₦airaland Forum

I missed this one

charlesemeka85:
Nigerian defender Fikayo Tomori gave one of his best displays in a Derby County shirt as Frank Lampard's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.

And it was not surprising that the England U21 star picked up the Man of the Match accolade at the end of the game at Riverside Stadium.

Tomori finished the match with 80 touches, 5 clearances, 2 blocks, 2 tackles and gained possession 6 times.

Having snubbed Tomori during pre-season, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri will run the rule over the central defender when The Blues host the Rams in the League Cup this coming Wednesday.

Chelsea have permitted their loanee to feature against his parent club, arguing that it will aid his development playing against a top side.

Since joining Derby County on loan from Chelsea in August, he has played every minute of all seventeen matches in all competitions.

Tomori has not played for Chelsea's first team since making his professional debut against Leicester City on the final day of the 2015-16 season.

Ahead only based on prior national invitation not club performance.

Icon4s:
Oga, we are not discussing the SE, so stick to point.

Kelechi Nwakali is currently ahead in the pecking order of all our midfielders who are available to us and are U21 or less.

Yes he is good enough also not considering players that are not instantly available to us.

Icon4s:
Yes, New talents emerge everyday.

And yes, you have answered the question. Is he good for U23 today? "Yes". Note also that the discuss is based on players who are 21 or less. That is the subject of this debate. We don't yet know for certain in which direction his development will go going forward.

But as for now, looking at players that fall withing his age cadre, he is good enough to make an U21 or U23 team.

Read tbaba’s 2nd Paragraph again. New talents are emerging everyday. A lot can happen within a couple years. Is he good for the U23 today? Yes! . At least he is among the top 4 midfielders in that bracket by default due to lack of competition. But that he should make the cut in our next U23 team, is too early to say. He needs to use this launchpad well though if he gets the chance.

Icon4s:
Don't miss my point. I know we are not World Class. And so if we can accommodate players in the Championship, Bundesliga 2, Chinese and Saudi League in our Super Eagles, why the heck can we not accommodate a Portuguese second division player in the U23 team? and note, especially when available options are few in that U23 midfield.

See, I am 100% in support of Nwakali not being ready for the SE but to say he is not good enough for the U23 midfield is just way off the mark. I mean, Who are the available midfield options? Or are you also saying Nwakali is not good enough for the U23 team? Or what is ur stand?

This report get as e be

andrew444:
Everton dilemma as PSG, Bayern Munich target Henry Onyekuru

Everton face a dilemma over the future of Henry Onyekuru.

The Mirror says Onyekuru's sparkling form has left new Everton director of football Marcel Brands with a headache.

The Nigerian international – refused a work-permit to play for the Toffees – has been tearing it up on loan at Galatasaray.

The 21-year-old's form has attracted the attention of Europe's finest, including Paris St Germain who beat Everton to his signature last year.

Bayern Munich and Marseille have also scouted the winger whose future should he return to Merseyside is still shrouded in doubt.

Read more at http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/everton-dilemma-as-psg-bayern-munich-target-henry-onyekuru-4254454#EGdjqAwBjz2ct7Fx.99

Also WhoScored MOTM

tbaba1234:
Aina voted MOTM by Torino fans.

Keyword, launchpad. I like that.

tbaba1234:
I disagree with this slightly.

Players like Collins, Etebo, Uzoho are playing in good enough levels for the super eagles. We are not a world class team anymore where all our players come from top divisions. Bundesliga 2, Spanish second division and the Championship are tougher than some top divisions in some of the smaller countries.

As regards Nwakali, his development has been very disappointing. There is no running away from it. The under 23 team can be another launchpad for him but he is getting to the age where he needs to start showing something. New talents emerge everyday.

Hahahaha

edi287:
Page 5000!! We made it!!

Here's to 6000 and more Iheanacho vs Mbappe/Rashford arguments, the Ighalo haters club, the "two passport" argument and much more.
Oh and not forgetting the "Forgiveness/Komekn vs 98 percent of the thread".

Based on Wetin na? The Atletico friendly alone? Zubairu and Kingsley Michael have better stats though.

Icon4s:
Abdul Zubairu? Have you even watched him play?

I dey laugh.

Of all the Nigerian Midfielders that are U21 available to us, none can displace Kelechi Nwakali from the U23 team.

At least none of notice yet.

Aina goal!!!

Modified
Own goal

Aina causes desperate moments for Fiorentina with a fine cross. Torino still trail 1-0

Hahaha how na? Na page 5001 I open.

busky007:
guy v cheat see me wey dey comment since

Yes Indeed!!!

AFCON: I can't promise to win 2019 title - Rohr


Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has said he could not promise that the team would win the Cameroon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria are on the cusp of sealing qualification for the tournament after their absence from the last two editions of the competition in 2015 and 2017.

