₦airaland Forum

Balogun is a very important player in the rear. If we had just Balogun of those we missed against SA, we won't have lost that match. That outlines his importance. I posted snapshots here earlier on our player selections for that Egypt double header and the Cameroon friendly. For the Cameroon friendly, we had Balogun pairing with Ambrose at CB. And we went on to beat Cameroon 3-0. Cameroon started with about 60% of the same team we met a month ago. Even Vincent Abubakar started.

For the Egypt double header, Ambrose and Oboabona were our CB pairings. Amuzie benched Echiejile in both encounters. Against SA, it was Ekong and Awaziem at CB. What's common about all the formations we used in the games we performed poorly? Answer: the absence of Balogun. Another observation, Balogun-Ambrose partnership is probably as good as Balogun-Ekong partnership.

At the same time, let's not forget that our defense set-up have come a long way. This is what have been helping us more than the individual abilities of the players -- with the exception of Balogun. We will have to rely on our wingers and DM once again to cover for our deficiencies at the rear. And with Balogun present, we won't have much to worry about.

AIG07:
to be real with ourselves presently, we'll struggle against any side without Balogun, Mikel, and Moses. Reason been that.:
1. We hardly create chances in the absence of Mikel and/or V. Moses and this render our attack impotent anytime de don't play. Go check our previous outings without these two.

2. Our defence struggles in the absence of Leon and commits unnecessary errors.

The truth of the matter is that 'we ain't there yet' (in Chief Icon4s voice). I now see reason with Sir Icon4s on Iheanacho's abysmal performances as a lone striker-it was simply due to the absence of our orchestrators...

I hope Rohr will fix this before the World cup proper.

Cc: Sirs Mickael2, Tbaba, etc

"U know who" still dey join dey make mat

Echiejile: Super Eagles Will Bag Another Massive Win In Uyo Against Zambia
October 3, 2017 4:18 pm

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Echiejile-on-Super-Eagles-vs-Zambia.jpg

By Johnny Edward in Uyo:
Sivasspor defender, Elderson Echiejile has expressed his optimism that the Super Eagles will beat Zambia in this
weekend’s 2018 World Cup qualifier, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
Echiejile is poised for another starting berth on Saturday for the three time African Champions. He says that Nigeria players are in top spirit ahead of the crucial game.
“I am so excited and happy to be part of the squad for the Zambia cracker and I’m confident we will pick another massive victory,” Echiejile told Completesportsnigeria.com here in Uyo.
“Everyone’s dream is to see us fly Nigeria’s flag at the World Cup in Russia next year. With hard work, determination and with the support of Nigerians, we will beat Zambia to qualify.”
Echiejile adds: “I spoke with my teammates. They are all in high spirit and willing to give their all whenever called upon. We are mentally and physically fit as we move closer to the match day.”

--CompleteSportsNigeria

I no de wear face cap oh..
be like say you mistake the follower for the leader lol.

AIG07:
why I no go mention you first... Na you be the gang leaders-others still de learn d trade. I respect that your eagle eyes you de always use look under that face-cap. A bi I lie? *laughing*

OPPONENT WATCH:


FIFA WC 2018 Update: Mwepu joins Chipolopolo campBy Kelvin Musako
onOctober 3, 2017

Austria based midfielder Enock “Computer” Mwepu has joined the Zambia national team camp in Accra Ghana ahead of Saturday’s crucial Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B match against Nigeria.

Team Manager Chris Chibuye confirmed to Fazfootball.com from the team base in Accra that Sweden based Edward Chilufya will not be part of the team as his work permit matters were yet to be finalized after signing a contract on turning 18 years.

Mwepu, who stars for FC Liefering in Austria closes up the number of foreign based players with the exception of Patson Daka who will join the squad in Abuja on Wednesday.

Reports further say that all but two of the nine foreign based players summoned to camp have joined giving Wedson Nyirenda enough time to work with his arsenals.

Zambia are heading out to Nigeria on Wednesday as they prepare to take on the Super Eagles in a must win encounter.

