₦airaland Forum

Getting game time is the most important thing for him now.

ChrisKels:
Ozornwafor shuns Bursaspor for a move to Almeria, on loan from Galatasary

Sure. All still lacking game time except Jordan who has only played 45 mins in a German cup tie. Felix, 30 mins

ChrisKels:
What about Uduokhai, Torunarigha and Friede, I hope u are keeping tabs on them?

He has played all 3 games, deployed as a LFB, RFB and RWB and was impressive especially in their last game. The kid has a lot of promise. We need to get him at least for our U23 team.

Barryseal:
The way you guys famz players eh. I just had to Google this name and discovered he plays for a newly promoted Bundesliga2 team and he has played just 2 games for them since 2018-2019 season.
You mean say, you have been watching him when he was playing for the youth team of a Bundesliga 3 club. Abi you're just getting excited because say na Oyibo? Serious question.

This Best XI takes into consideration their culminative performance else Maja will clearly be ahead of Okereke. Ojo and Eduok have been more influential in the wings consistently. I’m taking note of Dennis and Michael.

Deji plays in the German 4th tier. Has played all 5 games so far

ChrisKels:
Good job guy, but why didn't u give Dennis Bonaventure a mention, he was immense in their last match where Okereke blew hot and cold. Another gud mention should be Kingsley Michael who also did well for Bologna in a cup game.

Plz what's up with Deji Behruether's career?

SE HOPEFULS BEST XI (ROUND 2)

---

REASONS:

CF
David Okereke keeps his CF spot in this week's Best XI due to his unmatched 4 goals tally for a CF so far this season, although failing to make an impact in the last round of matches in both the Belgian top flight and in Europe. However, with a little bit of consistency from Josh Maja, who came from the bench to score for Bordeaux on Saturday, Okereke's position in the team will come under threat next week especially considering he plays in a lower rated league compared to the French Ligue 1, and has failed to make an impact after 3 Champions League qualification matches.

ADVANCED MIDFIELD
Sheyi Ojo takes the RW/RM spot after bagging a goal and two assists against Midtjylland in Europa League qualification. Sheyi has been on fire in both the Scottish Premiership and in Europe this season with a handful of goals and assists often operating from the left. Similarly, Samuel Eduok has been in fine form in Croatia. Featuring as a CF over the weekend, he got another assist to his name adding to his prevous tally of 3 goals and 2 assists after 4 matches in the 1.HNL. He makes this week's team at the expense of Ebere Eze.

Eze did not come to party in QPR's latest matches. After starting the season with an impressive goal in the first round, and bagging an MOTM award in the second round, Eze's impact have not been felt lately, as his club has suffered two consecutive losses within the last 7 days.

Abduljalil Ajagun is the undisputed best Nigerian player playing as an AM so far this season. He followed his scintillating performance penultimate weekend with another beautiful assist last Saturday. If his imposing performances in the Jupiler league so far are anything to go by, Ajagun deserves a call up to the Super Eagles.

CM
Ovie Ejaria is arguably the best CM in the Championship after featuring in just 2 from a total of 4 rounds of matches. After an impressive start for Reading in his first game this season in the 3rd round, he was named to the Whoscored Championship Team of the week. He followed it up with another Whoscord MOTM recognition scoring away in West Bromwich just this evening. Ejaria knocks off Joe Aribo, who is no longer eligible to make the team of SE Hopefuls as the latter has been called up by Gernot Rohr for the Ukraine friendly billed for September.

DM
Due to lack of good competition in the DM position, Anderson Esiti maintains his place in the team. He gave a good account of himself playing against Ajax twice in UEFA Champions league qualification. Coming closely, is QPR's Luke Amos who has enjoyed lots of game time for QPR this term. Azubuike Okechukwu made his Istanbul BB debut in the Super Lig last Saturday, but was subbed off after just 46 minutes in their away loss to Yeni Malatyaspor.

FULL-BACKS
Felix Agu has been a standout performer in Bundesliga II. So far, he has been utilized by Osnabrueck as a RFB, LFB, and RWB, and has not disappointed each time. He helped his club demolish Darmstadt on Monday outclassing Mandela Egbo who coincidentally played RB for the visitors. Felix beat Mandela in all stats except in the number of successful tackles. Felix finished with a WhoScored rating of 7.71 as opposed to Egbo's 5.92. Both players clocked 90mins for their respective sides.

Left Back, Chima Okoroji maintains his position as best Left back after clocking another 90 minutes for Jahn Ragensburg in their 1-0 away loss to Greater Furerth. He finished with a WhoScored Rating of 7.10. Okoroji has played every single minute this season in the German second-tier.


