₦airaland Forum

Rohr awaits Arsene Wenger's decision on Iwobi when Arsenal takes on Brighton this weekend, before taking a decision on whether to replace him with a player in the standby list.

There are Hawks and there are Vultures:

Southampton Strikers Obafemi & Afolabi Named In Ireland U19 Squad
Published: September 29, 2017

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/30456Afolabi.jpg
Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com

Southampton Strikers Obafemi & Afolabi Named In Ireland U19 Squad Republic of Ireland U19 Head Coach Tom Mohan has named two players of Nigerian descent in the roster for the forthcoming UEFA U19 Championships Qualifying Round mini-tournament.

Southampton strikers Michael Obafemi and Jonathan Afolabi have been called up for international duty ahead of games against Azerbaijan, Greece and Serbia.

Republic of Ireland U19s face Azerbaijan on October 4, then meet Greece on October 7, before they wrap up their schedule against Serbia at the RSC on October 10.

The Irish will be hoping to qualify for the 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which will be hosted by Finland from July 16-29 next summer.

Obafemi has scored 3 goals from 7 appearances for Southampton's youth teams in the current season, while Afolabi has found the net twice in 9 appearances.

The two 17-year-olds signed scholarship deals with Southampton in July 2016.

Igho Kingsley

--AllNigeriaSoccer

Ex-Nigeria U20 Invitee May Debut For Eagles Against Manchester United

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/78067Freddie.png

Published: September 29, 2017
Ex-Nigeria U20 Invitee May Debut For Eagles Against Manchester UnitedCrystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has hinted that former Flying Eagles invitee Freddie Ladapo may make his first-team debut when they face Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, injuries have hit the Eagles squad, with former Liverpool man Christian Benteke, Wilfried Zaha, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and James Tomkins not available for selection.

Netherlands international Timothy Fosu-Mensah is also out of the reckoning as he can't play against his parent club.

''He’s been training with the first team for quite a while. He’s a good athlete and hard worker,'' said Hodgson.

''He is an unknown quality having not played many games and in the current situation where we don’t have the cover or the back up, he is a centre forward and training well so that puts him in the frame.''

Freddie Ladapo joined Crystal Palace from Margate in 2016, and spent last season on loan at Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town.

The 24-year-old was on the bench against Huddersfield Town on match day one.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : cpfc.co.uk

--AllNigeriaSoccer

That's not a mystery. What the coach sees is not necessarily what reporters see. Also, tactical decisions are made based on the situation of the match at that point in time, and what the coach is trying to achieve. Let's see if Rohr will consider Ogu ahead of Agu next time

somehow:
But how come we always read that Ogu does well in training but never used by Rohr? The Ogu that I have watched in the SE should be the one playing if not in the first 11 but as the next sub for anyone in the midfield.

Sir, I was talking about the previous season.. Ogu was named the best in the 15/16 season. Nwakaeme the following season (16/17).. I can confirm that.

Modified
Best foreign player rather -- John Ogu (15/16)
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/african-all-stars/2016/05/20/23742402/john-ogu-named-best-foreign-player-in-israeli-premier-league

tbaba1234:
Nwakaeme not Ogu was voted best player in Israel.

Mikel wont disappear after the world cup.. I promise you he still has at least 5 years more in him. There will be enough time for grooming Russia or not.
If Nwakali makes the rookie slot, so be it. But my point is, first things first.

TheGoodJoe:
We need him gaining orientation from a master player now. Not when he will sub Mikel.

you are making a good case.

But this is how I like to think. As a coach I would prioritize. I would as myself, where do we have a pressing need? Or what can we add to the team that will take us another level higher? Is there anything we can add that can make the difference especially if we met a very strong side in future? I will start to work it down from attack to defense until i'm satisfied with the bench as well, because I know for sure that there would be definitely one slot or two that can be reserved for a "rookie". Let's not put the cart before the horse. We don't expect Nwakali to sub Mikel at the world cup.

TheGoodJoe:
There are roles you can easily groom. Keeper role for instance. Two of the best keeper and a young talented one for the future.

At the moment, Ezenwa, Dele Ajiboye and young Alampasu. Which makes calling Akpeyi to camp funny.

Midfield maestros. These guys make or break teams. From Xavi, Scholes, Pirlo and Zidane. They make teams reign long at the top level. This is where Nwakali falls.

