₦airaland Forum

No lol.. just sarcasm thrown at komekn.

joseph1013:
LOL. Did more of our players go to Chelsea because of him?

@ bolded
So very true.

Mujtahida:
The title of Chimamanda Adichie's first TED talk is 'The Danger of A Single Story' which expresses the same sentiment - although in converse form- as the ancient Latin legal maxim 'Audi alterem partem'(which means you must hear the other side). Adichie's has become a favourite metaphor I use in ringing the bells whenever I encounter narrow-minded, stifling fundamentalism in any form.
The Red Indians have a very rich proverb that says 'it takes a thousand voices to tell a single story'
As far as many issues in life are concerned it takes a thousand voices to tell the story, a thousand mind to understand it and a thousand heart to respond to it. We must be wary of a single story. I had to drop that write up because his views regarding players born abroad and all that surrounds their change of nationality were choking me. It's not black and white abeg. It's many shades with grey
And we sure need an healthy injection of multifaceted perspective to move forward in Nigeria - even our economy is a mono product economy. At a time I was active in the political section on nairaland and I was shocked at the abysmal ignorance Nigerians, educated Nigerians display regarding very important issues like ethnic and tribal groupings. I was shocked to think this are their favourite topics but yet they have only very superficial knowledge about it. I digress. Back to football Sir.

Chuks Aneke's Highlights published May 2017. Have your say.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snmgGobtBD0


Chuks Aneke's goals published 2014:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju2L8GJkM2Y

Brain gain has always been my argument for all sectors for that matter -- not just football.
But will some of us embrace the idea? The next thing they will say, "you think just because you come from America you will just come and chance me"
Some of us based here even feel we are more Nigerian, and feel more entitled.

Mujtahida:
Komekn's suggestion is a good one. All the foreign born players we have playing for us today were approached in one way or the other. What is bad in formalising the mode of engagement. Is it right to take Tammy's refusal and use that to filter others? Even when a lady likes you, she expects you to toast her. Some will toast you but a great number will not. The idea is a super idea. We've decried brain drain of our best minds to the developed World . Now is the time to brain gain from the developed world. Two way traffic.

Good if it means more of our players will start going to France.

komekn:
Just noticed the Director of football at Chelsea a former Nigerian international has resigned, Michael Emenalo. He has explained after 10 years as director of football he wants to pursue new challenges.

I'd love to see recent videos of Aneke. Don't get frustrated if most of us here are still not convinced though you have witnessed these players firsthand.

komekn:
Those are players I mentioned it's not a comprehensive list, there are others like Chuks Aneke, Fred Onyedinma,

It was not necessarily recommendation but comparison and a questioning of a system that by passed these players.

But for the midfield role I would be looking more at Chuks Aneke.

OPINION

---

Can Tammy Abraham buck the trend for Nigerians representing England?

12:05 PM WAT
Colin Udoh, KweséESPN

After weeks of speculation, Tammy Abraham's future appears to have been decided following a maiden England call-up on Thursday.

Abraham is one of three uncapped players named in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad to face Germany and Brazil in upcoming friendlies.

News that the 20-year-old was a target for Nigeria has been the source of some discomfort within the hallways of English football, to the extent that the player found it necessary to make a clarification that his allegiance remains with England, the country he has represented at youth level, despite claims to the contrary by NFF chief Amaju Pinnick.

This call-up by Gareth Southgate would appear to be a poorly disguised attempt to tie Abraham to a future with the Three Lions before Nigeria do the same.

However, it's worth noting that, with England's upcoming games friendly fixtures, the door wouldn't be closed for Nigeria should Abraham feature for Southgate's side.

However, the big question for the striker is whether or not he can break the hoodoo that players of Nigerian heritage before him have suffered in the past when representing the Three Lions.

And there is quite the list.

John Fashanu was one of the earliest England-born players who had a chance to represent Nigeria, but thumbed his nose at the then Green Eagles, choosing to represent the Three Lions instead.