Source: FAZ Football

na my name u see 1st mention oh.. u try well well oh

habi u see me welcome the latest lady?

AIG07:
Thanks for doing the needful Sir.

I just de use one eye watch Sirs Joebie, DaveP, and do4luv14 na only ladies dem sabi welcome.

FLASHBACK: NIG 3-0 CAM (International Friendly)
Date: Oct 11, 2015
Look at the player selections below. What do you notice?

20 players to train with super eagles

Twenty Players Ready To Train With Super Eagles As Onazi, Agbo, Akpeyi Arrive Uyo

Published: October 03, 2017
Twenty Players Ready To Train With Super Eagles As Onazi, Agbo, Akpeyi Arrive Uyo
Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that at least 20 players will train with the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening, as three more players have linked up with the team at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

The latest players to join the squad are goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, Trabzonspor midfielder Eddy Onazi and Standard Liege star Uche Agbo.

Five players named to the 23-man roster - Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC), Ola Aina (Chelsea), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal) and Moses Simon (Gent) - have not yet reported for international duty as at 1600 hours.

Onazi is confident that the Super Eagles will book their place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with one game to spare by beating Zambia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles assistant skipper told the Nigerian Federation : '''We will give all it takes as far as football is concerned. We will play like everything depends on us and pray like everything depends on God.

''We will not be distracted. We will get our three points on Saturday''.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : thenff.com

I have.. we had his VCR tapes back in the days..
We are talking of a player at 17 already doing wonders
leave that matter. when you talk of the greatest ever you have to look beyond your generation.

Mickael2:
tell me the honest truth, have you ever watched a single match that Pele played? Youtube right?

Put Pele as #1 ever, and everything you say is valid.

The Messi and Ronaldo debate have gone on for so long that people, even editors are daring to place Messi as the best ever. That's the greatest football sin ever.

Other arguments and comparisons I don't care.

Daejoyoung:
Lol, ladies would easily kill for Ronaldo, experience has taught me that.
On this topic though, Ronaldo is definitely one of the greatest players of all times, but while l would pay to watch Pele, Ronaldinho, Delima, Okocha, Neymar, and maybe Messi, l don't think l'll pay to watch Ronaldo, Drogba, Van Nisteroyl or Eto. There are great players and there are in the same vein also very entertaining players for the world to have her fill.

Just an adjustment of roles for Mikel and Ndidi, and this formation may come better.
As long as Iwobi don't get bullied easily, the Zambian's will find it hard to withstand this attack formation.

modified
haha @ "U know who"

BascoVanVeli:
First thought in my mind is that we will line up with the same Cameroon XI but I could also see us lining up like this,


----------------------------------Akpeyi------------------------------------

Shehu----------------Ekong------------Balogun------------U know who


--------------------------Mikel-----------Ndidi-----------------------------

Moses---------------------------Iwobi------------------------------Moses

---------------------------------Ighalo-------------------------------------

Really strange my bro.

Thanks boss

Icon79:
Wow. Strange coincidences.

Good one, Joebie!!


O pari

Those two were just for humor sake -- saving the best for last.
Take note that I did not stress the B coincidence -- the last name of the Algerians that scored against both sides.

"Job(ie)" -- creative you!

Mujtahida:
Quite revealing. But 3 and 4 should be done away with since they are in the realm of what is yet to be. Otherwise good job(ie)

REPOSTED:

NGR VS ZAM: The Similarities in their Road to Russia
joebie|Nairaland

1. Zambia has scored in every game in the road to Russia.
2. Nigeria has as well.
3. The only thing Zambia has not achieved but Nigeria has is beating Cameroon at home. But that's because that match has not been played.
4. The only thing Nigeria has not achieved but Zambia has is beating Algeria away. But that's because that match has not been played.
5. Zambia and Nigeria's scoreline away to Cameroon is identical. Not only that, Cameroon needed Vincent Abubakar to equalize from the spot on both occasions.
6. Zambia and Nigeria's scoreline at home to Algeria is identical. Not only that, Brian Mwila scored a brace against Algeria, just like Victor Moses scored 2 goals against Algeria. It will also be interesting to note that all the goals scored by Nigeria and Zambia in their Algeria home tie were all scored by players with their shirt name starting with the the letter M. The other scorers being Mikel and Mwepu.
7. Another coincidence as seen in Point 6 above: ALL the goals were scored in similar timeframes, with Algeria's goals (Brahimi and Bentaleb) sandwiched between their opponents 2nd and 3rd goal.

