₦airaland Forum

Olanare starts for Amkar. Idowu and Ogude in bench

possibly

Icon4s:
Kayode is likely to make the friendlies list.

we get some game time for sure.. I hope he scores..

forgiveness:
Yee... Pa!

He can play anywhere in the attack .

Sir Icons4s

please follow me let's analyze this together.

“The games against Poland and Serbia is a big chance for the new players to show they have what it takes to play for us. As you know the next game will be in May so now is time for everyone who want to go to Russia to prove their quality.

1. He will consider some new players in the March 28 man list. And they will have to shine to start making a case to make the final 23 man list. There is no more time for second chances.
2. "As you know the next game will be in May" suggests Rohr MAY not be impressed by any last minute show (May being close to the world cup)

“The two games are also important for us because the last time we played together was in November against Argentina. So, it will be an opportunity to work together again before the World Cup.

1. The March friendlies is important to assess the new players, and ALSO also to get the familiar names to gel again since they haven't played together for a while.

“In May, we will release another 30-man list for the other friendly games from which we will draw the final list for the World Cup,”

1. Putting all the points together, the 30 man list is the usual FIFA requirement. I have already covered the point that even if a new player is invited for the March friendlies and he fails to impress, he may still make the 30 man cut but any last minute show may not do him much good.
So what is the point? Rohr is sticking to the familiar names unless a new name starts making a strong case this month. Reason, I THINK he is looking at the overall chemistry of the team. He probably wants all his players to have played and trained together for quite a number of games.

Modified

Well I was overanalyzing.. he said everyone must show they want to go to Russia this March.
That's not only applicable to the new players.. but either way. I think most of my points are still valid.. Any late show will likely not earn the new players a ticket to Russia.

Icon4s:
Hahaha, na so o. The kine things pessin dey see on this thread.

Yeah March 7th is the date.

But I must also point out that for players not invited for the March friendlies there is still hope for them. Some players may still break in.

The final camping list is the one that most determines who and who stands a chance and not this march list.

Yes Ajagun can. And also hope he does. I dont have anything against any player. Only made a case for Azubuike who has been doing his thing in the Super Lig. And I love his style of style of play.

forgiveness:
2022 World cup far and anything can happen before then.


Better players could spring up before then.

Ajagun can still make Qatar 2022. His age is still within the range but as I said, better players could spring up before then.

Na who know Ebuehi, Iwobi, Ndidi, Iheanacho, etc for 2014?

Was Kayode invited for March friendlies? Truly I tell you today, it will be very hard (not impossible) for any player not invited for this month’s friendlies to make it to Russia. I’m speaking from analyzing Rohr’s recent statements.

Modified.
Ighalo got lucky. The Cameroon tie made Rohr look his way. And he grabbed his chance

ChrisKels:
Though I believe the world cup ship in our attacking position has long sailed, if Larry manages to Crack Shaktar's line up to become a starter while backing it up with some goals, then, I would suggest the ship re-anchors for him to get aboard.

I'm not sold on Ighalo. A player who converts only one out of twenty chances will never get my backing.

I’m saying Azubuike has a bright chance of getting into SE before Qatar.

If u want to make a case for Ajagun and Raheem now. Go on make we hear.

forgiveness:
Which future?

Future is now.

You can not use that to push aside a better player because of age.

Football players Lifespan is 10 years. Even with one year left a player can win you laurels.

Mikel also in action

Kayode’s competition at Shakhtar

Modified
Well, actually the first and the last.

Ahmed Musa and Omeruo now in action for their respective sides.

Azubuiike is the future.

Y u come dey dream along?

forgiveness:
Why you come dey dream?

Instagram source below

asha80:
any link on that?(not doubting it anyway)

Maybe because he has been active. I would take Aiyenugba over Akpeyi

Mujtahida:
You know how this things are. Once a person says 'I feel' or 'I think' it might be right or wrong. I just had a hunch ooo. I just wonder why Rohr continues to invite him. Nwakaeme has been dropped (yes, looks very much so) but why has Akpeyi always been invited?

We don enter big soup be that if e happen.

Mujtahida:
Na wa for you oooo. I only said 'I feel Akpeyi might just be made number one'. From this simple statement you have interpreted it as me approving of Akpeyi. Na wa oo

None of them will smell Russia. I no wan waste my power for unnecessary argument this morning.

Modified
To other news, omeruo invited for March friendlies.

forgiveness:
Is Azubuike an AMF? Is he better than Raheem Lawal and Abdul Ajagun?