By contrast, London-born Tunji Banjo did opt for the West African giants.

The late Ugo Ehiogu became the first black player to captain an England team in a competitive match when he led the U-21s out against the Netherlands. He opted to play for England, and ended up with four caps, all won in friendlies.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor also picked England, although he insisted that despite reports to the contrary, he was never contacted by Nigeria.

He ended up with three caps.

Striker Carlton Cole also rejected Nigeria advances, and finished with just seven caps for England.

For Nedum Onuoha, it was an even worse experience.

After making 20 appearances for the England U-21s, Onuoha rejected a chance to play for the Super Eagles, deciding instead to wait for a Three Lions call-up.

That call never came.

More recently, Jordon Ibe has been the latest player to snub Nigeria, despite an approach from former Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh. His international career has also stagnated at U-21 level, with the Bournemouth man yet to make the step up to the senior side.

His international struggles ought to be contrasted, however, with Dele Alli and Ross Barkley, both of whom represented England despite having Nigeria origins, and have over 20 appearances for the Three Lions.

Beyond England, the likes of Denis Aogo, Patrick Owomoyela (both Germany), and Stefano Okaka (Italy) are a few examples of players who have seen their international careers stagnate elsewhere.

On the flip side, players born or raised abroad who have chosen to represent Nigeria have largely enjoyed international success.

Manchester-born Efan Ekoku made 20 appearances and played at the 1994 World Cup, while George Abbey, who had a Welsh mother, won 18 caps and a Nations Cup bronze medal playing for the Super Eagles.

Victor Anichebe made 11 appearances and won an Olympic silver medal with Nigeria, and could have been part of the 2013 Nations Cup-winning team if he had not prematurely called time on his international career.

Former England youth international Victor Moses was part of that team, and not only won the Nations Cup title, but is on the verge of playing at his second World Cup finals.

World Cup-bound youngster Alex Iwobi, just 21 and a former youth international, has already made 13 appearances, more than any Nigerian-born player who has represented England, and is looking like a certainty for the trip to Russia.

Admittedly, England offers players a more professional structure and superior organisation compared to the chaotic Tower of Babel that is the Nigeria set-up. However, in the midst of that chaos, champions have emerged, while no West African-born talents have ever truly thrived with the Three Lions.

In the end, the heart will do what the heart wants, and we will all have to respect Abraham's decision and wish him well.

However, the antecedents are hard to shake off, and they don't bode well for Tammy.

yes, u should have known that kind of question is always expected on this thread na.

Kog45:
My man am not here to make case for Lawal or against Nwakili invitation but to tell thegoodjoe that if Rohr really wants Lawal he doesn't need to drop any player cos when he called Nwakili no player was dropped,that's my point.

you can be blind to certain parts, and pick what you want to read. you got the message clearly.. you are just saying a bunch of nothings.

forgiveness:
'Others' na em be ya answer?

TEKEL: You have been weighted in the balance and found wanting.

ok cool

Mujtahida:
I just did. Thanks for the link. I'd check it out.

Mujtahida, please check your email

You want me to question your intelligence again eh? lol if you still didn't get my clear answer, others will get it.

forgiveness:
Oga! Answer question and don't give tales by moon light stori.

for obvious reasons. I have called you out on this in the past. And safarigirl called you out on it lately. I'm waiting for you to make another accusation that the NFF etc are favoring a specific section of the country, then I will jump on you again.

forgiveness:
@bolded

According to the second out bolded. If Raheem Lawal was in my mind then why should it take me a while before mentioning Lawal?

Gbam!
World view is what many of us lack. We only speak with one localized mindset. People expect these people to think the Nigerian way, do things the Nigerian way etc although they are brought up in a whole different system. Very unrealistic.
let people who understand these things with a broad perspective be the ones to interface between Nigeria and the players in question.
Pinnick though knowing a player's father will do the magic. UK na Nigeria?

