₦airaland Forum

sorry for the multiple posts guys

See who has qualified for Russia

Tammy going going...?

See who has just qualified for Russia

Tammy going going...?

So what we have here is the Zambians studying our tapes. We are also studying theirs.
Are you saying the are no deficiencies we can exploit in the Zambian's?

I'm sure just as Rohr pulled Moses Simon away and gave him special instructions before the Cameroon match because of the lapses he saw with him against SA, Rohr has also studied our weaknesses. He will correct them accordingly.

They have tapes. We have tapes. They have deficiencies. We have deficiencies. They have team psychologists. I believe we do. I still don't understand why the fear. The fact remains, we are determined to seal this up. We have the players to deliver. We will have our strategies. They will have theirs. On paper, we are still the better team. So why the fears?

Mickael2:
I see light, well MAINLY light but some darkness still and I will explain why.

I have seen some people saying we can sit back if the Zambians sit back forcing them to come out and play, home ground does not support that. If I pay 5k to sit in the VIP corner and you are playing 0-0(plus a boring game) after 60mins, I will join and start chanting 'all we are saying...' and if you have been in that situation before you will run mad, and go all out attack forgetting what the coach said, this is what happens to Madrid, once it's 60mins and they are yet to score, the boos start ringing and the players get disorganised and become easy picking. If Zambia can withstand our attack till the 60th minute mark we are in trouble.


Another point, the coach is going to show them some clips of that first leg. Trust me the Zambians had 3-4 very good chances that should be put away, if they have a proper team psychologist he will point out the fact that they have become more clinical since that match(I think they beat Algeria with only 2 shots on target), that is a nitro-level confidence booster. There mindset will be if we can create just that same number of chances like we did in the first leg, considering the fact that we are more clinical now and their gk is worse than ever, we may be able to put one away and hold out for the remainder of the game. If they score the first goal we have a big problem, I am not sure we have won a game that we conceded first under Rohr, he is not a tactical genius.


Also, they may watch our clips from their first match against us down to our last match and notice one thing, our midfielders(Mikel is included) all take atleast 20mins to settle into any game and that is a bad omen. If they can take advantage of that by attacking through the middle instead of the wings in the first twenty minutes then they are sure of two good chances, that is assuming Onazi remains Onazi and is caught out of position a lot of times in the first half and Ndidi remains Ndidi who would rather concentrate on attack rather than defence.


Finally they will watch that first leg again and discover that their lord and saviour(Echejile) who provided them with 3 good chances in the first leg is still our LB. Now Leon is a good CB, but he is different from Omeruo in the sense that he is always quick to rush out whenever a player beats his LB, now this is not really a bad thing but with proper tactics it becomes a bad thing. Create an overload and Leon is dinner, that is let the RW beat Echejile and while Leon comes out to mark the RB runs past Leon and receives a pass, that means Leon is out of the equation and assuming Onazi isn't back covering they have a safe passage to our 18.

Now they have to pray that all these things go according to plan and they must remain clinical. If after the first twenty minutes they haven't scored then they should pull back and choke every attack and wait patiently for that 60-70th minute mark. All in all this will not be a blowout, quote me anywhere. You do not destroy Zambia, it is impossible, highest two goals, you do not see them at the wrong end of a proper hiding

Very good detailed report. But what really happened to him? Did he have a serious injury or something?

That reminds me of another promising right back (at the time) -- Jero Shakpoke. Please tell us about him.

TheGoodJoe:
I will like to touch lightly on Gbenga Okunowo because I am seeing some misconceptions flying here.

Gbenga Okunowo was a young man who had a promising talent. Long before he got known in the international scene, there was a local buzz about the young kid Okunowo who had the potential of becoming a Nigerian Right-back regular.

I did not hear much of him again until he played in the Meridian Cup where Nigeria beat a talented Spanish side which included Xavi. After we won that match, the news wagged about the brilliance of Okunowo and some tagged him the best player of the final.