Shaky legs..

tbaba1234:
Akpeyi blunder for the second goal...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHHs5Q6omIw

Yea, misleading headline.

tbaba1234:
This is a rubbish article..

Ikeme will be doing the Kickoff in the friendly against England. It does not mean, he is back in the team.

A better report

---

England vs Nigeria: Ikeme set for Wembley showdown
SUPER EAGLES By: Ayodeji Tunde
28/02/2018


Some cheering news has been shared concerning recuperating erstwhile Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme.
The Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr has given his words that Ikeme will play a part in the England vs Nigeria friendly billed to take place at the Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018.
The Franco-German tactician in an interview with the BBC hinted that Ikeme will be given the honour to take the ceremonial kickoff of the much-anticipated friendly between the Three Lions and the Super Eagles which will be taking place few days before the 2018 World Cup kicks off in Russia.


Rohr further confirmed that he has been in touch with Ikeme and he is happy with the progress made so far by the shot-stopper though he was clear that the 31-year old cannot make the final shortlist for the Mundial proper.
"He (Ikeme) is doing better and better but it will be very short time for him to make it to the World Cup but he will be with us... he will be invited to do the kickoff of our friendly in Wembley". Rohr said
The England, Nigeria match will be only the third between both countries at senior level.
It will serve as the Super Eagles’ final preparatory game for the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, with their first match against Croatia in Kaliningrad coming exactly two weeks after.

—FCN

Rohr Confirms – Carl Ikeme Back In Super Eagles Fold For World Cup Friendly Against England

March 2, 2018019

The goalkeepers crisis rocking the senior national team of Nigeria became an issue of concern to many Nigerians after first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with Leukaemia.

Ikeme’s unfortunate diagnosis left the Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr with few options in the goalkeeping department, and after using Daniel Akpeyi for a while. Ikechukwu Ezenwa is now the first choice shot stopper of the team.

Ezenwa upstaged the Chippa United safe hands after injury ruled him out of Nigeria’s back to back World Cup 2018 Qualifiers tie against Cameroon in Uyo and Yaounde respectively.

Despite the performances of the duo Nigerians are still skeptical of their abilities, with many clamouring for Deportivo La Coruna B goalkeeper Francis Odinaka Uzoho to man the post at the World Cup.

Uzoho won the heart of many Nigerians with an impressive 45 minutes display in the Eagles 4-2 win over Argentina in a friendly game last year after his breakthrough at the LaLiga ‎, where he made three first team appearances.

Speaking in a BBC World Service programme monitored by Owngoalnigeria.com, Rohr confirmed that Ikeme will take the traditional kick off before Nigeria’s final World Cup 2018 friendly game against England.

It means he will once again be back in the Eagles fold for the first time since he was diagnosed with Leukaemia just before the start of pre season training at English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Michael James

—OGN

Shakhtar is a decent side

Famocious:
Kayode Olanrewaju just completed a loan move to Ukrainian side, Shakhtar Donetsk to the end of the season..

OFFICIAL: Shakhtar Donetsk have completed the signing of Olarenwaju "Larry" Kayode (24) from Manchester City on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy. https:///5NeKWiGhVK

Watch his videos

bengine:
But he can't dictate the pace of the game..he is just a CM...he doesn't have the trickery for that amf...

Yes. I’m only going by his attributes. That’s where coaches look at before they try out players in other positions.

Kog45:
Yes good baller but i thought he is a DM

That’s why I want Okechukwu Azubuike. A good ball holder and passer as well.

I will pick him over Agu.

bengine:
With all this midfielders we have, its only Mikel that can truly play amf well and dictate the pace of the game..what about if mikel gets injured in the tournament..then we loose our ability to control any game..

The Nest of champions will host SE. that’s now our official home stadium.

TheSuperNerd:
Ogbemudia Stadium to Host Super Eagles again
By Duro Ikhazuagbe

https://i2.wp.com/s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/leadersandco/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/02124207/Super-Eagles-.jpg


The main-bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City is to be overhauled and returned to natural grass surface from its current artificial astro-turf state. When completed, the Nigerian senior national team will return to Benin City to play home games there.

Ogbe Stadium as the facility was previously known until it was named after the two-time governor of old Bendel State, Dr Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia who built it in 1973, is to be re-grassed as part of the sports reforms embarked upon by the Godwin Obaseki administration in the state.

Speaking during the rebranding of Bendel Insurance FC in Benin city during the week, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon. Philip Shaibu, explained that they have since discovered that the artificial turf was not really desirable for good football in this part of the world due to the climate here.

