere.

“We spoke about them wanting the fourth centre-half, I think it was a priority to bring someone in. He’s 32 now, he’s experienced and I know he’s not played so much in the last few years but he’s an international player who’s played abroad – he knows the game.

“I think he will be more of a backup option but a good option to have.”

ROFL.

jihday:
I don laugh tire . London brought up Daddy showkey killed me

This was on goal.com yesterday, but I totally ignored posting it for obvious reasons. All the best in LaLiga next season.

Edopesin:
Promoted Nwakali dreams of Super Eagles invitation, move to Barcelona

https://guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kelechi-Nwakali-487x274.jpg

Former Nigeria U-17 national team captain, Kelechi Nwakali, still dreams of taking his game to the highest level.The 2015 U-17 World Cup winner just started playing regularly in Europe five years after leading Nigeria to the title in Chile.

While his mates like Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen, are commanding rave reviews in Europe, Nwakali just gained promotion to the Spanish La Liga from the second division with Huesca. It has not been the type of career many pundits predicted for the lad when he became the best U-17 player in the world in 2015.

But now that his career seems to be stepping up, he does not want to let go.Nwakali wants to return to the international scene with the Super Eagles, while working hard to attract the attention of his dream club, FC Barcelona.

Speaking at the weekend, Nwakali said he is now ready for the Super Eagles, adding that Huesca’s promotion has now given him the opportunity to play against the big boys once again.

He noted that playing football in the top league has been his career aspiration as a young footballer, saying, “I am delighted that my club has gained promotion to the Spanish La Liga. It was not easy for my team at the second division because of the quality of teams at that level.

“I was only able to play in five games because I had Spanish visa issues. My focus now is to work hard to play regularly when the league resumes.” Nwakali, who has watched over the years as his mates, Chukwueze and Osimhen have cemented their positions in the Super Eagles team, believes it is only a matter of time before he joins them.

“I believe when Coach Gernot Rohr needs me, he will invite me. I speak with him at times and I know my time will soon come.

“I am delighted that my team mates, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze are doing well in Super Eagles. My aspiration is to join them in the team. They understand my kind of play and we connect very well on the pitch,” he said. Nwakali also revealed that his childhood desire is to play for Barcelona FC some day.

"I have always hoped to play for Barcelona FC some day as a young footballer. But in life, you must start somewhere to achieve your dream. I am delighted that I am now a player in the Spanish top league.

“Giving my best to my club remains the priority now. As a young footballer, I aspire to play like Kanu Nwankwo and Yaya Toure because I fancy their style of play.”

In the current Super Eagles team, Nwakali picks Oghenekaro Etebo as his ideal player, saying, “His dedication and commitment to national team duties delights me. My stay under Coach Emmanuel Amuneke in the Golden Eaglets team has prepared me for everything I am facing now in my career.”

Guardian

that's where I wanted to bring the discussion to, by posting all those videos. Which players will give us the best chemistry upfront? For analytical minds only though.

IDENNAA:
A day will come when. IHEANACHO-OSIMHEN-CHUKWUEZE-EJUKE will be our front men......fiaaa!

Josh Onomah goal for England U21

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yja1GOoA42Y

Simon!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6lwqXlL2Ew

Kalu!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7MmrV-43Fo

Maja!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp49OZFOTzE

Ejuke!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQUAmpnSeE0

Bonaventure!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzN7Mi0D2yM

Nwakaeme!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9fZxX7pOYg

Kayode!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv2APnjdQgk

Iheanacho!!!

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

Osimhen!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_6cRvjWes8

Sadiq Umar!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNEP8cT9pXI

Dessers!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBjGIXKVLB8

Reading should not struggle for him. He won’t be a championship player next year hopefully.

Subzero047:
Reading are struggling to buy Ejaria, they have an obligation to buy in his contract but they are severely affected by the Covid 19

If Fulham gets promoted, owe it a lot to this guy. Been a very important team player esp after the restart of the league. These are the kinda additions we need in the SE — impact players!

Komekn you have been vindicated on this one

"...the skill, the touch, the strength, and the calmness in front of that goal. And what a finish that is from a player in unbelievable form! "

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLGfYJ-AeA

Billing must find another club or he may as well forget Denmark NT as well. Lol

daveP:


Elyte89, na your spec be this o.....

How ex-Nigeria goalkeeper Egbo overcame racism to guide KF Tirana to Albanian league title glory

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Michael Madyira | 07/27/20

https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/GOAL/87/97/ismael-dunga-of-kf-tirana-and-kenya_qezysmflvmj41mb6qybq15ua7.jpg

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper talks about how he wrote history in European football with the odds stacked against him

KF Tirana coach Ndubuisi Egbo has likened winning the Albanian Superliga title to Barack Obama winning the American presidency since he also suffered racial abuse on the way to achieving the historical feat.

The 47-year-old Nigerian became the first African head coach to guide a European team to a league title and is also set to be the first tactician from his continent to lead a team in the Uefa Champions League.

But before Tirana were crowned Albanian champions for the first time in 11 years, Egbo - who is fluent in Albanian - said he had to endure racial abuse which he, however, did not allow to discourage him.

“There are people who don't want me to win because of my colour. There is racism. One game they threw a banana at me. They spat at me,” Egbo told BBC Sport.

“The officials of the Albanian FA did not do anything, because it was an away game and they had a white set of fans. The police and security were there - and nobody did anything.

"They were afraid of the fans there. I couldn't do anything. I just had to accept it.

“I said to them, 'have you finished'? They wanted the ground to open up for them to disappear.”

After playing for Tirana as a goalkeeper between 2001 and 2004, Egbo rejoined the club as a goalkeeping coach in 2014.

But he only assumed the head coach role midway through the just-ended campaign, in December 2019.

It was a remarkable triumph for the Nigerian who took over the team when they stared relegation in the face and transformed them into champions.

When he was appointed head coach, Tirana were 15 points off the leaders but went on to win 20 of the 23 remaining games on their way to the champions podium.

“My fellow Africans said, 'you don't know what you've done for us by winning this championship'. It is just like when Obama won the Presidency in America. That's exactly how it is seen here,” added Egbo.

The ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper also talked about the few opportunities for African coaches in Europe.

“If you look at the English Premier League, you rarely see any dark-skinned coaches there. You have to go into the National League before you see that," Egbo continued.

“I feel both joy and sadness. We are not given enough opportunities. We only want the same opportunities. It is just like what Black Lives Matter are doing, but it the football circles, to give opportunities to those who deserve them.”

Egbo’s feat took place the same weekend former Cameroon forward Pierre Achille Webo helped Istanbul Basaksehir win the Turkish Super Lig title as an assistant coach.

-- goal

Mad goal from Onomah

Tega Onomah's Stats

If we can't have our best indigenous coach to assist Gernot Rohr, then we are just playing.

I don modify am to keep the title. sorry for the confusion

Edopesin:
Lmao I didn't see the initial one .. I shock say that one na Nigerian too