₦airaland Forum

Claudio Ranieri is Fulham’s new boss. Awaziem to Fulham in future, maybe?

When are our players hitting camp?

Icon4s:
Nigeria paired in Group B with Ghana, Benin and Niger for the WAFU U20 tournament commencing on 6th December, 2018 in Togo.

Promised who more money? We only know of player bonuses or money per goal scored promises. Could there be more behind the scenes? Is that your idea of sponsorship?

tbaba1234:
Maybe he promised more money.

Unfortunately, that is how it is..

Guy that’s just in your mind. It doesn’t always work like that. I dont have to tell you my training and experience in leadership and how things are run... Just because bosses makes the decisions does not mean they have to take an authoritarian approach. It’s a character thing. Leaders like that end badly.

krattoss:
by oxes, I mean opinions of naysayers,haters and critics.

Yes last time I checked, who pays the salary runs the show. Unless some Shananigans runs in the backgrounds.

@bolded, U have no idea what u are talking about.

krattoss:
am tired of lecturing these guys.

Due to their paradigm shift, everything, decision and move made by public office holders that doesn't favor them, they term it corruption, bribery and hallubaloo.

Because Uyo didn't host it this time around, they don't like it and boom, money has exchanged hands.
Not forgetting that the same Uyo pitch they keep wanking on has overtime and many times paraded an eyesore, potato farm pitch im some of our matches.

But as I always say and maintain, none of their opinions matters, and bosses doesn't give 2 fvcks whose ox is gored when making decisions.
Anyperson wey no wan play for that Asaba pitch, make him withdraw, including Rohr himself.
He who plays the piper dictates the tone.

Only Okowa is now willing to “sponsor” abi? Make i laugh better laugh.

tbaba1234:
Where the super eagles plays depends on which state governor is willing to sponsor. That is the way, it has always been. The condition of the pitch is secondary to pecuniary considerations.

Hahaha.. in Naija? your guess is as good as mine.

komekn:
100% correct unfortunately this is life.

However, what you look at is the reason they are denied opportunity and that's where corruption comes in.

If there can be blatant corruption here l often wonder what must be going on in Naija.

He plays in the NNL

do4luv14:
ikorodu ke? Former highest goal score for NPPL ooo! ,

or is it that i dont post my question well

Haha when were the venues picked and when did Rohr speak? And after Rohr gave his opinion in the media, what was Pinnick’s response also in the media? Guy no defend for the sake of defense.

Bad leadership vs good leadership. You know how it ends. Over here bad leadership is all we know, and many of you will gladly defend that.
You bow to the boss without giving any meaningful opinion or input, praying that one day it will be your turn to also show ur power. Turn by turn, na there una go remain.

krattoss:
who told u pinnick hasn't been listening to reasonings before coming to his conclusions?

Must everything be narrowed to the progression and retrogression of the country?

Is power tussle restricted to one clime?

And what's the big deal if one decides to play devils advocate?

Good

krattoss:
I am what I am bro

In good leadership, you listen to reason. After due consideration, you make an informed decision. This is why we don’t progress as a country, everyone wants to show power that are the boss. Somebody is trying to defend how SOME bosses act.

TheGoodJoe:
The question is, what do the bosses know about the value of venue to win games. That is like saying because you employed a statistician to work in your office, you will dictate the process he would use to do his job.

The coach is the one that works with the players while the so called bosses are chilling in their offices and dinner Meeting.

They should have taken Rohr to the venue and asked his opinion. If Rohr is not okay with the stadium, his decision should be final because the bosses need to give him every tool at their disposal for him to succeed. Picking venues against the wishes of the team and coaches is a clear case of sabotage.

I’m sure others will get my point. You are what you defend.

krattoss:
u ve completely digressed.

I’m sure u are that kind of boss — if you are one.

krattoss:
Pinnick as a boss he is, has his reasons for the choice of Asaba as the match venue. And the coach and the players been his employee can't do anything about it than to agree. Or better still, they should boycott if dem get the mind..

Very soon, elclasico will be played on the USA soil, and the players and coaches can do little or nothing bout it.

They re ur bosses, they call the shots. If u re not yet it okay with it, u resign.
It's all boit the Benjamins bro.