After that, prolific young talents that show extreme special talents. K. Nwakali has shown this since he was called up at a very young age to train with Iheanacho's U17 team. Two years later he was captain and best player of the winning side of the U17 World Cup. That was foresight from the Garba led coaching crew.

Sir you just spoke my mind 100%

terzurum5:
Great Suggestion and a step in the right direction too.

However,

**Modified**
Just like Sir eterisan said, TheSuperNerd and co will have to tender an unreserved apology to the house for insulting us with their e-fight. Both were matured enough to behave matured and not blame the whole house for not calling them to order.


In addition, TheSuperNerd named this great thread. The thread belongs to all of us. However, the manner in which he left the thread is not cool. I am not against opening a new thread by him. But the timing and the occasion that prompted it is questionable. Why would he leave the project he started as if all of us offended him. TheSuperNerd remains my great friend just like any other person in here, so I deem it fit to come heavily on him before any other person.


Once more, I am not against any reconciliatory measure but wouldn't encourage unhealthy precedents to be maintained on this thread.

**Peace**

lol some of us are making it seem like Ebuehi is treated unfairly. We are very sentimental oh. Every player cannot play. Rohr will pick those he thinks can prosecute the match. For now Shehu is ahead of Ebuehi. There are no secrets there.

TheGoodJoe:
No need making the reason hidden. PARK BUS.

From the goalkeeping to attack, how many players do we need to groom?
I would like us to groom Alampasu, provided both Enyeama and Ikeme are fit. I would also like us to groom Orji Okonkwo. How about Nura Abdullahi? I'm sure the aforementioned youngsters are as talented as K. Nwakali. I'm sure we don't have much slots for "rookies".

TheGoodJoe:
That is why the term GROOM is used. It is not an immediate thing but a chance for the young man to train and work with one of the best midfielders the country ever produced.

This is working towards the future.

Return soon. Let's see what you can bring as a back up.

terzurum5:
Official – Nigerian Right Back Nura Abdullahi Signs Contract Extension With Roma

https://i1.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_3387.jpg?resize=696%2C1238

Highly rated Nigerian full back Nura Abdullahi has extended his contract with Italian Serie A side Roma till the summer of 2021, the club has announced in a statement on their official website.


Nura’s current deal was set to run out in a year time, but the 20 year old who is a product of the youth team of the club, following his move from Serie B side Spezia two years ago put pen to paper on a fresh four year deal.


Although he is yet to make a single appearance for the first team no thanks to injury and fitness issues, the Football Academy Abuja graduate is widely rated as one of the best teen prospect at the club.


His contract extension was announced alongside that of three other graduates of the club academy, which brings to four the number of academy graduates who have extended their deal at the club..


Quick, strong in tackles and a good crosser of the ball, he was once upon a time on the radar of Spanish League giants Barcelona, but a minor heart defect lead to the breakdown of a possible transfer to the club.


Daniel Martins

oga na. Nwakali.. Be like say we dey go play small teams for World Cup. There will not be another Mikel.
Let Nwakali wait for Qatar. There are players ahead of him for now.

TheGoodJoe:
Joel Obi is a fantastic player no doubt but with respect to someone being groomed to take over Mikel, we are talking of a player having the precise balance in play and can cover a wide range of positions in the midfield, including the deep midfield role, playing as a deep lying playmaker.

I see K. Nwakali as a better fit.

Wonderful stats. The previous season, Ogu was voted the best player in Israel. But that didn't catch Rohr's attention for a reason.
John Ogu is not new to us. Let's just assume he has improved, but it's still the Israeli league. He is in the set up now. If he can't beat Agu to it, then I don't think he has any business in Russia

soetanoreoluwa:
I got this from NFF IG handle
...

Wonderful stats. The previous season, Ogu was voted the best player in Israel. But that didn't catch Rohr's attention for a reason.
John Ogu is not new to us. Let's just assume he has improved, but it's still the Israeli league. He is in the set up now. If he can't beat Agu to it, then I don't think he has any business going to Russia

soetanoreoluwa:
I got this from NFF IG handle
...

When you talk of displacing a player, the only destination I can think of is the bench or not making the list at all. Onazi moving to another role means other factors were in consideration. That's how I like to see it. But let me do another research on your claim.

Modified.
Hope Akpan was invited for the first time to SE for that double header versus Sudan.
He remained in the bench in the first game. Igiebor, Onazi and Mikel marshaled the midfield.

