₦airaland Forum

laughable...

goldfish80:
Please this Onuoha matter should be nipped in the bud. Let's concentrate on people who feel Nigerian enough to play for us. Nigeria is too big a country to go cap in hands to invite a washed out defender slugging it out in the lower reaches of the championship.
Onuoha is not any better than Egwuekwe, Oboabona, Ambrose. Even Mikel Obi, Elderson, Ndidi and Ogu can do a good job at CB if we become so desperate.
Nedum Onuoha should stick to his word and wait for his dream 3 lions call up.

Haha.. name the solid defenders we have.

zicky:
Why do you feel inviting a 30yrs old man playing championship football who reject an invitation to play for Nigeria in the world cup is the rig decision. We are not trying to pay him back bt the true is that we don't need him except he's a goalkeeper that can help us out.

Commitment for me is only measured the current period. You can take someone's statement of 5 years ago and conclude they are not committed, and they won't give their all today. David Alaba wanted to represent Nigeria, are you saying today he is not giving his 100% to Austria?

Icon79:
I am not holding any grudges, but there's something call commitment. If someone is not 100% committed to your program, I am not sure that that player can give you 100% on the green grass. Such a player might be playing like a mercenary. And I should know because I used to play as a mercenary back in high school, and I can tell you that I rarely ever puts in as much effort for them as I do when I am playing for my home school.


O pari

Lol. You can't make that conclusion. We only call up players we need. If we have good reinforcement now in our youth system or elsewhere, why care about Onuoha? The truth is Nigeria is a back up plan, not Nigeria has now become a back up plan. We've have enough failures that will keep making world news whether we choose to pretend or cover it up. Nigeria is in the mud. It is just too obvious for us to pretend. It's out there big time.

Modified
The problem is when start thinking home-grown versus foreign-grown. Old versus young etc. Let's throw all those sentiments and pick the best that are ready to represent Nigeria at any given point in time.

Lazyerudite:
So we should call him up Abi as Nigeria has now become a back up for players who failed to be called up by England. So sad, how do we now encourage our home based when we pick people who have no interest or desire to play for his home country. He is even down the perking order and has disappeared from the top flight. Even if our government has failed does not mean we should now drag the name of the country through mud.

Fanendo Adi: I Will not fly 32 hours Again for Nigeria and not Play
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Fanendo Adi (R) beats John Alvbage to score as the Portland Timbers beat Minnesota
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Two time Super Eagles invitee, and MLS star Fenando Adi, sat down with Kwese ESPN and revealed that he will need to be guaranteed a spot in the matchday squad if he were to honor another call up to the Nigerian senior national team.

When asked how it felt like to represent Nigeria, the Portland Timber forward admitted it was a always a good thing to be invited to represent the country. However, he expressed his disappointment of not making the match day squad twice.

“If they invite me, I’m just gonna ask the coach, ‘Am I gonna be in the 19 man (list)?”

“The bad thing is to fly all the way from America, 32 hours to go there and back and not even be on the bench or on the 18/19 (list). It’s not a good moment or not a good thing, so for me that was very disappointing. I knew I could contribute but you just have to respect the coaches and do what they want to do, go with the flow. But also it looks bad that I flew all the way for 32 hours without being in the 19-man list. It was a sweet and sour moment.”, he spoke frankly.

When asked if he will honor a future call up, he made it clear. In his words, “If they invite me, I’m just gonna ask the coach, ‘Am I gonna be in the 19 man (list)?”

On what he brings to the table for the Super Eagles, the player said he would do what he is known for. “I would try to help the team with my physical play, with my ball control, keeping the ball up for the players. And scoring goals for the team, helping the team create and as well score goals”, he added.

The Timbers all-time highest goal scorer will hope to help his club cement a spot in the play-offs as the MLS season hits top gear this weekend. Portland Timbers are currently 5th in the Western Conference division. Adi has scored 10 goals and made 2 assists so far this season. He is placed 12th in the top goal scorers log.

