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I love the look on the faces of these SA football pundits.

Aina Makes Full Debut, Iwobi & Ndidi Start As Nigeria Announce Starting XI Vs Algeria
Published: November 10, 2017


Aina Makes Full Debut, Iwobi & Ndidi Start As Nigeria Announce Starting XI Vs AlgeriaSuper Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has announced his starting line-up for Friday evening's World Cup qualifier against Algeria at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui, starting from 2030 hours.

Based on the training sessions, Rohr had already decided two days ago to start FC Ifeanyi Ubah goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa ahead of Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho, and he's sticking to the original plan.

The German has opted to field a back four with Abdullahi Shehu, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Ola Aina all starting, meaning ADO Den Hag youngster Tyronne Ebuehi can only make his competitive debut off the bench if he's considered by the coach.

Oghenekaro Etebo has gotten the nod over Uche Agbo in midfield, while John Ogu and Wilfred Ndidi also start.

Up front, the triumvirate of Alex Iwobi, Anthony Nwakaeme and Kelechi Iheaancho will start the game.

Nigeria Starting XI : Ikechukwu Ezenwa; Ola Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Leon Balogun, Troost-Ekong; John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo; Kelechi Iheanacho, Tony Nwakaeme and Alex Iwobi

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

south africa 0-2 Senegal (37 minutes gone)

WCQ RUSSIA 2018:

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South Africa needs to beat Senegal at home AND away to qualify

South Africa 0-1 Senegal (17 minutes gone)

if we want we can start this argument all over again. Okeleji is out of touch on this one.

Magink:
Tammy Abraham snub is a valuable lesson
By Oluwashina Okeleji, Contributor
10 November 2017 | 3:57 am


Tammy Abraham is one of the Europe-born players being courted by the NFF.


The drama around Tammy Abraham over the last fortnight or so has been impossible to miss. The Swansea man has been called up to the England squad on the back of some fine performances in the English Premier League, and that announcement in itself ought to have rested the narrative around Nigeria’s interest in the player.
Except that, to expect that is to misread the Nigerian personality. For all its foibles, its citizens are a proud people, and no one likes to be turned down. Suffice to say that, if Abraham goes on to make a successful international career with the Three Lions, he will be doing it in spite of a generous chunk of negative energy stemming from the country of his ancestry.

Some of that though is to do with the fortunes of those who have chosen to spurn Nigeria over the years. There is even a direct parallel with Gabriel Agbonlahor, whose introduction in the Premier League back in 2007 was more eye-catching than Abraham’s now. Having tied him down, England never had much use for him afterward, and his career promptly diffused into thin air.


Patrick Owomoyela and Sidney Sam with Germany are two other pertinent examples; the usual approach is to immediately cap them once Nigeria begins to sniff around: an old trick, but a very fair one, making them forever inaccessible.

This has fed into some of the gloating and sour grapes that is in play among Nigerians regarding the youngster, and while it is entirely possible that he flunks out like all the others, this is a highly talented footballer with a whole lot of development ahead of him. We cannot begrudge him a chance to pursue what is evidently a dream of his.

He seems genuinely excited at the prospect of representing England, and has been relentless not only in posting pictures and tweets, but in stating that in spite of Nigeria’s best intentions (we were willing to roll out the red carpet, apparently; what that means in concrete terms is not hard to imagine), he never really considered us an option. Obviously, this is a slap on the cheek, but only in the sense that we exposed ourselves to it. The unvarnished truth is that Abraham does not need Nigeria, and Nigeria does not need Abraham.

A fascinating consideration: had he consented to play for Nigeria, would we get the same level of enthusiasm as he is now displaying? That is doubtful. It seems that there was a lot of fanfare for a footballer who was not overly interested to begin with, and this makes a mockery of those who genuinely have an interest in representing the Super Eagles.

To see the President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, bend over backward in this fashion, time and again over foreign-born players, can hardly be encouraging for locally-based players, for example. While the national pool should be open to all Nigerians born everywhere, it would be best to single out those who indicate a definite interest, a desire to be a part of the project. It does not mean that every foreign-born Nigerian footballer must play for Nigeria.