The Eagles currently sit atop Group E with nine points after four matches and will be away at second-placed South Africa in Johannesburg on November 17.

A victory for the Eagles in the match will seal their passage to the tournament, which holds from June 15 to July 13, 2019. Only the top two teams in the group will qualify for the first-ever 24-nation tournament.

However, Rohr, who spoke on Supersports during the week, said the team were working hard for their next match but said he could not promise that he will lead the team to their fifth continental title in Cameroon.

“We are working very hard to make sure that we get the necessary points in our next match in South Africa. We know that the match will not be easy but we are working well to make sure our players are in good conditions before the match,” he said.

“We want to make sure that we don’t lose the match just like what happened in our first match. We know that a good result in the match will put us at ease before the visit of Seychelles in our last match at home. We want to finish top of the group.

“For the AFCON, we are determined to ensure that we qualify because we know that for two editions, Nigeria were not there. The fact that we didn’t qualify from the group stage at the World Cup in Russia has been one of the factors that is driving the team because we know that Nigerians were not happy after we couldn’t get to the second round.

“But I cannot promise that we will win the tournament in Cameroon. We want to win it but it will be too early to make promises. Our attitude as a team has been to be modest and take each match as it comes. We also don’t underrate any opponent we play against. This is a young team and they are hungry for success. We have a good professional philosophy and we want to go as far as possible in any competition but we are not making any promises.”

The former Burkina Faso coach said he would continue to explore the possibility of playing Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi in the central midfield role.

Iwobi was instrumental in Nigeria’s victories in their qualifying double-headers against Libya in Uyo and Sfax as he created chances for striker Odion Ighalo as well as wingers Ahmed Musa and Samuel Kalu.

The former Bordeaux manager said, “Iwobi has played very well in the play-making role. We saw him when he played in the role in the friendly against England in London. We also saw him do well in the role against Libya.

“He plays more than the play-making role. He distributes the ball well and also plays for the team. I am concerned about what he does with the ball and what he does off the ball – and he has impressed in these areas. He works very well for the team and we are impressed with him. But we have to conserve what he is going on well for the team.”

Meanwhile, Rohr is hoping that Ademola Lookman will switch allegiance to represent the Eagles.

The 21-year-old was impressive on loan with German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig last season though he has struggled for game time since he joined Everton in 2017 from Charlton Athletic.

The 65-year-old coach is confident that the youngster will add value to his team if he makes the switch.

“He plays for the youth now but we hope he can change his mind and play for us,” Rohr told BBC Sport.

“He’s a player we know can add something to the team. Getting a player to change his national choice is not easy, quick and the process is never so straightforward. First we must be sure he wants to come. And hope to get it cleared by FIFA. Then the most important part is that he brings something new, different and better than we have.

“Every coach wants options, we’ve been lucky to get some players and if we get him, Lookman will give us more options. But we have to be careful about how we go about this because Nigeria have some good players at home and playing outside.”


— TheCitzenNigeria

Why didn’t Success play? Was it only due to injuries? Was he injured all season? It’s a combo of factors my friend.

ChrisKels:
And u forgot he hasn't been playing. Now the only reason he was not playing was due to his injuries and not his off field shenanigans. Who gets caught becomes the bad guy, so bro spare me the trash that he was caught pant down. Point one player that doesn't fvck. No one is a Saint, even in here. We all av read of the bleeping escapades of Zaha, John Terry et al, does that make them any less good players? Now dont get me wrong, Success ought to remain focused and humble to make it, but ppl should stop making it look like bleeping has been his undoings.

Lol wetin Success come carry put now?

safarigirl:
See how far a good haircut can take you? As Success removed that shrine on his head, his fortunes have taken a turn for the better

Maybe if Iwobi removes his own, he'll start scoring regularly

Aina Eager To Star In Bafana Bafana - Super Eagles Clash


By Adeboye Amosu:

Nigeria defender, Ola Aina, is looking forward to facing the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the magnificient FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, next month in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The Super Eagles will look to avenge their matchday one 2-0 defeat at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo when they face Stuart Baxter’s men at the iconic ground which also known as the Soccer City.

Aside vengeance, a win in the encounter will see the Super Eagles return to the AFCON Finals after missing the last two editions of the competition.

Gernot Rohr’s men occupy top spot in Group E with nine points, one more than South Africa who are second with eight points. Libya have four points, while Seychelles occupy last position with one point.

Aina reckons that facing the South Africans will be a big test for the Super Eagles but it is a challenge worth experiencing.

”That’s another one I am looking forward to and can tick off my bucket list. It’s a great stadium as we saw in the World Cup in 2010. South Africa have got a fantastic team, they’re also very attacking, so it should be a good test. I’m really looking forward to it if I get picked,” Aina told Chelsea official website.

