₦airaland Forum

You won't say what I've said made zero sense if you got my point

1. It's not about being a benchwarmer. The idea that Mikel did not get time at Chelsea was not attributed to lack of quality or form. His performances at the Olympics and for SE is a testimony to that.

2. Musa situation at Leicester is different. He gets playing time but is not measuring up.
Read my comments again.

If you can truly comprehend you will get the point im making has nothing to do with bench warming .

Let me help you summarize it. Rohr is just finding an excuse because he foresees Musa Musa will lose his place in the team completely.

As long as you are in top shape, let's put all egos aside. Let the best always be in the team. We want results. That's what we hired him for.

Mickael2:
what you just said makes absolutely zero sense. Musa was disrespected, I don't know why you are trying to go around it, what Rohr did wasn't fair. We had Mikel, a full time bench warmer at Chelsea as our main captain, so why should Rohr change the post for Musa? That's bad, as simple as that

That is to say we do not miss Dele Alli.. fine, if that's the basis of the argument.

SharpJoe:
We are not talking of Mikel in respect of versatility but as a creative attack midfielder. I will take him today to play that role for the Super Eagles over Dele Alli.

Collin Udoh well done! But I beg to differ.

If Rohr wanted to be blunt, he would have said he does not see Musa in his future Eagles. Let truth be told, I wont take anything from Musa's character or past gallant performances for Nigeria. But at the moment, with the tested and untested options we have in the front, Musa has some big competition in his hands. And as a coach, Rohr has a vision. And I don't think he sees Musa in it.. Musa should take it as a motivation to work really hard. He is just 24/25. So he has many more opportunities if he steps up his game. In this sport -- also consider other national teams -- only the best can (or should) make the team. No sentiments.. no disrespect. Musa needs to read the handwriting on the wall -- Step up your game, or you are on your way out. Even Onazi's poisition is threatened right now. How about Mikel? I made that argument sometime ago that Mikel is not indispensable. I never said he was not a good player..surely his experience will be needed in the SE, but these younger SE players are making a loud statement that says, "it's out time!"

whizola:
NIGERIA - Saturday 25 March 2017
Rohr goofed with unnecessary Musa humiliation
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By Colin Udoh
West African Editor | @ColinUdoh
Gernot Rohr’s decision to not name Ahmed Musa as captain for Nigeria’s game against Senegal was as farcical as it was unnecessary.
There. That needed to be said.

While it is a coach’s prerogative to name who captains his team, it is also worth taking into consideration the circumstances and possible consequences.

Musa is, or was, assistant captain to John Obi Mikel and rightfully should have been named match-day captain in the absence of the former Chelsea man.

ALSO READ: Iheanacho rescues point against Senegal
The reason is that not doing so raises more issues than it solves. To start with, when Vincent Enyeama retired prematurely from the national team in the wake of his highly-publicised spat with Sunday Oliseh, most of the senior players declined the opportunity to step into the breach. Musa was the only one who agreed to do so.

But within one match of Samson Siasia taking over as Super Eagles coach, and with the dust sufficiently cleared, Musa was deposed.

As a committed, non-confrontational person, Musa accepted the decision in the interest of team unity, and agreed to serve as vice-captain, along with Ogenyi Onazi.

With Mikel excused, Musa acted out the role of captain when the team reported for camp, until Rohr informed him that Onazi would lead the team out for the first game, and Elderson Echiejile would do the honors in the second game [which has since been called off].

Rohr’s explanation, according to a very credible team official, was that he wanted to team to be led out by a player who plays regularly.

Bollocks! Absolute bollocks!

First, if that was his sole reason, why chose to do it on a day in which he started the Leicester forward when he didn’t have to? There were alternatives. Oghenekaro Etebo could have played in midfield with Alex Iwobi starting in his usual wide left position and Moses Simon wide right.

Second, Nigeria have a long history of non-playing captains, going back to Christian Chukwu, Stephen Keshi and, more recently, Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo.

Keshi, in particular, was a non-playing captain for most of the 1994 Nations Cup and still lifted the trophy, and certainly nobody expected him to play any part of significance at the World Cup months later.

In any case, Must is not the substitute captain, so he could have led the team out, especially sine Rohr chose to start him. This was humiliation for Musa and it need not have happened. Period.