haha.. my sister it has been really hot in this region lately.. i'm cooling off under AC today..

safarigirl:
exactly what I plan to do. The kain heat wey dey Gwagwalada, mans is too hot to be arguing online mbok

It didn't look good for both keepers as well.
How does it help Ezenwa's case especially considering Rohr does not see him as the number one? That it happened in his last game will tilt it in favor of his competition(Akpeyi), who is coming into this game with good club form.

All I'm saying is, its a tricky choice. But I'd rather go for Ezenwa. Let his showmanship calm my nerves.

Mujtahida:
Buffon nko

Two possibilities:

1. A regular observer trying to attack you
2. One of your fighters with a new moniker

ignore.

safarigirl:
Cc Seun, semid4lyfe, mynd44, icon4s, joebie, icon79, thegoodjoe

I don't even know this fellow and I have said NOTHING on this thread for ANYONE to come at me like this. But this is how some people come out of nowhere to seek relevance on top my head.

Please, ask this uncle what I said that has him spitting saliva in this manner.

After careful observation, my scoreline prediction:

Nigeria WILL beat Zambia with a two-goal margin: 4-2, 3-1 or 2-0

lol before.. maybe you can trust me to do a better job

Icon79:
Naija sports journos are the worst in the business. So Ezenwa has been on "holiday", huh? Somebody was played all the matches at the just concluded WAFU tournament. And we're talking about a tournament that ended 10 days ago!

It's definitely a bloody waste of time relying on naija newspapers for anything especially football news.


O pari

All Eyes On Ola Aina As Chelsea Defender In Line For Nigeria Debut Vs Zambia
Published: October 03, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/41100OlaAina.jpg

Chelsea product Ola Aina is hoping to make his competitive debut at senior level by stepping out onto the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium turf on Saturday evening.

The former England U19 skipper caught the eye of manager Gernot Rohr, and even the players, when he trained with the national team at their get-together in London about six months ago, and has been considered for all Nigeria squads since then.

However, Aina could not debut against South Africa and the World Cup qualifier against Cameroon in Uyo as the process of tying his international allegiance to the Super Eagles was only approved by Fifa on September 1.

Having made the bench against Cameroon in Yaounde, the right back wants to go one step further by featuring against the Copper Bullets, which would make his dad proud of him.

Just before departing the English capital to link up with the Super Eagles in Uyo, Aina tweeted : ''Looking forward to International Duties��#SuperEagles''.

Chelsea colleague Victor Moses and Aina's family friend Alex Iwobi turned out for England's youth teams before their maiden appearances for the Super Eagles, and the London-born defender is eager to follow in their footsteps.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--AllNigeriaSoccer

lol celebrate not either way.
I agree though. I will be more comfortable with Ezenwa in goal. At least make he doings cool me down. No shaky legs please

Danielnino00:
Celebrate what?
.You don't know how icon79 and I prayed hard for Akpeyi not to start.


honestly if Akpeyi starts against Zambia, I will be having a heart attack throughout the game ...