Barcelona officials who were there to monitor the technical gem they produced, Xavi were blown away by the talent of Okunowo and swung to action to capture the young Nigerian.

Not long from there, he was on the books of Barcelona and playing for the main team. He was not a regular but what some miss was that the Barcelona Okunowo played for was very strong with the likes of Overmars, Zenden, Figo, Reizeger, Cocu and Guardiola. (to the best of my knowledge)

After that, injuries blighted his career but no doubt, Okunowo was among the gems Nigeria unearth after the Golden Generation that had the likes of Okocha, Oliseh, Kanu, Finidi, Amunike etc.

Some of the talents of Okunowo's generation included Aghahowa, Ikedia, Aiyegbeni, Agali, Blessing Kaku, Emma Issah, Sunday Ibeji, Greg Etafia, Martins Obafemi, Blessing Kaku etc. That was a big explosion of Nigerian talents.

When Okunowo first arrived Barcelona training pitch, Xavi walked to him and introduced himself. Okunowo did not know Xavi but Xavi knew Okunowo because of Okunowo's performance in the final of the Meridian Cup.

How time changes. Today Xavi is known all over the World and few know Gbenga Okunowo. However, we do remember Okunowo because he was a talented kid that gave us promise and hope.

just mind games... to stay unpredictable

AIG07:
whatever Rohr's plan is, he needs to be cautious with the tactics. A change of formation might be dicey. I suggest we tread softly so we don't have a repeat of South Africa game where he went for a wide 4-3-3 in place of the usual 4-2-3-1.

Though we may presently have the players to execute any formations. But it should be when the Zambians have been put to sword.

GERNOT ROHR SPEAKS

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Rohr Hints At New Formation For Zambia Tie – Our Tactics Will Surprise Zambia
October 5, 2017053

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will not play same formation and style that helped them pick a win and a draw against Cameroon in their last World Cup 2018 Qualifiers against Zambia, according to coach Gernot Rohr.

Rohr made this known during the pre-match conference of the team ahead of Saturday’s clash against Zambia in ‎Uyo. A game which a win will see them progress to the World Cup in Russia.

Victory will see Nigeria gain an unassailable 13 points, which will be good enough for them to progress to the World Cup as group winners with a game to spare‎.

The 4-0 win and 1-1 draw against Cameroon helped the Eagles to confirm their leadership of the group, but Rohr says they will change the formation that helped them in the games against Cameroon for obvious reasons.

” We know our style that helped us against Cameroon, and we would love to play the same style again, but we know it will be more difficult to do it against Zambia “, Rohr said.

DONT MISS ==> Why Foreign Based Eagles Are Better Than Home Based Players - Rohr Explains
” They ( Zambia) already know us and our style from the game against Cameroon. So we have to have a good preparation and also change tactics, also to be more dangerous and to be able to surprise them “, he concluded.

--OGN

HAHAHAHA

soetanoreoluwa:
Oracle that cant talk... Or eat... Give the Oracle palm wine and pepper soup

No matter what they never our support...

We shall overcome them on Saturday

OPPONENTS WATCH:

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Zambia Goalkeeper Mweene, Striker Daka Feared Injured After Abuja Training
October 5, 2017


Zambia are sweating on the fitness of two of their key players after both players pulled out of their morning training session in Abuja at the astro turf of the FIFA goal project, package B of the National Stadium.

The Chipolopolo had their first training session in Abuja before heading to Uyo, the venue of Saturday’s game ‎against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the race to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Already Zambia have been hard hit by injury ‎in the build up to the game and it got worse for them today when first choice goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene left the training session few minutes after it started, clutching onto his left thigh in agony.

Mweene apparently injured himself when he made a full length dive to save a shot during the team shooting practices, and the Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper who is only returning from injury had to watch the rest of the session from the sidelines.

