₦airaland Forum

Thank you.. it's like some people did not watch the match.. probably following commentaries

Mujtahida:
Ighalo did not lack movement and mobility in that game. He lacked precision.

What are pivots?

Read my comments again then you will get it clearly.

Mickael2:
me I don't know what you are arguing again. Ok Agu was the more defensive minded pivot(they are called pivots not DMFs) and Ndidi is the more offensive/central pivot am I missing something?


My point has been clear, subbing in Agu was a poor sub, like for like it was bad because Agu came in for a CMF and he(agu)is not a CMF in any way and we suffered for a few mins because of that. Tactically it was also a bad sub because you removed a workhorse and you introduced a slow player and somehow instructed the slow player to take up the position that requires a lot more running about

why do u like repeating yourself? I'm already tired.

TheGoodJoe:
Ighalo did not. If Iheanacho performed that way, the wolves would criticise it as poor performance. Why is it good for Ighalo but terrible for Nacho? Bias.

Sir.. i'm sorry I don't think you can read a game.. iheanacho was never the main reason why we beat Algeria.

modified
VicMo's best game in my opinion was versus Cameroon in Uyo

TheGoodJoe:
What are you writing there? Is there anybody here who doubts Victor Moses quality?

The point is simple. Very simple. He pointed Iheanacho as the key to our win and the dominating display of Victor Moses. Definitely Victor Moses best game in this series.

Victor Moses will not find that kind of room if not Iheanacho's threat and movement that kept the defenders confused and off position. This is also simple to understand. It does not undermine Victor Moses quality.

So saying Ighalo performed better after such poor display is the height of oversight and shading a player.

hahaha.. go back and read my full time analysis. I don't like arguing in circles. I believe we've had this before

TheGoodJoe:
What about what Ighalo did not give? Like not being able to press, not fast enough to spaces or poor in taking his chances.

Nothing spectacular in his stats. I've been monitoring him. He could prove me wrong though.

terzurum5:
Why won't he cut in with the Super Eagles?

Haha.. I didn't criticize Iheanacho.
And Ighalo performed well.

TheGoodJoe:
My stance is simple to understand. Even after Iheanacho played well against Algeria, people came for his neck. Many asked for him dropped. Even after the Algerian coached highlighted they lost because of Iheanacho, the wolves were still out for him.

Ighalo comes in and has a poor game and the wolves can not even mew. I find it disturbing.

That's how you interpret that. Iheanacho did not give -- versus Algeria -- what Ighalo gave against Zambia in Uyo.

TheGoodJoe:
Ha. Ighalo was poor against Zambia. Saying Ighalo performed better in that game than Nacho against Algeria is saying Iheanacho was poor.

hahaha..

Mickael2:
I thought I was alone. The coach subbed in a player as the CMF and suddenly he is now playing the DMF role, obviously it wasn't the coach that passed across that instruction. Like I said during the game and I am saying today again, I would not be suprised if it was Mikel that told him to go to the DMF role

Sir I asked you to youtube it.. watch the build ups. I've never said Iheanacho does not create assists. I've always said both players have their strengths.. Granted Iheanacho has something lacking in Ighalo's game, and vice versa. That has always been my stance.

TheGoodJoe:
You are saying Ighalo gave assist as if Iheanacho does not create assists and chances for hi teammates. As I said, double sided criticism. In the game against South Africa many criticised, Nacho created a chance for Etebo that Etebo flunked.

Let me take you on with your own source.
@ first bolded, does not necessarily refer to positional play generally but assigned role, instruction given, and ability, as it continues "when in possession". More players generally often advance when in possession.
@ second bolded, also is more like saying defensive minded. But the general shape of the sixes are double DMFs. Players drift according to what's happening during the match.

But even if I agree with you that Rohr asked (I would expect not Mikel hmmm) Agu to do more of the defensive duties and for Ndidi to be offensive minded, that's not a tactical change. That's a forced change. Ndidi just swapped roles with injured Onazi. And Agu took his place. Still buttresses my point.

Modified
your link is broken

Mickael2:
source
https://www.soccerpilot.com/tactic/articles/introduction-to-the-4-2-3-1-formation,-soccer.html



It's actually superfluous, but we will go into it anyway. Our "sixes" need to possess a high degree of footballing intelligence and the ability to "read" a game. But all players need that nowadays, don't they? The "double six" is often interpreted in the following way as part of this system of play: one of the "sixes" is more offensively oriented, is often unmarked in the midfield and thus can be passed to, additionally takes care of the playmaking and secures the rear space behind number 10 if his team is in possession of the ball. The second "six" is mostly responsible for defensive tasks.