CENTER-BACKS
Fikayo Tomori is named to the team after coming from Chelsea's bench in their super cup loss to Liverpool. Royal Antwerp's Junior Pius loses his place from last week's team, as he has not returned from injury. Tosin Adarabioyo has not made Blackburn's match day squad in the last two rounds as he was not passed fit for both encounters.
Minnesota United Center-back, Ike Opara makes the team. He has been named to the official MLS Team of the Week 4 times within the past two months. Opara was named alongside Nedum Onuoha in a 3-man defense, in the latest Team of the Week (Week 24) released Monday. Opara is still eligible to represent Nigeria as he has only been capped once by the USMNT in a friendly last year.

GK
Blank

What's your take?

He fit dey joke lol

komekn:
I wonder the school some people go Chei Lol

I laff tire

I will announce the next SE HOPEFULS XI after today’s EFL championship matches.
STAY TUNED

Modified
Joe Aribo now joins the current crop of SE players. Who would take his CM position in the SE hopefuls team? Your guess is as good as mine.

Wilfried Ndidi: Why the Big Clubs are Avoiding the Super Eagles star

The English summer transfer season slammed shut before the start of the Premier League and in another fortnight the European transfer window will follow suit and all things being equal, the Super Eagles midfielder will spend another season at the King Power Stadium.

Wilfred Onyiye Ndidi is presently regarded as one of the best ball winners in the English top league and by all standards that is one of the highest compliments anyone can give to a 22-year-old who has only just spend two full seasons in the Premier League.

But should Leicester City be the final destination for a youngster who holds so much promise for club and country?

Ndidi’s unalloyed commitment to Brendan Rodgers’ side is commendable and, at a time when players change clubs for the flimsiest of excuses, it must not be treated like worthless trash.

However, a time will surely come when club and player, in peace or in pieces, will have to part company and go their separate ways. While the club will almost immediately find a replacement, the player has one of two ways to go: down towards obscurity or upwards to greater heights. With all the attributes and skills that the Nigeria international has in his locker, he easily could be playing for any of Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG or Juventus without looking out of place at all.

Yet, at the peak of the transfer window when the top clubs threw cash around to lure the top players, aside for a few side glances and mild interests, no serious bids were made for Ndidi. Paris St. Germain spent 30 million pounds on Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye. Spurs broke a club record to secure the services of Frenchman Tanguy Ndombele. But no top club paid any attention to the 25 million-pounds-rated Nigerian.

There has to be something that the former KRC Genk midfielder is not doing right.

For all his ball-winning prowess, his incredible stamina – he featured 38 out of 38 times in the league last term – and his impressive tackling skills, Wlifred Ndidi comes way short in his passing ability. He is great at what he does, but the biggest clubs now want more.

From Arsenal, to Chelsea, to Manchester City, to Juventus, to Real Madrid, Europe’s biggest sides are seeking to follow the Barcelona template of playing the ball out of defence. It is the new trend.

Leicester City however tried to do same against Chelsea at the weekend at Stamford Bridge and it exposed the shortcomings of the Super Eagles star.

In the seventh minute of that encounter, Ndidi dithered for seconds uncertain where to send the ball as it came to him on the edge of the area. Blues attacker Mason Mount capitalized on the Nigerian’s indecision to rob him of the ball and score the opener for the home side. Thank goodness Ndidi had the presence of mind to overcome that early set back and head home his side’s equalizer but for that he would have been the villain for the next few days.

The Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers would later take responsibility for asking his players to try something new and play from the back but the Nigeria midfield enforcer should know that is an indictment on his passing ability.

Top clubs expect their defensive midfielders to do more than just protect the defence, they will always prefer an N’golo Kante for his all round display, a Joao Moutinho for his ability with the ball, a Marco Verratti for his wide range of passing or a Tanguy Ndombele for his all-action performance.

Wilfred Ndidi can elevate himself into this group of world class players by improving on his passing ability.

The Super Eagles midfielder has a contract with the East Midlands club until 2024 but by that time he could be displaying his talents at a much grander stage – does it get bigger than the UEFA Champions League? – if he smoothens his rough edges and make a good go for it.

—Soccernet.ng

Hahahahaha

By physical he no mean fight na

krattoss:
Turkey is less physical?

u must be joking..

Turkey wey dem dey throw punches and riots like world war..
Their fans are the most fanatics and aggressive I have ever seen.