ALSO READ: Rohr praise for brave young Eagles

Sources close to Musa said he considered retiring from the national team after the armband was handed over to Mikel, but was talked out of it.

With this latest humiliation, he has decided to save himself from further embarrassment by giving up the entire thing.

It is the wrongest possible way to treat a player who has always put the team first. And, for once, I am not with Rohr. Musa should have been treated better. He has earned the right to be treated better

My brothers this Mikel debate is a hard one because we end up shifting the goal post because of Mikel's versatility.

Let's pin him to a position before we make comparisons. Else compare him to equally versatile players.. lol

Shehu Dikko will do a better job as NFF Chairman.

But I'm glad we have him as the LMC chairman.

TheSuperNerd:
The Nigerian FARCEball Federation



BY BABA GRUMPY


I was delighted to attend the Nigeria v Senegal match at The Hive on Thursday. It was the 3rd Nigerian match I was attending, the previous two at Craven Cottage, football grounds of Fulham FC. Both previous matches were decent football outings. I particularly enjoyed the match versus Italy. The Nigerian defence pitted its guile against Prime Balottelli and totally distinguished themselves. 



When I heard whisperings of this week’s Super Eagles friendly, I was thrilled we were finally organizing a friendly during the international break. Senegal and Burkina Faso are decent teams, friendlies in Europe make more sense as the transport / travel & logistics expenses for the NFF is probably lower given the bulk of the expenses should be on the boys. I hope but I am sure there are some creative football administrators out there who might be willing to persuade me otherwise.



In the months/weeks leading up to the match itself the publicity was pathetic. The communication from the NFF was scandalous. They must be specialists at Ghost Whisperings. A series of ‘we are planning two friendlies in London’, very little information on opponents, venues, ticket pricing, ticket outlets etc.


The information was only provided a few weeks to the event in a country where people are already planning their ski trips for next winter. In a country where the France v England match taking place on June 13, 2017in Paris was announced in September 2016 and you can already buy tickets for that match now.


What is the problem of the NFF? The same problems with Nigeria? Why is arranging friendlies such a difficult job? There are FIFA mandated international breaks in the football calendar every season. CAF fixtures are well known in advance. If we don’t have World Cup or AFCON qualifying matches, Nigeria should be having a friendly during every international break. Simple. Pleading lack of funding is lame. Football is big business. Well organized / properly organized high profile social events by Nigerians always sell out. NFF THINK DON’T BE THICK.


To be fair and attempting some balance, after the AFCON win when the NFF administrators (current and past) treated Stephen Keshi badly and were inept in their appointment of a misfit in Sunday Oliseh, it looks like we are finally getting the football side of things right. Long may that continue.


Despite this positive, I think we should be having more commercially viable and commercially self funding friendlies and more prestige friendlies versus top tier countries if we can be a bit more organized. There are documented Nigerians all over Europe. Enough to sell out any stadium the size of The Hive in Barnet if only our NFF football administrators can get their acts together.


Six years ago, I was at Wembley to watch Ghana play England. I was jealous. Asamoah Gyan and his generation of the Black Stars playing in front of 90,000 football fans in the home of football. Ghana in all its glory and colorful splendor beautifying Wembley.



When is the NFF planning to play England again at Wembley? Ask each and every one of your players what it will mean to them to play at an iconic stadium? Ask us the fans if we want to watch the Super Eagles at these big name stadiums? There are historical links between our countries and many European countries that can be exploited to arrange high profile friendlies if only our administrators will put on a thinking cap rather than carry a begging bowl.



If only they can plan a bit more long term, do serious background work and develop a reputation for reliability. I believe the England FA will seriously consider playing a friendly against the Super Eagles as long as they are certain we will not pull out of the match at the last minute after they have sold 90,000 tickets.



Back to the Senegal friendly on Thursday. I was scandalized. Nigeria was playing in England at a location that was suitable for Londoners and people living in the Midlands and less than 3,000 fans turned up in a country we are told houses over 1 million documented Nigerians. SHAME.



About 6 weeks ago, Basketmouth sold out the Wembley SSE Arena with a 12,500 capacity on a colder and drearier Tuesday night. Maybe we should beg Basketmouth to help us run the NFF or plead with Ropo of Cokobar to organize ticket sales for Super Eagles friendlies. He does a great job already on the Entertainment front so why not football? In case our super football administrators in the NFF are sadly unaware, football is entertainment now.  In case they have not signed a 1000-year contract with their current agent, they need a new one as the current one needs to be put to pasture.