Onuoha is Nigeria-born.. Okay so are you going to castigate him now for refusing at first? IF he decides to play for Nigeria now espcially now that we need quality defenders, what will we gain for turning him down? There are many factors why he may not feel Nigerian. I'm sure only he can explain best what he meant at the time.

Holding a grudge against a player and trying to pay him back is elementary. If it was a father-son scenario, I will pet my son in the back and accept him. You don't lose anything. It shows maturity. And the bond will be stronger than ever. How about in future he goes on to say Nigeria gave him a chance despite rejecting their overtures initially. And that's one thing he would love Nigeria for. Nigeria as a country that has failed so many sportsmen. For once we can do what is right instead of holding on to our ego.

Icon79:
True. But I appreciate the fact that he's willing to pitch his lot with us, without waiting for Spain. He's only 24 years old, remember?
If he's like your average EPL chap, he would keep waiting for Spain until he's a few years to retirement before he does an about turn.


O pari

Nice!!!

The Championship is decent to me.. You have a higher chance of going to the EPL if you are good.

tbaba1234:
Kayode to Watford
Onazo to Birmingham

Spain is not England. Osede knows he is way down the pecking order. In fact he needs to give up early..Our Naija players that are eligible to play for England know they may get a chance if they wait. England is not that good internationally.

Icon79:
True. But I appreciate the fact that he's willing to pitch his lot with us, without waiting for Spain. He's only 24 years old, remember?
If he's like your average EPL chap, he would keep waiting for Spain until he's a few years to retirement before he does an about turn.


O pari

Lol that's what you like to believe. If Spain wanted him, he won't blink an eye. Like he even stands a chance...

Who is Osigwe?

Modified
Old news. will look him up

Icon79:
Good news. These are the type of players we need in green and white. Guys who are ready to forgive a top euro country for the honor or putting on the green and white, not those useless mugus who only turn to Nigeria after being overlooked by everyone else.

And by the way, does anyone has any info on this Osigwe Eager dude? Is he any good? Please do share!


O pari

Defender Who Wants To Play For Nigeria [Instead Of Spain] Scores For Bolton Wanderers
August 10, 20170104

Former Real Madrid defender Derek Osede scored his first goal for English Championship side Bolton Wanderers in their 2-1 away win against Crewe Alexandra in the first round of the English Football League Cup (EFL Cup).

Osede popped up with the winner for Bolton with nine minutes left to play in the game helping his side to a comeback win after Chris Porter put Crewe ahead in the 42nd minutes of the game.

Two goals within the space of ten minutes from Adam Armstrong and Osede knocked out Crewe at the Alexandra Stadium much to the disappointment of the home fans who taught their team would at least get a draw.

The winner scored by Osede was his first in the colours of Bolton Wanderers since he joined them two seasons ago from the B team of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Born in Spain to Nigerian father and a Spanish mother, the 24 year old represented Spain and helped them to win the 2012 UEFA U19 European Championship , but in 2015 he stated his desire to switch international allegiance to Nigeria.

DONT MISS ==> Swiss-Nigerian Shot Stopper Osigwe Eager To Challenge Ikeme For Eagles Number One Spot
A call up to the senior national team of Nigeria could be in the offing for the left footed central defender as he can also play as a left full back, one area where Nigeria are currently lacking in options, but it all depends on how he performs for Bolton Wanderers this season.

Michael James

Truth no sweet at all oh. My people this girl only moved from Nigeria 3 years ago.

Bahrain’s Nigerian-Born Worlds Silver Medallist Naser: I’ve No Business With AFN
10 AUG 2017
HEADLINES, OTHER SPORTS, TOP STORIES
By Johnny Edward:



Bahrain’s Nigerian-born Salwa Eid Naser, the 400m women’s silver medallist at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, refused to acknowledge Nigeria while speaking to journalists after her superb feat, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Naser, born in Nigeria to a Bahraini father and a Nigerian mother, surprised a strong field in Wednesday’s 400m women’s final, posting a new personal best of 50.06 seconds behind the winner Phyllis Francis, who finished with a time of 49.92s. American multiple medallist Allyson Felix came third with a time of 50.08s.