Mujtahida:
That's why I said you are ignorant and insensitive if you maintain your line that we do not need anyone engaging these players to play for us and I am repeating it again.
This stance of yours is one that riles me. Sincerely.
Now I know that some of us here were co-opted into a WhatsApp group. Just this Saturday, the name and story of a 22 year old Greek basketball player who is well on his way to becoming a great, even greater than Hakeem Olajuwon - in basketball was posted. His name is Giannis Antetokuonmpo also known as the Greek freak. The interesting thing is that Giannis only became a Greek Citizen two years ago. Giannis parents, Charles and Victoria are Nigerians who immigrated to Greece in the early 90's and gave birth to Giannis and his brothers there.
Now here's the point I like to make that stresses your ignorance: in the course of discussion on the group, many were wowed and some were like why didn't he play for Nigeria. That was when one of the posters said he(as in the poster) has met Giannis who would have played for Nigeria but that Greece had fast tracked his switch of nationality and he (the poster) went on to state that there are many Nigerians abroad in Australia, Germany, Italy whose parents routinely ask him how they'd get their children to represent Nigeria. He talked about how he met some good basketballers of Nigerian descent in Germany and a swimmer in tanzania whose Dad was/is Nigerian. The 'how' is a problem that rapport and engagement can solve.

There are talented athletes, basketballers, swimmers, footballers of Nigerian descent all over the world cut off completely from how we do things here but whose heart is still at home with us because of the blood that flows in their veins.

Now komekn spoke in the broad context of engagement and rapport with footballers in EUROPE and you say that we do not need anyone to engage these players to play for us. How ignorant can one be more than this again, how insensitive? If you do not engage them and create rapport, how do you know who will agree to play for us and who will not?and since its not by force, anyone that declines the honour, we by pass such a person or still try and persuade them some more. In your mind they should just cross over and say heyyyy Nigeria, here I am. I want to play for you. Na so?

Because Tammy has bounced us, we are hurt. But not everyone of them is Tammy. It was Rohr who convinced Ebuehi to play for us, Rohr convinced Dessers to play for us, it is Rohr who has been making contact with Torunarigha, Uduokhai and Akpoguma on our behalf. Would it not have been better if we have designated persons, passionate Nigerians, who understand Nigeria and also the foreign country to engage these players on our behalf once it is ascertained that they are talented? Would it not be good to have a formal structure of engagement through which parents whose kids desire to represent Nigeria find it easy to register their interest? Na Rohr wey be Oyibo man dey engage players and talk them to represent your fatherland for you! Shame on you!!

Guy you dey fall hand abeg for this narrow mindedness. I don't want to talk politics but this is precisely the same mindset that prevents rapprochement and understanding across cultural divides in this country. Everybody sits in his own enclave and speaks from that narrow perspective without trying to understand the view point of the other man, of the other ethnic group, culture or religion. It infuriates me. It makes me mad when I encounter narrow mindedness. Joebie knows. You are in Nigeria talking about people in the UK yet you have no inkling what it feels like for them regarding such issues as playing for Nigeria. For you it's a simple matter. No, my brother, it's not so simple when you leave them in a vacuum to make that decision. The only thing that makes that decision simple is relationship built through engagement and rapprochement. Gerrit?

Good news. I hope he gets enough game time in the NPFL

Danycrusoe:
Keeping up with the players from the 2013 and 2015 sets of youth internationals

Mustapha Abdullahi Yautai joins Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi ahead of the new Nigeria Professional Football League 2017/2018 season.

Safarigirl, thegoodjoe and icon4s please is he the one u used to call picture abi camera boy? Always present in every camp pictures bk then.