I have never here tagged Iheanacho poor.

TheGoodJoe:
I think I hammered repeatedly that Ighalo worked hard. Giving his best has never and will never be a doubt from Ighalo. What he lacks is movement and mobility to fit an offensive set-up. The idea of Mikel pressing shows this.

So telling me Ighalo works hard is far from the point. The point is lack of mobility and poor conversion rate.

My point remains if Iheanacho had that performance, many will tag him poor and will come for his neck. Yet you are here talking working hard.

Journalists only report what coaches say.
The Algerian coach was only covering for his mistakes. No coach will admit that they focused on one player and missed it. That's exposing incompetence. That's something you can see for yourself (for analytical minds). The videos are there. His strategies backfired. Can't you see how it all turned out for them, match after match? He was incompetent.

Victor Moses worse game in my opinion was the final game. And I had said based on his standards, he performed below par. You can go back and read my rating comments. That's how highly I rate him. he still made the best XI in Africa for that round of matches. Now i'm convinced you can't read matches -- for you to say Moses had not had it easy.

TheGoodJoe:
At least, it was not only me that said it. The Algerian coach and the Algerian journalist mentioned it.

Victor Moses has not had it that easy after that game. Saying he is unplayable does not mean Victor Moses zooms through defences with ease. In that particular game, he had the room to shine.

If not the Algerian coach pointed it out and the journalist backed him, I would have been among the few who echoed Iheanacho's brilliance in that game.

Mickael2 let me clear you on the 4-2-3-1 . consider the italicized, the quote and the source:

Encourages Creativity


"Since there are three attacking midfielders in most 4-2-3-1s, there are plenty of chances for creativity. Even if only two of the three are good creators, defenses have to stay on their toes for runs coming from all angles.

The top teams that run the 4-2-3-1 will often allow their players to have freedom all over the pitch. That means that one of the defensive midfielders might join the attack and/or the attacking midfielders can act as second strikers.If you want an opportunity to be a great playmaker, then this is one of the best formations for you."

https://www.perfectsoccerskills.com/articles/strengths-and-weaknesses-of-the-4-2-3-1-formation

One player between the two is usually a little advanced. Are players glued to a position? Actually Ndidi drifts. Onazi also drifts.. so what do you call that now?

But you had just said it was Mikel who instructed Agu to move to the CMF role. Has Rohr not ran the rule over Agu several times? How could you know better than Rohr? Did you see the exact shape of the team after the substitution? When that Zambian played that long range shot that Ezenwa paried and it kissed the bar, what position was Agu then? CMF? haha

Iwobi went straight to the right wing. I remember that run he made and the Zambian couldn't catch up with him and then he delivered a cross I believe that was the one Ighalo missed after he delayed. After then did you notice when Shehu advanced Iwobi drifted inwards. Iwobi and Simon are dissimilar players. You can't call that like-for-like substitution. Iwobi was given special instructions, and he delivered. Go back to my posts. I made a comment in my half-time analysis that we would need to penetrate the Zambians CB, that they seemed leaky there. That was my half time analysis.. And that was exactly how Iwobi scored.

Mickael2:
a 4-2-3-1 means a double pivot, not a double DMF. Just like you see Chelsea playing a 3-4-3 with Cesc and Kante, they are not two DMFs. Better example.....in the world cup when Germany used to play a 4-2-3-1 with Khedira as one of the DMF, ofcourse he was never a DMF rather a CMF, just because it is called a dual-pivot system does not mean there are two DMFs, Onazi was playing as the CMF before he got subbed.



I am not making assumptions mind you, Agu came in and went straight to the CMF role meaning that was where the coach told him to go to except you mean that Agu did not know what the coach asked him to do? Agu is known to everybody and his dog as a DMF but the coach subbed him in as the CMF does that not mean the coach thought he could play the CMF role? How is that my own assumption? And about the Mikel issue, I said I wouldn't be suprised, I never said it is the fact.



