₦airaland Forum

It makes perfect sense to me because I don’t think these players are completely clean. They may have payed their way at some point or have had other dirty agent dealings. But it only takes one player to say it and the others will add weight to the matter. It’s just like accusing victims of rape for not speaking out early enough. There are always underlying reasons for this, but blaming them on their timing is evasive. Keshi’s assistants could have come out in outright denial that their boss never did it.

somehow:
Do you know what speaking out means?
what happened to him speaking out between 2010 to 2014 which is about 6 years ago?

if he was hiding the culprits identities 6 to 10 years ago while granting this kind of interview, we would have understood, of what use is hiding their names again years after?

makes no sense, except if these culprits are still in position of power, he's nothing but a coward!

Are you now playing the role of the investigator? Don’t we have authorities saddled with that responsibility? Shouldn’t the NFF be troubled about these interviews? Use your finger energy to tell the NFF and sports ministry to investigate, not criticizing players that are speaking out.

somehow:
many of us wants solution and not rumors and noise

we want valid revelation that can be used to punish corrupt people

I have not defended any coach, I have only said we can't use assumptions to nail anyone, its unwise and not enough to call someone as guilty!

I'm being logical here

Dirty deals is as bad as bribe na. He wasn’t specific that’s all.

Danielnino00:
. When they appointed Stephen Keshi as a coach, he was acting somehow in which I told myself that it was time for me to leave the Super Eagles.

“I packed my bags, and I told my wife and family that I can’t be involved in dirty deals.”

Taiwo's statement... No mention of being asked to pay bribe..

Some of these players have actually paid their way into the team so it’s a very touch subject for them. But most of the blame go to the coaches for making it possible. You guys should stop castigating players who speak out unless you are happy with the culture. Na dem get their mouth whether they mention name or not. Stop the attack.

Goalkeeper Emanuel Daniel is in Saudi Arabia. Eyeing a return to the SA PSL. For those who were curious why he disappeared from Lobi Stars after playing about 6 matches at the beginning of the season.

Pinnick and co was plotting for Rohr to reject the deal. That Franco-German get sense eh. He no be master people manager for nothing. He go reap he full reward in due time hahaha

daveP:
Naija go dey break record upandan for silly things.

I say una. Ur own fit be port harcourt lol

ChrisKels:
Which day me and you talk this one? Abi I look like Kellycute?

No be una dey talk say una dey fly go Dubai to barb hair. I no talk say na me dey cut my own hair?

ChrisKels:
Lol all Una wey dey claim rich men, make Una come patronize me nah, I get landed properties for sale, corona no allow me do better business since February

Keshi is one of the biggest achievers in Nigerian coaching history. We can’t take that from him. But he was very much likely a very corrupt person.

andrewbaba44:
Right from time you sabi support mediocrity

No mind am komekn. Na Arabian man

Arabiandude:
@ChrisKels Oga presently them nor they shame they chop shit...even Dangote and several World billionaires are losing quite some fortunes because of this corona virus pandemic, so nor they form rich man make you nor be abeg. Even if na street you they do, presently even street block. You stylishly begged Komekn for money, he sent you and put you to shame after daring him severally. The Noble thing expected of you was to say thanks and not still forming strongman after collecting his money.
Oga komekn you they share money? Share reach where I they oh because even Dangote need money right now. From the money I go cook better egusi soup and share with the house base on confirm Esan man make I be.

No be argument. I dey show areas where he can bring something to the team regardless of whether he comes from the bench, starts or used in different roles.

andrewbaba44:
So you still dey argue this billing matter ?

U sef no like better thing?

andrewbaba44:
How did he know england will not give him a chance? all this one na sweet mouth talk, aina issa wise man

If aina was starting for chelsea he will never think of playing for naija

My guy don see say e no get future for chelsea e kukuma play for naija immediately

Nice one from aina

It will be hard for him to even make our 2nd team. But make he try him luck.

mkrest:
Ibe now wants to play for SE, how the mighty has fallen �

Even some legends no qualify to clean his boots lol

etebefia:
Jay Jay Okocha is still the master

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkGnFWp4JIQ

No mind Chriskels. Meanwhile he and the woman dey Akpu joint now dey knack isiewu with betrer stout

komekn:
We are largely anonymous on this thread.

