₦airaland Forum

ENGLAND: Premier League 2

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Manchester UnitedU23 1-0 Manchester CityU23 (HALF-TIME)
Tosin Kehinde and Tosin Adarabioyo in action for United and City respectively.

Ayotomiwa Dele-Bashiru in City's bench

All these boys that are fighting hard to make the train, may they continue to fight hard at the world cup proper.

When opportunity comes, take it whatever the circumstance. John Ogu did just that.

Daejoyoung:
Thank you very much for this, l wonder why people are sentimental when it comes to Nwakweme, we all know the pitch was a problem, so why write him off completely based on only the Algerian game.

Even Musa is ahead of Kayode in Rohr's SE. Experienced for his age. And has played at the highest level and showed, in the Argentina friendly, why Rohr keeps inviting him. Musa is also versatile. In fact can also play as a CF. Kayode will need a full half (45 mins), to have a chance of making a case. He will need to show (in the Eagles shirt) that he has a lot to offer as a CF and a false 9.

Mujtahida:
Personally I prefer Kayode but then it's not my preference that would make us perform well. Let the man who performs better carry the day.

But Bazee is still yet to play. If he performs well for us then he most likely will make the train.

junnyjake:
Rorh is working under the radar to get one of them. He's discrete about it and i'm sure he'll come good just like Bazee

Yes I noticed when he got his first Liga NOS cap.
Is he still getting game time?
Let me check

Modified
Currently out. He just had a knee operation.
Height: 1.93m

junnyjake:
Who else is monitoring this Junior Pius - a 20 year old who plays as a 1st teamer for Tondela FC in Portugal.

I have a feeling that boy would come good in no time.

The EPL remains the limelight. The belief here is that the players in the Championship need to get to the EPL and prove themselves, same view many have of other second tier leagues.

Mujtahida:
Hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha @the bolded. You call it nonsensical but that comment sums up the impression you've given lots of us here.

See we all have our biases. Yours is at two levels: first you so much believe in the EPL to the extent you are blind to the fact that good players exist in Lower leagues
Secondly you believe so much in the 'innit boys'. I understand. I have my own bias too.

Do you know some among us here would want at least two or three home based players to go to Russia just for the satisfaction of their prejudice? Wait let CHAN begin(and I'm not saying it's bad. I'm only pointing out our prejudices)

You see the way we rush names here? If Rohr were to follow this approach he won't have a team. But he's doing gradually, gradually. Once you get sufficient buzz you get invited to come show your stuff. It's happened to Onyekuru, Nwakaeme lately Uzoho. Only Nwakali took everyone by surprise.

Again you seem to forget something very crucial as regards our UK based FB players. Granted they are Nigerians and you know I've been in the vanguard of those calling for a better way of engagement with them but this issue of convincing them, switching nationalities etc makes them getting invitations not so straight forward. For example the NFF extends invitation to Nwakali, he hops on the plane and he's in camp. Same cannot be done with Onyedinma for example. And we should not forget that Rohr has his eyes on some FBs who are not based in the UK(and somehow they seem easy to get compared to the hysteria, recriminations and wailings that follows our every move on the UK based FBs). Holland did not cry when Ebuehi switched, I doubt Germany would when Bazee and any other German born Nig player switches.

So it's gradual. It's not easy to build something. And mind you though it would sound sentimental we must avoid a situation where our team is completely taken over by FBs cos if we adopt your suggestion that's where it would lead us to and it would create it's own backlash.

Follow our own @noahbazee he has only 207 followers

Oboabona is now in Saudi Arabia.
And you are right there is need for more competition there still.

komekn:
In football OPPORTUNITY is key.

Omeruo has made a strong case in comparison to whom there is almost zero competition so he just walks in.

We need a lot more players to be tested at CB because the comparison pool is simply non - existent.

Is he better than Obaboana, they play in the same Turkish league, I do not know. Is he better than Iorfa When Iorfa was a teenager at Wolves he was winning MOTM awards and best young player in the same season Omeruo was playing at Middlesbrough. Omeruo did not win anything.