Finally how Iwobi is a tactical switch to you sure beats me. Ok after Iwobi came on, did our play change from the regular 'get the ball to the wings' strategy? You make a tactical sub when you want to switch plans to a Plan B, after Iwobi came on we were still using that plan A, just that Iwobi was there and not Moses Simon

haha... oga. the matches are there.. you cannot just be saying stuff that one can watch again. Iheanacho sacrificed room for MOses to shine? hahaha.. Where was Iheanacho when Moses shone later on? The truth is Moses is unplayable -- all qualifiers. Algeria got their tactics wrong after watching the match against Zambia in Lusaka. Nacho is a very fine player.. but let's call a spade a spade. They saw him as the danger man. And they focused on him. Didn't Cameroon also focus on Ighalo in Yaounde? What did Ighalo do? Watch the build up to that Moses Simon goal in Younde. Also watch the build up to that Moses Simon bicycle kick miss in Uyo. It is clear that Ighalo worked hard for the team in other ways. The only thing he failed to do was convert. And I agree Iheanacho would have converted that one that fell to his left (I think), but Iheanacho won't have given what Ighalo gave in other respects in that match, considering the circumstances.

TheGoodJoe:
They marked Iheanacho, putting most attention on him and also sacrificing room for Victor Moses to shine. Nacho also made movements that pulled the defenders further away from V. Moses, giving him the room to be special.

What you are trying to do is take away the effect of Nacho's threat which they picked up and movement in the box and just want to heap the praise on Victor Moses.

Glad the Algerian coach pointed it out. They lost because of Iheanacho. Victor Moses was in position for the glory.

In Ighalo's case, he was not caged but did not offer threat due to his inability to get to position or finish the chances he got. How that equates to doing better when he was the reason we did not hit our scoring potential in that game beats my imagination.

Putting another player in the same position does not mean like-for-like.
like-for-like is when they are similar players in strengths.. two players can play the same position but be given different roles. based on their strength.
Dynamism calls for some adjustments by one or two other players after a player is introduced. That's tactical.


Modified
Nigeria played a 4-2-3-1. That is double DMF.. Players drift during a match. Agu came in as a DMF. Onazi was a DMF not CMF

Modified2
Rohr worked according to the options he had when Onazi got injured. You said Mikel told Agu... were you there? haha.. see assumption oh. You are forming an opinion over an assumption. You were also reading Rohr's mind that he thought Agu can play as a CMF because he was a DMF. ABi na you train the boys for camp?. Rohr was quoted as saying only Iwobi's substitution was tactical. And I have every reason to believe that.

Mickael2:
how was Iwobi a tactical sub? Taking off Moses Simon(a Rwf) and putting in Iwobi in that same role is a like for like sub at it's best, how that is a tactical switch sure beats me.


Putting Agu wasn't playing it safe, putting Etebo in that CMF role would have been playing it safe. I wouldn't be suprised if years from now we find out that it was Mikel that told Agu to go to DMF while Ndidi comes to CMF because when Agu came on the coach drafted him into a CMF role, I don't need to watch Agu 20times to know that he is no CMF but somehow Rohr put him there, reason? Tactical deficiency, he thought because Onazi and Ndidi are two DMFs that can play the CMF role then hell, any DMF can play the CMF role

NO QUOTATIONS. DON'T TAKE THIS REPORT SERIOUSLY

---

NFF To Meet With Liverpool Sensation Seyi Ojo Over Switch Of Allegiance To Nigeria
October 12, 2017085

https://i0.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/160417-082-Bournemouth_Liverpool-600x384.jpg

Top brass of the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) will in the coming days arrive the United Kingdom for talks with on loan Liverpool and England U21 forward Seyi Ojo over a possible switch of allegiance to Nigeria.

Ojo was approached by Nigeria last year but the left footed ace turned down the approach from Nigeria, who were at that time offering him a chance to join their Olympic team for the Rio 2016 Olympic.

The forward asked for more time to mull over the issue as he was focused on establishing himself at Liverpool after several injury set back since he made the step up to the main team.

Presently out on loan to Fulham, the NFF are set to once again try for the forward who has flourished at Fulham and for the U21s of the English national team.

His international future alongside that of Tammy Abraham is still unclear according to England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd, who admitted that the duo are among players targeted by Nigeria ahead of their campaign at the World Cup in Russia next year.

Osas Mahawi

--OwnGoalNigeria

haha.. maybe they should apply to be Rohr's tactical personnel..