Increasingly, it is looking like that is all it takes. The manner in which it is being pursued also leaves a lot to be desired; whatever the motivations, going so hard on Abraham off the back of a single meeting and a photo op was heavy-handed. Arguably, this brash approach has only reaped reward in the case of Ola Aina, and that was helped by the fact the player’s father himself was eager that the then-Chelsea youngster represent Nigeria.

In the cases of Sone Aluko and Leon Balogun, to name two, we have seen how a pre-existing willingness can and does lead to greater commitment to the cause. To them, it was not so much about convincing them to play for Nigeria, as it was presenting them an opportunity to do what they always wanted to.

That really is the biggest lesson of this entire episode. If a player needs to be convinced, then he is not really doing what he wants. Rather than chase shadows, we owe it to ourselves to preserve our pride, and reward those who genuinely desire a chance to pull on our national colours.

That's just it!!

Kakamorufu:
I tell u. We hardly want change. And those who want to bring the change( not buhari own o ). We push them aside.

Corruption is simply not following due process in anything for that matter. It's as simple as that, whether you are hurting someone or not.
When you have a large number of people in society who pay to maneuver their way and sidestep the laid down process, you have disorder. And that's what we have here.
Corruption is dishonesty. A culture where we expect kickbacks while rendering services is a corrupt one. Of course not everyone is like that. But an overwhelming majority are based on my interactions here.
In my personal opinion, even when it's legal, my moral conscience knows when it's still corruption.

SerVik:
Yea some of us actually did. Generalizations such as these are weak and mostly borne out of reluctance to truly see things from the other side of the divide.

Yes, we are mostly corrupt. Anybody denying this is living in fool's paradise, but that doesn't mean we tag everything we do not understand 'corrupt' as it is been done here.

Over the past weeks I've read these corruption charges flying around and while some are truly genuine, others are purely because we do not understand the standpoint of those we are charging.

Guardiola, for instance, sold the best player in Africa for who? A player from freaking La masia, with very little big game experience. Many people just could not grasp their fingers around that decision, but many years later, we are all hailing busquet as one of the most technical DMF of his generation. In Nigeria we would tag that decision as corrupt.

There are many of such instances in football and indeed other aspects of our daily lives. Corruption is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society, that much everybody agrees. But if you would just take a moment to see things from another man's point of view, you'll realise that some decisions are purely harmless human choices and though some may be wrong, it has nothing to do with corruption.

Exactly the point I had wanted to make. We always shoot down progressive ideas in this country.
We like holding on to our old ways. Never forward thinking.. it's just crazy. It's in our consciousness.
I remember that blue logo. Only to return to see this same old one. I was like, "what!"

Kakamorufu:
haha. Nta logo was changed back then by Murray Bruce. And I must tell u, it was lovely.

Not until Tony iredia came and returned it back to the old logo. �.

We have to wait for something official. They've pretty much been close with their guesses in the past.

Taliban:
Abeg o, has the team list being confirmed?

Besides the ownnigeria list earlier released as we have been warned to take their news with a drum of salt.

Thanks.

Just reminds me of NTA logo. Government things sef tire me.

Modified
More tuba and trumpet? It would need a new arrangement.

Kakamorufu:
sure. I concur. They can improve on the instrumentals sha. More tuba and trumpet

that anthem was NEVER sweet.
To make matters worse, the instrumental dull.

Kakamorufu:
not like it dosent sound sweet, it's more of becoming stale.

Like more spice needs to be added

lol..I was actually listening to the anthem at the beginning of that Zambia game. But football aside.
u sef when u listen to the anthem, e dey sweet you?

neighy:
dont tell me FOOTBALL IS OR ONE of the reason/s

Time & Where (TV, Online) To Watch World Cup 2018 Qualifiers ; Algeria vs Nigeria
November 10, 2017

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will today play their final World Cup 2018 Qualifiers game against Algeria in Constantine.

Owngoalnigeria.com brings to you, the time and various channels which fans of both teams can use to watch the game live.

Date: Friday, November 10 2017

Time : 20:30 WAT, i.e 8:30 pm (Nigerian Time)

TV – Supersport 3 Africa, Supersport ‎3 Nigeria, Supersport 9.

Online – beIN Sports Connect, FuboTV (US & Canada)

Osas Mahawi

Man City Loanee Nwakali Struggling To Impose Himself In Super Eagles Training
November 9, 2017028

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One player whose invitation to the senior national team of Nigeria ahead of games against Algeria and Argentina ‎has to be on loan Manchester City midfielder Chidiebere Nwakali.