In all honesty if you are doing well in the championship other clubs both EPL and Championship willl come for you. Efe Ambrose was courted by Brighton and Hove but work permit issues stopped the move. Is Omeruo better than Efe I simply do not know there is no competition for him as well as the other defenders.

A Nigerian input international left the EPL to go to Turkey obviously he considered the €€££$$$.

He came back to the EPL and he told me simply that the pace and intensity is so much different. That it will take him time to adjust if ever at all

Imoh Ezekiel was so good that Belgium wanted him at a point in time. I think his move to Qatar slowed down his development.

junnyjake:
I feel for that guy sha,

I hope things change for him.


he should be the one competing with Onyekuru, musa and I even rated him higher S.Moses seriously.

yes, first things first. they agree, then they play, then we'll see.

junnyjake:
I'm OK with him and Awaziem being our backup CBs, don't know if any of those German boys can displace him yet.

exactly my point.

junnyjake:
I like that.

Else, he sees nothing wrong with him and doesn't sees the need to change.

Kenneth Omeruo, after his Argentina performance, has made a strong case.

junnyjake:
Loyalty??

Loyalty won't win us games instead brilliant performance will.


The question however is, are these the players capable of posting brilliant performances??

What do we even call "experience" I've seen that word fly around here most of the time for the wrong application.

The fact that one is older than the other isn't the only thing that should set you apart, still yet that's enough for many.

What are you experienced in?? For Akpeyi, he's the oldest in the team, he finds it difficult to compose himself, finds it difficult to grab crosses, is that the kind of experience we need?? (same for Ezenwa)

Echilejile's experience cannot add pace to his game, and if he still can't make up with his positioning, then we don't need his experience.

If a very young person can come up to solve our inadequacies, then forget experience and all the vagueness involved.

The only reason Omuero would be dropped is if we get one of those German boys and he impresses.

he's had some game time for his new club, Konyaspor(?)

Modified
Yes, from 11 Super Lig games, have only made the starting line up, once. The other times, he's played from the bench.
A total of 161 minutes so far. 2 yellow cards

junnyjake:
Tbaba1234, What's up with our boy Imoh Ezekiel??

That boy was something else in the Belgian league, had an impressive outing with the U-23 at the Olympics, he's suddenly gone under the radar.

I want Oliseh to do well, but not extremely well. An arrogant man should see failure, that's the only way they get to learn, and grow.

junnyjake:
Oliseh Blames Hard Luck For Fortuna’s Loss To Cambuur

Source: completesportsnigeria.com

Nov 18, 2017 9:40 AM






https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_20171118_090500_864_600x384.jpg


Former Nigeria international, Sunday Oliseh, has described his Dutch second division club Fortuna Sittard’s 1-0 away loss to 10-man Cambuur in Friday’s league game as unlucky, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

A Marvin Peersman’s second minute goal, sealed the slim victory for Cambuur.

Cambuur were reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute following a straight red card shown to Bryan Smeets.

Despite playing majority of the game with a man advantage, Fortuna Sittard could not break down Cambuur’s resolute defence.

Reacting to the loss, Oliseh who was a former coach of the Super Eagles from 2015 to 2016, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.


“I’m proud about the young team. Worked hard and created chances. Needed a bit of luck. We need to focus on the next game,” Oliseh said on Fortuna’s verified Twitter handle.

The defeat which was Fortuna’s fourth league of the league seaaon, means they are now third on 23 points in the league table.

They are seven points adrift of leaders NEC Nijmegen.

other players only say it, but he shows it

junnyjake:
I tell you, even when he's not playing, he doesn't look bothered all he's concerned about is the team's success.

I remember him canvassing for Ejaria, even when was not under Rohr's consideration.

junnyjake:
I tell you, even when he's not playing, he doesn't look bothered all he's concerned about is the team's success.

