₦airaland Forum

my friend with all due respect I have been clamoring for us to make moves for Abroad-bred players.
And you know very well that Pinnick and Rohr have been working on this more than any NFF administration and coach we've ever had in this country.
You know how long it took with Aina. You have read reports of NFF making approach, and also planning on making approach on these lads.
The context remains invitation for Algeria and Argentina. For you to cry foul just because the whole allegiance talk and switch thing don't happen overnight is bewildering. I don't get your point at all. Are you claiming they are not aggressive enough?
hmmm

komekn:
I

There is a lot of political maneuvering going on behind the scenes. I am sure you must realise that Rohr will still be influenced by the NFF for good or for bad he is not a one man band.

We continue inviting players through the pages of newspapers and the media. It's not about what Rohr regards as a quality league. But what actually is Quality it's not as subjective as some may think these assessments are there for all to see.

It's self evident. How can you be calling someone playing in Norway ranked near 30 in Europe in a team third from bottom who is even being benched as quality.

But back to the Championship you watched how the teenager Tega Abrahams tore up the championship and now the best young striker in the Premiership. That tells you something.

The best young left back in England plays in the championship bids of £30 million by a series of EPL clubs were rejected by Fulham.

Aluko was playing in the premiership but was not invited to the SE.

One of things you find with European national team selection is that the measurements of quality are there for all to see. The Co- relationship between top club performance and national selection is has little or no divergence.

The Spanish team dominated by Real and Barca players same goes for Germany. And across Europe you will find players from the top leagues and top clubs. If you look at Brazil, Argentina and even Chile thier players will come from the top clubs and leagues.

Something is clearly not right.

Believe you me do not be deceived the switch can be made a lot quicker if things are done professionally. So don't always believe all this nonsensical posturing by NFF that they have been trying.

The pertinent question is getting the best players into the SE without prejudice.

Try to make sound arguments. highlight the areas in the story (a story i posted earlier anyway) and make your points.

forgiveness:
Nwakali's Call-Up Well Deserved, Man City Have Plans For Him, Says Agent

Published: October 31, 2017

C. Nwakali's Call-Up Well Deserved, Man City Have Plans For Him, Says Agent
Allwell Nwakali, the elder brother and representative of Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali, has commented on the invitation of the central midfielder to the national team for the upcoming games against Algeria and Argentina.

''Chidiebere's invitation is well deserved because during his time with the U17s he was one of the best players. If you check after Isaac Success that got a club, he was next,'' Allwell Nwakali told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''Man City bought Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere the same time before Chidera Ezeh joined Porto.

''Apart from the work permit issue that made him not to play for Girona, he has been playing despite the fact Norwegian League is not as glamorous as other leagues like La Liga and the English Premier League.''

Manchester City, Chidiebere Nwakali's main employer, are happy with his progress in Scandinavia, and have him in their plans provided that he is issued a work permit by the English authorities.

''Everybody knows he has been playing well. If he has not been playing well City won't be happy with him.

''[b]City are still happy with him and say they have plans for him despite we are facing a little problem with his work permit.

''With his inclusion in the Super Eagles team, it will be easier for him to get the work permit. As soon as he gets his work permit he'll go back to England and will [/b]do better in the Premier League.

''He is very young and full of energy. It is a well deserved one and I thank the coaching crew, the NFF and people that remember Chidiebere is still in existence.

'' They told me when his time come they will invite him and they fulfilled their promise. I hold them in high esteem,'' added Allwell Nwakali.

This season, Nwakali has played 26 games for Sogndal in all competitions, scoring four goals, and captained the team in the Norwegian Premier League match against Lillestrom on October 15.

Ifeanyi Emmanu


http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=252

When I talk say some people dey use National team take resurrect their almost dead career, dem say I be mumu. Players like Ndidi, Shehu, Iwobi(I no mind) and now Nwakali are examples of such players.

While those that struggled hard not to get themselves a better club get overlooked because dem no sabi way or ma my brother no dey there.

What dey keep tell dem na work harder, continue to perform and you will be noticed until dem grow white bear bear begin call dem grandfafa
Who be mumu?


Chai! Monkey dey work baboon dey chop.