NGR VS ZAM: The Similarities in their Road to Russia
Joebie|Nairaland

1. Zambia has scored in every game in the road to Russia.
2. Nigeria has as well.
3. The only thing Zambia has not achieved but Nigeria has is beating Cameroon at home. But that's because that match has not been played.
4. The only thing Nigeria has not achieved but Zambia has is beating Algeria away. But that's because that match has not been played.
5. Zambia and Nigeria's scoreline away to Cameroon is identical. Not only that, Cameroon needed Vincent Abubakar to equalize from the spot on both occasions.
6. Zambia and Nigeria's scoreline at home to Algeria is identical. Not only that, Brian Mwila scored a brace against Algeria, just like Victor Moses scored 2 goals against Algeria. It will also be interesting to note that all the goals scored by Nigeria and Zambia in their Algeria home tie were all scored by players with their shirt name starting with the the letter M. The other scorers being Mikel and Mwepu.
7. Another coincidence as seen in Point 6 above: ALL the goals were scored in similar timeframes, with Algeria's goals (Brahimi and Bentaleb) sandwiched between their opponents 2nd and 3rd goal.

Sincerely speaking, Akpeyi doesn't LOOK confident between the sticks. It's surprising going by his exposure.
Ezenwa is much of a showman. I guess that's what he does to kill tension. And it's helped him a lot. However, the Ghana game exposed him. He may not be to blame for all the goals, but conceding 4 goals in a match doesn't look good for any keeper.
Ajiboye, on his part, we have not seen enough of him. He MAY just be the best of the trio. He needs more games for us to really tell.

Overall, choosing between Akpeyi and Ezenwa can be tricky.

Kog45:
Jobie be sincere what is d different between Akpeyi and Ezenwa even Ajiboye.I watched Ajiboye against Guinea i notice is even more composed than Ezenwa.

When we are kids if we don't believe in our keeper,do u know what we normally say'na God we put for post'

Honestly am not that disturb on our goalkeepers again coz Ezenwa has done it against Cameroon and is still available for selection.

Akpeyi is available but majority don't want him coz of SA match,if we want to go by SA match,then apart from Mikel,Balogun,Moses,Ighalo,others should go coz d whole team failed us against SA.

Celebrate not yet.
OGN may come back few hours of the match to say Rohr made a U-TURN. Ezenwa now to start.

Danielnino00:
CC: Icon79

Easier on the eyes:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLJvlNUW0AEmj_K.jpg

Zambia WON'T score

daveP:
You mean dem no go even score?

Tactical German Machine.
His dad was also a coach. Interesting.

soetanoreoluwa:
Another interview of GERNOT ROHR BY CAF

Enjoy...


NIGERIA WON'T UNDERRATE ZAMBIA IN UYO

Rohr: Nigeria won't underrate Zambia in Uyo 03 OCTOBER 2017 07:49

With two matches left in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Africa Zone qualifying tournament, Super Eagles of Nigeria sit on top of Group B with an impressive 10 points from four matches against their closest challenger in seven-point Chipolopolo of Zambia.

Incidentally, both sides would meet in the penultimate round of matches this weekend at the Uyo International Stadium in what should be an interesting contest; the Super Eagles had previously thrashed other contenders at the same venue including a 3-1 win against Algeria as well as the 4-0 white-wash of African champions, Cameroon.

Nevertheless , Nigeria’s Franco-German trainer , Gernot Rohr has admitted that their southern African visitors would not be a piece of cake for the West Africans, adding his wards will gird their loins against the Chipolopolo.

“I can't predict the score line against Zambia because it would not be an easy match,” the 64-year-old Rohr who had previously worked in Gabon , Niger, Burkina Faso and Tunisia told CAFOnline.com

“Zambia can be dangerous because they also have a good team; I don't think it would be a 4-0 win for us but the most important thing for us is to win even if it's by one or two goal difference,” added Rohr.

Speaking further, Rohr said the Chipolopolo would not be underrated despite Nigeria’s impressive record against Zambia at international level after winning seven out of past 17 matches plus the 2-1 away win in Ndola last October as well as five drawn and five losses in other encounters.

“I have seen a lot of videos of the Zambian team and I must confess they are a very good side much better than the team we played last October but we are not afraid,” Rohr reassured.“ We only have to give them respect but we won't make the mistake Algeria made by underrating Zambia; they have quick strikers but we shall be ready for them.”