When asked if she had any advice for the new Athletic Federation of Nigeria board, Salwa, 19, who moved to Bahrain from Nigeria three years ago, said bluntly in a video posted online by Athletics Africa: “I don’t really have anything to say to them (the new Athletic Federation of Nigeria board.) The past three years have been a great transition for me and I’m glad. I have nothing to say to the AFN.”
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She added that she was not scared to compete against the likes Francis and Felix before the final.

“No, I wasn’t. But I was training hard and hoping for the best. Coming here I really hoped to do something,” Naser who set new national records to win both her heat (50.57) and semi-final (50.08) at the IAAF World Championship in London told iaaf.org.

“I feel so happy. It wasn’t about beating Allyson Felix. It was about getting a personal best and a medal.
“I just had to push through and try. I didn’t see anyone in front of me so I didn’t know what position I was at until the results came through.”


Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/bahrains-nigerian-born-worlds-silver-medallist-naser-ive-no-business-afn/#6HZBxSYPOBMsPGEJ.99

CHAN: Odey, Ex-Eaglets Keeper Named In Home Eagles Squad For Benin Clash
10 AUG 2017
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Home-based Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf selected Nigeria Professional Football League top scorer MFM’S Stephen Odey, FC IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Orji Kalu and Osas Okoro, midfielders Alhassan Ibrahim and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, and Ifeanyi George among the 19 players for Sunday’s 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Benin Republic in Cotonou, the Nigeria Football Federation announced in a press release made available to Completesportsnigeria.com on Thursday.
Also included in the squad are 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Dele Ajiboyemail who now plays for NPFL leaders Plateau United, Enyimba defender Chima Akas, Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali and forward Thomas Zenke.



Enyimba oalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai and MFM forward Sikiru Olatubosun are also in the squad.

The squad will fly from Kano to Lagos on Friday, from where they will travel to Cotonou by road same day.

Cotonou is a short trip from Lagos as Benin Republic’s border in Seme is on the outskirts of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal for the match at the Stade de l’Amitie on Sunday, starting from 4pm.


He will be assisted by compatriots Mokrane Gourari (Assistant Referee 1), Mohammed Serradj (Assistant Referee 2) and Said Aquina (Reserve Referee).

The return leg will be held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Saturday, 19 August, with the winners qualifying for the 5th African Nations Championship scheduled for Kenya early next year.

20 EAGLES FOR COTONOU

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC); Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)


Defenders: Orji Kalu (Rangers International); Stephen Eze (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ariwachukwu Emmanuel (Akwa United); Chima Akas (Enyimba FC); Nasiru Sani (Katsina United); Osas Okoro (Rangers International)

Midfielders: Hafiz Aremu (Akwa United); Raphael Ayagwa (Lobi Stars); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Samuel Mathias (El-Kanemi Warriors); Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa United)

Forwards: Sikiru Olatubosun (MFM FC); Thomas Zenke (Nasarawa United); Stephen Odey (MFM FC); Kingsley Eduwo (Lobi Stars); Ifeanyi George (Rangers International)


Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/chan-odey-ex-eaglets-keeper-named-home-eagles-squad-benin-clash/#KUdB50FqY5X6PchU.99

Even our ONLY defenders at the moment won't have played for Nigeria had their country of birth given them a chance. Abi who una for play instead?

Balogun is our best defender right now. Ekong comes next. The rest of our defenders are just okay.. If i dey lie mention any of our home grown defenders that are better than the aforementioned. And someone says they have to want to play for Nigeria and only Nigeria before they can put in their best. Truth is Balogun and co still give their 110% for Nigeria when on the pitch. Leave all that sentiments.