THE SOURCE OF THE NEW RUMOR

---

Tammy Abraham to reject Nigeria for England
exclusive
Matt Hughes, Deputy Football Correspondent
October 31 2017, 12:01am,

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/imageserver/image/methode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F990652da-bdb9-11e7-b58a-4186f6049f2e.jpg
Abraham has impressed for Swansea
DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS

Tammy Abraham has provided Gareth Southgate with a boost as he continues his preparations for next summer’s World Cup finals by declaring that he wants to play his senior international football for England.

The Chelsea striker, who is enjoying a successful season on loan at Swansea City, is being courted by Nigeria, whom he is eligible to represent through his father, who was born in Warri, and is a childhood friend of the Nigerian Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick.

Abraham held talks with Pinnick about a potential change of allegiance in September, but is understood to have told senior FA officials in the past few weeks that he remains committed to England.

The 20-year-old has won 13 caps for England Under-21 and is targeting a step up to the senior side rather than pursuing a switch to Nigeria, for whom he will be eligible until he wins a senior England cap.

Southgate watched Abraham play for Swansea last Saturday away to Arsenal, where he created the visitors’ opening goal for Sam Clucas and had a ‘goal’ ruled out for offside, and the manager is considering naming him in his squad to play Germany and Brazil next month.


Since joining Swansea in the summer he has scored four Premier League goals in nine starts, a figure all the more impressive given his loan club have scored only seven goals in total.

Southgate considers Abraham to be a potential World Cup bolter even if he does not make his next squad, which will be announced on Thursday. While Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford are certainties to travel to Russia and Jamie Vardy is likely to make it, one or two striking slots are up for grabs. Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck’s repeated injury problems may count against them, as may Jermain Defoe’s age as he approaches his 36th birthday.

Abraham’s commitment is also a relief for the FA, which, despite the success of the age-group teams, has seen Nigeria pick off former England youth internationals such as Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Sone Aluko, Shola Ameobi and Ola Aina in recent years.

Link: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/tammy-abraham-to-reject-nigeria-for-england-lzwk7h5xc

I said those three players come to mind.. Thats no lies hahaha..
if you have any other suggestion, then add it. You don't seem to understand the meaning of the word logic.

forgiveness:
The@bolded is the simple definition of illogical comparison.

Besides, These are not the only Defensive Midfielders available. Don't tell lies.

I have read the original report by TheTimes, I'm still yet to read a statement from Tammy.
Firstly it was rumored that Southgate went to watch him play against Arsenal -- granted. Next, it was said Southgate is considering naming Tammy for England's friendlies in November. No statement from Southgate as well.
I want to see an official quote.

Magink:
ammy Abraham 'pledges allegiance to England'
Abraham 'pledges allegiance to England'© SilverHub
By Neil Wilkes, Editor
Filed: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 13:17 UK
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 13:20 UK
Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham has reportedly decided to commit his international future to England rather than Nigeria.

The 20-year-old striker is currently on a season-long loan at Swansea City, where he has impressed with four goals and an assist in 10 Premier League appearances to date.

On an international level, Abraham has been playing with England's under-21s side for the last year and has already racked up 13 caps, but is also eligible to play for Nigeria through his father.

According to The Times, Nigeria have been courting Abraham in recent months and met with him in September in an attempt to persuade him to switch allegiance before he earns his first senior cap.

The newspaper claims that Abraham has decided to turn down their advances however, informing "senior FA officials" in recent weeks that he remains committed to the Three Lions.

England manager Gareth Southgate was in attendance at the Emirates last weekend for the Swans' 2-1 defeat to Arsenal and is believed to be considering giving Abraham a place in his squad for next year's World Cup in Russia.

I'm fine with Nwakali. In fact, I believe he was in my proposed list some pages back. So a coincidence you must say since I'm neither an insider nor an agent lol
I'd rather have Kayode instead of Musa. Is not like Kayode can't play from the wings as well.

Mujtahida:
Not just 90% but 95% sef. Apart from Musa and the Nwakali, the list is OK.

what was the illogical comparison I brought up?

You are comparing Nwakali of 3 seasons ago, to Azeez of now.

That's what I mean by illogical comparison.

if you want to compare, compare Lugo Azeez to Sogndal Nwakali. That's logical.

