₦airaland Forum

Good move. Arsene Wenger has a thing for youth.
I'm sure he will get some good playing time.

TheSuperNerd:
Onyekuru close to Joining Arsenal
By Jamie Einchcomb


https://dailycannon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/onyekuru-1.jpg



Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru could well be on his way to Arsenal.

• Soccer Nigeria claims deal for Onyekuru has been agreed

• KAS Eupen forward scored 25 goals last season

• The 19 year old has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs


In an exclusive, Soccer Nigeria reveal that Arsenal have agreed
a fee of €8 million for the player.

A source told them: “Henry (Onyekuru) is close to becoming a Gunner, the transfer fee has been agreed and his weekly wages and other personal terms have been agreed.”

Onyekuru has enjoyed a stellar season in Belgium, scoring 25 goals in 41 appearances for newly promoted KAS Eupen. He has gained a reputation for his ability to carry the ball with the speed.

The 19 year old’s goal tally is impressive considering he has played most of the season as a left winger.

Arsenal are said to be a dream destination for him. The likes of Celtic, Celta Vigo, Swansea, Brighton, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund were monitoring him, but it seems Arsenal have beaten out the competition.


Source: http://dailycannon.com/2017/05/henry-onyekuru-close-to-joining-arsenal/

Talking about humble beginnings.
You don't know other people's story. Never get arrogant.. stay humble as you achieve and keep aiming higher. "I better pass my neighbor" na stupid mentality.

TOUCH OF CLASS Incredible pictures show humble beginnings of Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus painting streets of Brazil before £75,000-a-week move
Youngster has gone from decorating the streets of Brazil to becoming an international star

By George Boulton
30th May 2017, 1:55 pm Updated: 30th May 2017, 3:08 pm

GABRIEL JESUS shows just how far he has come in the past three years after posting pictures of him painting the streets of Brazil ahead in bare feet ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

The 20-year-old has gone from decorating the streets of his neighbourhood in green and yellow paint to signing a £4million-a-year deal with Manchester City.

Gabriel Jesus painted the streets of Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup
ARRAY

Gabriel Jesus painted the streets of Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup
Jesus posted a number of photos of himself on social media as a 17-year-old painting the curbs on the cobbled streets.

Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport’s live transfer blog

He, like many other kids in Brazil, dreamed of representing their country but City’s new starlet is now emerging as a key player for his nation.

After watching his nation crash out of the 2014 World Cup in a 7-1 defeat to Germany, Jesus is now set to be involved in the next World Cup.

The forward’s rise to the top has seen him sign for Manchester City from Palmeiras, in a deal which could rise to £31million.

When these picture were taken Jesus will have been on the books at Palmeiras.


Jesus has hit the ground running on his arrival to the Premier League and has scored seven goals in ten league appearances – which has seen him challenge Sergio Aguero for a starting place.

The clinical striker has already tasted success with Brazil – winning Olympic gold – and will now aim to help Brazil win their sixth World Cup in Russia next year.

Jesus told ESPN Brazil:”I thought it would be harder, It hasn’t been easy, for sure, I changed my life completely, but I’ll never complain about it.

“I’m grateful for being here, realising a dream, playing in Europe, when I left Palmeiras, it was sad, but happy as well, with a title.”


Although he continues to miss his mother and is hoping to spend some quality time with his family during the off-season.

He added:”Everybody is helping me here, [Brazilian teammates] Fernandinho, Fernando, but the club as well. They help my family, my friends that are here with me.

“I’m missing my mum a little, she is in Brazil with my brothers and nephews. But, when she is happy, I am too. This week we will meet and end this feeling.”


In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Jesus lifted the lid on his tattoo on his arm – which is of the favela where he grew up.

It shows a young boy holding a football, with a Brazil cap on, gazing up at a notorious Sao Paulo favela.

The ‘JD Peri’ stands for the Jardim Peri favela, where Jesus lived until he was 16.