Not only was the turnout on Thursday night piss poor, there was no official merchandise to sell. My friends had to buy Barnet FC hats to fend off the cold. A couple of independent smart Caucasian traders were selling Nigeria Super Eagles scarves at affordable rates. Why is it so difficult to get official, licensed merchandise at a Super Eagles friendly? Apparently a fan asked the NFF chairman and he said that replica shirts / jerseys will be available in a few months time. Can you imagine the poverty behind this comment?



The NFF Chairman had something of a one year plan to topple Isa Hayatou as CAF President but we have no plan to sell Super Eagles merchandise until a few months time. Does he realize the gold mine he is sitting on with respect to this merchandise issue?



As an extension to the merchandise issue, there was no match day program. The team I support sometimes prints three 60-page match day programs in a week. Its not rocket science, your skin color can be black and you don’t need too much thinking bandwidth to do it. There is a template that you can modify from time to time, update a few days before your next match, push the button. DONE.



If print edition is too much of a logistics hassle, restrict yourself to the digital edition. It is cheaper and you will make more money because those who can’t attend physically will buy.



As far as I can tell, Thursday’s friendly was bereft of any corporate involvement obviously because NFF has most likely burnt its bridges with many corporate organizations in Nigeria but there are still many looking to get involved if the opportunity is right. For example, The England & Wales FA have several corporate partners. If you go to their website now, you will see some of the players performing media duties (advertisement to you and I) promoting Vauxhall in a subtle way. Many Nigerian corporate organizations with UK/Europe/Diaspora presence or intent will give their right arm to organize an event around this week’s friendly.



But no, we are happy with the estacode. Why should I lift a finger when Daddy government can be black balled to fund our champagne lifestyle.




Its time for our football administrators to wake up. Partner with progressive people in different fields and make a decent fist of our football business. There is a significant commercial opportunity we are leaving untapped.


Ka Chineke Mezie Okwu.



Baba Grumpy works in Financial Services in the United Kingdom. He blogs mostly about football at http://babagrumpy..co.uk. His Twitter handle is @BabaGrumpy



Source: https://www.thecable.ng/nigerian-farceball-federation#.WNaoT0F6mKQ.twitter

That sucks! we always get it wrong with arranging friendlies.

Well a club friendly is better than nothing. But we had wanted to see the likes of Bazee in action. Not a good test.

TheSuperNerd:
Very very likely Sir Joebie.... heard a clubside is being arranged as replacement. Not yet 100% though...

Burkina Faso friendly called off?

Gbenga Okonowo. Lol some players just appear and disappear like magicians

komekn:
One question what about the Nigerian right back who played for Barcelona at that time his name was Okonowo if im right. Till tomorrow I am perplexed how did he get into Barca.

Daniel did better than Akpeyi at the Olympics. Or at least let me say he was the preferred choice.
so how come is he ahead in the Super Eagles?

We need to invite more goal keepers when we have friendlies like this, and really access them.

We need to leave Enyeama alone

Icon4s:
Gents.

There is a pending issue on ground.

The team is gradually gelling and even the RB and LB problems we had are gradually being sorted out.

The back up goal keeper (for the short term) is also IMO no longer a problem Akpeyi has 3ce proven he is up to the task.

Guys! We dnt have a first choice goalie!

Ikeme has proven that he cannot be trusted.

In the do or die return leg clash against Egypt. He was ruled out.

In the crucial 2018 WC qualifiers game against Algeria same happened.

And now again in crucial grade A friendly against Senegal he got injured.

Na so we go dey continue?

We go wan play Cameroun now the guy go injure.

Guys lets discuss.
We all here are stake holders as far Nigerian football is concerned.

Info i got is that for Rohr, his crew and the NFF this was the last straw that broke the Camel's back.

What are our options?
1. Call back Enyeama
2. Promote Akpeyi to first choice and make Ikeme a back up.
3. Promote Akpeyi to first choice and stop inviting Ikeme and promote one of the young goalies ti 3rd choice.
4. Some would say we make one of the young goalies first choice.
5. Leave Ikeme as first choice. Any day he is fit he keeps goal else Akpeyi keeps goal. Just like it is presently.
6. Any other option.