So is that the reason why we played a friendly in Port-harcourt? Should we sacrifice simple logic as regards the inferior quality of the pitch in question just because we want to satisfy our culture of rotation? Did Pinnick give a reason why he insisted on PH and now Asaba? Mind you, I’m from Delta State.

krattoss:
only one region and one stadium shouldn't hold monopoly to the national teams matches..

That's more the reason South Africans were boycotting their teams matches. Cos every game is been taking to the FNB stadium Johannesburg.
There are other good facilities out there also.

Good bosses state their reasons as well. Again, it’s not a power struggle.

krattoss:
everyone has reasons. The bosses also has their own reasons too.. At the end of the day, they call the shots

Osimhen VS Aneke. Oya start!

tbaba1234:
Chuks Aneke is no stranger to people here. He played in Belgium and did not exactly light the place up.

Right, but his employers should see reasons. Good bosses listen to reason. It’s not a power struggle.

krattoss:
I think Rohr as an employee shouldn't be calling the shots to his bosses on where matches are to be played.

My bro a quality friendly is a far better test than a “competitive” HOME game against SEYCHELLES.

TheGoodJoe:
I think we should treat every game with seriousness and use spare games to try out players knocking at the door of the Super Eagles and those in the squad who have not gotten a good run of games. It could use to test new tactics of the current team. Better than wasting it on players who will not contribute to the near future of the Super Eagles.

Rohr says he is still open to Moses returning.
Abi Rohr no get enough control? I forget, our boys dey train for Asaba now — Delta politicians effect.

krattoss:
thats if there is still no bad bloods between him and the big goons at the glass house.

Cos that Moses retirement isn't something that came out ordinarily..

This corruption thing na everywhere. U dey talk the one u don see with korokoro eyes sha.
Truth is not all good players get “OPPORTUNITY”. It’s also true about other spheres of life.

komekn:
English football is intrinsically corrupt.

It's not as easy the best player club administrators, recruitment are looking mostly for the best DEAL AND not necessarily the best player.

The stories I could tell.

That's why the FA Cup is such an eye opener, you see non league clubs beating league clubs.

'Make your chance count' – Ike Shorunmu advises Nigeria goalkeepers ahead of South Africa showdown
Taiye Taiwo
15:54 13/11/2018

One of the trio is expected to start in goal at the FNB Stadium on Saturday as the Super Eagles will be without their first-choice shot-stopper

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has charged Ikechwuku Ezenwa, Theophilus Afelokhai and Daniel Akpeyi to maximise their opportunity when called to be in goal for the Super Eagles’ game against South Africa.
Nigeria, Group E leaders, will take on Bafana Bafana in their penultimate 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the FNB Stadium on Saturday without Francis Uzoho.

The Elche goalkeeper was replaced in the 23-man squad by Enyimba’s Theophilus Afelokhai for the crucial outing after suffering a fracture in his rib during an encounter in the Spanish second-tier.

And Shorunmu who represented the Super Eagles at the 2002 Fifa World Cup has advised the trio to give their best for the team and also lauded the inclusion of two goalkeepers from the Nigeria Professional Football League in Gernot Rohr's squad.

“Their invitation to the national team is a good development for the NPFL," Shorunmu told Goal.

"I remember I said it sometimes ago that we will get to a time when goalkeepers in the domestic league will compete for the no. 1 position in the Super Eagles.

“The decision[for who will be in goal] is left for the goalkeeping department to make because what we see might be different from what they see and what they want. I believe the three goalkeepers are ready to play when called upon but the decision is left for the coaching crew to make.

“In the case of Uzoho, he's having a good momentum but we just need to be patient with him and some other goalkeepers that will come around to give him pressure that the place is not for him. For me, the No. 1 spot is still opened but the thing is that when you get the chance you make it count.

“The department is sensitive and there is no policy but my belief is that they should just continue with their impressive displays because the longer they stay in the team, the more experience they acquire.

"I remember when Enyeama came to the national team, I told him I'm leaving the team and you have a good quality as a goalkeeper, and thank God at the end of the day, we can see the number 1 in him."

Nigeria will aim to avenge their 2-0 defeat to the Staurt Baxter’s men in the first-leg of the Afcon qualifiers at Godswill Akpabio Stadium back in June 2017.
But the former Besiktas and Zurich goalkeeper has warned them to avoid unnecessary pressure and errors as they target to secure their place in next year's continental showpiece in Cameroon with a win.