Gabriel Jesus has a picture of the favela where he grew up on his arm

The Brazilian also a tattoo to remember his Olympic success

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3681027/gabriel-jesus-painting-streets-brazil/

Oga u like long talk. You know very well I'm not saying taking stats over a short period of time. Fear God. Don't assume people are ignorant,

Mickael2:
Last season we had a french team in the UCL semi, English team? Error 404. This season we have an English....sorry French team yet again in the semis and the English teams aren't even close. English teams have been poor recently and Nacho is playing now, so don't tell me stuffs about the EPL that happened years ago. Presently french teams are doing better than English teams, Fact

That's the question I was asking you indirectly. Of course I know how they came up with that. Which I already stated. So let me ask you directly. Why prolong the argument with points that are subjective. we can argue till we all grow gray hair who is world class or not among those English players, but stats don't lie that EPL reps in Europe have performed better than Ligue 1 reps over the years. Shekina

TheSuperNerd:
Take that up with Uefa... 2.0 vs 1.5.... looolll ... the gap in competition and gulf in class is clear... how do you think they arrived at such? English clubs vs French Clubs in Europe... be my guest... but we also judge on quality and strength of their respective leagues...

Why do you guys just wanna prolong an argument?

Somebody will open his dirty mouth and still say muazam is 35 lol

tbaba1234:
Muazzam during the 2013 under 17 qualifiers

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/547802_374051949308867_127143284_n.jpg?oh=987988d360190f0b2017c7cd077cd919&oe=59A30263

U hate Pep just like me.
He might be a racist after all hahahaha @ safarigirl

bataderemi:
Wawu...

To prove your statement as a fact it will be better to use performance statistics of EPL clubs versus Ligue 1 clubs in continental tournaments.

TheSuperNerd:
*yawns* in all of this.... what is the bottomline? Ligue 1 is not in the same class or competitive level as the EPL.... #fact #truth #LiveWithIt


A youngster (especially a foreigner) making good waves in the EPL should be taken more seriously than one doing same in Ligue 1.... That is the simple logical truth. Beat that.


Saying English youngsters don't succeed outside England has two sides to it. Some don't make it but some do make it.... Heard of McManaman? Heard of Beckham? Heard of Gary Lineker?

Not many English players move out... but you cannot deny the world class quality of Scholes, Lampard, Ferdinand, Gerrard, Shearer, Tony Adams, David Seaman, Kevin Keagan, Paul Gascoigne, Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Ian Wright, Ian Rush, Andy Cole, Teddy Sherringham, And many more......


Within the African continent, Would you call Egypt nonsense for sticking to home most times? Isn't the Egyptian league better than the Nigerian League?? But we produce more top talents than they do right? Talents who hit the heights in Europe...

Look... bottomline .. The EPL's quality and Level of competition is on a higher pedestal compared to the French Ligue 1.

The Ligue 1 is one of Europe's top 7 leagues. I think they also make the Big 5... but they are well below the likes of EPL, LA Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A. #Fact


Final Note: In determining the European Golden boot every season... it is impossible for a player who has scored 50Ligue 1 goals to top a player who has scored 40 EPL goals...

Wanna know why? The Uefa league factor or Uefa coefficient rating for each league is taken into account...

In the EPL, for evert goal scored, it is multiplied by 2... But in French ligue 1, it is multiplied by 1.5

Do the maths... and this is so because of the level of Class, Quality and Competitiveness of both leagues.

LA liga has a factor/coefficient of 2 also... same with bundesliga (2), Serie A (2), and even Portugal (2). Meaning Portugal is even rated stronger than France. see?

So listen up... Ligue 1 is well below the EPL... let facts and truth reign and not sentiments just because we all wanna argue. Bonjour.

Humble bigginings. But I'm glad he is a very disciplined player and WONT be flattered by such comparisons. Iheanacho will never be tempted to feel he has arrived. He has not even started yet.

Ndidi nko, Etebo nko. Al these lads need to keep their heads down and keep aiming to be the best regardless of how they started.