DONT MISS ==> ODEMWINGIE JOINS MARSEILLE ON LOAN
The rave of the moment in Zambian football Patson Daka was next to depart the session halfway as the Red Bull Salzburg forward ‎suffered what looked like a knee injury shortly after the team started light jogging.

Daka was examined by the team doctor, and after a while had to resort to training alone as he did not look entirely comfortable to take part in the full scale contact training the rest of the team had.

The degree of the injury suffered by the duo is still unknown as no member of the Chipolopolo team was willing to discuss the issue after training.

Ade Emmanuel

--OGN

oracle.. empty oracle.
put your hope in oracles..
when oracles can create human beings or anything for that matter, then we will believe in it.

Afobear:
there must be gnashing of teeth on this thread a some hours !!!must !!! the oracle have spoken

Well i’m sorry to say the first thing we need to know is if they are perfuming. Next, we want to look at their opposition (and that’s the league they play).

Let me take your names one by one

1. Ike Ugbo
You have a case about Ugbo (Barnsley). He’s started against Spurs at the EFA cup and has had a goal and assist in the Championship. Maybe he would have been considered in the first team if he were a Liverpool player or their U23 side.

Counter: Taiwo Awoniyi likewise will probably be in Liverpool first team, u23 team, or loaned to a championship side if not for work permit issues. Taiwo Awoniyi scored on his debut in belgium and have not looked back since then.

2. Bobby Adekanye
He is just a promising player. A liverpool U23 player. We know Klopp likes to give talented youngsters a chance. As regards current performance stats, Awoniyi is better. Adekanye has not done anything noteworthy in the Reserve league (U23).

Counter: same as above

3. Dominic Solanke: you have a real argument here (NOT CONSIDERING U20 WC). That he gets to have playing time in the EPL and is not overwhelmed by the occasion, then sure he is promising. Solanke better than Awoniyi? -- still debatable.

4. Ejaria
This one does not count. He is a midfielder. Don’t forget the context was promising forwards.

5. As regards Tega we’ve already made that argument

6. Ademola Lookman has a goal in the Premier League till date — from last season. Lately, finding it had to get games in Everton.


Please Please Please sir, if you want to name names, lets talk performance first.

So far, comparing Solanke and Ugbo, to Awoniyi is debatable. You don’t have a strong case with the other names.

Questions for you:
1. Should Awoniyi be able to get work permit and Klopp decide not to loan him away from England, would that automatically mean FOR YOU he would be in the same level as Solanke?

2. Why do you rate Awoniyi low? Besides that he plays Belgium, is has his performances been poor?

komekn:
Awoniyi is now near 21 he should really be cutting it and proving his quality. The chance if him ever playing for Liverpool seems to be a pipe dream now.

Firstly, I stated Championship and EPL.

I consider Awoniyi a forward player and a hybrid type attacking midfielder.

Using his parent club Liverpool fc, I know the club quite well. Currently ahead of him is in the context of Nigerian origin players are Solanke, Seyi Ojo, Bobby Adekanya and Oviemuno Ejaria. That's 4 all in the same club and all Nigerian origin. I could go into the U18's and 16s but that would be overkill.

Then let's look at other clubs Chelsea is a strange place for Youth players. Has the best youth set up in England wins everything year in year out. But almost zero teenagers get any playing time. Awoniyi wouldn't make it in Chelsea's U18 team.

Currently, Tega, Ike Ugbo look better prospects. Can I add Ademola Lookman from Everton.

But let's look at the Championship as well currently Tega on loan from Tottenham is making waves at Aston Villa and Onyedinma at Millwall. I am looking at stand out players not ones just making the numbers.

o pari master
you ship the ring abi na speed post..
no dey talk too much grammar....
we still dey wait

Icon79:
Omo, permit me to explain. Safarigirl is a strong gurl with very strong opinions on a vast variety of issues concerning football. I don't think she's rude; however, she has a tendency to aggressively defend her positions. One thing you can't take away from her is that she knows her football. Hence, you just need to understand her and you'll begin to enjoy her inputs. In my opinion, she's one of the most knowledgeable members of this forum.