“They should not give themselves unnecessary pressure and let the spirit of the day take care of the game, when you look back that we lost at home, definitely we made mistakes and there is always mistakes in every game but they should minimise their mistakes,” he concluded.

—goal

I think Moses should get that Rooney treatment. He needs to bow out in a more ceremonial way. How about playing his last game for Nigeria against Seychelles after we have sealed qualification. Then it would be Moses&TeamNigeriaUK VS Seychelles? Of course I don’t expect most of you to agree

Or better yet, finish where he started — Another AFCON.

22 Eagles in Asaba as Nigeria prepare for big Bafana fight

https://www.thenff.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-13-at-6.01.33-PM.png

Stand –in Captain Ahmed Musa and 21 other players trained at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Tuesday evening as the Super Eagles stepped into gear for Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battle against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Johannesburg.

At training as well were goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi, Theophilus Afelokhai and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Adeleye Aniyikaye, Semi Ajayi, Bryan Idowu, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo and Jamilu Collins.

There were also midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu, and Mikel Agu, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Henry Onyekuru, Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and Samuel Chukwueze.

Only France –based forward Samuel Kalu is expected on Wednesday.

Table –toppers Nigeria actually need just one point from Saturday’s encounter inside the FNB Stadium in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, to be sure of a slot at next year’s continental house party, but a combination of national pride, assumed rivalry between both teams and commitment to avenging a stinging defeat by the Bafana Bafana in Uyo 17 months ago has adorned this match with a totally different garb.

On Matchday 1 of the qualifying series, South Africa won 2-0 with goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau right inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, as Coach Gernot Rohr sent out a young, inexperienced Nigerian squad. However, that slap (the first-ever loss to South Africa in a competitive match) stirred the formidable spirit in the Eagles and they swept all before them to earn a 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket with a match to spare.

However, the memory of that defeat has not gone away, which was why the Eagles have pulled no punches since the 2019 AFCON qualifiers resumed in September, winning all three matches to bounce to the top of the pool and standing at the door of qualification with a match to spare.

The Nigeria delegation to Saturday’s big match will depart the country aboard a chartered flight from the Benin City Airport on Thursday evening. The Eagles are expected to have a feel of the picturesque FNB Stadium on Friday afternoon by 3.30pm.

—NFF

WhoScored Player ratings start at 6.0

tbaba1234:
This is whoscored.com. All players start at 6.4 at the start of the match. You will rarely see a 5 rating..

Below 6.4 rating is poor

Above 7.5 is exceptional

All of Agu's ratings are between this. Not poor and not exceptional.

Like i said, he has been there but nothing exceptional.

Nike U.S. Has Restocked the Nigeria 2018 World Cup Jersey
By Fabian Gorsler in Style 30 mins ago

https://static.highsnobiety.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/08112443/nigerias-world-cup-kit-internet-reacts-01-680x453.jpg

Although the Nigeria national football team didn’t have the impact on the pitch that it would have hoped at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, its Nike home jersey transcended the sport and became a must-have fashion item.

—HighSnobiety

Eagles know how to beat Bafana Bafana -Omeruo

Kenneth Omeruo has assured fans that the Super Eagles will triumph over South Africa in next Saturday’s crunch 2019 AFCON qualifier. The Leganes defender hinges his confidence on the better head-to-head record Nigeria have over their opponents. Although the Eagles will be away at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, in the Africa Cup of Nations decisive qualifier, Omeruo, who played for Nigeria at the 2014 and 2018 World Cup tournament is staying upbeat for maximum points. Omeruo, who is on loan at Leganes from Chelsea, said the Eagles’ technical crew, led by Gernot Rohr, has given them enough clues of how to beat their hosts.

Omeruo recounted how South Africa handed Rohr his first defeat as Eagles’ coach, while also notching their first ever victory against Nigeria during the first leg in Uyo, but stressed that the story would be different next on November 17. Charting a course into the match at Soccer City, Omeruo stressed that the Eagles would win in Johannesburg to reclaim pride after losing the first leg 2-0 at home in June last year.

Omeruo declared: “The game against South Africa is a very important one because it’s a game we have to win, not just for our pride, but also for the country and to put us back in the Nations Cup come next year. “The technical crew provide us with more than enough to know our opponents very well – how they play and how they move around. “We have capable players to win this game; it doesn’t matter where we are playing, we are going to give everything to get maximum points.”