That league isn't for the feint hearted

The question is among the ministerial appointees is there any with l a proven background in sports administration?

jieta:
I don't think is a bad idea having a former journalist as a minister of sport. I'm not one of buhari supporters but on this one I think he got it right even though I still hope and pray that one day some one like mumini aloa become minister of sport.

He would be stupid if that’s his strategy. Even if England caps him officially, there is no guarantee he will be recalled subsequently

Curtisaxel7:
Smartass. Using his option to play for naija to force the hand of the English FA to call him up.

Warri blood no dey lie. Smart guy!.

If this is true, he now officially joins the list of SE hopefuls

edi287:
Tammy is much sharper than I thought

wetin even bring Burna boy into the matter? And was there an argument here about Maja's tribal origin?.. my guy na Super Eagles thread we dey.. take time

Rashdimuh:
Lol Google Search his name The full name is Joshua Eriwoli Orisunbare Majasola, he is a Yoruba boy. Google is your friend.Even his name is also Oluwaseun lols, Do you know Burna boy has a Yoruba name and the name is Ebunoluwa.

Ok hopefully

tbaba1234:
I am sure Uzoho will get time this season. We just need to get 2 others.

Enyeama enjoyed lots of game time at the club level. That was very important for his development.

tbaba1234:
Enyeama is the best keeper Nigeria has ever produced. No question. The keeper does not have to be as good.

If you have 3 young keepers. One or two will reach a decent level.

If you bring back an Ejide, you will impede the opportunities to grow and gain these international experiences.

I’ve already said what I have to say about our young keepers. If Uzoho can get game time in Cyprus then that’s fine. It’s important they play.

tbaba1234:
One save but how was he after that for Nigeria? We were not under pressure in that match.

The first couple of years of Enyeama were average. He improved as he got older.

Uzoho should start.

Get 2 other young keepers and we are good to go.

He showed great promise. So that’s a different scenario to what we have now. I’m hoping our young keepers improve though. But just because Enyeama improved overtime is no guarantee. Enyeama had it and we could tell from that very fine performance at a very big stage.

tbaba1234:
One save but how was he after that for Nigeria? We were not under pressure in that match.

The first couple of years of Enyeama were average. He improved as he got older.

Enyeama became a hero against England at the WC. Remember that fine save in the game he posted a shut-out at the WC? Enyeama showed a big promise in 2002. I’m waiting for the young keepers to shut my mouth. Until then the fact remains they are not as active as the guy u are calling fat.

tbaba1234:
More power to him..

There is no point inviting him imo.

When Ike Shorunmi retired, we had a goalkeeping crisis.

We turned to 3 young keepers, Enyeama, Ejide and Aiyenugba.

Enyeama was far from the finished article but with time and experience, he improved a lot.

People forget how poor Enyeama was with crosses and penalties. He was useless when it came to penalties. 2004 AFCON semis come to mind but he was focused and improved. He became a very good penalty stopper.

He claims Rivers. I guess that’s where his dad is from.

safarigirl:
Burna boy's mother is Yoruba, is he not supposed to have a Yoruba name?

Tbaba even if he get pot belly he is still active. Abs don’t guarantee game time although I get

tbaba1234:
Yes o, the effects of pounded yam..

Some people do not want to agree that he was slim even with pictures.

I like the objectivity written all over you and tbaba’s discussion. Very mature of u guys. We need more chaps like u on this thread.

komekn:
For me he looks dangerous and he will score and he will get better. But will he be given time he has at most 3/4 more games to prove himself and then it's Bench.

Chelsea is not a patient club and Lampard needs to start winning or his own position will be in jeopardy.

she has nothing to gain convincing me or not. it's only a discussion. And we don't have to agree at the end of the day, as long we keep it clean and devoid of jabs.

Humility017:
you're wasting your time...trying to.convince them...they don't wanna make sacrifice for the super eagles future.

EJIDE won't be getting any call ups...
he never impressed for once.
against Scotland he gift them a goal who knows if connived to fix that match...

still remember FIFA wanted probe that match because of the betting odds recorded....

in 2008 he was Berti Vogts first choice with nothing tangible to show...

and right now...not that he is even playing in Italy, England or Spain.... many here wanna pass him our throat....and even mentioning buffoon as if they're in same level.

peeps here will never cease to amaze me

Even after friendlies and maybe a couple AFCON qualifiers

safarigirl:
In friendly games?

Make una leave that man, Ejide will never come out of Enyeama's shadow, don't put him in one small boy's shadow too

On the flip side he may just retire as a hero

safarigirl:
I dey look players like say dem be my family members.