And the fact that she's easy on the eyes (if you understand what I mean), makes her inputs even more refreshing to read


O pari

me i tire! Finidi at his PRIME was the best #7 in the world.
i just weak for some people

tbaba1234:
Oliha as right back, that is strange..

Tijiani ahead of Finidi?

OFFICIAL: Odey Completes FC Zurich Switch From MFM FC

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Odey-Completes-FC-Zurich-Switch-From-MFM-FC-2-400x496.jpg

FC Zurich currently second in the Swiss top tier, 6 points behind table toppers, Young Boys

SUPER EAGLE SPEAK

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Ajiboye: Zambia Are Making Noise, Super Eagles Will Shut Them Up
October 4, 2017 12:39 pm
By Johnny Edward

Plateau United goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye is confident the Super Eagles will defeat Zambia on Saturday despite Chipolopolo ‘making noise’ ahead of Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier here in Uyo, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
Ajiboye, who was in goal when Nigeria won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007, urged his teammates to be focused on the game despite the Zambian team talking tough from their base in Ghana.
“I am happy for the call-up, I will do my best to challenge for a place,” Ajiboye told Completesportsnigeria.com in Uyo.

“We know this is a very important game for us, so we’ll do our best to get the job done on Saturday.
“I know they (Zambia) are making noise, that’s football for you; we’ll just concentrate on our training and 90 minutes will tell on Saturday.”
Ajiboye was one of the standout performers in the Super Eagles’ first training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

--CompleteSportsNigeria

yes interaction is the way to go with all languages

lakesidepapa:
My brother! German is very tight, I collected and used a text book from a friend who studied it at Goethe institute in Lagos for self education way back 2014, I knw the basic with book.

The best teaching is interacting with someone who can speak and write in it.

For now.. Ebuehi/Shehu.. Aina/Echiejile. Echiejile has had a long holiday without competition -- Until we get Torunarigha.

Mujtahida:
If we can get him I go like am. Germans have very solid defending philosophy which I believe he must have imbibed. So that he can compete with Echiejile and let Aina do battle with Shehu. I guess that leaves out Ebuehi.

OPPONENT WATCH

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Zambia Arrive Abuja, Team To Depart For Uyo Tomorrow
October 4, 2017013


The senior national team of Zambia popularly call the Chipolopolo arrived Abuja, the capital of Nigeria earlier today ahead of their World Cup 2018 Qualifiers clash against Nigeria ‎at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

They will spend the night in Abuja, where they will be lodged at the prestigious Bolton White Hotel ahead of their journey to Uyo, Akwa Ibom state venue of the game.

Zambia need at least a draw to keep their hope of qualifying for next year World Cup alive after back to back win over Algeria during the last round of games.

Nigeria who are leading the group need a win to gain an unassailable lead with a game to spare, and they will be gunning for victory over Zambia like they need in their first qualifiers in Ndola.

The Super Eagles triumphed 2-1 in Ndola with goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi, but Zambia have recovered from the loss and are now the only team in the group with a chance of overhauling Nigeria.

Ade Emmanuel
--OGN

Yes he is

Mujtahida:
That Torunigha, is he a left back?

One thing we know for sure is Shehu is the undisputed SE right back of choice at the moment.
If Aina will replicate his club performance here, only time will tell.
Talking about him benching Shehu right now, Rohr will have to notice the overwhelming advantage Aina has over Shehu IN CAMP to make such a decision.
I'd rather have Aina play as a Left Back, as long as he SHOWS he is better than Echiejile there.

komekn:
Firstly, there is no hype around Aina.

He is now generally recognised as the best right back in the championship. If he was not a Chelsea player he would be definitely in the EPL as a regular.

The best, youngest and most expensive left back in England plays for Fulham in the championship.

Imported has nothing to do with it.

