₦airaland Forum

Chippa United GK Daniel Akpeyi Heading To Uyo After Flight Hitch
Published: October 03, 2017

Allnigeriasoccer.com has reliably gathered that goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will actively participate in the Super Eagles workout at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Chippa United netminder could not meet the deadline for the invited players to report at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo as a result of a flight hitch.

Akpeyi arrived in Lagos on Monday evening but could not connect another flight to the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The Dana Air flight bringing him to Uyo is expected to touch down at the Akwa Ibom Airport at 1203 hours, if it arrives on schedule.

Gernot Rohr has recalled the former Warri Wolves star to the national team for the World Cup qualifier versus Zambia following his brilliant start to the season and a return to full fitness.

Akpeyi has conceded only two goals in his last four matches in the South African top-flight, while posting two shutouts.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

BREAKING: Emmanuel Eboue has been diagnosed with HIV virus

“We are not going to train in the morning. Those that arrived last night will only do normal light warm up to ease off jet-lag. Full training will hold in the evening training,” stressed the Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, who also arrived Uyo yesterday.

Remaining players:

Alex Iwobi,
Victor Moses,
Ola Aina,
Uche Agbo,
Chidozie Awaziem
Ogenyi Onazi
Moses Simon

tbaba1234:
15 in Camp Already....

Mikel,
Echiejile,
Ighalo,
Ekong,
Balogun,
Musa,
Shehu,
Agu,
Ndidi,
Iheanacho,
Ogu,
Etebo,
Nwakaeme,
Ezenwa,
Ajiboye.

Just read Ethiopia said they never tabled a bid.

Icon4s:
Take out Ethiopia and any of the other 3 countries would be good to go.

We are about to see what he can do presently.

Clementoke:
I agree with u sir but presently IMO he is not really Imposing himself while playing for Nigeria

Iwobi has improved, even physically. I expect him to grow to become one of the indispensable players in SE within a year time.

Clementoke:
Iwobi is coming in tmrrw morning though I've not been impressed with him in an Eagles shirt. I was not really bothered that he won't be around when we wanted to play Cameroon.

Updates loading...

solonnachi:
That's 15 players, where are the 8?

We’re ready to die on the pitch on Saturday, says Mikel Agu
By Ayo Olu Ibidapo - October 2, 2017 26 0


https://aoifootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MIKEL-AGU-AOIFOOTBALL--681x452.jpg

Bursaspor of Turkey defensive midfield trojan, Mikel Ndubuisi Agu, has said that the Super Eagles will do everything, including dying on the pitch to ensure they pick the sole ticket of Group B in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday, AOIFootball.com reports.

The midfielder, who is one of the early birds in the Eagles’ camp for the game, says the players are self-motivated for the encounter and will leave no stone unturned against the Wedson Nyirenda’s led side.

“I believe each player invited for this game knows what is at stake. We have what it takes to beat the Zambians and we intend to continue from where we stopped against Cameroon,” the on-loan FC Porto player said.

Agu, who has started all the games involving Bursaspor this season lasting the entire games, said he is fit as a fiddle and ready for the make or mar encounter.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Zambia in Uyo this weekend, as they look to seal qualification to Russia 2018.

--aoiFootball

My sister. Rohr is far from arrogant. I am more convinced than ever now that we will BEAT the hell out of Zambia

libero808:
Rohr sabi mind games too ha
"The target always is to win but if we don't win we draw"
draw ni

Okay brothers and sisters. We know how it all started. All those derivative arguments. I thought we have all already agreed on the Mikel issue. I've been taking my time to try to bring you the latest from the camp. Let's redirect our focus.

haha.. he had a point sha o.. na spam

Napoleon55:
if have something to contribute,lets hear from u,must u wait for another person to . or u better keep ur mouth lucked ok.
not all is arguing about the legendary stuff,don't insult all

Exclusive Interview With Super Eagles Coach Rohr Shortly After Arrival In Uyo
Published: October 02, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/52393Mikel1.png

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr spoke exclusively to allnigeriasoccer.com shortly after his arrival in Uyo for Saturday's 2018 World Cup qualifying match with Zambia.