I redirect the favor to my younger brother for Warri -- Oghenekaro Etebo.

terzurum5:
Partizan Belgrade Tracking Super Eagles Star Oghenekaro Etebo

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/54768Etebo.jpg

Serbian SuperLiga champions Partizan Belgrade are interested in signing Nigeria international Oghenekaro Etebo,a llnigeriasoccer.comcan exclusively report.
The 2016 Olympic Games star comes off contract with C.D. Feirense in the summer of 2019, but the Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit are willing to allow him depart the club as from the January transfer window if a suitor meets his asking price.
A representative from Partizan Belgrade was present at the Estádio da Luz, where Feirense faced off with Benfica on October 27 and was impressed with the performance of the number ten.
Etebo's camp will have a meeting with the Sporting Director of the The Black-Whites this week to discuss the formalities of a contract.
Since moving to Portugal from Warri Wolves in 2016, Etebo has scored 8 goals in 44 appearances for C.D. Feirense and has provided 6 assists.
He left Portugal this morning to link up with the Nigeria national team at their get-together in Morocco.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

ANS

My advise for you forgiveness is just take a chill pill. If Nwakali comes bad you can shout as you want. If he comes good, take another chill pill.

I asked you to name who should have been called up instead. It took you a while before you mentioned Lawal.
If I actually did claim so, where and when did you refute that claim?
And how is that even a diversion if I actually did make that claim? -- 2 things unrelated.

I've said Nwakali has been on the headlines. I have not seen or noticed any with Lawal lately. Secondly, I never said that's the reason why he was invited over the others. Don't put words into my mouth.
My point is you make it seem Lawal is clearly ahead of Nwakali. Besides your youtube video you posted of him from last season, your case is weak.

Modified
The next thing, you are going to tell me about how leagues are rated in Europe lol

forgiveness:
First of all, you claimed Raheem Lawal was in my mind and that is why i am against Chidiebere Nwakali's invitation but now you know your claim is false you are diverting to 'they are not making headlines' bros i tire for you oooo.

Tell me about the headlines Chidiebere Nwakali made that warraned his call.

I asked you to name who should have been called up instead. It took you a while before you mentioned Lawal.
I actually did claim so, where and when did you refute that claim?
And how is that even a diversion if I actually did make that claim? -- 2 things unrelated.

I've said Nwakali has been on the headlines. I have not seen or noticed any with Lawal lately. Secondly, I never said that's the reason why he was invited over the others. Don't put words into my mouth.
My point is you make it seem Lawal is clearly ahead of Nwakali. Besides your youtube video you posted of him from last season, your case is weak.

forgiveness:
First of all, you claimed Raheem Lawal was in my mind and that is why i am against Chidiebere Nwakali's invitation but now you know your claim is false you are diverting to 'they are not making headlines' bros i tire for you oooo.

Tell me about the headlines Chidiebere Nwakali made that warraned his call.

Eagles settle down in Rabat, Mikel expected Tuesday
By The NFF
Updated: November 6, 2017
https://www.thenff.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Nigeria-coach-Gernot-Rohr.jpg

The Super Eagles on Monday in Rabat, Morocco began preparation for Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria which is scheduled for Constantine.

Meanwhile, Coach Gernot Rohr has replaced injured midfielder Ogenyi Onazi with defender Kenneth Omeruo, while Girona FC of Spain forward Olanrewaju Kayode takes the place of Moses Simon, who is also knocked out by injury.

All the technical crew and backroom staff arrived in Rabat on Sunday, alongside four players: Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, Mikel Agu and goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

On Monday, Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, Olanrewaju Kayode, Henry Onyekuru, Chidiebere Nwakali, Kelechi Iheanacho, Uche Agbo and Chidozie Awaziem arrived in Casablanca just after noon, and were immediately driven to Rabat.

Less than an hour after the crew of Etebo and seven others landed, Turkey –based defender Kenneth Omeruo and Israel –based duo of John Ogu and Anthony Nwakaeme also arrived at the Mohamed V Airport, Casablanca. They were also immediately driven to Rabat, where the team is quartered at the Golden Tulip Farah.

Team administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed to thenff.com that team captain Mikel John Obi, as well as goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi, are expected in Rabat on Tuesday.

On Friday, the Super Eagles, with the Russia 2018 World Cup ticket already in their pocket, will fly to Constantine, where they face the Fennecs at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui from 8.30pm Algeria time on Friday.