Is Shehu better we do not know with a big YET.

I took German classes but at a time I had lost interest in the language. I used to study "Teach Yourself German" when I was about age 9 or so.

lakesidepapa:
You are right! German is confusing and can be complicated at times, these make it to be hard.

I didn't attend any german class but I have a german girl friend, she need english knowledge and I need german knowledge, so our interaction is our teacher.

I was about to post the story. But this has done justice.
The Tormentor-in-Chief is here!!!

Famocious:
Victor Moses is now in camp...
Full House.
@VictorMoses has arrived in camp.
#SoarSuperEagles.


Photo credit: Owngoal Nigeria

Good. I'm sure I can give you examples of players who were already making a statement for their national teams without tasting EPL action.
It's with that in mind I say the EPL should not be used as the only benchmark. I'm not saying that's what you are insinuating anyway.

But when you go as far as saying you can name 10 SE prospects in the Championship that are better than Awoniyi, I start to wonder. Is it based on performance, or just the fact that they are Championship players. I'm curious.. please name them.

komekn:
Bonaventure seems to be a good prospect, I really don't know much about him. He does seem familiar, was he involved with the Nigeria All stars team that came to Manchester some years ago with John Fashanu

Dessers has done well at Utrecht, Onyekuru is already owned by Everton and I believe if not for work permit issues he would be in the EPL. That may still happen if Koeman is still here in the next few weeks, as they are now desperate for attacking options and have none. Can Onyekuru be a striker for Everton No, but a winger yes. He is a bit too lightweight for my liking. Watched him against Celtic and he struggled. You can see how Musa has struggled at Leicester.

Awoniyi currently needs to prove himself, he is far off the mark. To be brutally honest there are at least 10 Nigerian origin players better than him currently in the championship and EPL.

Unfortunately the league they are playing in is not a very strong league. That doesn't mean they are not good. However, I expect them to be dominating in those leagues and if they are not then questions about thier quality.

They do not have to be in the EPL but it cannot be denied that if you are cutting it in the premiership and making waves then you will be quality and good enough for the SE.

Incidentally our top players are from the EPL Moses Ighalo, KC, Iwobi, Mikel, Ndidi, and soon to be Aina. Take these players out and what do we have left.

So the idea that you must be in the EPL is not necessarily true but it's a great bench mark for quality.

Maybe Algeria had already given up on their chances of qualifying. It's hard to understand why they didn't put up a good fight.

daveP:
I watched the ZamAlg game, and i must say that it looked like a fixed match. The Algerian def were just watching without positioning as crosses kept floating in from the wings; light crosses that even their gk can come out and intercept!! Also the way they ran when dispossesed by the Zambians... i was pissed. And that's the match they are now using to claim they'll suffer us? Anyone that thinks that way must be blind. Alg attack sef was drab... abegi. Let Mikel or even Shehu catch them. We should even use style respect them and use counter alone, dem go hearam.

Make everybody 4 stadium dey sing Lagbaja's Gragra during and after the match.

yes they do! Poor man reporting. they just sit down and put a spin to the news or make insinuations. I still suspect they come here to read our arguments. lol

Mujtahida:
Sometimes when you read both owngoalnigeria.com and ANS you get the impression that they make up alot of stories, posting their own speculations as conclusions, putting words in the mouth of the coach. Completesports is more of it-they've been there even before the age of Internet.

You have chosen your words carefully -- "emerging top young prospect."
And I have done the same. -- "exciting emerging forwards"
If you look closely, you will see the difference.
I have never implied they are proven.

However, in my estimation, among the likes of Dessers, Bonaventure, Awoniyi, Onyekuru and a few others, one will make a good back up for Ighalo. Or do they have to go to the EPL first...?

Modified
Ighalo is just now hitting the ground running for SE

komekn:
Ighalo has always been a consideration he lost some form last season in the EPL but he still followed the very big £££ and went to China. Otherwise he has been quite a consistent goal scorer over the last few years.