My Word Cup Draw Prediction

very humble guy ,and he responds when you tweet him.

junnyjake:
John Ogu: Making a Statement with Poise

thisdaylive.com

Nov 18, 2017 12:52 AM


https://i1.wp.com/s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/leadersandco/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/18004500/John-Ogu-1.jpg?resize=696%2C522&ssl=

Nigerian football fans were disappointed when Super Eagles Technical Advicer, Gernot Rohr, omitted John Ogu’s name during Nigeria’s first World Cup qualifier against Zambia considering his form both in the Israeli league and the Europa league. The German was not convinced about him, saying then, “We have the best players with us in the team for the game against Zambia and Ogu isn’t one of them.” However, with his performance against Algeria last week in Constantine, Kunle Adewale writes on whether the player has finally won the heart of the German tactician

Speaking at a media parley ahead of Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers game against Zambia, Gernot Rohr revealed that the highly rated defensive midfielder who was voted as the best foreign player in Israel in 2016 was not among the best players in Nigeria. “We have the best players with us here in the team for the game against Zambia and John Ogu isn’t one of them,” he had said.

In Ogu’s first two notable games for the national team, he came in as a substitute. In his first game against Kenya in 2013, he came in for injured Victor Moses, while in his second game, he replaced injured Ogenyi Onazi, until he was handed another opportunity to make the Super Eagles’ team in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match against South Africa.

With injuries to several players in Nigeria’s last match against Algeria, Ogu was given a starting shirt and he put up a superlative performance, crowned with a spectacular goal.

However, he would not have been available for the game after picking an injury in his club but had to go the extra mile to spend his personal money to be ready for the game against Algeria.

He went off injured in a Europa League game for his Israeli side, Hapoel Be’er Sheva against Romanian side, Steau Bucuresti, due to a muscle injury, and was later told he would be out for four weeks.

However, the 29-year-old battled his way back to full fitness in order to be fit for the game against Algeria, and returned to the pitch two weeks earlier than the time the doctors gave him.

“October 20, in a game against Steau Bucharest in our UEFA Cup match, I had a little tear in my satorious muscle that forced me out of the game. I usually don’t go out from games but that night it was painful so I did.

“Weekend of that same week, we were to play against Maccabi Tel Aviv which is a very important game for my club. Training on Saturday, I wanted to play with me begging our doctors to inject me .But they refused because they don’t want to risk it.

“I was thinking also of this day and moment in my career. So, I went for Ultra sound and it was revealed I had a tear and that I will be out for four weeks. Thank God for the Gene he blessed me with. I told them I will be back in two weeks. “I spent my money to visit a specialist, went for a therapy with my team three times, spent also on Orthotics to fit in my boots and came back exactly in two weeks just to be back to represent my country after missing three league games and Europa League game.

“I’m not looking way too sharp yet but I will keep working hard. I’m really proud of the team against Algeria. We worked as a team and fought for each other. I am Happy all my efforts were not in vain. I’m grateful to God for his grace upon my life,” Ogu said on his Twitter handle.

Speaking with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Tajudeen Disu, said: “I think Rohr is starting to trust Ogu after his performance against Senegal in London. Though, it was far away from a vintage performance but the coach saw in him a bright future and a room for improvement and the player grabbed the opportunity with a vintage performance against Algeria. He has the potentials no doubt, but he needs to compose himself more and prove to the coach that he’s the best option for that position.

“Without trying to undermine his Israeli club-Hapoel Be’er Sheva, a regular shirt for the national team could also earn him bigger clubs in Europe and ofcourse, better pay. Those are some of the advantages that come along with enjoying regular shirt for the national team,” Disu stated.

He, however, attributed his absence from the national team to the decision he took while in Portugal. “It started with a friendly in South Africa when the coach asked me to feign injury but I refused. We were African champions and I wanted to be part of the squad, playing for my country is too important for me,” Ogu told Supersport. “When I returned to Portugal everything changed and he stopped playing me. I didn’t get much attention. I continued working on my game but he never played me. It was only after the team list came out for the World Cup that he (the coach tried to be nice to me) but it was too late. Now, I am in Israel and playing regularly, enjoying my football, winning league titles and back in the national team.”