In the second game, Igiebor and Ambrose were conspicuously missing. That gave room for both Lawal and Akpan to start alongside Mikel in midfield, and Onazi was drafted to cover the RB position. So if anyone got displaced, it would be Igiebor or/and Ambrose (depending on the reason for their non-inclusion.)

TheGoodJoe:
It was Hope Akpan to the best of my knowledge. Not Raheem Lawal that displaced Onazi to the right back role but I feel Raheem Lawal deserves a place in the squad.

One thing my brother, I just stumbled on Segun Odegbami's article from 2 years ago today, and posted it here. We all know Segun's pedigree as regards his input on technical matters. Chief Segun said it all as regards Joel. Are we missing anything in midfield that Joel Obi can bring? -- definitely yes. That quick play, the only thing Mikel is lacking to some extent, he has it. They will both complement each other very well. Now that we have DMF options, Mikel need not sit back as Segun suggested. Mikel will be perfect for the CMF role, he will provide more stability there. Joel Obi with his deftness using both legs can easily offer our forwards one of the deadliest support any attack formation can boast of. We are talking world cup. We have to step up to a higher level. No sentiments, we need the best possible. A fully fit Joel Obi, will give it.

Considering the list of 23, from what we have seen so far, I think the spot for 10 players is sealed (And I'm adding Kelechi Iheanacho for his contribution so far). Of course no goalkeeper is among that 10. We need to see more of those players that have been hopping off the bench.

zoboizee:
Joel obi is quick, blessed with deft touches & technical than most of our current midfielders. I have followed him from the youth team of inter milan He is also experienced with better medals to show for it in european football. The coach choose his players & there is little or no room for him in it for now whether he is fit or not.
The team has obviously taken shape and we can easily see it. From goalkeeping department to the attack. It is just 23 players unless something serious happened to any of the regulars like case the of Carl Ikeme or Elderson at the last World Cup.

OPPONENTS WATCH:

Nyirenda unveils squad to face Nigeria

By Kelvin Musako
https://i1.wp.com/www.soka25east.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/wp-image-1096333657.jpg?resize=660%2C400
soka25east.com

onSeptember 29, 2017SHARE TWEET SHARE SHARE 0 COMMENTS

Zambia National Team coach Wedson Nyirenda has named his final 23 member squad for next weekend’s crunch Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifier away to Nigeria.

According to information released by FAZ Football, Wada has once again snubbed skipper Rainford Kalaba and midfield Dynamo Nathan Sinkala.

Nyirenda has decided to retain the side that beat Algeria in the last round of FIFA World Cup matches in back to back victories.

18-year old midfielder Edward Chilufya has also been included in the squad together with the class of 2017 Africa Cup winning stars that came to the party at senior level against Algeria that comprise Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu, Fashion Sakala and Emmanuel Banda.

Sakala returns after having served his suspension from two yellow cards accumulated in the September 2 home match against Algeria.

Skipper Kennedy Mweene will continue to lead the squad after Nyirenda handed him the captaincy dawning a new era in the Chipolopolo set up.

Zambia plays Nigeria on October 7 in Uyo with the team leaving for Ghana on Sunday where they will set up base.

Nigeria leads Group B on 10 points while Zambia is second on seven points with Cameroun in a distant third on three points while Algeria lies rock bottom on a point.

FULL SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS)

Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns-RSA), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos)

(DEFENDERS)
Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu (both Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Stoppilla Sunzu (Arsenal Tula -Russia), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Power Dynamos)

MIDFIELDERS
Chisamba Lungu (Allanyespor-Turkey), Edward Chilufya (Djurgårdens-Sweden), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila (both Zesco United), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Enock Mwepu (FC Liefering), Emmanuel Banda (K.V Oostende), Roderick Kabwe (Cape Town Ajax), Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco)

(STRIKERS)
Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates), Fashion Sakala (Spartak Moscow), Brian Mwila (Platinum Stars), Patson Daka (Red Bull Salzburg-Austria)

Source: Football Association of Zambia

Please take heart sir. I know him as a child from back in the days in DBS. although I don't know him personally.

Icon4s:
Been calling Timi's number since I got the news for him to tell me he is not dead but only rumours. But it has been switched off Been calling Timi's number since I got the news for him to tell me he is not dead but only rumours. But it has been switched off

Should be the same one.. okay cool!

Icon4s:
If it is the same Harris Ochulor I know he is a director at Bridge FM Asaba. A newly opened radio station.

oh no

Sir, where is Harrison Ochulor?

Icon4s:
RIP Timi Ebikagboro.