Below is excerpts from the exclusive interview with Rohr as he speaks about the progress of Super Eagles under his watch in one year. Read on.

CAFONLINE.COM: One year after your appointment, how will you assess the progress of Super Eagles? GERNOT ROHR: We started in August 2016 and the mission was to build a young team. Our first game against Tanzania was successful and all along, I wanted a good foundation and that means a very good defence. I also wanted a good mix of experienced and young players. We started the World Cup campaign in October against Zambia in Ndola and the victory gave us a good confidence. In one year, we only lost once (against South Africa in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers ) and we had good result against big teams like Cameroon and Algeria. At the beginning, everybody thought the ticket for the Russia 2018 World Cup in our group was going to be between Cameroon and Algeria but it's now between us and Zambia. It's now in our hands now and we have to ensure we win at home against Zambia so that we can go to Russia; we want everybody to be focussed on this objective and I'm confident because our last two games against Cameroon gave us a lot of optimism.

Algeria and Cameroon are seemingly out of the race to Russia but how much of the Zambian team do you know lately?


I know a lot about the Zambian team especially after watching their exploits in their last two matches against Algeria as well as the impressive evolution of this team since we met last in October. They have also added young players from the squad that won the U-20 AFCON and from the squad that reached the quarter finals at the last FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea, so we are expecting a big match from Zambia in Uyo.

What are you expecting from the Super Eagles against Zambia in Uyo?


We are going to show a good fighting spirit ; we want to go to Russia to show the world that we are very good team with a good fighting spirit. In this game against Zambia, the player would show what they can do defensively and offensively. Our goal is to win the game and there is no doubt about that. It's a good situation for us because even a draw is still okay but we want to win. Zambia must win to have a chance of going to Russia; and I think they are in the same situation like Cameroon who wanted to win in Uyo but we punished them with our counter attacks. We shall see what they want to do but by God's grace, we shall win this game.

What makes you happy as the coach of the Super Eagles now?


I'm happy to be the head of this group of players and in general, everyone has realised that we have a fantastic goal of going to the World Cup in Russia; and everybody is happy being part of the team. It would be great to lead Nigeria to the World Cup in Russia.

You will be 65 next year but how long can you keep on coaching?



Yes, I will be 65 next year but age is just a number. In reality, I feel like I'm 20. What is important is that you are fit in your body and you must have what we called in French 'Joie de vivre' that is the 'joy of living' and in my own case, the opportunity of working with young players is also a guarantee that I can stay young.

What mentality are you imposing on the Super Eagles; is it the French flair or German ruggedness ?


First and foremost, I'm German by birth. I was born by German parents, educated in Germany and my first professional club was Bayern Munich and so I have been educated in this (German) spirit. I came to France later in my life and I've also learnt so much about the French style and attitude especially how to work with young players because they have good academy system. My roots are in Germany where my father was also a coach but both the German and French set up gave me special
philosophy to build upon.




HEAD-TO-HEAD:NIGERIA Vs. ZAMBIA



DATE RESULT COMPETITION
1:15-07-1973 Zambia 5-1 Nigeria AFCON Qualifier, Lusaka.
2:29-07-1973 Nigeria 3-2 Zambia AFCON Qualifier Lagos.
3:10-03-1978 Zambia 0-0 Nigeria AFCON , Accra.
4:25-07-1981 Zambia 3-0 Nigeria International friendly, Lusaka.
5:13-03-1982 Nigeria 0-3 Zambia AFCON, Benghazi.
6:10-08-1985 Nigeria 0-0 Zambia AFCON Qualifier, Lagos.
7:18-08-1985 Zambia 1-0 Nigeria AFCON Qualifier, Lusaka.
8:12-03-1990 Nigeria 2-0 Zambia AFCON, Annaba.
9:10-04-1994 Nigeria 2-1 Zambia AFCON Final, Tunis.
10:15-12-1997 Zambia 2-0 Nigeria International friendly, Lusaka.
11:17-12-1997 Zambia 0-0 Nigeria International friendly, Kitwe.
12:13-01-2001 Nigeria 1-0 Zambia AFCON Qualifier, Lagos.
13:24-03-2001 Zambia 1-1Nigeria AFCON Qualifier; Chingola.
14:25-01-2010 Zambia 0-0(4-5pen) Nigeria AFCON Q/ Finals, Lubango .
15:15-11-2011 Nigeria 2-0 Zambia International friendly, Kaduna.
16:25-01-2013 Zambia 1-1 Nigeria AFCON, Nelspruit.
17:09-10-2016 Zambia 1-2 Nigeria World Cup Qualifier,Ndola.