Modified
Playing Agu as well as a DMF was playing safe. Aina had not earned a cap. And Shehu had just stood out as a RB against Cameroon. It was the safest thing to do after Agu had played both games against Cameroon.
The only poor play Agu had in the second half was when a player turned him and fired that screamer that called Ezenwa to action. He was quite comfortable for the most part of the second half.

Aina coming in was not tactical. Agu as well was a forced substitution. Only Iwobi was.

jihday:
exactly my brother, when you know exactly what will work why trying to form any yeye tactician that may backfire, even pep who most analyst hail as the best tactically have had times that his tactics failed him spectacularly, arm chair analyst forming tactical expert

I think for once I have to take you on this one..

The point really is Algeria planned to mark out Iheanacho.. They lost that match MAINLY because Moses was the most dangerous player.
they put more men on Iheanacho. It's not like he was full of dribbles and he magneted Algerians to him. They just failed in their strategy.

Ighalo performed better against Zambia (considering the circumstances of the match) compared to Iheanacho's performance against Algeria. I'm not taking anything from the latter though.

TheGoodJoe:
Against Algeria, the coach pointed Iheanacho as the key to the win. Nacho was not getting chances because he was attracting players to himself and creating room for others including Victor Moses to shine. Nacho was key. Unlike some myopic analysis, Nacho had a good game. Earned praise from the opponents manager and a reputable journalist (who took his time to break down how Nacho impacted the game).

Just that some bias people will not even want to learn that their opinions of Nacho's performance against Algeria was wrong when they thought Nacho had a poor game.

That point is invalid.

If Nacho had Ighalo's game, you in particular will criticise it. Your critique of Nacho's Algerian game despite playing well highlights this.

This one too does not "sleep NIgeria, bleed Nigeria, drink Nigeria" abi

Mujtahida:
THROWBACK

It's like forgiveness has infected me with this foreign born virus. Safarigirl here's your boy(though it's old news but it gives us insight into what might be.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW ROHR CONVINCED ME TO DUMP BELGIUM FOR SUPER EAGLES-Dessers

Ifreke Inyang
3 months ago
https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/CyrilDessers.jpg
Cyril Dessers has revealed details of his conversation with Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, which convinced him to opt for Nigeria instead of Beligum.

Dessers says Rohr told him in clear teams to pledge his allegiance to Nigeria, if he wants to challenged the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa and Olanrewaju Kayode, for a spot in the national team.

The 22-year-old accepted the German tactician’s challenged and has already voiced his preference for the Eagles.

“Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa are the two undisputed men in my position, not forgetting Olarewaju Kayode who plays for Austria Wien. After them there’s a spot. I did had contact with the coach some few weeks back and he advise me to take a step higher. Hence my move to Utrecht to prove myself worthy of selection for Nigeria,” he told Sports/Football Magazine.

“I will be happy to play for either Nigeria or Belgium, but playing for Belgium is a little bit complicated, as all the strikers in front of me above 30 years and might all leave in the next three years, I would have been patient for an opportunity, but that is not the case.

“The World Cup 2018 is around the corner. If I score 20 goals for Utrecht and one of the strikers missed out through injury, I might have a chance. I hope my dream of wearing the Nigeria shirt draws near in few months time.”

Source:https://www.google.com.ng/amp/dailypost.ng/2017/07/04/rohr-convinced-dump-belgium-super-eagles-dessers/amp/

I don't think the player will eventually cut it. I've been following him.

Speculative news though

terzurum5:
Rohr Line Up Russian-Nigerian Defender Idowu As Replacement For Injured Echiejile

Super Eagles left full back Elderson Echiejile has been ruled out of Nigeria’s final World Cup 2018 Qualifiers tie against Algeria in Algiers after picking up a hamstring injury in their 1-0 win over Zambia last weekend.


Echiejile went off injured late in the game, and was replaced by Chelsea full back Ola Aina, and recent test suggest he will spend at least four weeks on the sidelines as he work his way back to full fitness.


The length of time he will be out has lead to coach Gernot Rohr of the Super Eagles casting a glance at Russian-Nigerian defender Brian Idowu.


Idowu plays for Russian side Amkar Perm, and even though he qualifies to represent Russia, he was interested in switching allegiance to Nigeria before their first game against Algeria.


Issues concerning owning a Nigerian passport stopped him from honouring the call to represent Nigeria who are already through to the World Cup courtesy of their 1-0 win over Zambia last weekend.