Knowing that this a decision we need to make before the AFCON qualifiers in june and WC qualifiers in August we need an immediate solution first before thinking of the long term.

Lets discuss this burning issue pls.

OH OKAY.. how did the game end?

BascoVanVeli:
The team that the NPFL youth allstars played were from India.

7 Positives Nigeria Can Draw from the Senegal Draw
Add Comment1 min agoby Bryan Efe91 Views
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KicKed by Bryan Efe
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After the tension filled build up to the Nigeria versus Senegal international friendly brought about by anxieties from late arrivals on both sides; accounts of stranded Senegalese players; and the bizarre news of a relatively unknown goalkeeper who suddenly found his way to the Super Eagles fold, the game has finally come and gone. Here are the seven positives Nigeria can draw from the Senegal draw:

GREAT TEST: The match was a true test of how Nigeria could fare against a physical team similar to their World Cup qualifying foe, Cameroon. From Nigeria’s performance, we can gladly say the players collectively adjusted quickly to the circumstance. Pulling a fine performance against a team like Senegal who was one of the AFCON favorites in Gabon earlier in the year, a team placed higher according to FIFA’s latest monthly rankings, and a team with arguably more established players in Europe compared to the youthful Nigerian team, we can say indeed that Nigeria has shown great promise by this feat
OMERUO STILL HAS A PROMISING FUTURE: Omeruo’s performance in right back showed that we may not be lacking in that department after all. We can attribute his fine showing to his regular outing in the Turkish league, and how his Alanyaspor coach have used him in positions other than his familiar Center-Back role.
ISAAC SUCCESS IS THE TRUTH: We have found a solid physical force in the Watford forward. He is the perfect man to trouble Cameroon. He once bullied Eric Bailey of Manchester United during Watford’s famous home win against the Red Devils in the current Premier League season. He again showed that potential when he came against Senegalese defenders. He will definitely get another call up. Success has cemented a place for himself in the Super Eagles after this fine debut.
NIGERIA STILL YET TO LOSE UNDER ROHR: Gernot Rohr is still yet to experience his first loss since taking over as coach of the Super Eagles. That Nigeria could come back against a cohesive Senegal, outlines the fact that Nigeria can even do better going forward. Rohr should definitely get the credit.
IHEANACHO IS 5 OUT OF 8: Kelechi Iheanacho has shown great potential in the green-white-green especially in front of goal. He has scored five times after eight international caps. Should he keep this momentum, he could end up becoming Nigeria’s all time highest goal scorer, especially considering that he is still yet to reach his peak in the game.
OGU-NDIDI PARTNERSHIP: Ogenyi Onazi’s injury led to the introduction of John Ogu in his place, and like a blessing in disguise, the Super Eagles midfield did not just have a new look but a solid one — “indeedi”. Could this be the end of the long standing Mikel-Onazi midfield partnership? Never mind the question as Mikel is mostly seen in the attacking midfield role.
IWOBI IS NOT RIPE FOR THIS: As far as the African game is concerned, Iwobi should be left to study proceedings from the bench, before introduction. He again was not his usual Premier League self against Senegal, just as he did in Nigeria’s last game World Cup qualifier against Algeria. He still has a goal to his name — let’s not take anything away from him. But going by his latest performances in Super Eagles colors, he is certainly a player as a an option, but not a player for the moment.

http://spotkik.com/2017/03/24/7-positives-nigeria-can-draw-from-the-senegal-draw/

You have spoken correctly. Nura Abdullahi is one name I forgot. Ejaria I know is committed to Nigeria. How good is Odubajo?

I believe Musa Yahaya will be then next to break into the SE as regards those from the 2013 U17 era. Im sure we will lose a handful of those you mentioned to England.

TheSuperNerd:
You are actually right... the current Super Eagles can fly so high without Ideye and Ighalo now..... I just gave them mentions just to be lenient.....


and yeah..... loollll... they will surely remember Ighalo's drought in front of goal. Anyway... they are still on the fringes of the team.

Anichebe would have been invited if he was fit..... Rohr has his eyes on him too. Anichebe's archilles heel have always been injuries and the timing of the injuries.

For the no 10 role.... I understand your preference for Etebo.... that dude is a powerhouse player and never get tired.... plus he is technically gifted and got goals in him. Defensively, he is also an asset..... But still you cannot say Etebo will just play there when Mikel and Iwobi are very much around. The Competition is great and fierce.... just what we need...