On Saturday, the Nigerian team will fly aboard a chartered flight to Krasnodar, the Russian city that will host Tuesday’s international friendly against Argentina.

analysis go come be like excuses if we no know our limits. People accusing Rohr of accepting bribes or whatever without facts. We defending the inclusion of Nwakali without OBVIOUS facts. That kind argument no get end.
Where that my mat sef?

TheGoodJoe:
Fine by me but Analysts must analyse.

They should be in the business of blogging. Post opinions not news stories.
When you post analysis as facts that becomes lies.

TheGoodJoe:
Owngoalnigeria is a fantastic sight. Very analytical and sometimes good in their forecast. Their only challenge is that they try to post their analysis as facts. They should stick to tagging lots of their work as analytical opinions and forecast. Stop using anonymous source when it is a well analysed point.

If they stick to that, they will be a powerful source of information.

Top news!

terzurum5:
Former Super Eagles Star Emenalo Quits Chelsea, Set For Monaco

https://i2.wp.com/www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Michael-Emenalo.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1

Former Nigeria defender Michael Emenalo has resigned from his position as technical director at Chelsea.


According to a report on the Telegraph, Emenalo quit after declining not to engage in a three-way power battle with current Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Marina Granovskaia who are known not to see eye to eye.


The former Nigerian international, who was in the Super Eagles squad for the USA ’94 World Cup, could assume a position at AS Monaco.


Emenalo joined Chelsea in 2007 as an assistant under Avram Grant and he also worked as an opposition scout and assistant first-team coach under Carlo Ancelotti, replacing Ray Wilkins when he was sacked.


With Emenalo as Chelsea’s technical director, the 1994 World Cup star helped Chelsea win three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Europa League and the Champions League.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/former-super-eagles-star-emenalo-quits-chelsea-set-monaco/

We can think this and that all day, but we can't make solid arguments based on what we think. Until Rohr gives reasons for handing Nwakali an invite, all we can do is speculate.
How about we just sit back for the young man to make his own case on the pitch?

TheGoodJoe:
Can C. Nwakali play as a right back, yes he can. We can keep that aside.

I do not think that news came from a source in the technical crew. I think it was an analyst. (owngoalnigeria people, do not vex, this is my personal observation)

However, the person made some nice observations which was not in my view.

I think Nwakali is in the team to screen as a cover for Onazi. For a long time, I noticed similarities in play and Onazi has become a big part of Rohr's set-up.

I also feel C. Nwakali's ability to play as a right back also helped him get a nod but I do not think it is as a cover for Shehu Abdulahi. The quote did not say that. That was an owngoalnigeria writer trying to expantiate on the comment.

The quote stated more options in other areas than the midfield. This means he can support in filling gaps in different roles.

Finally, I think Rohr wants to experiment giving Shehu Abdulahi more license to go forward and he needs a defensive midfielder who can slot into the space when Shehu goes forward.

Remember Rohr tried Ndidi as a right back and it did not work out too well. Meaning Ndidi might not provide adequate cover if he slots into the right role to cover.

Apart from Onazi who can play well as a right back, Chidiebere Nwakali provides an adequate option.

Let us see how it goes in camp.

The last time Nwakali played at RB competitively was in 2013. They are just assuming.. all that yeye "a close source" talk.
We have Ebuehi as cover for Shehu. Omeruo who has also played as RB has been recalled. Granted, Nwakali plays other positions, but that RB talk is nonsense.

Mofidified
"that was the edge that gave him a call up" -- total rubbish.
Edge from his performance at the U17 world cup in 2013? Laughable!

TheGoodJoe:
The Owngoalnigeria article clearly stated that Chidiebere Nwakali will likely make his debut in an UNUSUAL POSITION. Meaning he does not play the position regularly. The analysis has more to do with attributes than regular play.

When Fernandinho played the Right back role for Manchester City, it was unusual but it did not mean he lacked the ability.