Osas Mahawi

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/11/rohr-line-up-russian-nigerian-defender-idowu-as-replacement-for-injured-echiejile/

All those saying Rohr is not a tactician and he is conservative, you will swallow your words even before Russia.
Rohr wanted to maintain the trusted formation and winning team during the qualifiers. That was playing safe. It's the right thing to do at that stage especially as we were winning. We were always on top of the group.

Humility017:
please to be honest I won't advise the federation to meld into this affairs...

It will destabilise the team and attract the wrath of Nigerians...
rather the management should grant him all supports and assistance he desires...

because getting a tactician to support him...will also be an avenue for the vultures in glass house and Senate and ministries to milk from the national treasury...
I can tell you...many are not happy seeing rohr head the SE
they had wish one indigenous coach had manage to qualify us...and then after the qualification they begin shop for a quack foreign coach...where them too can make some cool cash from the sheddy deals

Using our now traditional 4-2-3-1 Iwobi can function as an AM. I canvassed for this before the Zambia match. And he scored at roughly that position. It's easy. We only need another very good winger, besides Victor Moses. Mikel and Ndidi/Onazi to sit as two DMs. It's not like these players don't drift during the games. Formations is just a rough shape of the team. And by the way, Onazi was a DM in that game. Moses has always had a free role. This is very possible with mobile full backs.

Icon79:
You made a good point! If I am advising Rohr for the World Cup, I will ask him to play Mikel and Ndidi (Onazi) as DMs and play Iwobi in AM. This would help solidify our defence, while unleashing the creative ability of Alex Iwobi. But to play this formation successfully, we'll have to deploy a 3-4-3 formation (with two adventurous wingbacks). I am not sure that we currently have them.


O pari

Surpassing the Second Round is a realistic goal. We may spring further surprises.

jotey:
Eagles Coach Rohr
Targets World Cup Quarter
Final , Wants Not Too
Difficult Group

https://i2.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_3680.jpg

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot
Rohr has set his team a target of at least
reaching the quarter final at the World Cup
following their qualification for the tournament
holding in Russia next year.

The coach however said he wish for his team to
be placed in a favourable group, because
getting out of their group is their first priority
before they can now match or surpass the feat
of the 1994 and 2014 Eagles.

Nigeria went as far as the second round at the
World Cup in 1994 and also in the 2014
tournament, and Rohr is hoping his wards should
be able to better the achievement by at least
getting to the quarter final next year in Russia.

” I wish to have a group not too difficult to
come out of the group, thereafter anything can
happen. I hope to surpass the record of the
USA 94 World Cup at least a quarter final spot
at next year World Cup in Russia “, he told the
print version of Sporting Life.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/12/eagles-coach-rohr-targets-world-cup-quarter-final-wants-not-too-difficult-group/

na dice u use.. how did u come up with that? Don't wish Nigeria bad oh.. that group B na die.

Dedebanky85:
Wow we were close. I just had Senegal in Pot 4 and Serbia in Pot 3 in mine. I even tried to distribute them to groups based on FIFA rules.
[img][/img]

As regards Players list for world cup, most of you are jumping the gun.

Let's talk about Algeria and the coming friendlies. How about Nations Cup qualifiers? A lot can happen between now and Russia.

Kennysville, at the time I wanted to tackle this your post I discovered that I had already served some hours of my ban on NL, which I believe lasts for 24 hours.
Well, now here I come. My first thought was that you probably had some personal negative experience dealing with whites maybe in the UK, hence your sentiments-filled opinion. Granted, everyone is entitled to theirs.
However on these TAMMY matters and many others for that matter, sound opinions can only be given when sentiments are not attached.
Let me take you as well as others who gladly clicked “like” to your post to the reality of the world as it were, and even till this day.