On our no.9 role.... yeah... for now, Iheanacho is the man to lead. The lad got the arrogance and Dare to lead. He may make mistakes a few times but he picks up fast and redeems the team eventually. But in the long run... I see The rise of Osimhen at Wolfsburg and a few others making Rohr have a re-think about his main formation because He will always wanna play Nacho who is Nigeria's most lethal offensive weapon.

Meanwhile, Kayode didn't do badly.... I like the verve and ginger he brought to our attack when he came in. He is a good option but not a super solid one in the long run.

Isaac Success can play no.9 but it seems he will cement his place from the flanks. His development and evolution into a wing forward makes him even more Dangerous and unpredictable... his power and pace and instincts plus Technical giftedness are assets he brings to the table. All he needs to do is try step up his fitness to be consistently firing on all cylinders and realising his fullest potentials.

We have a BEAST in Success.....


On the right back role.... well... Musa Mohammed won't have it easy nailing down that shirt as our rightback... a big battle looms in the long run among the likes of Him, Ebuehi, Aina (when he comes in), and Even Odubajo (when he is back and fit again)..... plus a few other options like Nura Abdullahi are also in the fray.


And Russia 2018 may see 3-4 of the 2013 u-17 class but Post-2018.... I expect them to increase in the super Eagles....

From the 2015 class.... orji, K.Nwakali and Osimhen will likely be the early comers into the team before a few more walk in gradually couple of years later....

Lastly.... from the England-born or English-bred Of Nigerian blood players... I have my eyes on Tammy Abraham (Pinnick seems to have silently won him over so England should forget him), Ovie Ejaria has his mind focused on making an impact at the u-20 world cup with England but may end up with us... he also trained with Nacho and Success and other Many Garba boys in 2013 but schooling denied him the chance to be part of that glorious u-17 team), Josh Maja, Joel Asoro, Ademola Lookman, Fred Onyedimma, Dele Bashiru, Kigbu, Ike Ugbo, Solanke, Dominic Iorfa Jnr,.. etc....


There are many of these English Youngsters with Nigerian blood I can list here but For the team I believe these are some of the few we need from the many.... based on their availability, Talents and what they bring to the table....


But note...... several of these are for the future... the ones for now I wanna see are Aina, Odubajo, Tammy and Ejaria.... and maybe Josh Maja....


About the English borns... I have much to say but let's end it here... Not all are super Eagles materials.... we only need the best and most relevant of the available among them.

i'm sure they are still aware of Ighalo's goals drought.. lol But let me not diminish him. Let's remember him in his good times. But I hope we all agree here the current Super Eagles don't need the duo of Ighalo and Ideye. We've tried him again and again. Especially as we have new players that deserve to be tested. How about Anichebe, physical-wise?

Me I will prefer Etebo as our number 10 oh, Although Mikel is still relevant. But at least it's a good thing that we finally have some good competition in that department.

You have spoken correctly about our options in the other department. I think what we need is a solid 9, although with Iheanacho we can survive without a natural 9. And also better options in defense. We need full backs that can really support the attack.

I think Musa Muhammed will become a starter before the world cup. At least 5 of the UAE U-17 boys will be in SE by then. Come to think of Osihmen and Orji Okonkwo as well. The future is definitely bright. Rohr is a lucky man!

I read he spoke with Ola Aina.. Who else are you looking at from the England-born players?

TheSuperNerd:
On Ighalo and Ideye.... loll... I just called their names coz normally, their presence will still strike fear into some African teams as Ideye is an Afcon champion with loads of experience and Ighalo's exploits in the EPL is still known plus both are physical kinda players who can hold their own against battering ram teams like Senegal .....



Etebo's performance... well... he didn't really light up the show. But he did enough to battle the physical nature of the game the lions were giving us which made Iwobi lost.

Etebo gave us stability and presence in his role as the AMF. He didn't shy away from getting those legs jammed with the Senegalese in the time he featured.
He also had an effort in the second half parried away for a corner.

Etebo remains the only player in the Eagles who has more lungs and steel than anyone... even more than Ndidi (Ndidi na fireworks on him own sef) and Onazi combined.... he is a powerhouse of an explosive player himself but we didn't see much of his explosive side as he didn't train enough with the team and even arrived late for the game... maybe against Burkina Faso, his A-game will pick up pace...