You expect Rohr to look at the entire playing history of players, and make a comparison. That's what we do as fans.
As a coach, I think he looks at the recommendations based on the qualities he is looking for, then decides if the recommendation is good or not.
Different perspectives.

forgiveness:
Why did you bring up the illogical comparison in the first place?

@ the bolded.. I like that

safarigirl:
your opinion of Iwobi's abilities is highly subjective.

He is not as effective on the wings...and forget natural player, that is just a term that implies lack of versatility. Do you think Muazzam would play AM better than Mikel or Iwobi?

oh yes.. sorry bout that

safarigirl:
i was referring to Omanbala

madam leave that report thing jor.. He thinks Rohr is bribed.. but hey the voice of the majority will overshadow his anyway.. that accusation will die naturally.

safarigirl:
I did not see that post, so, thanks for addressing it

I also hope you reported the post, it is not enough to correct him, he should duly be punished

seconded

Mujtahida:
Well, when I saw this I wanted to address it sharply but I felt I should read through the comments down to the last before this and no one directly addressed smouldering piece filled with violence. I will take it upon myself to do so because I enjoy this thread so much. It's like a house. It should be kept clean.

First, safarigirl take note that when forgiveness made damning accusations against Rohr several monikers including me called him out on it. He was not spared. This too will not be spared.
Now @all, I trust you guys read this blood curdling, murderous and toxic words from omanbala1. This is totally unacceptable and must be strongly condemned particularly more so that you were called to order by junnyjake and tglobal when you called him mentally sick and still you went ahead to pour such hateful, vicious words on him. If he's tribalistic, then you are also one whose heart is filled with hate and bitterness. We should not condone it against anyone.

Apart from Rohr whom forgiveness unjustifiably attacked, he's been carrying on his wailings on the absence of Kayode with the air of one who has lost something precious(at least that's how he sees the situation) he's not insulted anybody here. Allow him his views. Outlandish, far-fetched, unreasonable - but there are his views. Counter them, even ridicule them but let's respect each other.
And no I will not join hands to further your totalitarian call that we join hands with you to beat him down because there's room in my world, indeed in this world for men like him. Even God/nature cherishes variety and I don't want to live in that dumb world where everyone is a Yes man. The man below looks like forgiveness. I respect such men.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/August-Landmesser-Almanya-1936.jpg

Sir there is corruption EVERYWHERE. Let's stay with this topic. Before you criticize, analyze logically.
My question for you. Who would you have rather invited for the DM department? Be realistic. Stop talking about players that CANNOT play for us at least within the next month.
If you can come up with better alternatives considering this circumstance then we can start to talk about how discouraging the system is for those who may be considering a switch.

komekn:
I see it as a disencouragement to players who are striving for excellence and the recognition of true exceptional talent devoid of sentiments and or favouritism.

The enthronement of mediocrity over exceptional quality.

Very dissapointing but not suprising this sort of unjustifiable approach is mirrored in so many areas of our national approaches in appointment and selection.

We can't just get everything our way. For me the list is 90% good, and that's excellent.
I think we all individually need to give it a score. It will be unrealistic to expect 100%.

Oasis007:
Then he should have been included in the List, coz he's also playing Week in Week out for his Club as a AM despite that he's signed directly from the Nigeria League.

Yes I think you are right although TM listed him as a CF. We actually played a 4-2-3-1 not 4-4-2 diamond.

However, we've made the same points as regards Etebo and Iheanacho. In fact KC can play in both wings, and Etebo as SS and CF, to a "lesser competency" .

Icon4s:
Iwobi played AM against Senegal.

We are not lacking in that department as apart from Mikel and Iwobi, Etebo and Iheanacho can play that position although to a lesser competency level than Mikel and Iwobi.

He's got his chance earlier by virtue of Super Eagles team B (CHAN), and he impressed.

Oasis007:
Of course we do, but if Muazam could make the B-List I guess he's rated by Rohr ahead of some others.

He got his chance earlier by virtue of Super Eagles team B (CHAN), and he impressed.

Oasis007:
Of course we do, but if Muazam could make the B-List I guess he's rated by Rohr ahead of some others.

AGENT SPEAKS

---

C. Nwakali's Call-Up Well Deserved, Man City Have Plans For Him, Says Agent
Published: October 31, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/20988Chidi.jpg

C. Nwakali's Call-Up Well Deserved, Man City Have Plans For Him, Says Agent Allwell Nwakali, the elder brother and representative of Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali, has commented on the invitation of the central midfielder to the national team for the upcoming games against Algeria and Argentina.