ANS : How do you assess your team right now?

Rohr : ''We will try to prepare well, we will have two training sessions everyday, then we will assess the video of our past match and also the video of our opponent. The Zambians are a different team from the one we played in October last year.

''They are a younger team, they are much quicker and better than when we last played them. And you know of course not all the players have arrived.''

ANS : What is the target for the match on Saturday?

Rohr : ''The target always is to win but if we don't win we draw. We must not lose the game. It is a different Zambian team from the Cameroonian team. It is an even more difficult game.

''They have analyzed us just as we have analyzed them, so they know us better, hence it is going to be a tough game.''

Interview by Kekere Asuquo Nkop/ANS

Back to the issue at hand

Leicester City Trio, Mikels, Ighalo, Balogun, Ekong & Abdullahi Join Super Eagles Camp In Uyo
Published: October 02, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/80618Kelechi1.jpg

Leicester City Trio, Mikels, Ighalo, Balogun, Ekong & Abdullahi Join Super Eagles Camp In Uyo
Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that the Super Eagles players and officials have safely landed in Uyo ahead of the World Cup qualifier against the Copper Bullets.

The Dana Air plane that brought the team touched down at the Akwa Ibom Airport at approximately 1925 hours, and there was a coach with the inscription, ''Godswill Akpabio International Stadium'', that transported the delegation to the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort soon after their arrival at the airport.

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr was the first person to step down from the flight, followed by his players.

The players on the plane from Abuja include Leicester City trio Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa and Wilfred Ndidi, Tianjin Teda's John Obi Mikel, Bursaspor pair Mikel Agu and William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo and Shehu Abdullahi.

Six players Anthony Nwakaeme, John Ogu, goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Ajiboye, Elderson Echiejile and Oghenekaro Etebo checked into the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel on Monday afternoon.

On Tuesday evening, the Super Eagles will begin shaping up for Saturday’s Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B match against Zambia.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

--AllNigeriaSoccer

but it's a good thing o.. idleness no good.

junnyjake:


Must has been full of activities but all is good.

"World governing body FIFA have slammed Nigeria with a fine of 30,000 Swiss Francs for their fans’ unruly behavior after the Super Eagles’ 4-0 win over Cameroon at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium"

--Completesportsnigeria.com

OPPONENTS WATCH:

Sakala, Sunzu join Zambia camp
By Kelvin Musako
onOctober 2, 2017


Zambia’s preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Nigeria have hit top gear in Accra Ghana with the arrival of two foreign based players.

Russian duo of Fashion Sakala and Stoppilla Sunzu have joined the Chipolopolo squad and were part of the afternoon training session at the Marcel Desailly Sports Complex, according to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Sakala, Sunzu, Justin Shonga and Roderick Kabwe are the foreign based players that have beefed up the contingent of local based players.

Coach Wedson Nyirenda was forced to make last minute adjustments to his squad after in form striker Brian Mwila and midfielder Emmanuel Banda Jnr withdrew due to injury.

Alex Ngonga and John Chingandu were brought in to replace the Injured duo.

The match will be played on Saturday 7 October 2017 at the God’s Will Akpabio Stadium and could decide who goes to Russia.

Nigeria lead the Group with 10 points with the Zambians lurking in second position on 7 points.

Cameroon and Algeria who are out of the running follow in third and fourth place respectively.

--SOKA25east

OPPONENTS WATCH:

Zambia Train, Strategize At Marcel Desailly Sports Complex Accra Ahead Nigeria Clash
October 2, 2017 5:23 pm

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/zambia-coach-and-players-400x225.jpg

By Kayode Ogundare in Accra:

The Chipolopolo of Zambia got down to serious business Monday morning with their first training session in Ghana at the Marcel Dessaily Sports Complex in East Legon, Accra under the watchful eyes of coach Wedson Nyirenda and his backroom staff, Completesportsnigeria.com reports. ‎
A total of 16 players trained, with the overseas-based players still expected to join the group later on Monday evening.