Early comfort zone will never be their portion.

safarigirl:
some people on this thread have a certain pattern the regulars are used to. Hence, it is hard to accept their arguments as 'facts' most of the time.

This Kelechi matter no be here. In one year, the boy has been compared to Dembele, Rashford, Martial, Mbappe, G Jesus, Dybala sef.

Only Kelechi, this young talent from the streets of Imo state, in Nigeria. This happy African boy, this boy who started his career with monkey post now being compared to players that were born inside one football academy in Europe or were taught the rudiments by the likes of Beckham, Pele and great names in world football. Before UAE, which big name had Kelechi met in football?

If no be God, how else did Kelechi get to this point? It is a great thing to be mentioned among the world's brightest talents, when last did we have anyone raising Africa's flag in world football like this?

If Kelechi was reading these arguments, he will just be saying "Chineke, onye ka'm bu?"

Chelsea turned down Gabriel Barbosa transfer due to Tammy Abraham

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/25/chelsea-turned-down-gabriel-barbosa-transfer-due-to-tammy-abraham-6662548/#ixzz4iTzLOSFj

Chelsea reportedly turned down the opportunity to seal the transfer of Brazil wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa last summer due to rating their own promising youngster Tammy Abraham so highly.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a superb season out on loan at Bristol City this term, scoring 26 goals in 48 games, which may have put himself in contention for a first-team place at Stamford Bridge in the near future.
Abraham is now reportedly set to earn a new contract at Chelsea, ahead of another likely move away on loan to prepare him for Antonio Conte’s first-team.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea have had Abraham in their plans for some time, so much so that they passed up an exciting opportunity to sign one of the world’s most highly rated young forwards a year ago.

Barbosa, who goes by the nickname Gabigol, instead made the move to Inter Milan, where he has struggled, but he had been linked with a host of top European sides after impressing in his native Brazil.

This signals a major change in direction by Chelsea, who have previously favoured big-name signings over promoting their own academy players, but Abraham has clearly impressed enough to convince the club he has a future in their senior side as well.


Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/25/chelsea-turned-down-gabriel-barbosa-transfer-due-to-tammy-abraham-6662548/#ixzz4iTyobLXh

Chelsea is not aggressive enough in the transfer market. See as Pep blood dey hot.

FA cup final should be an eye opener, else dem go 'Leicester' next season o

Nigerdeltaboi:
sure his move to West ham will benefit him more I just wanted to make light of his move, as for that baldinho called pep he is still going to chew bottle next season.

Lol Ifeanyi Ubah FC Na sarcasm. Make them table bid make we hear whi be the real bidders.

My take: iheanacho to Dortmund, Onyekuru to 'gladbach


As regards Corsica match? U still dey go by the OGN report eh? Abi u get the tape, borrow me make I watch Na.

TheSuperNerd:
FCIU gini?? Bia Sir Joebie.... nwokem no let me vex on top ya head oooo.... which kain rough play be that one naa...

Nigeria's hottest teen star in Europe to FCIU.... nna eh...

no let me call sango and amadioha combo for you oooo....




And yeah... Odey had a good game too ooo... he came and within minutes, he forced the Corsican keeper into a good stop. Penneteau caught it shaa... he didn't parry it. Another chance also saw Odey blast wide off a smart Iheanacho pass. In all, Odey gave a decent account of himself....


But seriously, The interests for Onyekuru... where do you think he should head to? Arsenal? West Ham? Dortmund? Gladbach? Everton? u know the rest...

For Iheanacho... it smells like it could be West Ham or maybe we are in for a little twist and shocker.... coz the likes of Dortmund, Hoffenheim, Leicester, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Southampton etc all regiatered firm interests in Nacho... some are at the stage of bidding sef... but still nothing concrete from that end.... Abeg make them wrap up this thing biko... Nacho has to head back to camp and join up ahead of the South Africa Afcon qualifiers game.

But I trust his travel back to England from France for transfer talks with man city and his suitors will yield something good in the end...

Ok good one. Why is no one talking about Odey?