—NewTelegraph

Rohr banks on Chukwueze, Success to wreck South Africa

The fine form of Nigerian players based abroad is part of what coach Gernot Rohr is hoping will help them beat South Africa in the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers. South Africa will host Nigeria on the 17th of this month in a group E top of the table clash in the qualifiers for next year Africa Cup of Nations schedule to hold in Cameroon.


Rohr has released his list of players for the game and aside his match strategy and tactics which he is hoping will give his team an edge in the game, the form of the various players invited for the game is giving him joy.

The coach said if the players keep up their form and shape till they arrive for the game, then victory over South Africa will be a huge possibility for the Super Eagles.

“I watch some of their games with their respective clubs and I am impressed with their performance.. I also read or listen to the good comments they get in newspapers, radio and television. I am happy they hit top form ahead of the game with South Africa.”

Speaking on Chukwueze, Rohr said, “Chukwueze has a good left foot‚ is quick‚ has a low centre of gravity‚ which gives him a very good balance‚ and can deliver and score‚” Rohr said.

“We need a player like him to give us balance in attack and he can also play through the middle.”

The 19-year-old scored against Almería on what was his domestic debut for Villarreal last week‚ before starting again in the 1-1 draw with Levante at the weekend.

“If they continue like this, they will make the game against South Africa a bit easier,” Rohr remarked.

“I am thrilled with the playing time my players are getting in their clubs in Europe. They not only playing regularly, they are in good form and that is what I demand from them every week. They are doing very good and that is very well for us moving forward,” he concluded.

—VanguardNews

OPPONENT WATCH

'We do not fear Nigeria‚' says Bafana coach Stuart Baxter ahead of Afcon showdown
12 November 2018 - 17:10
BY MNINAWA NTLOKO

Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says he holds no fear over facing Nigeria as the countdown to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) showdown against the West Africans at FNB Stadium on Saturday continues.

The Briton said he expects the visitors to have vengeance on their minds when they arrive in Johannesburg this week after unexpectedly going down 2-0 to Bafana at home in Uyo in his maiden match in his second stint at the helm as coach in June last year.

‘‘We do have Nigeria first‚ in the small matter of an African Nations Cup qualifier‚” the Briton said on Monday.

‘‘Everybody knows the list of injuries that we have had.

‘‘Everybody knows what I said in the first press conference (a week ago) that despite that (the injuries) I want to speak about the players that we do have because even though we respect Nigeria we do not fear them.

‘‘I think we have still enough talent‚ enough desire and if we can structure a game plan in the next three or four days‚ I think by the time we run out onto the FNB Stadium we would be confident‚ we would not be complacent‚ because Nigeria have just come from a (2018) World Cup (in Russia).

‘‘They are undefeated since we beat them the last time (in the first qualifier in June last year) and they will certainly want to wreak their revenge.

‘‘So‚ we will be ready and I still believe that we have a very good chance of getting the result that we need.”

Baxter revealed that Bafana had injury scares to Holland-based midfielder Thulani Serero and SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

‘‘The ultrasound did not find any tears but it will take him (Williams) I think 24 to 48 hours for it (slight knee strain) to settle‚” he said.

‘‘So he won’t be training with us for the 48 hours and we hope it (the injury) will settle. So that is a little bit of a scare but we will not call in a third keeper and we will keep Ronwen because I think he will be okay.

‘‘The second one is Thulani Serero. We did not receive anything from the club about Thulani but through media reports in Holland.

‘‘They said he had an ankle injury. We knew he was on the plane but we did not know anything about the injury.

‘‘So we held or breaths a little bit.

"When he got off (the plane) he said had a laceration‚ five stitches and a gash. The stitches should come off (on Monday)‚ easy training (on Monday) and he should be okay for full training (on Tuesday).

‘‘We did after that get a doctor’s report from Holland. So those two are not okay (on Monday) but they should be okay in the next 24 to 48 hours.”

Bafana have a tough schedule in the coming days as after hosting the Nigerians in Johannesburg on Saturday‚ they will then travel to Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium to welcome Paraguay in the Nelson Mandela Challenge on Tuesday.

—TimesLive.co.za

Before

andrew444:
Mancity will win this league ,I am repeating my self again

Chukwueze scores

Chukwueze starts for Villarreal away to Rayo.

Troost-Ekong is highest WhoScored rated defender and Udenise’ 2nd best player in their 2–1 away loss to Empoli. See impressive stats below