The training complex, better known as Lizzy Sports Complex and named after the former World Cup winner’s mother, is located in the East Legon area of the capital and has first rate facilities for football and other sports like basketball and swimming.

--CompleteSportsNigeria

OPPONENTS WATCH:

[Photos] Inside The Marcel Dessailly-Owned Facility Where Zambia Are Training For Super Eagles Clash
October 2, 2017 4:15 pm

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1.jpg
By Kayode Ogundare in Accra:

The Chipolopolo of Zambia may have missed a chance to go to Europe to prepare ahead of the World Cup qualifying game against Nigeria but settled for the next best thing when they choose to camp and train in neighbouring Ghana and at a facility owned by former France captain Marcel Dessailly.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/5-400x286.jpg

The facility, located in the East Legon area of the capital on a large expanse of land has adequate facilities of international standard which could aid in preparing any team for a major championship.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/6-400x130.jpg

Named the Lizzy Sports Complex, after Dessaily’s mother, the complex boasts of one 11-aside football pitch and three 5-aside astroturf pitches which are all in perfect conditions for playing football.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/9-400x274.jpg

It also has a semi- olympic sized swimming pool and another one for children. There are also a multi-purpose court for a standard basketball and volleyball court as well as five changing rooms.

--CompleteSportsNigeria

FLASHBACK:

Culled from sportsdayonline.

He said the Zambian team that lost at home against his squad is not the same side that beat Algeria 3-1 in Lusaka and 1-0 in Constantine.

Rohr further noted that six new players have been injected into the Zambian side, especially from the team that won the Africa U-20 Nations Cup earlier in the year.

Among the new inclusions, WHO Rohr noticed did not feature in the last October duel with Nigeria, are Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Chisamba Lungu, Augustine Mulenga, Brian Mwila and Ziyo Tembo.

Two of them got vital goals against Algeria that have put Zambia in contention for World Cup qualification, while Patson Daka scored the lone decider in the reverse fixture.

“There have been changes in the Zambian side that lost to us and the team that beat Algeria 3-1. I am aware they have new boys in the team, but I will watch the video of the double-header against Algeria over and over again and that will be a clue of what we should work on.

“We are not done yet. We need to put up a good fight against Zambia when they come to Uyo next month.

“Only fit players will play against Zambia. Nigeria should not be under pressure, we are going to take the match as if this is the first match of the World Cup qualifiers,” Rohr stressed.

OPPONENTS WATCH:

Patson Daka in injury scare
October 2, 2017
2528 views


The Zambia bench is sweating on the fitness of striker Patson Daka who is coming to camp with a knock.

Daka reportedly sustained a minor injury while in action in the Austrian league on Sunday with RB Salzburg in their 2 -1 home win over AC Wolfsberger.

The Zambia striker came on as a 68th minute substitute with his side already well on their way to collecting the three points.

FAZ spokesperson Desmond Katongo said Daka will miss Zambia’s three-day training camp in Ghana as a result of that while he is receiving treatment in Austria.

“Daka will meet up with the team in Nigeria from his base in Austria,” Katongo said.

“The reason why he connecting later is that he picked up a minor injury and his clubs’ medical team wanted to do a thorough assessment of the injury.”

Zambia is already without their top scorer on 7 goals Brian Mwila of Platinum Stars in South Africa.

Mwila failed to recover from a knee injury he sustained on September 2 in Chipolopolo’s 3-1homewin over Algeria in a match he scored a brace at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

But Daka’s club mate and midfielder Enock Mwepu will join the team at its Accra camp on Tuesday together with Edward Chilufya of Swedish club Djurgardens.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper and Captain Kennedy Mweene, defender Stopilla Sunzu, striker Fashion Sakala and midfielder Chisamba Lungu were all expected to arrive in Accra on Monday.