On how he feels that at Hapoel he is one of the first names on the team sheet but for the Super Eagles, despite his experience, he is not a guaranteed starter, he said: “I am one of those who will always respect the decisions of the coach. It is a dream to be called up to represent Nigeria and so it is an honour to be in the squad. So, when I come to the Super Eagles camp, I do not feel I am coming to replace anyone. I just feel I am coming to help my country win matches and qualify for tournaments.”

Source: Thisdaylive

It therefore remains to be seen how much conviction Rohr now has in Ogu.

very humble guy ,and he responds when you tweet him.

junnyjake:
John Ogu: Making a Statement with Poise

thisdaylive.com

Nov 18, 2017 12:52 AM


https://i1.wp.com/s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/leadersandco/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/18004500/John-Ogu-1.jpg?resize=696%2C522&ssl=

Nigerian football fans were disappointed when Super Eagles Technical Advicer, Gernot Rohr, omitted John Ogu’s name during Nigeria’s first World Cup qualifier against Zambia considering his form both in the Israeli league and the Europa league. The German was not convinced about him, saying then, “We have the best players with us in the team for the game against Zambia and Ogu isn’t one of them.” However, with his performance against Algeria last week in Constantine, Kunle Adewale writes on whether the player has finally won the heart of the German tactician

Speaking at a media parley ahead of Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers game against Zambia, Gernot Rohr revealed that the highly rated defensive midfielder who was voted as the best foreign player in Israel in 2016 was not among the best players in Nigeria. “We have the best players with us here in the team for the game against Zambia and John Ogu isn’t one of them,” he had said.

In Ogu’s first two notable games for the national team, he came in as a substitute. In his first game against Kenya in 2013, he came in for injured Victor Moses, while in his second game, he replaced injured Ogenyi Onazi, until he was handed another opportunity to make the Super Eagles’ team in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match against South Africa.

With injuries to several players in Nigeria’s last match against Algeria, Ogu was given a starting shirt and he put up a superlative performance, crowned with a spectacular goal.

However, he would not have been available for the game after picking an injury in his club but had to go the extra mile to spend his personal money to be ready for the game against Algeria.

He went off injured in a Europa League game for his Israeli side, Hapoel Be’er Sheva against Romanian side, Steau Bucuresti, due to a muscle injury, and was later told he would be out for four weeks.

However, the 29-year-old battled his way back to full fitness in order to be fit for the game against Algeria, and returned to the pitch two weeks earlier than the time the doctors gave him.

“October 20, in a game against Steau Bucharest in our UEFA Cup match, I had a little tear in my satorious muscle that forced me out of the game. I usually don’t go out from games but that night it was painful so I did.

“Weekend of that same week, we were to play against Maccabi Tel Aviv which is a very important game for my club. Training on Saturday, I wanted to play with me begging our doctors to inject me .But they refused because they don’t want to risk it.

“I was thinking also of this day and moment in my career. So, I went for Ultra sound and it was revealed I had a tear and that I will be out for four weeks. Thank God for the Gene he blessed me with. I told them I will be back in two weeks. “I spent my money to visit a specialist, went for a therapy with my team three times, spent also on Orthotics to fit in my boots and came back exactly in two weeks just to be back to represent my country after missing three league games and Europa League game.

“I’m not looking way too sharp yet but I will keep working hard. I’m really proud of the team against Algeria. We worked as a team and fought for each other. I am Happy all my efforts were not in vain. I’m grateful to God for his grace upon my life,” Ogu said on his Twitter handle.

Speaking with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Tajudeen Disu, said: “I think Rohr is starting to trust Ogu after his performance against Senegal in London. Though, it was far away from a vintage performance but the coach saw in him a bright future and a room for improvement and the player grabbed the opportunity with a vintage performance against Algeria. He has the potentials no doubt, but he needs to compose himself more and prove to the coach that he’s the best option for that position.