Nwakali who is presently out on loan to Sogndal of Norway was listed by the coach in the list of players for the games, and the player is presently with the team ahead tomorrow’s game against Algeria.

However the midfielder has not really imposed himself in training as he appears to be playing with lot of caution obviously afraid not to make mistakes, which has rob him of what many know him for.

His traditional long range passes and tenacity in tackles are yet to be seen, but in one of their session his shot gave goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa a lot to worry although the goalkeeper saved the effort.

So far he hasn’t really light up the sessions, but considering this is hid first call up to the senior team, he will definitely get better because he is obviously talented.

Maxwell Pius
--OGN

Thank you.. in so many ways we are corrupt, and it has become normal to us.

kennysville:
Lemme add no 8... you all drive around today with drivers licence. Did any one of you actually go for driving test? Exactly my point..... kwarraption has been institutionalized

Rohr On Absence Of Moses', Ighalo, Onazi, Elderson : We Have No Second Team
Published: November 10, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/96717Moses.png

Rohr On Absence Of Moses', Ighalo, Onazi, Elderson : We Have No Second TeamGernot Rohr has dismissed suggestions that he will not field his strongest possible line-up against Algeria this evening following the withdrawals of six players from the roster due to injuries.

The German cannot count on the services of Chelsea right wing-back Victor Moses, Monaco loanee Elderson Echiejile, Turkish-based duo Eddy Onazi and Mikel Agu, Moses Simon and Odion Ighalo.

''At this level, we can not speak of a second team. We have injuries, but the players who will replace them are of the same level.,'' Rohr told Le Buteur, shortly after the team's arrival in Constantine.

''By the way, I really believe in them and I'm sure they'll show themselves in the big game.

''There are six (injured players). This will complicate our mission, especially since the Algerian selection will seek to take revenge, but we will try to be ready.

''It's going to be a good match and I hope the best on the field will win.''

Nigeria's final game of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers will begin at 2030 hours at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui, Constantine.

Igho Kingsley

--ANS

I think Nigeria needs a new national anthem.

(Photo) Victor Moses Brings Good News As Chelsea Ace Starts Training On Grass
Published: November 10, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/5243Moses.jpg

(Photo) Victor Moses Brings Good News As Chelsea Ace Starts Training On Grass Victor Moses is on the road to full recovery, with the Chelsea right wing-back bringing the best news so far regarding his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

The number fifteen faced up to one month on the sidelines after sustaining an injury against Crystal Palace on October 14, and his treatment is going exactly as the Blues doctors planned.

Moses took to social media to reassure his fans that his chances of being fit for Chelsea's next competitive game are high.

He posted on Twitter, with a picture of himself and an unnamed Chelsea fitness coach : ''Good to be back training outside �� #CFC''.

Italy international Davide Zappacosta had filled the vacant right wing-back position while Moses was receiving treatment before the third international break of the 2017-2018 season.

The Nigeria star missed games against AS Roma (2), Everton, Watford, Bournemouth and Manchester United.

Igho Kingsley

--ANS

NIGERIA VS ZAMBIA Replay on SS4 RIGHT NOW

Nigeria Target Dominic Solanke Set To Get Eleventh-Hour Call-Up To England Senior Team
Published: November 10, 2017

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Photo: thefa.com

Nigeria Target Dominic Solanke Set To Get Eleventh-Hour Call-Up To England Senior Team Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke is set to be handed a late call-up to England senior national team ahead of Tuesday night's friendly against Brazil at the National Stadium in London, according to reports.

The Guardian UK, is reporting that Gareth Southgate is set to call up three under-21 forwards for the Brazil friendly, Demarai Gray, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke to make up the numbers.

England have been hit by injuries ahead of tonight's glamour game against Germany, with Jordan Henderson, Jack Butland, Gary Cahill, Fabian Delph, Harry Winks, Dele Alli and Harry Kane pulling out of the squad.

It is thought Solanke will join up with the Three Lions upon his return to the England, after representing the U21 team in a European U21 Championship qualifier against Ukraine.

The 20-year-old, who is being monitored by the Nigerian Federation with a view to a call-up to the Super Eagles, could made his England debut two years after he first trained with the senior team.

Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham is also set to play his first international game for England Men's national team within the next four days.

Igho Kingsley

--ANS

Rohr, Obi Mikel Want To Finish 2018 World Cup Qualifying Campaign Unbeaten
Published: November 10, 2017

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Rohr, Obi Mikel Want To Finish 2018 World Cup Qualifying Campaign Unbeaten Nigeria’s Super Eagles go up against the Fennecs of Algeria in Constantine on Friday with a determination to finish the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifying campaign unbeaten.

Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr and Skipper Mikel John Obi said this much on Thursday evening, as the squad welcomed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Algeria, His Excellency Demenongu Agev at the Hotel Novotel in Constantine.

''It is true that a team cannot win all the time, but we will give our very best on Friday,'' said Rohr to thenff.com

''There are some players who have been eager to get opportunity to play and some of them will get the opportunity on Friday, and I am sure they will not disappoint.

“We already have the FIFA World Cup ticket but we have prepared for this match in the same way we prepared for the previous matches in the qualifying series.''

Skipper Mikel Obi, who will win his 80th cap for Nigeria if selected to play at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, said the team is focused on finishing the race without a loss.

''We don’t want to lose any match; we will go to the field looking for a win. Matches between Nigeria and Algeria are always big, and we cannot afford to take things for granted.''

On Thursday evening evening, the Eagles had their only training at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, where Friday’s match will take place, starting at 8.30pm Algeria time.

Ferdinard Mbum

--ANS

Don't even start that argument. They are all Nigerians.

forgiveness:
Oga, if you don't know Tega means u no dey watch EPL because the same Tega played there though with limited time. Abi you no see Tega Onomah for Europa two seasons ago?

Point to one AM in our National team better than him and don't stop there, tell me which ST is better than Abraham Tega and which LW better pass Ademola Lookman, huh, before you start to dey yan over hyped English groomed players. I never mention Dominic Solanke oooo. I think you saw how he demonstrated he is a very skilful and confident player with that his solo runs before he took a shot during the match against West ham?

Abeg, comot Mikel Obi for the comparison.


Abi, you mean generally English groomed players are over hyped? Is Dele Alli Over hype? Abi, the English groomed players are over hype because somebody snubbed us for England?

If you think English groomed players are over hyped then list and compare Nigerian and British groomed players side by side, make we see who don produced better players pass.

I think what he has been trying to do is differentiate between players that have simply shown promise from those who are actually clocking minutes and performing. Osimhen has shown promise and could come better than Onomah etc. But he has a case that Onomah is ahead, for now.
I just put out a list from fourfourtwo. Dennis Bonaventure was rated ahead of Ejaria and Tomori.

Humility017:
I am not against him talking of his players...but pulling down other players just to promote his own like kind of players is what I don't like....

I patiently watch were he was heading to..when he began to berates oshimen...and I believed because he wanted promote onomah.....because that was the conclusion

ur welcome!

Toylove:
TNx bruv

dem talk say na begging/opening shop

Humility017:
I have said this severally nothing wrong inviting players like deji, omijiii and any home groom talent to come train with the SE...just to give them exposure...and instill in them...the need to work hard to play for the team in future...and feel wanted...

the nff really are bereft of ideas...
things like this should be introduced....at least to keep this foreign lads who have openly declared for us...

komekn I must commend your patriotic gesture. I want to assume you are not paid to go out and watch these boys. Neither are you an agent. I want to say I respect your contributions. If we all could do the same, this thread would be so rich. And I'm sure coaches would come here to scout. So next time when we go out there, let's take pictures or make videos. Just an idea. We need to start doing something different for Nigeria. We love our country pass other countries abi? No be just for mouth oh

@bolded. were you talking about Tayo Edun?
He is also English groomed

Modified
Let's respect Komekn 's positions. He is our eyes over there. Those who are in Nigeria should educate us what's going on with Nigerian talents in Nigeria. Saying they are on the streets, is different from someone who goes to watch these teenagers. He can only speak on what he knows.
So please let's be a little more patriotic and go watch these boys in the streets and talk about them here.. maybe post videos.

sidenote: Most of these players are automatically citizens of Nigeria through their parents. Passport is just a document. Even many in Nigeria don't have a Nigerian passport. That does not make them less Nigerian.