Haha.. before.. You think if the 3 Lions were considering him, he would opt for Nigeria? Maybe.. but usually it takes them a lot to choose Nigeria.
Even this our country where we dey, if you dey play for Naija, after a while your heart fit leave Naija.. Leave that one.. our system is highly flawed. There isn't anything to be proud of. If not for the love of our football history, even our home-bred players will not be that patriotic. Our heroes today are not even celebrated.

Why didn't England give up when Iwobi decided to play for Nigeria? if it's all about where your heart is. White man go dey decieve us. If friendlies were good enough to win those players England for don cap dem sharp sharp since.

AndreTAyodeji:
Excerpt from a recent Ola Aina interview: “I’m comfortable at right-back,” he added.
“That’s where I learned my trade. “But because I’m so versatile, I feel equally
comfortable at left-back. I don’t really mind the
flank I play on, it’s just the same for me. I’ve
been doing it since I was young.” Another thing he did since he was young was play
for England. From under-16s to under-20s, Aina
made a total of 37 appearances in the various age
groups. That stopped, unexpectedly for England, in
March when Aina opted to pledge his allegiances to
Nigeria. The youngster is relaxed about his decision but will
know a starring role for City could yet see him make
another breakthrough in 2017-18. “I’m not
thinking much about international football right
now,” he said. “I’m just focused on club football. “In the summer just gone I went to a training camp
with Nigeria. They had one in London and invited me
down. I really enjoyed it but as of now I haven’t
played a competitive game. “I hadn’t played for England for quite a while.
Probably say about two years. It went a bit quiet so
then Nigeria came in and asked if I wanted to play
for them. I thought ‘why not?’ I hadn’t been
asked to play for England for a while so it felt right to
take this opportunity.”

I agree. I think all these competition will keep him in his toes. He is a talented kid, no doubt.

Icon79:
I think Iwobi needs to add goals to his game in order to nail down a place. Wenger cannot afford to keep him on the bench once he becomes a proficient scorer.


O pari

Blues Sign Onazi from Trabzonspor
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Ogenyi OnaziFotomac
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Blues have been heavily linked with a move for Super Ealges central midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, according to the press in Turkey.

The total deal is speculated to be in the region of 4.5million Euros, as Birmingham City boss Harry Redknapp looks to strengthen his midfield.

The Turkish Press, revealed that the move has been finalized.

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Ogenyi Onazi, who just made a switch to Super Lig side Trabzonspor last summer from Lazio of Italy, instantly became a hit in Turkey.

However, speculations became rife that Onazi had severed ties with Trabzonspor when it was said that his agent revealed his client’s contract with Trabzonspor had been terminated due to unpaid wages. Tension persisted between Onazi and Trabzonspor, despite his agent revoking the decision of his client to end the contract.

Trabzonspor finished 12th in the Super Lig during the 2015/2016 season which meant there was no European football for the upcoming campaign. They also changed their manager four times and Onazi turned out to be one of the best signings of coach Ersun Yanal.

ogenyi-onazi-ps_17yyiogvqwg1n1w622s15wz4sm
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner settled well after moving from Lazio, and became a vital cog in the middle of the park, making 32 league appearances.
Onazi’s tackling and intercepting skills helped the six-time Turkish champions finish sixth, six places higher than the year before.

Should he take the move to St. Andrew’s with both hands, it would mean the Nigerian international will play in England’s second tier this current 2017/2018 season.

http://spotkik.com/2017/08/10/blues-sign-onazi-from-trabzonspor/

I think the challenge will stand up to the challenge, whoever brings it. Helooks better than last season. I'm enjoying the way he is developing.