For some that means l can say anything l like without any sense of right or wrong.

I take the view that one will have to give account for his words and if l loose anonymity, would I be ashamed of those words. Certainly not.

For me this forum is largely light hearted entertainment and banter. I do not take anything that serious. Absolutely nobody can offend me because l don't take offence.

For that reason you will never see me use vitriolic acidic rhetoric and abusive language to anybody. That is true even in my personal capacity.

I may use very diplomatic language and long drawn out diction to say someone lacks common sense and or more. But abuse a big capital No.

Nonetheless, over the years our words are recorded whether they are lies or truth. They say something about us. They paint a picture about us.

In my professional capacity l am always 95% of the time the only black person. I come across ignorance and blatant discriminatory racism very often.

My response is to show those ignorant racists overwhelmingly consideration and love. To a point they become ashamed of thier ways and begin to see me and other black people in completely different light. It means that l can not get bitter from the bitter racism l am shown. It's actually biblical.

But back to you.

I do not lack discernment to see the spirit behind most of your comments and the nature of them. However, I choose not too be like you and not reciprocate. I can not anyway, because it's simply not in my nature.

We know as a man thinketh so he is. To the pure all things are pure and to the impure everyone and everything is impure. So what you perceive is not neccesarily a truth but a reflection of yourself.

I was born in UK but made in Warri.

I spoke in comedic tongue and cheek language specifically Warri pidgin, in light hearted banter.

I am almost certain Edopesin, andrewbaba44 and Joebie will bear me witness.

However, when ChrisKels responded giving his address. I remember our Warri saying "na joke joke, people deh take talk true". Maybe he really needs some help I thought


I thought too remove any stigma let me gather the forum to eat along with him albeit of us together, albeit it Virtually. l truly was looking forward too it. The spirt here is brotherly love and consideration in jokingly way, not insult and abuse (as you somehow have alleged)

You called me to honour my words.

I then gave you a proviso, that you should take a picture so we can all join in and eat with you AGREED. Indeed a quite a few people were looking forward to the event, again in light hearted fun. But you have spoiled it.

But now you have shown a lack of of truth integrity, honour and even civility.

You can't cover unrighteousness, lies and deceit with a supposed good deed.

It would have been better you took the money and explained say tings tight oh bros , l decided to cook one pot of Oha soup and show us, everyone will understand, even hail u join.

But what you have done here hmmm is simply not RIGHT, after calling me to honour my words.

Hand dey scratch u

Danielnino00:
Na Billing go bench am?

Lol..

“England was never going to give me a chance to play for the senior team, that’s the difference. Nigeria gave me the pathway to play for their senior team,” Aina was quoted as saying in an Instagram Live interview by the Punch. “I probably would have made it there at some point but Nigeria told me I can make it here now, it was a no-brainer.”

— goal

The stats show where Ndidi is better and otherwise. You are making a different argument.
If you need more physical presence and players to win aerial duels in the midfield your go to man is Billing. That’s also important to help a team keep possession. Billing has played more as a CM than DM in this current season. So here is a place for Billing in other areas when needed.

Blueelf:
Oga, how has his Ariel duels contributed to match wins?

Does he score headers regularly? Is he better interceptor than Ndidi. He will play second fiddle to Ndidi as long as Ndidi is fit. That's the truth

LONG READ: Just how did Reading FC capture Ovie Ejaria?
By Adam Goodwin

Three point five million pounds. It can’t get you much these days, especially in footballing terms. It could get you half of Patrick Bamford, roughly 4% of Paul Pogba, or Kylian Mbappe’s right foot. Or, if you like, just over 85,000 chicken balti pies at the Madjeski Stadium.
But it’s also the same amount of money Reading are set to pay Liverpool for Ovie Ejaria at the end of the season, and nobody can seem to work out why. Named as the 70th Best Teenager in The World 2017 by FourFourTwo and dubbed the ‘English Pogba’ on infamous Netflix series Sunderland ‘Til I Die, Ejaria has always been highly-rated, so what led to the Royals purchasing him for such a steal?