“Without trying to undermine his Israeli club-Hapoel Be’er Sheva, a regular shirt for the national team could also earn him bigger clubs in Europe and ofcourse, better pay. Those are some of the advantages that come along with enjoying regular shirt for the national team,” Disu stated.

He, however, attributed his absence from the national team to the decision he took while in Portugal. “It started with a friendly in South Africa when the coach asked me to feign injury but I refused. We were African champions and I wanted to be part of the squad, playing for my country is too important for me,” Ogu told Supersport. “When I returned to Portugal everything changed and he stopped playing me. I didn’t get much attention. I continued working on my game but he never played me. It was only after the team list came out for the World Cup that he (the coach tried to be nice to me) but it was too late. Now, I am in Israel and playing regularly, enjoying my football, winning league titles and back in the national team.”


On how he feels that at Hapoel he is one of the first names on the team sheet but for the Super Eagles, despite his experience, he is not a guaranteed starter, he said: “I am one of those who will always respect the decisions of the coach. It is a dream to be called up to represent Nigeria and so it is an honour to be in the squad. So, when I come to the Super Eagles camp, I do not feel I am coming to replace anyone. I just feel I am coming to help my country win matches and qualify for tournaments.”

Source: Thisdaylive

It therefore remains to be seen how much conviction Rohr now has in Ogu.

it's only a prediction.

Humility017:
should this be the case come next month....meenhh only God can tell who will make it out of this group....I forbid the group though.


(Photo) World Cup : Simulator Predicts Nigeria Will Face Argentina, England & Denmark In Group C



Published: November 18, 2017
Nigeria could face Argentina for the fifth time in the group stage of the World Cup if the simulation of the World Cup draw conducted by
allnigeriasoccer.com is anything to go by.
With seven months left before the tournament begins in Russia, the only thing left is for the thirty two qualified nations to discover their opponents in the group stage.
The Super Eagles were paired with Argentina, England and Denmark in Group C, while Brazil were drawn with Spain, Sweden and Australia in Group H, and the two groups are the strongest on paper.
Nigeria met Argentina in the group stage at the 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, losing by the odd goal on each occasion, but will fancy their chances of beating the South Americans if they cross path again in Russia after thrashing the two-time world champions 4-2 in an international friendly in Krasnodar on Tuesday.
A star-studded Super Eagles featuring the likes of Austin Okocha, Finidi George,Nwankwo Kanu and Taribo West lost 4-1 to Denmark at the Stade de France in the second round of the 1998 World Cup, the only meeting between the two countries at the mundial.
Fifteen years ago, the three-time African champions played out a goalless draw with England in their final group game of the World Cup.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup draw will take place on December 1 at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia.
World Cup Draw Simulator
Group A: Russia, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Japan
Group B : Belgium, Uruguay, Senegal, South Korea
Group C: Argentina, England, Denmark, Nigeria
Group D: Portugal, Croatia, Iran, Panama
Group E: France, Peru, Tunisia, Serbia
Group F: Germany, Colombia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Group G: Poland, Mexico, Iceland, Morocco
Group H: Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Australia

* World Cup draw simulator provided by Telegraph UK


Ifeanyi Emmanuel


source: ANS

done.. i just edited his.

Mujtahida:
I'd suggest you edit and unquote him Joebie. Lets be wise

good points.. let's keep watching

ChrisKels:
I still maintain that Enyeama, Ikeme and Uzoho will be our three goalkeepers in Russia

That one slot at the defense, belongs to you know, don't say I didn't tell u. This is so confidential but I just have to break it, talk is at advanced stage with him and he's given Rohr his words that if he remains injury free, he would honor a call up. Nff wouldn't wanna repeat same mistake that's why they have kept a sealed lip

At the midfield, it will be a fit Joel Obi and Iwobi. Iwobi won't be listed as a forward.