As regards Onyekuru and Kelechi's many interests rumors. It's one thing to signify interest, it's yet another to put forward a formal bid. Let's hear of who is bidding. In fact I heard Ifeanyi Ubah FC is interested in Onyekuru

TheSuperNerd:
Onyekuru's overall performance against Corsica was good.... we cannot crucify him for not putting away his chance or not looking to pass to Nacho. After all, Nacho missed two good chances against Senegal and also should have done better with a third chance... we knocked him and life goes on...

This was Onyekuru's first game for us... I think he did well because he had to battle the overwhelming tension that comes with putting on that Jersey for the first time and taking to the field..... he was like, "This is it Boy! Now or never... time to make a good first impression"

The tension got to him but he bounced back from it as the match went on... Onyekuru had a full game. He wasn't taken out.... Rohr must have wanted to really evaluate the lad... I see him Given another shot against Togo... unless Rohr wanna test out some of those who will actually execute the game against South Africa.... (ofcos I hope Onyekuru is among those Rohr is saying, "I am gonna invite him for the game against the southies".


So biko... we can all cut Henry some slack....

And hey! Henry's transfer situation nko?? So many clubs circling around him but nothing solid in terms of where he is going to end up by the end of the window... well... time will tell... market is open till sept.2-3

George Abbey nko?

Dele Alli answer he papa name. In fact he even lived in Naija at a point in his life. Just because he knows his roots didn't make him choose Nigeria. Him recognizing one of his parent is Nigerian is enough. So he is Nigerian. Anything can happen.

OMANBALA1:
Different scenario; Isaac was born and raised in Nigeria by Nigerian parents just like Donald Duke and Goodluck Jonathan.

Lol my people dey Onyekuru matter. Una dey judge from highlights?
Hey higlight is so short. It only showed probably the major attempts at goals, and actual goals oh. That is not enough to judge a players overall performance. i would rather want to see a longer clip. 15 minutes at least then I can say more. One thing I hate is to argue from assumption. Let's have the enough info then we can now start the argument. Hopefully we get to watch the Togo game

Happy Sunday sir. Happy Sunday everyone!

do4luv14:
you on point man,
happy Sunday!!

I'm so glad the main argument has moved from the FA cup final back to the Corsica player ratings. Let Chelsea, Arsenal and ManU enjoy their titles. Leave our beloved Moses alone.

Like I said earlier I don't trust the OGN ratings unless they TRULLY had a representative in Corsica watch the match as they claim.. Official ratings carry more weight (in terms of credibility) than personal ratings. Official ratings accross the board may differ, but will show skmilarities. I'm still waiting to watch the full match, that's if we will ever have it.

Feel free to start an EPL/FA thread

Sitting in a club with the excuse of fighting your way back to the team barely increases your value. Hey he is already the highest Nigerian income earner! It took some Eagles player a lifetime to achieve this feat because of the real reason -- comfort zone.

well most expensive. let's wait to see his salary

TheSuperNerd:
Exclusive – Iheanacho Leaves Eagles Camp, Heads To London For West Ham Medicals

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ACB1D86E-A22B-4FE5-8F14-DF71F94D17D4-3258-000000F7747799E8.jpeg


Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho who scored Nigeria’s lone goal in their 1-1 draw against Corsica has departed the camp of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in France for London, where he is scheduled to have a medical with West Ham United.

” He left camp this morning with the permission of the coach. He is heading to London, so he won’t be part of our travelling party to Paris. Although we expect him to return before the game against Togo on the 1st of June “, a camp source told Owngoalnigeria.com.

Iheanacho will team up with West Ham on a permanent deal, with Manchester City having the option of buying him back after two years according to reports gathered byOwngoalnigeria.com editorial team.

The 20 year old lost his spot at Manchester City following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus, who pushed him further down the pecking order leading to the forward missing out on some of the matchday squad of manager Pep Guardiola. .

His move is expected to cost the Hammers £24m, a fee which will make him the most expensive Nigerian player beating the record set by Odion Ighalo when he moved to Chinese side Chanchung Yatai from Watford for £20m.