Having been released by Arsenal at 16 and reportedly rejecting PSG to join Liverpool in 2014, Jurgen Klopp gave Ejaria his first senior appearances during pre-season of the 2016-17 season. After impressing the German, he earned himself multiple appearances for the first team throughout the following campaign.

In March 2017, Klopp said: “I saw [Ejaria] playing a few times and having him around for four days and seeing him in small spaces in the sessions against the ‘adults’ was very important for him and for me.

“There’s no doubt about the attitude, there’s no doubt about quality - it’s only a question of are they already ready or not? If not, then they still have time. If yes, then lets make the next step.”

Ejaria’s former Liverpool under-23 boss Neil Critchley added: "He has these real ‘wow’ moments which just make you smile because it’s brilliant to watch.

“When he is faced with a defender one-on-one in the penalty area, you sort of feel sorry for the defender because you know there is only going to be one outcome.”

Despite high praise from his Reds bosses, two loan spells before a switch to the Royals ended his five-year spell in Merseyside.

The Independent journalist and Liverpool fan Karl Matchett watched the midfielder closely during his time at Anfield and says that it was through no fault of his own that Ejaria wasn’t successful at the club.

“It didn't work out because we moved up a few levels very quickly and left him behind. Some players just develop a little slower and maybe he needed some time and experience,” said Matchett.

“He was one of the first few to be given a chance under Klopp, so I think that heightened the excitement around him along with some of the bits he'd done at youth level.

“There was no doubting the talent, it was just the usual questions of consistency and maturity.”

With the arrivals of Mo Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, there was no room for Ejaria in Klopp’s plans. He made his first loan switch in the 2017/18 January transfer window, when he moved to Sunderland on Deadline Day.

The Black Cats were 23rd in the Championship when he made the temporary switch to Wearside, with the club looking to bounce back from finishing bottom of the Premier League the season before.

He made 11 appearances at the Stadium of Light but couldn’t prevent them from suffering a consecutive relegation. His only goal for the club came once their fate had already been sealed, as he poked home from close-range against champions Wolves.

Matthew Crichton, a writer for Sunderland fan site Roker Report, insists that it was just wrong place, wrong time for Ejaria at the Stadium of Light.

“We were battling to avoid relegation and needed experienced heads. Instead, we signed the likes of Ashley Fletcher, Jake Clarke-Salter and Ejaria on loan. That trio all enjoyed poor spells with the club but are now playing regular Championship football, so I would say Ejaria just was not the player we needed at that point,” Crichton said.

“It was unrealistic to believe a 20-year-old could be thrown straight into the first team, having never played regular senior football, and instantly hit the ground running, especially in the position we were in.

“We weren’t the right club for him to be thrown in at the deep end. I think the pressure of playing a lead role in front of 40,000 people at a club fighting relegation was too big of an ask.”

Despite a disappointing spell at Sunderland, Ejaria was one of a few youngsters who new Rangers boss Steven Gerrard turned to, as he looked to bolster his squad with some loanees from his former club.

He started brightly, scoring in consecutive games away to Motherwell in the Premiership and a crucial goal against Russian team Ufa in the Europa League, helping secure their spot in the Europa League group stages.

However, a costly mistake in the Old Firm derby against Celtic was the beginning of the end for Ejaria in Scotland, as he failed to track the run of Oliver Ntcham, before the Frenchman netted the game’s winning goal.

Sky Sports journalist and Rangers fan Andrew Dickson says, despite undoubted ability, Ejaria’s lack of fight let him down.

“Rangers fans love players who show commitment on the park, often showing genuine forgiveness for a lack of skill if someone makes up for that with effort and determination, but Ejaria arguably gave them the opposite,” Dickson explained.

“He had the talent yet didn’t apply himself nearly as much as it was thought he would. In a league where character pays off, he didn’t show it enough to make the progress both Rangers and Liverpool hoped for.

“He ultimately grew unsettled in Glasgow and wanted to leave so when he did, it left many fans of the opinion he lacked the mental and physical strength to be deemed a success at Ibrox.”

As mentioned, Ejaria struggled to settle across the border and, despite being involved in almost all of Rangers’ league and European games, the 21-year-old decided to cut his loan short at Rangers.