I'm happy to see that i'm not the only one who has noticed how dreaded that Success-Iheanacho partnership can be. Owngoal even rated Success very highly and he was just a 2nd half sub-in.



And on Success and Iheanacho partnership.... Sir Joebie... this is what Sir theGoodJoe and I have been praying for... He calls it the league of Extraordinary hitmen....


In this league, we also speak of Osimhen (can't wait for him to get the ball rolling at Wolfsburg when he is fully fit), Iwobi as the AMF, and then the backups...





On Good additions to this team.... well, thankfully, Success is finally in.

Now we await the additions of Players like Brian Idowu as cover for Echiejile.... Moses Odubajo as quality option as right back to battle Ebuehi and Musa Mohammed..... Kenny Otigba as cover for our oyibo wall and competition for Agbo and a young Awaziem..... Mikel Agu and Esiti will find it very difficult breaking into our team as Ndidi, Onazi and Ogu are all top quality.... Sone Aluko to compete for the AMF slot even though I feel Iwobi owns it in the long run alongside even Iheanacho....... Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Kalu on the wings as options and covers for our regulars....... Nwokolor and Emma Daniel for our Goalkeeping dept as options to Ikeme and Akpeyi (Alampasu should get his club ish sorted...).


Sometimes I wish Alban Lafont was Nigerian.... loollll....


And ohhh... I just for notification that Brazil killed Uruguay 4-1.... in WC qualifying... Chaaaiiiiii... see why we need quality all over the place in our team....?? We must build a world class team whether we like it or not ooooo.....


Then finally.... Rohr should beam his searchlights on the relevant foreignborn talents we need to beef up our Super Eagles backup quality options...

He has done well to get Ebuehi and Bazee... now a few others hopefully will follow.... especially from England.... within the next one year or less((I know Sir Komekn will love this))

i'm sure they are still aware of Ighalo's goals drought.. lol But let me not diminish him. Let's remember him in his good times. But I hope we all agree here the current Super Eagles don't need the duo of Ighalo and Ideye. We've tried him again and again. Especially as we have new players that deserve to be tested. How about Anichebe, physical-wise?

Me I will prefer Etebo as our number 10 oh, Although Mikel is still relevant. But at least it's a good thing that we finally have some good competition in that department.

TheSuperNerd:
On Ighalo and Ideye.... loll... I just called their names coz normally, their presence will still strike fear into some African teams as Ideye is an Afcon champion with loads of experience and Ighalo's exploits in the EPL is still known plus both are physical kinda players who can hold their own against battering ram teams like Senegal .....



Etebo's performance... well... he didn't really light up the show. But he did enough to battle the physical nature of the game the lions were giving us which made Iwobi lost.

Etebo gave us stability and presence in his role as the AMF. He didn't shy away from getting those legs jammed with the Senegalese in the time he featured.
He also had an effort in the second half parried away for a corner.

Etebo remains the only player in the Eagles who has more lungs and steel than anyone... even more than Ndidi (Ndidi na fireworks on him own sef) and Onazi combined.... he is a powerhouse of an explosive player himself but we didn't see much of his explosive side as he didn't train enough with the team and even arrived late for the game... maybe against Burkina Faso, his A-game will pick up pace...

I'm happy to see that i'm not the only one who has noticed how dreaded that Success-Iheanacho partnership can be. Owngoal even rated Success very highly and he was just a 2nd half sub-in.



And on Success and Iheanacho partnership.... Sir Joebie... this is what Sir theGoodJoe and I have been praying for... He calls it the league of Extraordinary hitmen....


In this league, we also speak of Osimhen (can't wait for him to get the ball rolling at Wolfsburg when he is fully fit), Iwobi as the AMF, and then the backups...

You have spoken correctly about our options in the other department. I think what we need is a solid 9, although with Iheanacho we can survive without a natural 9. And also better options in defense. We need full backs that can really support the attack.

I think Musa Muhammed will become a starter before the world cup. At least 5 of the UAE U-17 boys will be in SE by then. Come to think of Osihmen and Orji Okonkwo as well. The future is definitely bright. Rohr is a lucky man!

I read he spoke with Ola Aina.. Who else are you looking at from the England-born players?



On Good additions to this team.... well, thankfully, Success is finally in.