“When next people who are here (at the rebranding ceremony) come to watch a game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, you will see a brand new stadium that is comparable to international standards,” observed the deputy governor who regularly trains with Bendel Insurance at the facility.

He admitted that given that when the pitch returns to natural grass, “fans are going to notice a difference in the quality of play of the Benin Arsenal.”

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, who was a guest at the rebranding ceremony was excited with the move by the Edo State government to return the famous ground to same natural grass as the Uyo stadium where Eagles currently play their home matches.

He pledged a return of the senior national team to the facility if the handlers of the Super Eagles are satisfied with the job done there.

“His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, contributed hugely, while I was running for the Confederation of African Football positions, he has also been in the forefront of hosting all our women national teams in this our great city and what can we reward him with than to bring back the Super Eagles to their original home in Benin City,” observed the NFF chief.

He recalled that at a point in the history of the Super Eagles, eight regular players of the senior national team were from the old Bendel State, consisting of Edo and Delta.

Pinnick thanked the governor and his deputy for bringing back the nostalgia of the days when the Ogbemudia Stadium was filled to capacity before 12 noon, any time Bendel Insurance had home matches. “I believe such era will return with the move to rebrand the team that has started now.”

The NFF president agreed that the future of club football in the country was to be private sector driven as envisioned by Gov Obaseki.


Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/03/02/ogbemudia-stadium-to-host-super-eagles-again/

Russia 2018 WC Countdown: 103 days 23 hours 16mins to go

I doff my hat for you

Kog45:
Good i think this is US 94 midfielders,now let us compared to WC bound 2018.

1.Okocha vs Mikel

Okocha 94 was not better than Mikel 2018.Mikel of 2018 is ahead of Okocha 94 based on experience

2.Oliseh vs Ndidi.

We have a better Ndidi than Oliseh of US 94 playing for Leige.Ndidi is going to WC as a solid player who is fast growing as one of the best.

3.Mutiu vs Onazi

Mutiu was not a regular at US 94 even behind young Okocha who even sat out in group matches at US 94 for Siasia,so i will not compared him with regular Onazi.

4.Oliha vs Ogu

Oliha and Ogu,well difficult to compare cos both are not regular but if we want to based it on Ogu last performance in GWG then Ogu have my nod.

Note I based it on US 94 vs 2018.

Etebo Jack Of All Trades, Master Of All: Most Fouled Player & Most Accurate Passer Vs Barca
Published: March 01, 2018

Industrious Nigeria international Oghenekaro Etebo worked his socks off as Las Palmas were held to a 1-1 draw by La Liga pacesetters Barcelona at Estadio de Gran Canaria on Thursday night.

Messi scored from a free-kick to open the scoring for the visitors on 21 minutes, but Jonathan Calleri calmly converted a penalty kick to equalize for La Union Deportiva two minutes into the second half.

Etebo and his teammates completely stifled the offense of Barcelona with a strong defensive performance for the remainder of the game.

According to statistics from Whoscored.com, the Super Eagles star was the most fouled Las Palmas player on the pitch, winning four fouls, double the figure of Vicente Gómez and Jonathan Calleri, who drew two fouls each.

Etebo was the most accurate with the ball at his feet of all the 14 players in action for Las Palmas, finishing the game with a passing accuracy of 92 percent to place first ahead of Vicente Gómez with 86.8 percent.

Against Malaga on his debut, he had a passing accuracy of 84.9 percent, Leganes 77.8 percent, Sevilla 74.5 percent and Athletic Bilbao 87.2 percent, meaning he set a new personal record against Barcelona since his arrival in Spain in the winter transfer market.

This season, the former Warri Wolves star has been deployed at central midfield, attacking midfield, center forward, left winger and support striker.

Oghenekaro Etebo's form will please Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr, who has named the versatile midfielder on the roster for the friendlies against Poland and Serbia later this month.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--ANS

Lol

CaptainStephen:
confirm oh Thank God Emzor paracetamol is one of Super eagles sponsor, Rohr go need am wella.

Etebo the grasscutter

CaptainStephen:
Etebor's heat map shows he has covered every blade of grass.

Proud of my homeboy

That’s why we call it GK crisis. Who should we celebrate? Mention one GK

Oasis007:
Bravo!

It's really baffling we are celebrating Rookies on this Thread....... U18 Keeper, 3rd Choice GK and Team B first Choice as Nigerian best GKs for the World Cup?! LOL!