Reports from Scotland at the time claimed that he didn’t like the physicality in the Scottish Premiership, which led to plenty of criticism from pundits and fans alike. This wasn’t helped by Ejaria unfollowing Rangers on Instagram and deleting all reference to them from his profile before a crucial Europa League tie against Villarreal in December.

Upon Ejaria’s return to Liverpool in January, Gerrard said: “Am I disappointed he’s gone? Yes. Do I think it’s the right decision? No, because I think he had an incredible opportunity here.

“I have to accept the decision. I’m sad about it, I wish him all the best. He’s a nice kid, very quiet. He told me it was 100 percent football reasons and I have to respect that.”

Despite being back at Liverpool after two unsuccessful loan spells, the midfielder was brought in by then Reading boss Jose Gomes in an attempt to remain in the Championship.

Along with the other successful loanees brought in by Gomes, Ejaria helped the Royals avoid the drop, leading to calls from fans to bring him back for at least another season. The Reading owners were unconvinced however, despite Gomes’ desperation to re-sign him for the 2018-19 campaign.

A deal was eventually completed to bring him back on season-long loan on literally the last minute of the transfer window. And, within that, the club also agreed to make the transfer permanent at the end of the current campaign for just £3.5m.

Ejaria has continually wowed Reading fans ever since arriving at the Madjeski, with his nimble footwork and skills that have seemed almost impossible to pull off. He’s made midfielders of the highest order look silly with nutmegs, flicks and dragbacks and, on his day, he’s impossible to stop.

However, there are still many Reading supporters who are continuously frustrated by his dilly-dallying on the ball and reluctance to play the easy pass at times. And, highlighted by his time in Scotland, someone that is 6ft and 165lb shouldn’t be shrugged off the ball as easily as does.

These faults were echoed by others who have watched him at his previous clubs, heavily praising his technical ability and his close control, but criticising his lack of physicality and a tendency to be far too meek on the ball.

At 22, Ejaria is still a few years from his prime though, and it seems unlikely that these things will remain a problem. Before the season was suspended, it was evident that the midfielder had begun to improve on some of those faults and Royals fans can only imagine how dangerous he could be if he were to bulk out slightly.

“He’s still figuring out his role. He’s a good dribbler so sometimes it’s too easy for managers to shove him out wide, but he’s always been a midfielder and that's where he belongs,” says youth football expert Connor Rowden.

“To keep improving, he just needs to keep finding the balance between trying to carry the ball and moving it quickly. Once his one-on-one skills are isolated to times they're actually needed, he'll be more efficient and more productive.

“I think he can be a good Premier League midfielder and, therefore, get in contention for an England cap at some point. I think playing for a top side is probably a step too far, but who knows.

“Like with most players, it's all about the fit and the right coach as to if he hits his ceiling.”

Reading have a history of bargain hunting. The signatures of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long for a combined fee of around about £75k spring to mind but, more recently, Andy Yiadom and John Swift both being brought in on free transfers also looks like shrewd business.

But perhaps the capture of Ejaria for, let me remind you, £3.5m could better all of those, especially if he can continue impressing in Berkshire and begin to fulfil the potential that was expected of him. Cue the Liverpool board scrambling to see if they can cancel that permanent transfer clause…

—ReadingChronicle

If Billing eventually turns out for us and he can translate his club performances to the national team, he would add something we currently lack in midfield. And that is aerial duels. He could prove a good addition. Let's wait and see.

Another comparison with Ndidi from a different stats tool.

maybe you have comprehension problem..

You have said Ndidi will NEVER be benched if he is fit and available. And I am suppose to argue with you on that? That kind argument no get head and tail.

Danielnino00:
U made the assumption that Billing could displace Ndidi if he gets to play for the national team...
And I'm telling u that Rohr won't bench Ndidi or any of his regular boys just like that for Billing or any other player..
Rohr doesn't operate like that!

If Billing gets a call up for our next game,he will have to wait to get his chance as long as Ndidi is fit...unless he wish to play another role aside from DM .

And yes,Ndidi will never be benched as long as he is fit and available !

Reminds me of #MeToo. But nothing go happen here.