Responding to your paragraphs one at a time:

Paragraph 1:
I have heard that common saying times without number here in Nigeria -- “a country of over 200 million CANNOT…. “
Let me put that question to you.. why don’t we SEEM to have the best doctors, engineers etc. as well IN NIGERIA despite our population? The first and paramount reason is Brain Drain, which is caused by we ourselves failing to create the environment for ourselves to thrive here in Nigeria. The effect, many intelligent ones go abroad and become experts. Or many go to schools there and become professionals. Many of these would love to come back but for the reason that the situation still hasn’t changed. Even those who go abroad to take on menial jobs bring up children there who become experts in their field. And you expect those parents to tell them sweet sweet stories about Nigeria in nostalgia, and ask them to return.. FUNNY.
Go to the Uk, US, Canada etc., they would always give preference for experts and promising talents from Nigeria etc. when considering them for Work Visas.
Now let me take you back to football, and yes we are still talking human resources. The situation is somewhat the same.
You can choose to live in caves if you want, but the reality of the world since the past till this very day is, advanced nations stay ahead because they know how to use the talents of other countries to advance themselves further in almost every field for that matter. Yes, their policy is if their indigenous population cannot fill a NEED then they must fill that vacuum with talents from another country. Of course this policy enforced strictly, since the government policy does not hold in many companies, some of which are also foreign-owned. Most of the time these countries will not only give chances to any person that they are confident will add value to their country, but they will also provide the environment for these foreign nationals to grow in their system. And I don’t want to make a generalization because racism does exist. But you are taking it way too far.

Do we still have textile industries in Nigeria? Our local shoes made in Aba, would you rather buy them? It’s easy to talk. The things that you own, are they locally made or made abroad? Most of the things we think are locally made are actually made in China haha


Over to Kanu Nwankwo. He and many others were a product of our U17 team. A system we have maintained till today. Over the years we have over-relied on our cadet teams to supply talents for the future. That is a failed youth developmental system, because when our junior teams miss out of the world cup it always spelled danger for us. Looking back and insinuating that was a period of excellence, is highly misleading. We’ve never had it right in this regard. But all of a sudden some people are speaking ill about the quest for foreign-breds to fill a need here, as if that’s the reason why we have not developed our own. That reasoning is misplaced.

The big sin many of us are committing is misdirecting our anger. I will be the first person to call for the Pinnick-led NFF to take steps to building a solid developmental youth football structure here in Nigeria. However, showing interest in foreign-bred players will in no way affect our developmental agenda should we have one -- Apples and Oranges.

Countries that are far more advanced in football compared to Nigeria have all used several foreign-born or foreign-bred players when these players have demonstrated they can add value to their teams. If you want me to name names I will. It is misleading to single out England. Even Germany, Spain, Italy are noteworthy examples. And I’m talking heavyweights in world football.
I asked a question about Ejaria, and only komekn dared take a stab on it, although his answer was not satisfying to me. Let me bring it up again. Ejaria had long shown his interest playing for Nigeria. He even trained with our U17. Why did UK make a move for him, knowing that he wants to play for Nigeria? NOBODY called it begging. Why did Ejaria accept the offer to play for their U20? Yet NOBODY insinuated he made a U-turn. Ejaria still keeping up with the Super Eagles. But we are here trying to crucify Abraham because the 19 year old said he was still available for the England U21s, in the midst of a possible PR nightmare.


I became convinced when I read your more recent post about conspiracy stuff. I’m going to tackle that post here as well. I’m not surprised by your remark. I had already sensed it. I’m even more convinced now that your opinions are borne out of sentiments, and even more so, your conspiracy beliefs. Nigeria won the Olympics in 1996. And here you are believing that the white countries/coaches have all ganged up to prevent that from happening for a second time, as if that will stifle our progress at the senior level. Let me clear you on this.
Rio 2016 facts:
Fifa had released an official statement in September 2015 that Rio Olympics was not in the FIFA calendar but appealed to clubs to release players.
“The event is not part of the international match calendar,” FIFA said in a press release. “However, FIFA is asking for support from the clubs to allow players who are called up by their national teams to be given the chance to be part of the Olympic experience.”
http://olympics.nbcsports.com/2015/09/25/fifa-olympics-release-players-clubs-soccer-rio-2016-qatar-2022-world-cup/
The prior Olympics?
“In 2012, FIFA ordered club teams to allow under-23 players to compete in the Olympics. In 2008, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Barcelona did not have to release Lionel Messi to compete in the Olympics, though Messi did end up winning gold with Argentina anyway.” – same source.

So please can you tell us, was FIFA targeting Nigeria in their 2015 release as well? Did FIFA conspire with the European club coaches as well? Did other countries not miss out from fielding some notable players? Even at the U20 stages, countries like Germany are not represented by their best players in that category. Especially players already established in their clubs. Was that also an attempt by the coaches to hijack the football development of their respective countries? Will you be balanced now in your reasoning?