Zambia leave Ghana for Nigeria on Wednesday ahead of their October 7 penultimate date away to Nigeria in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifiers.

Nigeria and Zambia have 10 and 7 points respectively heading into the crucial Group B clash.

Cameroon has 3 points and Algeria have one point with two rounds of matches left to play.

--LusakaTimes

Ola Aina makes Whoscored Championship Best XI of the Week

Ezenwa, Ajiboye, Echiejile, Nwakaeme & Ogu Arrive Eagles Camp In Uyo
Published: October 02, 2017

Ezenwa, Ajiboye, Echiejile, Nwakaeme & Ogu Arrive Eagles Camp In Uyo
Allnigeriasoccer.com has been informed that the number of Super Eagles players in Uyo has swelled to six.

Hapoel Beer Sheva duo Anthony Nwakaeme and John Ogu, goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Ajiboye, Monaco loanee Elderson Echiejile and Portuguese-based Oghenekaro Etebo were all sighted at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort as at the time of filing this report.

It is confirmed that Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo, William Troost-Ekong and Mikel Agu will arrive in Uyo this evening from the nation's capital Abuja.

Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi is expected to join the team on Tuesday, before their first full training session.

Meanwhile, the Zambia squad had their first training session at the Marcel Desailly Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana on Monday, with two foreign-based professionals, Orlando Pirates’ Justin Shonga and Ajax Cape Town’s Roderick Kabwe, attending the workout, Football Association of Zambia has informed.

Nigeria will qualify for their sixth World Cup appearance if they beat the Copper Bullets on Saturday.

Igho Kingsley

--AllNigeriaSoccer

Danjuma relishes WWCQ win v Tanzania
02 October 2017, 16:42

https://images.supersport.com/2017/10/Chris%20Danjuma.jpg

Nigeria’s Falconets head coach, Christopher Danjuma has alluded that his side’s game plan worked perfectly well against Tanzania.

The Nigerians defeated the East African side 6-0 in Sunday’s Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup second leg first round qualifying clash at the 7000-seat Azam Stadium, Chamazi in Dar es Salaam.

The West Africans progressed to the next round of 2018 Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup African qualifying series on 9-0 aggregate.

Falconets goals came off the foot of lethal markswoman, Rasheedat Ajibade who scored a brace same as Florence Ijamilusi and a goal each from Anam Imo and Cynthia Aku.

Danjuma who downplayed the massive goal margin said he was satisfied that his side were able to make the Tanzanian goalkeeper look ordinary in the clash.

“It’s not really about the goals but the fact we were able to make the Tanzanian goalkeeper look ordinary right there at their backyard.

“Tanzania put up a good fight when they came to Nigeria they were outright very good in the clash.

“The obstacle then in the encounter was their goalkeeper she was outstanding and was the reason the goal margin in Nigeria was just three goals.

“We have to good back to our trenches to work out a game plan that will make nonsense of her goalkeeping prowess.

“I’m excited that the game plan worked perfectly well but I must say that Tanzanians are good they have a future team,” said the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) side, Nasarawa Amazons coach to supersport.com.

Nigeria will now face the North African side, Morocco in the two-legged second round qualifying clash in November. The aggregate winners are expected to confront the winners of the tie between South Africa and Burundi in the third and final round qualification matches for a place in the France 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup.

© supersport.com

okay cool..

Mujtahida:
Your first sentence settles it cos that's the context in which I look at Jay's quickness because when you said he's not fast I got an entirely different mental picture than what your explanation now brings to my mind.

He was a dribbler who rather than dribble and run, would dribble and look for the next person to dribble. Football was more of entertainment to him than anything else. Only later in his career did he understand that dribbling ain't it all. His number of goals tells the story.