**Daniel Martins


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/05/27/exclusive-iheanacho-leaves-eagles-camp-heads-to-london-for-west-ham-medicals/

I no trust this ratings.. Hopefully we get to see the video in future and judge for ourselves..lol

TheSuperNerd:
Players' ratings according to Owngoalnigeria.........

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Corsica 1-1 Nigeria – Players Ratings; Onyekuru Disappoints, Etebo MOTM, Mu’azam Shines, Odey Impresses


https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_2664.jpg

The Super Eagles of Nigeria forced the French Island of Corsica to a 1-1 draw in a friendly meant to prepare the Nigerian team for their upcoming AFCON 2019 Qualifiers against South Africa next month.

Owngoalnigeria.com foreign correspondent Michael James was at the Stade François Coty in Ajaccio where the game was played, and rates the Nigerian players on parade.


Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Didn’t have much to do during the course of the game dominated by Nigeria, and could do nothing about the goal scored by Corsica via the spot. Looked calm and commanding especially in dealing with crosses into the box…..6.5/10

Tyronne Ebuehi – The Dutch-Nigerian full back had a rude introduction to international football, giving away a penalty very early into his first game for Nigeria, but he recovered brilliantly from the set back, particularly in the second half but he still need to work on his marking abilities….6/10


Elderson Echiejile – His experience was very clear to see, strong and very smart in tackles, not the quickest but wasn’t beaten for pace. His forays upfront also helped the Eagles in attack in the second half. A fine display from the stand in captain….. 7/10


Chidozie Awaziem – Awaziem proved why he is so highly rated by Portuguese side FC Porto with an almost flawless display in his first game for Nigeria. Quick, very strong in the air and in duels. His ball playing abilities was also another area which caught out attention….. 7/10


William Troost– Ekong – Was his usual self, full of energy, running and commitment. Loves to take a tackle for his team, always willing to put his body where it hurts. Dovetailed nicely with Awaziem in the heart of Nigeria defence as Corsica failed to mount any serious challenge….. 7/10


Mikel Agu – Quick in turning defence into attack with forward passes. He had a very commanding game in the middle for Nigeria. Covered lot of grounds, the only major drawback was his unwillingness to join the attack even when Corsica sit back to defend….. 7/10


Oghenekaro Etebo – Can easily pass as the man of the match. Clearly the best player on the pitch for both teams. Strong, quick and incisive, he was too good for the Corsica defence. Brought down for the penalty converted by Iheanacho which. drew Nigeria level….. 8.5/10


Alhassan Ibrahim – Mu’azam as he is fondly called was one of the best players for Nigeria in the first half, and twice came close to scoring with one of his efforts bringing out a parried safe from the goalkeeper of Corsica. Headed wide when he should have done better in a promising position. Tired out in the second half….. 7/10


Ahmed Musa – Failed to connect a spilled ball by the goalkeeper of Corsica after a well hit drive for Mu’azam, but overall was too much for the left back of Corsica to handle. Musa’s raw pace and quick feet helped Nigeria win fouls and his unselfish play was wasted by Onyekuru who failed to connect with the goalkeeper at his mercy….. 8/10


Kelechi Iheanacho – The Manchester City man brought out a fine save from the Corsica shot stopper from what looked like a half chance. Didn’t quite imposed himself in the first half, but was very lively in the second half, had a hand in the move that lead to the penalty for Nigeria, which he converted to maintain his fine scoring record for Nigeria….. 7/10


Henry Onyekuru – Looked lost and tensed. Missed a sitter which could have drawn Nigeria level shortly after they went behind. Took up goal scoring positions but wasn’t clinical enough to convert them. Presently highly sort after by top clubs in Europe after his 24 goals haul for Eupen, Onyekuru had a debut he won’t want to remember in a hurry….. 6/10