''Chidiebere's invitation is well deserved because during his time with the U17s he was one of the best players. If you check after Isaac Success that got a club, he was next,'' Allwell Nwakali told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''Man City bought Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere the same time before Chidera Ezeh joined Porto.

''Apart from the work permit issue that made him not to play for Girona, he has been playing despite the fact Norwegian League is not as glamorous as other leagues like La Liga and the English Premier League.''

Manchester City, Chidiebere Nwakali's main employer, are happy with his progress in Scandinavia, and have him in their plans provided that he is issued a work permit by the English authorities.

''Everybody knows he has been playing well. If he has not been playing well City won't be happy with him.

''City are still happy with him and say they have plans for him despite we are facing a little problem with his work permit.

''With his inclusion in the Super Eagles team, it will be easier for him to get the work permit. As soon as he gets his work permit he'll go back to England and will do better in the Premier League.

''He is very young and full of energy. It is a well deserved one and I thank the coaching crew, the NFF and people that remember Chidiebere is still in existence.

'' They told me when his time come they will invite him and they fulfilled their promise. I hold them in high esteem,'' added Allwell Nwakali.

This season, Nwakali has played 26 games for Sogndal in all competitions, scoring four goals, and captained the team in the Norwegian Premier League match against Lillestrom on October 15.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--ANS

Yes I got your point. only two AM's Mikel, and Iwobi hasn't played as an AM under Rohr. Very good point. However, I think we have better options for AM that were not even called up.

Oasis007:
We've eventually come to the same Conclusion Bro. I said it earlier he's gonna definitely be a Hit as a B2B Midfielder because of his Strength, Pace and Tenacity.

Also I claimed he's best played as a Wing-Forward cos he excelled well playing the Position at Rio Olympic. Thus it's apparent Etebo can't be classed as a AM which limit the Numbers of AMs on the List to two - Mikel and Iwobi respectively.

Hope you get the Reason I asked for the Inclusion of Muazam on the List bro?!

lol thanks for the mention

safarigirl:
no, you and Joebie are two f the least sentimental people on here. There are only about six of you at most

I think Etebo was one of the highest rated players in our match against Algeria, although not one of our best games. He played in midfield,
probably box to box, looking at the way he played.
At the olympics, he played as a LW according to transfermarkt.

I want to think Rohr is focusing on other positions he's not really decided on yet. For now, he seems to be satisfied with Mikel as AM and maybe Iwobi as well.

His approach may be to solve the most pressing need first.

A player placed on standby is actually a good sign. so no cause for alarm.

Oasis007:
If you check my Post on Forgiveness Grievances against Rohr and the List, you would see where I pointed out this ain't a World Cup List, that anything can happen between now and before the List is made.

Player like Etebo is needed in the Team. He can be a super-Sub like Martial is doing at United. I will also include him on my List as a Joker on the Bench if I'm the Coach.

However, you and I have to agree that he's actually not a AM, and if you want his Best on the Pitch, play him as a Wing-Forward. He gets the Strength, Pace and Tenacity to torment any FB on his Way. His Exploits at the Olympic wasn't in the Hole but on the Wing if my Memory serves me right.

Hence we only have only Iwobi and Mikel who can play as AM in the Team. Ogu keeps making the List, yet he has not been tested in any competitive Match by Rohr. Thus he should have been the one on the supplementary List instead of Muazam; which would have balanced the Numbers of AMs and DMs on the List.

I've already my point, there is no logic in this kind of comparison.

forgiveness:
Do you mean Chidiebere Nwakali who failed in LA liga 2 is ahead of Ramon Azeez?

Thanks for the compliment.

I want to think that the selection process even among those in the SE fold is ongoing.

And you are right we have just Mikel and Iwobi as players who can play as AM. Rohr likes Etebo a lot. I remember when he just resumed as coach he singled out Etebo then for his exploits in the olympics opener. Etebo would have earned an immediate call up but for injury. So my friend, you don't know what Rohr has been seeing of Etebo in camp. Let's assume that with these two matches, players will be tried in other positions. I think Rohr is yet to make a final decision on some of the players in the team. And that is not to say they cannot fight their way back in the team if they get dropped.