Humility017:
Lol...I tell you

for somehow and basco

I have a question for them.

could it be all this guys held a meeting and now choose to come out to speak this words on allegations of bribery for call ups

if we really use our tongue to count our teeth it means there is really something happening behind the scene....and Keshi is not free from this

dude was so corrupt and plus the corruption from those folks at the glass house

Please tell me who said Billing will bench Ndidi instantly, or in any timeframe? Then let me ask again, please tell me who said Ndidi will never be benched till eternity? Follow the discussion. .

Danielnino00:
@ your last paragraph.. Rohr is the coach...have u ever seen Rohr bench one of his regular players for any newbies he calls up?

Make una calm down. There are processes to these things. If our authorities are genuine to take up the case and do an investigation names no go drop? Leave matter. Our own Na just to type for internet.

barackodam:
Sometimes, names need not be mentioned o.

He said he was asked to pay to get into "2014 WC squad"

Question is, who was our head coach then?
Who is tasked with inviting and naming players for competition?

The head coach or physiotherapist?

Or NFA(F) president?

You know who that is, only one person can draft list and include or remove anyone.

That's the person he's talking about

The issue is not about if Sarki is good enough. Let’s not turn a blind eye to what is a reality in Nigeria.

Modified
Somebody is speaking out and we are here questioning his football abilities.

jihday:
For us? He isn't even good enough for Haiti, even if he had paid I'm sure he'd have only gotten a cameo

Who has said that Billing will bench Ndidi here? Andrew yiu dey fall my hand. Let people make their predictions. But when they say it as if they are certain, then you can criticize. Make una stop this FB tag. They are Nigerians. Let’s not be like racists to our own

andrewbaba44:
If I may ask must ejaria start ?

Why must you guys always find a way to fit in any foreign player in the team ?

Why not wait and see what rohr will do with him and then you can conclude he will start

Even the other one is even saying billing will bench ndidi

Iwobi is deadly in his good day. Don’t forget his friendly performance against England. And was it Brazil or Ukraine friendly, that lively assist. . And also WC qualifier against Zambia. Sometimes he just turns off. I stand by my word as long as he has not reached his peak, we will be so glad we stole him.

vision4everlan:
Abeg, iwobi is an average player. He is okay and that's all. He is not really world class. His ability to control the midfield is limited when he comes up against a highly technical team. Nigeria vs Algeria in afcon 2019 comes to mind. Ejaria or someone better might bench him as time goes on

There is no where in my post I criticized Ndidi. Stop typing like an internet warrior.

Modified
At it the end it all boils down to who is the SE coach. All we are giving here is our personal opinions.

Provoker:
if you like analyse it from today till tomorrow even bring out solid points, billing can Never bench Ndidi.
Infact no midfielder in our team not even etebo can bench Ndidi
Even when aribo came, it was etebo position on the line, if the team needs to be more attacking then etebo would be sacrificed. That's just the reality.
Ndidi plays in a 2 man pivot and gives his best yet you aren't satisfied. Ndidi doesn't give average performances for super eagles.
When pinnick was asked which he doesn't joke with, he said ndidi because ndidi is very loyad plays with the same passion he plays with for leceister.
How y'all started criticizing ndidi was very surprising to me.
Ndidi till he retires is untouchable!

Iwobi needs to improve in some areas. If he can he will proove a massive steal from England

jihday:
Many think he's not good enough

He is an untouchable because he is unchallenged. Until he has competition then we can have that conversation. It’s not underrating

jihday:
I think you guys underrate iwobi alot, I hope we'll get a new AM soon una go see. I think Rhor prefers a natural LB that's why he seem to like Collin

Iwobi because of a lack of AM, yes. Collins, though a natural LB, isnt better than Aina.

jihday:
Iwobi, Collin, Ekong

Firstly, I’ve never used the word threat here. I’ve only said I expect Billing to compete and not just be a push over. It’s not like Ndidi is miles ahead based on every club stat. So let’s wait and see.

Danielnino00:
We can't separate club from country in this context because Billing hasn't played for the super eagles yet.. you are just assuming that he will be a threat to Ndidi in the national team because Ndidi hasn't performed up to expectation..

So we will just go with the more reasonable criteria for rating both players which is their premier league stats..