Icon79:
I just don't understand what Arsene Wenger wants Alex Iwobi to do before he nails down a permanent position at Arsenal. Iwobi always performs each time he's given an opportunity but, for some reasons, he (and to some extents Olivier Giruod) never get 100% trust from Wenger. I hope that another decent club would come for Iwobi so he can leave, then Wenger would understand what a gem he's lost.


O pari

Things that make me proud and arrogant being a Nigerian:

When Mark Zuckerberg comes to Nigeria, and doesn't go to another African country
When Mourinho gives a kid his super cup medal, and the kid is a Nigerian

*Beats my chest* Naija we too much

Just in the news today N11tr squandered just like since 1999. All these years and we can't still get common power situation right. And we dey misdirect our anger. We are a lost people.

THROWBACK

The Queens Park Rangers defender is holding out on his international future even after several overtures by the Super Eagles’ handlers
Apr 1, 2012 17:50:00

Nigeria-born Nedum Onuoha has declared that he is under pressure to decide his international future for the country of his birth but is still holding out for an England call up.

Onuoha has played 21 times for the English Under-21 team and still believes that he could make the Three Lions squad if he improves on his game.

However, older family members are trying to get him to play for the Super Eagles, a team that he follows but with dissimilar emotion compared to the Three Lions.

"The feeling I get when I'm watching Nigeria is different to the feeling when I'm watching England,” Onuoha told the UK Guardian.

“But then also, I've lived my life here, I feel privileged to play here. It's hard for people to understand. I was born in Nigeria. There's a lot of pressure to play for Nigeria from some of my older relatives.

“I want to make a decision when I'm playing well enough to be considered by England too."


Onuoha is currently playing with Nigeria left back Taye Taiwo in the relegation battling Queens Park Rangers team that defeated Arsenal 2-1 at the weekend.

The truth of the matter is there is not much to be proud of being a Nigerian. That said, at least one thing I hope for is that we can do very well in international football so I can have at least one thing to be proud of.
We expect foreign-born players to just love Nigeria and want to represent Nigeria patriotically. On what basis though? Their parents have to be talking good about the country, while bringing them up, and telling them you will make me proud if you played for Nigeria for them to even have that feeling. Even Iwobi could have easily gone the way of England if not for the influence of his uncle. And some of us are here having bad belle about these player. Our anger is misdirected. Is there even logic that someone will want to play for a country where the system don't even work. Football development is zero. There are many reasons to be proud donning the colors of the 3 lions etc. But the fact is MAJORITY of these foreign-born players will only opt for Nigeria because their chances with their country of birth is slim. And that's understandable. if na you, wetin you go do?

I only mentioned Onuoha and you dey preach. You or I can't change it. The fact is some foreign-born players will play for Nigeria whether they refused to initially or not. As long as FIFA sanctions a switch it is bound to happen. Your sentiments only stops there -- with you, unless you are the NFF chairman of course lol

kennysville:
Onuoha? Lolzzzz the dude that said he didnt feel Nigerian when approached by Peterside Idah. Now he got dumped by 3lions and suddenly he is nw a candidate? Plus he is 30 years old. What was he thinking when Nigeria needed him? Abegi!

All these clamouring for nigerian born players should stop. I thot they would learn from the likes of Fashanu. But no! They wanna find out what has changed in English football. Any player that will not be proud to wear Super Eagles jersey should skadoosh! We need enthusiastic and fire brand players not overhyped cosmetic joggers who cant stand the heat. Make them go pkay for 3 lions. We go see how far

abi he get double mind? lol much talk of the 3 Lions Golden era.

Daniel Adejo's stats don't look bad in Serie B last year. How does the Italian Serie B compare to other leagues?

junnyjake:
Why this boy matter de drag like this na?

Them Ekong, Moses, Iwobi own been no hard like this o

Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Stoke City are lining up a move for Queens Park Rangers defender Nedum Onuoha, reports today’s print edition of The Daily Mirror (page 52).