Let's take these games one at a time. We also have an AFCON qualifier in March, and more friendlies coing. We will judge these players one game at a time.

With Nwakali around, it shows that the battle in the DM position is heating up.

Oasis007:
When you see a sensible Person, it won't take minutes to identify him or her..... really appreciate your Input bro.

I'm ain't opposing the Invitation of Nwakali, rather objecting against too many inclusion of DMs in the List. If Rohr ain't satisfied with Agu or/and Ogu, he should have replaced him/them with Nwakali.

Nwakali is talented, but we've not seen him play for a longer time. Also hardly anyone is keeping Tabs on his Progress on this Thread except few Clips Tbaba1234 does post here once in a while.

However, if the Scout(s) believes he's ready for the National Call up, and gonna be an Upgrade in the Midfield, then we should wait till he plays before we could judge the Credibility of his Invitation. But Muazam Invitation wouldn't have been a bad Call either coz he's a natural AM with eyes for Goals.

Finally, I'm ain't clamoring for a must Invitation of Muazam, but only saying we need more AMs in the Team too. Iwobi can play AM comfortably same as Mikel, but Etebo ain't creative enough to play in the Hole. I will rather play him as a Box2Box Midfielder, play to his Strength, consider his Pace and Tenacity.

Exactly! invitation is done based on need.
Some of us talk as if coaches look at the playing history of all the players to make a selection.
I think it's all about what is needed that particular moment. And if the player called doesn't live up to the expectation he won't be recalled.
Which is why I kind of understand Kayode's exclusion.
Kayode will have to keep working hard to earn another call.

Humility017:
moreover iwobi,mikel and etebo can play the AM....role...nacho to an extent..
though I won't play etebo and nacho as AM had it been I was the coach

Sometimes I wonder how many championship players get called up by national team coaches. Your measurement of the quality of the English second tier is subjective. I said it before that I don't think Rohr has a high opinion of the championship. Of course we know very well that Aina was with Chelsea's main team when we started the push for him.

Anyway I could be wrong, but don't forget that most of these lads you are clamoring for need to make a switch first. Not like they can be called up right away. So why the noise?

The question remains are there other Defensive Midfield options out there? Azubuike Okechukwu, the younger Nwakali, and Ramon Azeez comes to mind. Of the these, none are clearly ahead of Chidiebere. It's not about who get's the chance first, it's about who grabs their chance with both hands. Hence, there is no cause for alarm.

komekn:
This is not club football it's the national team you don't scout players you select players according to the evidential basis that is presented by thier individual performances in thier club. The national team is not a proving ground it's a testing ground to replicate your club performance at National level.

That is further assessed by the quality of the club and the quality of the league you play in. The position of the club and the circumstances within the club. i.e. number of world class players in the club that the player is contending with, number of games played, mitigating circumstances, etc

That's why we have bench warmers in top clubs that leave and become stars in lower clubs and or leagues. Or vice versa drop a league or clubs because thier quality does not match the league quality.

I wouldn't class Tega Onomah as a defensive midfielder he's much more of an attacking midfielder. Nonetheless, he is rated as the best young midfielder in the championship and fifth best according to transfermarket.co.uk ( I do not consider these assessments asconclusive)

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/championship/marktwerte/wettbewerb/GB2/plus//galerie/0?pos=Mittelfeld&detailpos=10&altersklasse=alle

The subject matter is fluid and subjective and so I regard them as indicative. But it's indicative of Tega Onomah's quality don't forget he anchored England to win the U20 world Cup, that's a very big accolade of quality. The U20 world cup is not just a youth cup like the U17cup. You have experienced players from top clubs and top leagues.

It's somewhat more difficult to assess the quality of a Midfielder with statistics because the variables are really too many. The type of football played, team strategy, etc

Football is not rocket science it's still largely simplistic
best players play in the best leagues and the best teams.

Do you think a national team coach in Europe could pick a player in very low rated league and team. Without clear cut justification and evidence for all to see. Why do you think it's almost impossible to see a championship player in the English national team.

How many obscure players in very low level league do you see invited to the German, French, Dutch, Belguim national teams. I would say never and impossible. In the name of scouting answer, NONE.