Forwards ; onyekuru will take the place of iwobi who I just took back to where he truly belongs while d remaining slot will be a battle between a fit Bazee and a rejuvenated Success Isaac. Rohr is so crazy about these two guys but while one has bn so unlucky with injuries, the other has been an unserious fellow though with an immense talent.

Mho

Take note of the bolded

United States Call-Up For Promising Wolves Midfielder Owen Otasowie
Published: November 18, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/78465Owen.png

United States Call-Up For Promising Wolves Midfielder Owen OtasowiePromising Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder of Nigeria descent Owen Otasowie has been invited to a United States U18 training camp by the United States Soccer Federation.

The EFL Championship outfit have confirmed that Otasowie has been selected to travel to America for a training camp with the USA U18s.

The teenager is among the twenty five players that will train with the USA U18s, and the only player from an English club.

Otasowie was invited to train with the United States national team for players born in 2001 last season, but he couldn't honour the call-up due to club duties, but has been permitted to travel to America this time around.

He penned a two-year scholarship deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers just before the start of the 2017-2018 season.

This season, Otasowie has played seven games for Wolves U18s in all competitions, and wrote his name on the score-sheet against Newcastle United last month.

He can also represent England's national teams.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--ANS

He is supposed to be the voice of the NPFL. Hence, he should ensure that only the best in the domestic scene represent us.

Kog45:
All depends on Salisu Yusuf

ok we are on the same page then

BascoVanVeli:
I was talking about CHAN.

OWNGOAL interview (?) with Uzoho

” I did not take football serious up until the age of 13, an agent of Aspire Academy told me while I was 12 years old that I will do better as a goalkeeper because I was very tall and too slow to be a striker.

” I worked hard and two years later I was recruited to Aspire Academy as a goalkeeper, because I worked very hard after the advice, and due to my early days as a striker I find it very easy to distribute balls from the back as a goalkeeper”.

The reason why I gave my suggestion on making sports compulsory from the primary school level onward, with Federal Government University primary and secondary schools as a model

We've seen enough of Ezenwa and Akepeyi. We already know their weaknesses and strengths.
Dele Ajiboye should be given the chance in CHAN.

Kog45:
CHAN w be a decisive test for Ezenwa, with a good performance he w definitely be a backup may be third choice not number 1 but if i have my way Ezenwa w not make my team coz i don't believe in him.

Based on performance Ezenwa does not deserve to go to Russia. But if we should apply sentiments considering he was there when we needed him most, then he'd take a slot.

BascoVanVeli:
Ezenwa should not be a must for the team. The position must be thrown open to competition.

FBs have the greatest chance to gatecrash. Rohr has been shopping for them. Any of them that perform well will most likely get the nod over the unimpressive experienced ones.

Modified
Rorh MAY want to see Aina at the right. Ebuehi at the left, and Shehu as DM. Well, that's what I would do.

elyte89:
Bro and u think rorh won't pick ehiejile and to some extent musa based on compensation for been dere with d team and also experience wise


because frm ur list,we only av 3experience players


Ur list is good, but I think 3players playing NO2 position will b counterproductive, we re only trying to b "sympathetic" here to accommodate all d foreign born players, but I feel rohr might drop one of dem


And as for me,I am not ruling out ISAAC SUCCESS to gatecrash d team easily if he start playing regularly


For d 2slot,O.ETEBO definately will pick one slot.

Same pattern without the stripe on the shorts.

aodis:
100% . The Jersey is top notch. I was telling pple that should take a look at the French and English national team Jersey they used for their friendlies , that if they like it then they will like the Super Eagles Jersey as well cos they are of the same pattern.

With CHAN it's hard to tell which is the group of death.

tbaba1234:
CHAN groups

Group A (Casablanca)– Morocco, Guinea, Sudan, Mauritania

Group B (Marrakesh)– Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Uganda, Namibia

Group C (Tangier)– Libya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea

Group D (Agadir)– Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Burkina Faso