The young ones can chop insult, after all, they are small boys, they are at the age where chopping insult is part of growth. No be old man go come dey chop insult

Abeg, I prefer Ejide keeps his peace of mind, he cannot go through what Akpeyi went through. Super Eagles can sort themselves out

Maybe we would have. Maybe not. But the fact remains he has the best stats.

forgiveness:
Austin Ejide stats is better than all the goalkeepers we have.

He played throughout last season. Why did our goalkeeper coach ignore him for Akpeyi and Ezenwa despite playing in a better league?

With Ejide we could have won the AFCON.

Lol
U don take am too far.
He is a sportsman.. I’m sure he’s experienced lots of bashing whenever he does badly during his long career. I know say u care about this man more than himself. But no forget say some of our young players get family too o.

I’m a fan that just want to see the best we can have regardless of where they come from or how old they are. Show that papa u got better tricks and he will duff his hat for u. Else he shouldn’t be retired yet.

If SE gets better and better as time goes on I will smile. If it doesn’t seem we are getting better, I go talk truth.

safarigirl:
I do not think it is for his career. I do not think Ejide needs the Super Eagles right now, he's doing good at his club and he doesn't have to worry about millions of Nigerians, dragging him all over social media for a slight error. He is in a good place

I think this is about you, you people don't really care about Ejide and his career, you just want to watch Nigeria's games and you think you'll feel better watching with an Ejide in goal. Like I said, it's actually quite self-centered, but what are fans if not self-centered?

I seem to be the only one that actually cares about this man. A lot of you only care about the 90 minutes he's on the pitch, I care about the before and after, I care about his state of mind. I don't limit myself to the 90 minutes of football.

This is someone's husband, father and son, if it is not ABSOLUTELY necessary for HIM, not YOU or any of the other Super Eagles fans, HIM, there is no reason he should don a Super Eagles jersey.

ehen that would help

safarigirl:
You are taking it more seriously than I intended it. Maybe I should have added a smiley at the end

I have supported Uzoho wholeheartedly for many pages on this thread. But if Uzoho shows he is better than Ejide in camp, then no argument. And that's IF the latter is invited.

tbaba1234:
He looked past it. He might still be able to do a job but i doubt he is at a high level.

Uzoho is good enough. His club situation is more stable now. He should be given a chance. We should be looking for deputies for him.

oh so u think the intention is to help him with his career.. wow life is not always competition.
The purpose have been stated clearly. Anybody who thinks there is a hidden agenda should bring it up, and I will trash it here squarely. Uzoho is in the team... there are loads of pages I supported his call up and use in our friendlies leading to the WC. Alampasu, Nwokolor, as well got my support at one time or the other.. Who have I not even supported on this thread when they were doing well?

I have always been a proponent of fierce competition. Anything that will keep our players continuously on their toes will promote excellence. No player should feel their position is assured until we are that team that we all love to watch. shekina

Modified
I think I misunderstood you. Well, let's hope the young keepers get better as time goes on

safarigirl:
Now, he's called as a temporary panacea, is that really better than second fiddle? Yes, he may come, but it is not to be crowned in glory....this is assuming he doesn't have a few gaffes and you and the others clamouring for him today, don't turn on him.

Ejide is old, whether you people call him or not at this point, it will have little or no impact on his career, the same cannot be said of the small boys.

how far with bolded? wasn't called for hmmmmm

safarigirl:
I don't know how you can say this with certainty. Uzoho and Ezenwa have been decent for the GWG, nobody will be ready to take over the mantle and if you are looking at Ejide, I highly recommend you look away.

There are no tournaments coming any time soon, so, Rohr has all the time in the world, to try the young goalies until he gets what he wants. This one is not like 2014 World Cup that they rushed Odemwingie inside.
The best time for Ejide, was last year, before the World Cup, the second best time, was this year, before AFCON.....if Rohr and co had no use for him in these crucial moments, they will not call him up after them, except all the young goalies are injured or something


Alampasu, Nwokolor and Osigwe will get look-ins before Ejide. Rohr say he's building team for the future, and you people are mentioning Ejide that will be 38 by the next World Cup....what do you want to use him for? Una just wan make pesin papa come play six games for you, then you will kick him out again like the last time. You people are wicked, selfish and insensitive.

hahahahaha

modified
i pray say na sarcasm oh..

Earthquake1:
Is he home born?

no, stats has been the ONLY context here.
Have you watched his game recently?

Modified
And if he was past it several years ago, how come he played a big part in Ligat ha'Al in the just concluded season. You mean his club couldn't have got a better younger keeper who wasn't spent?

tbaba1234:
The last time i saw Ejide in the post, he already looked past it and this is several years later. Have you watched an Ejide game recently?