He was media officer to the U23 Team @ the 2016 Olympics.

An ardent follower of our football threads here.

My age long friend in the profession of sports journalism.

RIP Timi.

can I see a pic of the center rug?

BlueroseEvents:
Good morning all, please I have some items for sale. Although most are fairly used, quite a few are brand new.
They include:

Mirror,bedside cupboard and bed bunk...120,000
Pillow...1,000
Center rug....15,000 (new)
Table top gas....17,000 (new) sold
Curtain rails and poles 1000 each
Camp gas...10,000
Fridge..50,000 sold
Plates, cups and bowls.... All at a give away price

Prices are slightly negotiable. For further enquiries, please buzz 08064721427.

Location: Gwarimpa, Abuja

can I see a pic of the center rug?

Modified
Sorry not for you

Mrsfaithfoly:
upload picture of the items, interested in some

I don't know whether we remember him for the good things he did for Nigeria, or the bad. Teaches us who are still living a lesson.

Icon4s:
Same goes for Gabriel Reuben and Okechukwu Uchebo.

Keshi and his selections sha.

And nobody will ban Icon4s . So I believe him

Icon4s:
I don't think any body reported you.

It happens once in a while. In fact it happened to me last week.

honestly my bro, I get banned too sometimes. But most times I suspect it's when I make quick posts in succession from AllNigeriaSoccer, OwnGoal etc.
Other times after I get into some fights.. lol I've noticed that once or maybe twice.. People use their last power available in those instances. But shake it off my brother. Have a thick skin.

We are still waiting for TheSuperNerd 's return. And pietrorico as well

do4luv14:
Guys am sorry i had fo bring this up, its never my intention to bring it up, but i had to, as to sake ansa




after all the brouhaha that happens here, btw NERD, and PETRICO,

i don't know who i insult, or what my offence is,
but i did like to know what warrant me being banned for two solids day, or who was it that report me and on what basic



cc: TBABA1234, JOEBIE, SAFARIGIRL, ICON4S, ICON" opari master" THEGOODJOE, and others elders in the hauz,

pls i need ansa, thanks one and all

lol well, let's stay with this discussion.

Mujtahida:
I didn't impugn the facts. Only his overweening devotion to the EPL. Generally not just EPL, anything English.

He actually spoke the fact. He clearly said the EPL is not technically superior. In terms of speed and intensity is there any league that compares with the EPL?

Mujtahida:
You kinda obsessed with the EPL. I like that league but your own na almost fanatical devotion. We talking Zambia but you going on and on about the EPL. Kai komekn
You kinda obsessed with the EPL. I like that league but your own na almost fanatical devotion. We talking Zambia but you going on and on about the EPL. Kai komekn

Amkar Perm, Russia

Mickael2:
where is Ogude sef

Kwesé ESPN‏ @kwesesports 6h6 hours ago
More

BREAKING: Sergio Aguero could miss six to eight weeks after car crash! https:///UaF32k

hahaha you caught that

Icon4s:
Hmmm that backline of Shehu, Ekong , Balogun and Echiejile has really come a long way.

Yes, some people towed your line of reasoning after the second match against Cameroon, and Rohr was asked about it. Let's see if Rohr will try Ogu instead next time. Everything will depend on how the players fare in SE colors prior to Russia.

somehow:
We have too many DMs with almost equal ability, having a tall and strong DM is a BIG plus and matters. Air balloon, reach, strength, agility and all that adds to a DM's quality. Ogu is not that slow, way faster than Busquet and some known DMs out there. I would take an Ogu before any Agu who kept losing the ball in the midfield away to Cameroon.

You have made a valid point. Even reports had it that Aaron did poorly in SE camp the last time.
However, I don't think Rohr expects to change his playing personnel against Zambia.
Hence, there is no cause for alarm.

Kog45:
My man am not suspecting any foul play regards player invitations.My point is this only coach can tell u d reason for any player invitation.

On Aron Samuel i w say as a football pundit I w not extend invitation to him based on his current form,recently i read something about him in his club how his poor form led to his omission from d main squad and to d extent he was giving a chance to start against a lowly team in a Russian Cup but couldn't leave up to expectations.

But d same Aron Samuel got d invitation over likes of Oyekwuru and Kayode, meaning only Rohr c explain this,he is in charge.

Am not criticising him for Aron invitation coz he has his reason which u already pointed out but as a football lover i w never pick Aron over Kayode or Oyekwuru presently.