OPPONENTS WATCH:

Chipolopolo’ Russia-Based Sunzu, Sakala To Hit Accra Camp Today
October 2, 2017 2:38 pm



Russia-based duo of defender Stoppila Sunzu of Arsenal Tula and striker Fashion Sakala Spartak Moscow are expected to join the Chipolopolo of Zambia training camp in Accra Ghana today (Monday) ahead of Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo, according to Zambianfootball.co.zm.

Sunzu was in action for Arsenal Tula who beat FC Krasnodar 1-0 last Friday, while Sakala was benched in Spartan Moscow’s 2-0 win against Ural on Saturday.

The Chipolopolo arrived in Accra Ghana yesterday (Sunday) and have set up base at the Best Western Premier Hotel.

“We all arrived safely in Accra yesterday (Sunday), the first group arrived at 17:30 hours while the second group flew in at 22:35 hours. So far Roderick Kabwe and Justin Shonga are with us as first foreign based players to join camp,” team manager Chris Chibuye stated. .

The Super Eagles top Group B on 10 points, followed by Zambia who have seven points.


Cameroon are third on three points while Algeria are bottom on just one point.

--CompleteSportsNigeria

He can be fast at getting past defenders with his tricks -- quickness. But if you follow the context from the start, we are talking about fast at runs -- hence, pacy.

Anybody who want to disagree with me should bring instances were he maintained a speed while leaving opponents behind. I don't have time for arguments without references.

modified
or at least refer us to where opponents could not catch up with him while racing.

Mujtahida:
I agree with you. I put pacy a notch above quick or fast. They said Okocha was not fast. Which I don't agree with. He wasn't pacy but he was fast

Thanks for the input!

safarigirl:
I watched their games against Algeria, both of the games, their wingers are good yes, but their midfield is useless.

Echiejile may be a weak link, but if V Moses is working on the same wing, he can bring in his defensive abilities and mute them down.

Once again, it could be a case of overrating them, because the opposition matters a great deal on what a team looks like during play.

As long as Rohr has worked on the wingers, I do not think those guys would give our CBs much trouble.

Maybe some people are now seeing them as Brazil which is laughable, but considering Algeria looked like Tahiti most of the time, I can understand why such people were seeing things.

I know how many times Algerians lost balls that simply shouldn't have been lost and their passing was horrific, it's like they had zero team chemistry and simply couldn't find each other in the final third. That was their biggest issue

I know many people will not regard my input because oga forgiveness has put the fear of God in them as he's wont to do....but I do believe we tackled this panic last month and icon4s put it to rest.

None of us on this thread want to be in Russia more than any of the guys on that team and most of them have never been to any major tournament, so, for once in this country, it would be nice if a little optimism was expressed rather than allowing rabblerousers get into your head

Oh yes.. The reason for my arrogance

Mujtahida:
The coaching crew will have done that cos Rohr started preparation right after the Cameroun match

Sincerely I've not watched any of their double header against Algeria. Which is why I've not said a thing on this matter. Over to the rest of us.

I saw clips of it though. But i'm not informed enough

Mujtahida:
This argument on legends is becoming legendary. Are we suffering from paucity of issues to discuss that we have to go back to this beat up topic.
Guys let's deliberate on this Zambia matter
Abeg Joebie give me your outline for the best tactical approach to this Zambia game. Wing play abi midfield thrust abi combination of both? How do we contain the pace and athleticism of the Zambians.
Cc
Forgiveness, goodjoe, mickael2, goldfish80, kog45, bigblang, Chrismario, etc

Everton fan, on Onyekuru

Kelechi's superb goal against Zambia. look who were involved

hahaha thank you.
I've noticed that a lot. Arguments and then derivative arguments. Seems were are going nowhere.
My day is coming pretty good. Thanks for asking! And how is yours?

junnyjake:
This wasn't where the argument was going when I started it.

And I seem to have forgotten what the argument was about self.

Hope your day is coming good.