We've been asked to deal with it, and we gonna deal with it.

So when he is away with FE, his assistants in Enyimba will take over.. either way, his assistants better be up to the task.

TheSuperNerd:
Aigbogun: I Can Succeed With Both Flying Eagles, Enyimba Jobs
By Adeboye Amosu

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Aigbogun1-Shengolpixs.jpg

Flying Eagles head coach Paul Aigbogun insists combining his role with that of handling seven-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions Enyimba will not deter him from building a strong squad capable of conquering Africa and the world, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
Aigbogun who was recently named head coach of the Nigeria U-20 side no doubt has a tough task ahead of him going by the two teams’ busy schedules.

Enyimba are competing for three trophies this season, the NPFL, CAF Confederation Cup and Aiteo Federation Cup.

The Flying Eagles will also be busy as they bid to qualify for 2019 African U-20 Nations Cup billed for Niger.

But the former Warri Wolves handler is adamant he has the ability to handle the two teams and become successful.

“I know some people will ask questions about combining my job at Enyimba with that of the national team. It is a tough task but it’s something I can do,” Aigbogun told CSN.

“In a situation like this, it is always important to have capable assistants who can take charge of the team while you are away which I already have in Enyimba.

“Then, it is important to have a laid down plan which makes things easy for you. For now, my mind is on our (Enyimba) CAF Confederation Cup game against Energie FC of Benin Republic next Wednesday.

“When it is time to work with the Flying Eagles, I will concentrate on that fully and we will build a strong squad capable of doing the nation proud.”

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aigbogun-can-succeed-flying-eagles-enyimba-jobs/

Five Reasons Why Coach Paul Aigbogun Will Succeed As Flying Eagles Coach

February 28, 2018016

Newly appointed coach of the Nigerian U20 team Paul Aigbogun is one man whose appointment didn’t go down well with many Nigerians who are not in the know about his abilities as a coach.

Owngoalnigeria.com brings to you five reasons why the Enyimba international coach will succeed as coach of the Nigerian team popularly referred to as the Flying Eagles.

1. Experience In Bringing Players Through

Although he hasn’t handled any of the youth teams of Nigeria. Aigbogun has however played a big role in the formation of players most notably during his stint as coach of Warri Wolves.

Oghenekaro Etebo had his breakthrough at Warri Wolves during his time as coach of the club. His time at the club was also the most productive for the club in terms of results and transfer of players abroad. Ekigho Ehiosun, Daniel Akpeyi and Gbolahan Salami all played under the soft spoken coach at Warri Wolves.

2. Capable Assistant Coaches

The Nigeria Football Federation did a very good job in selecting coaches to assist Aigbogun as head coach of the team. Abdul Maikaba is widely viewed by many as one of the best coach in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and his team Akwa United according to many are the most tactical, technical and entertaining team in the league.

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Coach Bala Abubakar took the league by storm last season when he lead unfancied Niger Tornadoes to the final of Nigeria’s premier cup tournament, the Federation Cup. Ironically his team lost to Akwa United, who were also coached by one of the asistants of Aigbogun in Maikaba.

3. Cool headed & Tactically ‎Sound

If there’s one area where the coach has an edge over his contemporaries, it has to be his ability to stay calm under pressure. A very vital tool in the management of young footballers.

Aigbogun is not the coach who loses his rage easily, and the way he sets his team up usually makes them very hard to beat. Many labelled him as a defensive coach but under his guard as coach Gbolahan Salami and Mfon Udoh all emerged as top scorers in the Nigeria Professional Football League.



4. Experience On The African Continent

As a coach who has gained experience by campaigning in CAF tournaments. The coach knows a thing or two about playing cup games in Africa. What is required at home and away from home.

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The last U20 team of Nigeria failed to build on their 2-1 away win over Sudan in Nigeria , and it caused them a spot at the last African Youth Championship. Aigbogun is no stranger to holding leads away from home and needing to defend it at home.

5. ‎In Tune With Modern Day Tactics

He is one coach which many still feels hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves based on his knowledge and certification when it comes to coaching. A British trained coach, his curriculum vitae is one of the richest among coaches in the NPFL.

Keeping the certificate issue aside, he has shown at Enyimba this season that he is up to date with the trends in terms of football tactics. So far he has experimented with a back three, a false number nine and also the 4-3-3 system. His tactical flexibility ‎has helped his team put together a seven game unbeaten run.

Osas Mahawi

--OGN