Substitutes –

Stephen Odey – The top scorer in the Nigeria Premier League took the game by the scruff of it’s neck after coming on for Nigeria. Eager to shot at goal and had an effort on target. Link up play was also brilliant particularly with his back to goal…… 6.5/ 10

Shehu Abdullahi – Picked up a yellow card for foul play but overall helped stabilised the defence of Nigeria, showed commitment and a willingness to get into duels for his team….. 6/10

Uche Agbo – Helped sprayed the ball around nicely, his range of passes gave the Eagles attackers a lot to feed on. Not quick but takes up good positions which nullified any potential danger posed by Corsica on the break…..5.5/10

Sikiru Olatubosun – Tried to bring his positive energy when he came on, but didn’t have enough time to settle into the game. Nice touches though few times he got the ball….. 5/10



**Michael James


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/05/27/corsica-1-1-nigeria-players-ratings-onyekuru-disappoints-etebo-motm-muazam-shines-odey-impresses/

Go dream jor lol

do4luv14:
abeg ah don go sleep joor

Ehen ok Na. Her next dp go be me much to ur surprise

do4luv14:
hmmm oga PA, nah you dey take oo shuuu?
firstguy dey look you, you dey talk ehn,
you wan collect marching order no??

3
Na glasses, binoculars or periscope u like use? U should be begging me because I be her PA o.. So take ur time. Plus no let me call TheSuperNerd to scatter u case. Lol

do4luv14:
JOEBIE! JOEBIE!! JOEBIE!!!......
how many times ah call you ,
hmmmm... Ma take one eye dey look you first

Lol.. Good say the matter Na "they" matter. No strong suitor yet. For now I'm canvassing for my own candidate at least for given us hope of watching the Corsica match -- xlad over to you.

TheSuperNerd:
Sir Joebie.... I told you they would show up.....

that guy like rough play oh -- Agbo

Nigerdeltaboi:
82nd min substitution for Nigeria:
Agbo in, Agu out.
Dan Allah no collect Red card Agbo ....abeg

Make Onyekuru/Odey/Olatunbosu just score so we know we have a new chapter. Iheanacho's name has been long etched

TheSuperNerd:
Come on Boys!!! can we still take the win with about 8-10mins left...? plus added time?

you always need a tse-tse fly in your team. A player that will worry you until you do him something bad.

Besides Etebo, Victor Moses is another example. Which is why I like i like putting both of them in the opposite flanks in my fantasy starting formation.
Makes the job easier for our strikers.

Etebo effect

Chrismario:
1-1

Iheanacho (pk)

Game on

lol moonwalker?

Mujtahida:
Many will not understand this your refined use of euphemism. Since you need customers let me help you google translate into a more colloquial language many here will understand.

For bleaching cream of all kinds please check her signature.

Thank me later for the increased patronage.
* winks and glides away like the below

if anything i'm hoping this puts Musa in the coffin at least for now. We need players to add bite to the SE. It's only an unofficial friendly. Regardless of the outcome, Rohr ran the rule over the new boys and since we are dominating that means they are blending just fine. That's one positive we can take from this.

TheSuperNerd:
Now Kelechi Iheanacho comes into the shooting show and tests Penneteau with a solid strike but the goalie parries... the chance came about after nice interplays between Etebo and new entrant, Sikiru....

Nigeria not far from a goal here....

Like minds...

TheSuperNerd:
Exactement!

although Hoffenheim is another alternative and provide European football...

I hear Dortmund have their radar fixed on a forward from Sampdoria now as Auba's replacement....

I tow your line of thinking. I think Germany will be a very suitable next destination for him.
But our talented Kelechi with more game time will do more.

TheSuperNerd:
Honestly... I still prefer hoffenheim.... and Dortmund's interests may have cooled coz I heard about their interest in a certain Schik from sampdoria.

again this is all speculations .....so nothing is official yet.

To a BIG BIG team. By then his value may have quadrupled. He is 20.

safarigirl:
to where? UCL?

Could prove a super launch-pad for the lad

safarigirl:
West Ham? Eww! No! Ewwww!!!