I actually I agree that the possibility exists albeit slim that he may not do well in an SE shirt. However, he is currently no longer just potential, but emerging top young prospect. He had an outstanding season in the Championship last season and he is having a good current season leading Swansea's attack although not prolific.

But who are these exciting emerging forwards I am excited to find out.

Super Eagles Camp Update:

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Super Eagles Training: Uche Scores Beautiful Curler, Iheanacho & Mikel Bag Two Goals Each
Published: October 04, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/31969Eagles12.png


The Super Eagles held their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening, ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifying match with Zambia.

Changchun Yatai F.C. striker Odion Ighalo grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick for Team B, but a couple of players also impressed with their goalscoring contributions.

Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho is pushing for a starting spot in attack against the Copper Bullets, having netted a brace in Tuesday evening's practice game.

Ex-Chelsea ace John Obi Mikel and Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi are the untouchable midfielders, and the likes of Oghenekaro Etebo, Eddy Onazi, Uche Agbo and Mikel Agu are competing for the last midfield spot.

Mikel Agu and versatile Standard Liege midfielder Uche Agbo did themselves good when they found the back of the net in the practice game, with the Porto loanee bagging a brace.

Arguably, Uche scored the pick of the goals when he nutmegged William Troost-Ekong then scored a beautiful curler towards the end of the practice game.

Hapoel Beer Sheva star Anthony Nwakaeme and Cypriot-based Abdullahi Shehu also wrote their names on the score-sheet during the national team's first workout.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--AllNigeriaSoccer

Super Eagles Camp Update:

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Victor Moses Vows To Take The First Flight To Uyo On Wednesday
Published: October 04, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/66392Moses.png
Photo Credit : Instagram.com/VictorMoses

Victor Moses Vows To Take The First Flight To Uyo On Wednesday
Victor Moses has sent a message to the Super Eagles faithful, that he will report for international duty before the start of Wednesday evening's workout at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Moses jetted into Lagos from the English capital on Monday, but has not yet showed up at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo because he needed a rest and had to sort out some issues.

The Chelsea right wing-back has promised to take the first available flight to the Akwa Ibom State capital on Wednesday morning, meaning he's expected to link up with his international teammates before 1300 hours if his flight is on schedule.

He played a key role for the Super Eagles in their quest to qualify for the World Cup, starring against Algeria and the last two fixtures against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

English-based duo Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina, Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem and Gent winger Moses Simon will also participate in this evening's training session, having been permitted to skip yesterday's session.

Nigeria can secure a World Cup berth with one game to spare if they beat Zambia on Saturday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel


--AllNigeriaSoccer

When I talk of back-up you cannot assume the context is retirement

Secondly, i said they are lining up to compete. You can't be too sure none will prove themselves eventually.

There is even no guarantee that Tammy will do well in an SE shirt. Few months ago, Ighalo was not even in our lips.

We have exciting emerging forwards. And that's a fact.

komekn:
You are talking as if Ighalo is 35, he is only 28 he is still in his prime. With many years of top flight football left.

Who are the exciting youth players

These days if you are good enough you are old enough. Youth footballers are essentially unproven and untested until they prove themselves.

The two young Dembele's were already tested and proven at 17, the same goes for Mbappe and Neymar and if you go right back also Rooney, Ronaldo, and recently Lukaku.

Apart from Tega who is tested and proven not just potential. Potential is only indicative it's not established. That potential will require a lot of hard work to be realised otherwise it remains just potential nothing more.

Rohr is pretty thorough.

BascoVanVeli:
Ndidi is doing the bolded because Rohr must know he is fatigued. I must admit the man doesn't miss much, good job.

It seems OGN was just comparing Akpeyi and Ezenwa. No reference to Ajiboye. Sometimes I feel OGN don't really have reporters on ground like they claim. I may be wrong though.

tbaba1234:
ANS says Ajiboye
OGN says Akpeyi