Let me put you in Rorh's situation. You have your scouts and you tell them you are looking for more defensive midfield options. You have looked at Agu, Ogu, but you want to see a player that scores crackers. Your scouts go to work, who will they recommend?

My point is you don't know what Rorh is looking for at every particular moment. The building of a team is a gradual process. We should expect maybe more new names in his next invitation, depending on how the team has taken shape and the qualities Rohr wants to add.

Muazam is not an LB. Rohr already has the LB covered with Ebeuhi and Aina available.

Oasis007:
Sir Tbaba1234, I have deep respect for you on this Thread, same goes to few Monikers as well but you ain't being objective on this Nwakali Issue.

Do we need to bombard the Team with too many DMs.... Ogu, Agu, Onazi, Ndidi, Mikel etc?! Muazam should have made the Team instead of Nwakali cos he's a regular Starter for his Club, remember he's signed directly from the Nigeria League.

Mickael2 has made a valid Point that justifies his Inclusion in the Team - that he's a versatile Player that can also play as a LB comfortably and I think we should take it like that, since Echiejile was left out due to Injury.

18 or 17, how does that remove from my logic?

My point is you expect Gernot Rohr to compare Nwakali now to Azeez then. That's ridiculous!
Azeez was called up then.. No foul play.

Nwakali just got called up for his recent performances, no foul play.
It's simple logic.

forgiveness:
Chidiebere Nwakali is 21 years this year. How can he 17 years old 3years ago?

Ramon started playing in LA liga 2 at just 19/20 years of age. No excuse .

Ramon Azeez deserved to be part of that team because he played regularly in LA liga for two seasons.

Chidiebere Nwakali failed woefully in LA liga 2. He couldn't perform atva higher level than Norway.

I presumed they want to use the national team to boost his chances of getting visa in UK. Just the same way they did for Ndidi.

somebody is speaking my language: a lot of things can happen between now and then.

tbaba1234:
A lot of things can happen from now till the world cup. Players like Sarenren Bazee, Brian Idowu, Omeruo, Kayode, Success etc will still fight for a world cup place. I expect a real battle for the 23 slots.

I'm not in support of the Musa call up sha.. but truth is we can't expect the list to go our way 100%. I think the list is a very good one..
I give it 90%.

daveP:
What of that standby na? no Larrykay sef... im watching the Nwakali in 10D!!

I'm beginning to think that the richest man in africa is his agent@the 3rd Nigerian at Leicester.

He didn't get to play a game. But that was 3 seasons ago. hmmmm

forgiveness:
Chidiebere Nwakali was a failure in LA liga 2 but some people want me to believe otherwise.

exactly why I've ignored him.
comparing Nwakali 3 years ago when he was barely 17, to a 24-year-old's achievement now..

Abi was Rohr even the coach 3 years ago. But he believes it's the NFF.
Wasn't it the same Azeez who went to the world cup in 2014 under the NFF's nose? Was he not rewarded then for his showing with Almeria?
I don't even get his argument.

safarigirl:
I can't believe you guys are actually responding to forgiveness and his childish tantrum ....

Has it not already been established that he is prone to having mouth(finger) diarrhoea whenever Rohr releases a list that doesn't have players like Kayode, Ajagun, Ilori and Solanke on it?

Seriously, no be every disturbance una go dey flash torch for

Analyzing The New Super Eagles List: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
16 mins ago by Bryan Efe

https://static.pulse.ng/img/incoming/origs5760987/5380484791-w980-h640/Super-Eagles-.jpg
Super Eagles theNFF

At first glance, one will notice that Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr stretched his list to 25 compared to the 23 players that were invited for the all important Zambia World Cup qualifier tie in September. Let us take a look at each department as well as the standby provision, to determine what has changed from the previous invitation. I will also explore possible reasons for the inclusions and omissions.

GOALKEEPERS:

Stand in Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa returns, as well as the ever present Daniel Akpeyi. However Deportivo la Coruna’s new safe hands, Francis Uzoho, is on this list in place of Ayodele Ajiboye of domestic side Plateau United, who was in the previous.

Ajiboye was rumored to have given a good account of himself during training leading to the Zambia tie but failed to get the nod to feature. Gernot Rohr rather, kept faith with Ezenwa for Zambia.