The 30-year-old moved to Loftus Road all the way back in 2012 after a long association with Premier League side Manchester City, and has since gone on to become a stalwart in the Rangers backline.

In fact, the former England Under-21 international has missed just two of their last 92 Championship matches, and his fine form in the QPR defence has reportedly attracted interest from some clubs in the top tier, namely Chris Hughton’s Brighton and Mark Hughes’ Stoke.

The Seagulls will be embarking on their first top-flight campaign in 44 years when they entertain Manchester City on Saturday, knowing that reinforcements all over the squad will be imperative in their quest to retain their Premier League status come May.

While Stoke boss Hughes has seen several first teamers leave the bet365 Stadium this summer, notably Phil Bardsley, Marko Arnautovic, and Jon Walters, and he will certainly need to strengthen his squad if they are to challenge for a top-half finish.

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And it appears that both clubs feel that QPR’s Onuoha could aid them in their respective quests, a departure that would certainly deal a severe blow to Hoops boss Ian Holloway, who saw his side beat Reading in their first match of the new season.

However, with reports also suggesting that the club will offer him a new deal, it very much remains to be where Onuoha is plying his trade come the August 31 deadline.

The Verdict: There has been an enormous overhaul of players at Queens Park Rangers over the past few years, yet Nedum Onuoha has grown into an integral and influential member of the side while others have jumped ship.

The 30-year-old’s importance has been highlighted by his 90 Championship appearances in the last two seasons, and with the West London outfit struggling to get players through the door this summer, they surely cannot afford to let the Englishman leave this summer.

But with the financial pull of the Premier League, Brighton and/or Stoke may have the power to convince the defender of a return to the top-flight.

whatever the case.. for me, if they are 3, we need a 3-prong strike force that can easily inflict blows.. They need to be fluid and similarly deadly in combining among themselves and striking. Think MSN, think BBC. Should they be two, think Deeney-Ighalo, Success-Iheanacho(UAE days), Martins-Deeney(Sounders days). We don't want misfiring forwards, who can't link up well or even connect a simple cross.

That's the kind of forward line that will destabilize a physical Cameroon backline.

Modified
Football has moved quickly. Today, the wingers are as good as CF.. they can switch positions at lightning ease. Which is why physical Cameroon will struggle more than ever before internationally.

Icon4s:
All 3 may not necessarily be natural strikers. A CF and two WF would do.

Yes, but which 3 strikers possess these traits?

AndreTAyodeji:
Exactly my point but folks here are just into this target man thing.A fluid attacking front 3 or quartert with clever and good movement plus incisive throughballs and pinpoint passing from the midfielders will definitely be unlock the cameroon defence.

Yes 'more ready'.

Icon4s:
At least he is more 'ready' than Victor Osimhen.

Is Omeruo still a topic? Heard Stoke is interested in Nedum Onuoha. That's another option for us at Center back.

kennysville:
Did anyone notice Omeruo in the match against Zambia in this video?check the goal Zambia pulled back. Did yall see what I spoke about sometime ago that he fidgets a lot? Some folks said experience.... experience. The same thing he did in the match against South Africa in 2013

Is Omeruo still a topic? Heard Stoke is interested in Nedum Onuoha. That's another option for us in Center back.

kennysville:
Did anyone notice Omeruo in the match against Zambia in this video?check the goal Zambia pulled back. Did yall see what I spoke about sometime ago that he fidgets a lot? Some folks said experience.... experience. The same thing he did in the match against South Africa in 2013

I've been saying this long. I saw his style. And Onyekuru's words confirmed it when he said that is his preferred position. He was given the number 9.. And now this.

Icon4s:
You know once in a while I just think we can play Onyekuru as a CF.

Onyekuru continuing from where he stopped. So glad. how far with Moses Simon?

tbaba1234:
Team of the week in Belgium

Dennis and Onyekuru.

Well the Bursaspor move became official 2 days ago

tbaba1234:
Read the report somewhere, do not know the club.