Aina, who is on a one season long loan at Italian side, Torino missed out on a place in Nigeria’s team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup but has featured in the Super Eagles last two games against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

He recalled his experience and has kind words for the Libyans who gave a good account of themselves in both encounters.

”I started on the bench for the first game, but had to come on early because of injury. I felt like I put in a decent performance. It’s never easy coming on from the bench like that, but I thought I did okay. Libya were a good side, but on the day we were just that bit better than them which showed in the 4-0 scoreline,” he added.

”The second game was a lot harder, we won 3-2. They fought really well but we managed to see it through and add more points to our total in the group.”

It is the first time Aina will playing for a club outside England having spent last season on loan at Championship side, Hull City and he is enjoying every bit of his time in the Italian top flight with Torino.

”It’s going really well . Everything is different but I’m adapting. So far so good.

The football here is very tactical. You have to concentrate a lot. They spend a lot of time on set-pieces and getting the right movement. That is what I would say is really different to England,” he stated.

”I think I’m learning a lot tactically. Every game and every training session I am learning something new, and I’m just trying to implement that in my game.”

He describes Toirno’s week two clash against Inter Milan as his best in all the games he has featured for Walter Mazzarri’s men this season.

”In my second game against Inter Milan I came off the bench early because of injury and held my own. It was a good game, we came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. It was at the San Siro as well, a proper nice stadium,” he said.

—CompleteSportsNigeria

Ajayi did not need to switch countries. Eze [and a few other Championship players] also had that going for him. Rohr has no excuse really.

charlesemeka85:
ajayi is doing pretty well in the colors of rotherdam so far this season. it is a good decision from rohr to incorporate him to the new eagles. but can'trohr makeout time to scout eze in the same championship?

Yes agree he should have been a better player today IF...

charlesemeka85:
i am happy for him for admitting that his talented have been wasting and stangnant for the past few seasons. playing week in week out in the best league in the world will enhance his game alot.

had it been he didnt waste almost half of his playing career in turkey omeruo would have been rated by now along side koulibally,bailly and few others as the best centre backs in africa.

his laliga exploit and experience will open doors to bigger things for him after the season. who knows, teams like villareal,valencia and other decent clubs in spain may battle for his signature permanently from chelsea

Can our best NPFL XI beat a team made of Nigerian debutants in Europe?

daveP:
For now, all of you preaching about out local league should please stop. These guys are brothers to The Flash and cannot even bench anyone currently in the Team B of the SE.


When you think it's about pitches, that's when they flop most. Which means their problem is way above good pitches. It's wacky.


Whoever as comparing a 37yr old Pirlo to the 37yr old in the NPFL?


Oh Cmon. plssssss




If we want to only adopt the diet system in European football alone to the NPFL, 80% of them would never be called professionals again!!!


I'd however hope for the best that if the League Body does it's part, the face of the League and it's mentality, psychology. would follow suit.


For now, it's a no no for National Team!!!

At least komekn, hope that the man continues in his upward trajectory.

chrisooblog:
I understand you bro not knocking the criticism just questioning the decision to see the bad performance of 1 player while ignoring how good the waste man was

Odubajo an unused sub for brentford in their match against Norwich.

Ajayi however clicked 90mins for Rotherham vs Preston

Solanke should go to a team that he is guaranteed playing time and prove that he is not CURRENTLY a wasteman.

chrisooblog:
lol I had commented before I saw this post we have always criticized success before for his poor attitude and we are happy that he is slowly turning the corner I'm just curious why haven't you dropped similar nuggets of wisdom 4 Solanke?

Omeruo’s gonna be an SE player for more years to come. Still relevant.

andrew444:
It seems Kenneth Omeruo has won a starting shirt.

I said he just arrived and time should be given to him

But some people are already tagging him a bench warmer

Exactly my point earlier

andrew444:
He dont need to score a hatrick, if he can score 1 game in every 3 games then its okay,which one be hatrick again........ abegi

K. Nwakali is among few players some have tagged SPECIAL TALENT.

chrisooblog:
lol honestly you would make a good nigerian politician completely ignored the performance of someone you called a waste man but focused on the poor performance of somebody else which fits your narrative

He doesn’t have to score hat-trick na. He only needs to score 1 in every other game and he would have more than 10 league goals. You spoil ur fine post with that hat-trick requirement. Has Ighalo ever scored an EPL hat-trick sef? Tega Abrahams nko? My bro no fall my hand.
Cc komekn

Phillip Billing highest rated Huddersfield player according to WhoScored.

That’s what we are doing

andrew444:
You guys should talk about Nigeria players

Success why? U for do shaku shaku

Phillip Billing just hit target. Nice save from Watford goalie. Billing currently with a 6.8 rating.

Josh Onomah starts for Sheffield Wednesday. They lead away to Birmingham 0-1. Thurty mins gone