It is noteworthy to state that Francis Uzoho’s maiden call up was a well deserved one. Francis had risen quickly through the ranks from Deportivo Fabril to the first team in a short period of time. He posted a shutout in his debut for the senior team and barely missed out of a Whoscored Man of the match recognition, with 4 saves and 2 claims. After two solid displays in the La Liga, he is clearly way ahead of his Europe-based peers, Dele Alampasu and David Nwokolor who are yet to feature for the main team of their respective club sides. And also considering that self-exiled Super Eagles former captain, Vincent Enyeama has been sidelined for quite a while, Uzoho is the only Nigerian goalkeeper who has played recently in the top 5 leagues of Europe. Forgotten Israel-based Dele Aiyenugba

Omitted: Ayodele Ajiboye
Verdict: Good

DEFENDERS:

The list of defenders for the coming Algeria and Argentina matches is identical to that of the Zambia list, except for the inclusion of Tyrone Ebuehi, who was pulled off from standby to replace injured Elderson Echiejile.

Tyronne who is yet to make his official debut for Nigeria, having only featured in an unofficial friendly against Corsica in May, can play also at the left back of defense. It’s high time he got cap-tied.

With the appearance of another left back on the standby list, it seems Super Eagles regular, Elderson Echiejile will now have to start watching his back.

Omitted: Elderson Echiejile (injured)
Verdict: Good

MIDFIELDERS:

Here comes the second beneficiary of the two extra invitation slots, Chidiebere Nwakali! Coincidentally, another member (Uzoho as well) of the U17 World Champions, 2013 class. Kelechi is signed to current English Premier League leaders, Manchester City. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder is currently on his third loan spell, having had spells in Girona and IK Start previously. Failing to appear in the La Liga 2 as at then, Nwakali’s move to Norway two seasons ago put his career back on track. With 4 goals for IK Start from 24 appearances in only his first season, he was courted by several clubs in Norway, before he settled for Sogndal. Nwakali currently has equalled his goals tally from last season after 26 matches, and has gotten two Man of the Match recognitions from football statistical website, whoscored.com.

Despite the relative low rating of the Scandinavian league, Nwakali have given a good account of himself there, and have scored breathtaking goals.

Omitted: Nil
Verdict: Good

FORWARDS:

Injured Chelsea wing back, Victor Moses is conspicuously missing, and Anderlecht winger Henry Onyekuru, takes his place. Onyekuru needs no introduction. He painted Belgium with goals in his debut Jupiler Pro League season, and have continued from where he stopped as he is now the highest Nigerian goal scorer there with 6 goals, after starting slowly. Considering his eye catchy performances in the ongoing UEFA Champions League as well, it is no surprise that he was handpicked by Rohr to replace Victor Moses in the wings.

Omitted: Victor Moses (injured)
Verdict: Good

STANDBY:

The special list reserved for those that could get called up in case of emergency, has a new look. Dele Alampasu, Aaron Samuel, Afeez Aremu, and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi are all missing. In their place are Alhassan Ibrahim, Kenneth Omeruo and Russia-based left-back Brian Idowu.

Omeruo and Alhassan were missing from the previous standby list perhaps due to Rohr giving them time to settle down in their new clubs.

The missing home-based duo, Aremu and Ifeanyi, were mostly used for training in the past, and it would be out of place to invite them now because of lack of game time, considering that the domestic league has been on recess.

One may fault the exclusion of Girona’s forward Olarenwaju Kayode from this list considering that there are no strikers in standby. While the main list is loaded with forwards that one may be tempted to wonder, who Kayode will displace, a provision should have been made in case of any casualty. And having a forward in the mould of Kayode who’s latest exploits in the La Liga cannot be contended, I will have to admit his exclusion is a poor decision by Gernot Rohr.

On Brian Idowu, the coach’s inclusion of him seems to be a mere formality, but to send a message that the defender is still in Rohr’s plans. Alhassan, on his part, has already played under Rohr, so a place on standby this time around, should keep him calm.

Omitted: Afeez Aremu, Dele Alampasu, Aaron Samuel, and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi
Verdict: Bad


Source: SpotKik
http://spotkik.com/2017/10/30/analyzing-the-new-super-eagles-list-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/

Some Nigerians just dey fool themselves.
Airport way to go.. better than showing off anyhow with exotic cars etc.

kingphilip:
Savage reply