In fact, Infantino said this when he visited Nigeria, “It is difficult to include the Olympics in the FIFA programme because the international match calendar is already congested and the start of the of the season clashes with the Olympics. This is why clubs insist in having their players, leaving the players with the dilemma of choosing between club and country.
“We are discussing with the clubs to allow the players to serve their nations at the Olympics. In fact for some players once they miss one opportunity they may not get it again to play at that big stage and this is not good,”

I can’t wrap my head around the idea that clubs would conspire against Nigeria, not considering their need for the players. Let’s give Pep etc. the benefit of the doubt. They wanted to see as much of their players during preseason. If you can come up with names of players from other countries these coaches released for Rio, name them. Who did Pep etc. release instead? Hmmmm

I think my earlier analogy fits you perfectly well. One I gave safarigirl –- coincidentally. But I will modify it. It goes like this:
One very bright sunny morning a boy called Tunde (lol) approached a beautiful sexy girl he had known for a while and asked her to marry him, holding a ring. He had his friend shoot, and other passersby also joined in shooting while he popped the question in that beautiful moment. Behold! although the setting looked perfect this girl blatantly said no in a very very rude way. In fact, she hissed and walked away.. that video went viral.. Since that day Tunde has been suffering from a very very low self esteem, he would take any girls every body language and remark to mean rejection. The story of Onuora statement vs. other England-bred players’ comes to mind in this analogy.. For those of you who tow this line of reasoning, that no clear statement in favor of Nigeria means rejection, I hope you get the analogy. You don’t have to be in the shoes of tbaba1234 , komekn etc. or myself to relate or understand the situation of these foreign-breds. It only calls for deep thinking and consideration to have sound judgments like Mujtahida ‘s and a few others’. Yes, It is left for the player to decide where his allegiance lies. Either way it should be respected without hard feelings. It is a professional decision. Many of you, in their shoes, WILL even do worse.

To your next paragraph, it’s illusory of you to think that anyone is suggesting that they, foreign-breds are “the best thing that has happened to our football”. Side note: I like to use the term foreign-bred because as a matter of fact, a handful of these players we refer to were actually born in Nigeria.
Even Komekn who I must admit seem extreme sometimes, I have to concede with him anytime he is able to prove that any of those foreign-breds he mentions are better than what we have right now in terms of position of play. Let’s think straight and be progressive in our approach to discussing these matters. Every country wants excellence and wants the best.. Sentiments removes from excellence – just as “rotation” does. If you can argue for a player or two who are home-grown and can prove that they are better than these foreign-breds make your arguments without sentiments, and I will concede. These players are all known to us.. We can check the facts. Videos can demonstrate their strengths.. If your desire is to hit back at whites for treating you in any specific way don’t take it on foreign-bred who happen to be biracial sometimes. IF YOUR CLAIM IS TRUE , that they are only second fiddle in that country, then why do you want to also treat them as such here. If you were in their shoes will you cherish being caught at the middle that way?
Ekong said Oliseh said oyibo are soft (something like that), if that similar remark was said by a foreign coach to a black player abroad won’t we shout racist remark? And somebody said Ekong should forget the past. Haha. But he never forgot because he is human too.
Please someone correct me if I’m reading your intentions wrongly.

As regards England, England is a special case. But one thing is sure, they have now won the U20 because of us—yes I see them as us. And we have NEVER won that tournament. They are doing better at the junior levels because of us. Not like we --Nigeria—who are so so blessed, but have done great at the senior level either. Those Nigerian players they capped and “shoved aside”, how were their club careers at the time? Which coach will dump an ourstanding player just because he wants to prove a point with so called white English players? It happens most times here in Nigeria with our tribalistic “rotation” mindset. Ameobi’s case is that special one. Because he did do well at some point even after insisting on playing for England. I would rather blame the England coach at the time, than blame the country. (Let me chip in although I didn’t want to earlier, 50% of my immediate family are UK citizens and are doing well in their fields. And we even extend to Australia, so I have a world view in some of these matters).