” Nwakali will add options to the team in more area than just in the midfield. He can play as a right back and as a matter of fact that was the edge that earned him a call up to the Super Eagles”, a source close to the coach told Owngoalnigeria.com.

@ Safarigirl , Mujtahida

Rohr Receives Injury Boost Ahead Of Nigeria Matches Vs Algeria, Argentina
Published: November 06, 2017

Rohr Receives Injury Boost Ahead Of Nigeria Matches Vs Algeria, Argentina Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has been given a much-needed injury boost ahead of the national team's matches against Algeria and Argentina, with midfielder John Ogu returning to action on Sunday night.

Ogu had been struggling with his fitness since he picked up a quadriceps injury against Steaua Bucharest in the group stage of the Europa League on October 19, which led to his substitution on the half-hour mark.

The former Académica Coimbra and União de Leiria man missed the next three matches played by the Israeli champions across all competitions, though he was on the bench against Steaua Bucharest in the return leg of the Europa League.

John Ogu came through the game against Maccabi Petah Tikva unscathed, completing all ninety minutes, and is set to pack his bag and baggage for the trip to the Moroccan capital, along with his good friend and teammate Anthony Nwakaeme.

Assistant captain Eddy Onazi is awaiting positive news from Trabzonspor medics after suffering a relapse to his injury on Saturday, while another midfielder, Porto loanee Mikel Agu, is struggling to overcome an injury and had to sub out after the first half against Kasımpaşa.

Nigeria's last competitive game of 2017 comes up against Algeria at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui, Constantine on Friday, November 10.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--ANS

This injury rumors tire me. I read something about Balogun, but I will try to verify.

Mujtahida:
Is Agu out? I read on Completesportsnigeria.com that he and Ekong are going to Rabat today.

It was said on OGN that Rohr picked Nwakali because of his ability in RB.
Truth is Nwakali actually played as RB in a couple games in the U17 World Cup.
Follow OGN's stories at your own peril.

forgiveness:
Make una fear God nau.

From LM to RB!?

I thought tbaba1234 said he plays LB? Now it is RB.


The person wey help no sabi work.

Now, this is the chat of the roles played and the numbers of times he played in those roles. You know what, no record he ever played as a RB. Meaning he never played the RB role neither did he ever played the LB role. Hahahaha! Go for refund man.

Chidiebere Nwakali

Matches as
Defensive Midfield 33 7 1
Central Midfield 6 1 3
Centre-Forward 5 - 1
Left Midfield 4 - -

The real question is how is Lawal's current form. I can bring you videos of Nosa Igiebor while he was in the LaLiga. He was MOTM versus Barcelona, but let's see more recent videos. How recent are those videos of Lawal? Well let me investigate.

Kog45:
Thanks,no player was dropped for Nwakili but for Lawal to get invitation,which player does he want to replace in the team.

Obasi's problem has always been injuries. He performed well with Hoffenheim, and then had a spectacular goal for Shalke.
And he's stood tall against big oppositions. Moses Simon still dey learn.

Dedebanky85:
I'm not trying to start stuff, but truth be told I rate Obasi miles ahead of Simon. Have you watched him recently for AIK? Only problem he had was injuries. His touches oozes class, positional sense is very high, and he is very skillful. Moses Simon is just only skillful but not really intelligent. If Rohr says he wants to invite Obasi I wouldn't mind for one bit. It's just my opinion. Disclaimer - I have no stats to support things like lifetime dribbles, etc; it's just my korokoro eyes on what I watch on tv.

I read something about him racing to be fit. I'm not too sure.
And I guess Awaziem now. Also read something about Balogun. Nothing confirmed

safarigirl:
is Agu out?

Thought it was just

Moses x2
Ighalo
Onazi

Idowu is on standby. I don't even know Ryan. How about you educate us here with UPDATES etc.
C. Nwakali has been on the news. Or are media sources also selective?

forgiveness:
Sanusi Ryan and Brian Idowu.