http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=Q9bEBe7s0exlQB8oGOXK3A%3d%3d

Group B Match Details:

Date: Saturday 7 October
Match 1: Nigeria v Zambia - Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo - 5pm Nigerian Time
Match 2: Cameroon v Algeria - Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde - 5pm Nigerian Time

OwnGoalNigeria Report:

Exclusive – Chippa United Ace Akpeyi In Line To Start Ahead Of Ezenwa Against Zambia
October 3, 2017010

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr ‎appears to have handed back the number one spot of the Super Eagles to Chippa United ace Daniel Akpeyi, according to scoop gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com.

Injury ruled Akpeyi out of the Eagles last World Cup 2018 Qualifiers games against Cameroon, with Ikechukwu Ezenwa manning the post in both games but Akpeyi is back to full fitness and in line to return as the first choice of the team.

Akpeyi has been splendid between the post for Chippa United in their last three games in the Premier South Africa League (PSL), with two Man of the Match award to his name.

On the other hand, Ezenwa has been on holiday since captaining the Nigerian B team to a second place finish at the WAFU‎ tournament in Ghana, a tournament which he was voted the best player despite conceding four goals in the final against Ghana.

DONT MISS ==> Nigeria U-23 Invitee Atiemwen Off The Mark For Turkish Side Rizespor With Match Winner
A decision on who will start will become clear in the coming days when the team begin their tactical drills for the October 7 game, which Nigeria need a win to progress to the World Cup 2018 in Russia.

Ade Emmanuel

OwnGoalNigeria Report:

Exclusive – Returning Arsenal Star Alex Iwobi Won’t Start For Nigeria Against Zambia
October 3, 2017012

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi is not guarantee to start for Nigeria when they take on Zambia in the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers in Uyo on Saturday, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Iwobi missed the back to back games against Cameroon due to an injury, but he has since recovered and even scored his first league goal for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

However his return to full fitness and goal scoring for Arsenal is still not enough to help him force his way into the starting line up of the Super Eagles, as coach Gernot Rohr will stick with the same starting line up that picked up a win and a draw against Cameroon in their last World Cup Qualifiers.

The front three of Moses Simon, Victor Moses and Odion Ighalo are sure to start against Zambia on Saturday barring any late minute change of mind, although injury could also see one of them drop from the starting line up.

Maxwell Pius

Two Players Named On Standby List To Train With Super Eagles On Tuesday Evening
Published: October 03, 2017

Two players named on the Super Eagles standby list will partake in the national team's first full training session at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

2017 WAFU Cup of Nations stars Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Afeez Aremu teamed up with the Super Eagles at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort on Monday, bringing the number of players in camp to seventeen.

''This is a great opportunity for me to train with the main Super Eagles, at least I am going to learn something from each and everyone of them,'' said Aremu to allnigeriasoccer.com.

The players will workout in the gym on Tuesday morning, before a rigorous training session later in the evening.

The invited players named on the 23-man roster still being expected as at last night are Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United), Uche Agbo (Standard Liege), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Ola Aina ( Hull), Eddy Onazi (Trabzonspor), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal) Moses Simon (Gent) and Victor Moses (Chelsea).

Nigeria can qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia if they beat Zambia on Saturday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--AllNigeriaSoccer

heading to uyo
That makes 23

Kog45:
Wetin Akpeyi do u