Back to what I was saying before I digressed, as long as Dele Alli and Ross Barkley stay outstanding they will always get the nod at the senior level (Check Barklay’s form now). Understandably, any player that hits a rough patch does not deserve an invite in any national team for that matter. You don’t use National teams to fix player’s careers. It’s not done that way. That’s bringing sentiments in where excellence should be the watchword. You want to invite the best at all times. John Fashanu, only 2 games for England. He played roughly 90 Premier league matches his entire career, and scored just about 20-something. I think his number of England caps is commensurate with his club performance. Victor Moses especially will be an England international today if not for his switch – going by his recent performances. How has Jordan Ibe been performing? Hahaha
England national coaches are hawks but they are not as sentimental as most of our indigineous coaches.


And lastly, to your last paragraph, “They need Nigeria more than Nigeria needs them” ,.
The fact actually is, the need is mutual. If Fashanu had played for Nigeria, I’m sure many of us would have loved it for him to run our FA?.. A section of us wouldn’t for some obvious sentimental reasons. You see where I am going?

What we have today in Nigeria is a result of years and years of incompetence at all levels of leadership. We can be sentimental for all we want, but that will not fix the problem even for our unborn children.

kennysville:
Friends, Countrymen, Nairalanders,
I read with all passion every write up that we have written with respect to foreign born players and where their allegiance lie. And here is what I have to say about it.

I am going to agree with Safarigal on this one where she said begging these kids to play for us is pathetic to say the least. In a country of 170million people, we want to say there are no better players than these londoners. Of course, to an extent, we know that Versace and Gucci are top brands, but do you also know that it is the value we place on Ankara that it will have in the eyes of the world? We despise the people we have in the country simply to accomodate foreign borns. Its so excruciatingly annoying in the way we even go about it. Okocha the legend was discovered here in Nigeria, so was Kanu Nwankwo, what happened to our scouting department, youth development?

Going over to these foreign borns, racism is rife all over the world. We live in a world where a white person believes its their right which they earned to be in any and every setup, call the shots and feel better than a black contemporary and this is practically everywhere. We cant wish it away. England for instance will forever be loyal to their own. First of all white, then english born before they start considering you as a black Nigerian born UK resident. This is not gonna change any time soon. I have experienced racism first hand. England can never convince me that they will use Jordon "Hibe" as one of their players for more than 3 competitive games which he would be lucky to get even a cameo of 5 mins in. Here we are trying to reach some players and they say stuff like they dont feel Nigerian. So when the chips are now down, they suddenly make U turn. What has become of Mr Hibe now? Agbonlahor nko? What of uncle John Fashanu? Ameobi ? Thank God for Keshi. Although I dont know what that stunt of inviting Ameobi to 2014 WC was about cos to me that was a waste of slot. When Ameobi was on fire, how many games did he play for England? His whole essence died with newcastle and thats all we would ever remember him for. Scoring for his local club. No international soccer experience!

We make all the noise of at least half the England U17 /20 team made up of nigerian borns. I tell you they are all just a means to an end. No more no less. Quote me today and lets see how many more will make the senior National team in 5 years time. We will see all the Seyi Ojos, Ovie Ejarias, Solankes, Onomahs and we will see how far they go. Its a matter of time, juat pray Dele Alli doesnt hit a rough patch and that they dont change their National team coach to one old racist hag. Thats when the fade begins.
While i dont have anything against inviting foreign borns, lets not make it look like they are the best thing that ever happened to our football. For you to want to play for Nigeria, u have to feel like a Nigerian, bleed Nigerian, sleep Nigerian and eat nigerian. Enough of these hopeless people that think they have a future with England or other countries when they are offered to come play for Naija. Whether Ruben Agboola went to the world cup or not, he is in the annals of our history as one of the best right back we had at least in the early 90s. Victor Moses played in England u21 but today he is known because of Nigeria and not the other way round.

They need Nigeria more than Nigeria needs them. A word is enough for the wise..... Let him that hath an ear......

HAWKS MONITORING: U17 World Cup (India 2017)

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ENGLAND (NIGERIA FEEDER) 3-2 MEXICO
Timothy Eyoma clocked 90 mins for England as Mexico could only manage to pull back two goals.
The future SE right-back was cautioned one minute into extra time in the first half.

haha..

Mujtahida:
Omo I am baffled. I didn't know. I would have stopped the exchanges long time ago.

the guy just they fall he hand for public.. can't analyze nada

Mujtahida:
Make I laugh like forgiveness bwahaahaahaah. According to your own understanding I have always wanted to play for nigeria means I NEVER wanted to play for England. Even in the light of the articles I posted and the quotes highlighted by Joebie. Chai. Omo, I rest my case.