Humility017:
who is tega onomah please...
please this is super eagles thread and not 3 lions thread...
stop using the English football system as a yardstick to judge our players...
those players you mentioning have every thing working for them...good and organised football system...unlike us here in Nigeria I doubt if tega had gone through what oshimen experienced while growing up....

over hyped English groomed players...if England was that England....they would have been edging Germany all this while om world cup tournaments.....



not everyone will be opportuened to.play in England even at that you should not expect a teenager who just changed an environment, football culture and vibes to get so well and smooth in Europe though some can....but definetely the lad is on a gradual progress....I believe if at 18 he could get few minutes under his belt I believe as time goes by...he will definetely get hours provided he keep working hard..

you're so swift to pull down other players just to promote your English groomed players which I wont want to call average....

only God knows if those guys you're mentioning even have a Nigeria passport

yes the world has always been unfair to Mikel.

Mickael2:
wait, are you missing the point here? I am to believe that we are the highest scorers, we have the meanest defence and we beat the best teams around, then you are telling me that the guy that is EASILY our own best player does not deserve to be in the team? It does not make any sense, you have players there who barely had 2-3 good games, Mikel was very good(atleast) in every game and once he leaves the pitch the entire team suffered, and he added goals and preassists too

One word. System.

tbaba1234:
19 year old, Tayo Edun (Adetayo Oluwatosin Olusegun Edun) was invited to train with England. England is trying to make these young men of dual nationalities feel wanted.

That's 6 new starters.

tbaba1234:
Based on reports, i suspect that this could be the starting line up

Ezenwa
Aina
Shehu
Ekong
Balogun
Ogu
Ndidi
Etebo
Iwobi
Nwakaeme
Iheanacho

FOURFOURTWO'S 100 BEST TEENAGERS -- NIGERIANS WHO MADE THE LIST

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74. Fikayo Tomori (19)
Need to know: Arsenal and Manchester United hopelessly failed to tame Marcus Rashford in March 2016 – but a Canada U20 defender showed them how it was done that month in a shock victory away to the Young Lions.
Tomori, born in Calgary but brought up in Kent, was eventually wooed by England and before long had helped them win the U20 World Cup.
The defender thrived as Chelsea conquered the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League, and is now on loan at Hull after a spell in Brighton last season.

Highlight so far: Athletic and excellent in one-on-one situations with strikers, Tomori was a paramount performer as England kept four clean sheets en route to U20 glory in Suwon.

70. Oviemuno Ejaria (19)
Need to know: Born in the same London borough as Rio Ferdinand, Duncan Goodhew and David Haye, Ejaria was thrilled to join his beloved Arsenal as a seven-year-old.
His sadness at being released by the Gunners nine years later didn’t last long, though, as esteemed clubs hoyed apprenticeship forms at him. The attacking midfielder reportedly rejected PSG to join Liverpool, and has since made a splash for their reserves after putting in extra hours to improve his goals return.

Though part of a Nigeria U17 training camp in 2013, Ejaria played a bit-part role in England’s FIFA U20 World Cup triumph.

Highlight so far: Ejaria’s distribution caught the eye on his first Liverpool start, when he held his own against Eric Dier & Co. in a 2-1 win over Tottenham in the League Cup in October 2016.

27. Dennis Bonaventure (19)
Need to know:
Bonaventure was, even in his native Nigeria, unknown when Zorya Luhansk discovered him at the Abuja Academy in March 2016.
Fast-forward 18 months and the unpredictable forward has been dubbed ‘The Nigerian Neymar’, forced the Super Eagles selectors to answer repeated questions about overlooking him, and been scouted by Manchester City, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco.
Bonaventure, a master at entrapping fouls, propelled Zorya to third place in the 2016/17 Ukrainian Premier League, and has made a sterling start in the black-and-blue striped No.42 shirt of Club Brugge.

Highlight so far: Five minutes into his Brugge bow, Bonaventure cut inside his man and rifled the ball into the bottom corner to give the Belgians a flying start to their Champions League qualifier against Istanbul Basaksehir. MW

you mean go to the world cup?
Well, as first choice, it's not impossible. If he gets more games for Deportivo, he would have a good case.

Icon79:
Something tells me that Uzoho might be our World Cup goalkeeper though.


O pari