Now we await the additions of Players like Brian Idowu as cover for Echiejile.... Moses Odubajo as quality option as right back to battle Ebuehi and Musa Mohammed..... Kenny Otigba as cover for our oyibo wall and competition for Agbo and a young Awaziem..... Mikel Agu and Esiti will find it very difficult breaking into our team as Ndidi, Onazi and Ogu are all top quality.... Sone Aluko to compete for the AMF slot even though I feel Iwobi owns it in the long run alongside even Iheanacho....... Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Kalu on the wings as options and covers for our regulars....... Nwokolor and Emma Daniel for our Goalkeeping dept as options to Ikeme and Akpeyi (Alampasu should get his club ish sorted...).


Sometimes I wish Alban Lafont was Nigerian.... loollll....


And ohhh... I just for notification that Brazil killed Uruguay 4-1.... in WC qualifying... Chaaaiiiiii... see why we need quality all over the place in our team....?? We must build a world class team whether we like it or not ooooo.....


Then finally.... Rohr should beam his searchlights on the relevant foreignborn talents we need to beef up our Super Eagles backup quality options...

He has done well to get Ebuehi and Bazee... now a few others hopefully will follow.... especially from England.... within the next one year or less((I know Sir Komekn will love this))

India? I don't understand

BascoVanVeli:
The guy doing today's game on supersports said the word in India is that these are not the best legs but children whose parents paid alot for them to be there. I think they have collected half a century of goals.

lol.. Agreed.. you have observed correctly!

Let's not stress Iwobi for the Cameroon game. Is Aluko a more improved player compared to when he was with Hull before promotion?

Iheanacho is our 9 for now because of lack of a potent 9. Maybe Rohr should look Odey's direction. We need a natural 9. that will convert 2 or 3 out of 3..lol . I guess Iheanacho will not be fielded as a #10 now or in the nearest future.

TheSuperNerd:
And Iwobi too oooo.... Iwobi just didn't come to the party today because he hasn't been exposed much to physical west African giants like Senegal not to mention the real hard boys themselves... Cameroon... (forget that cameo he made under oliseh in that 3-0 win over cameroun in late 2015... he only played the final 10mins or so).

Iheanacho too can play the no.10 role....

There is also the talk of Omat sone Aluko who have been impprssing at Fulham I must confess. But As always... I trust Rohr will do the right thing for not every one's tastes can be met.



And yeah about that Mikel argument... yeah... when speaking of Ndidi, I did so with respect to the CAMF (or just AMF) position centrally... But Ndidi can play DMF and also CMF... he is that good... no not good.... Excellent....

Thank you so much. Now i know why you are respected here..

But did we really miss Ighalo and Ideye?

Who would you suggest as good additions to this team.. How about Etebo's performance.

I think Success and Iheanacho can make a great partnership -- UAE '2013 nostalgia

TheSuperNerd:
The summary..... well....

It was a game of physicality and power.... The Senegalese were alll over Nigeria in the first 20-25mins of the encounter but eventually the Likes of Ndidi and Ogu held sway.... hard to pick a MOTM between the two but I will pick Ndidi.

Onazi started but got clattered into by the rough Senegalese midfielders... his injury is pretty serious kinda.

Senegal and Nigeria both had chances... Iheanacho squandered Two good chances in the first half.




Omeruo did creditably well as Right back and Troost and Leon did good in central defence also...

Echiejile held sway on the left....


Iwobi had a very poor game due to his inability to cope with the physical aspects of the game the Senegalese hardmen were giving us. He was eventually replaced in the second half by Etebo.

Musa was not so good too and left injured. Kayode replaced him.

Iheanacho won the penalty and converted it himself.


Isaac Success came in for Simon and showed why Rohr had always wanted to cap him... his entrance gave the lions of teranga hell.... he got past his markers with ease and overpowered them most times... he also got one or two freekicks... one of whick Nacho took which found Kayode but he missed from a few yards out...


It wasn't all Nigeria shaa... Senegal did have their moments of domination and the likes of Sow troubled us and got the game's first goal. Kouyate, Ndoye, Gueye gave our young midfield a super battle but I must confess Ogu and Ndidi replied fire for fire...

Ndoye and Ndidi especially had a big midfield battle in which Ndidi mostly prevailed.

This is Senegal's starting XI...

23 Pape Seydou N'Diaye
25 M. Wagué
3 K. Koulibaly
26 S. Sané
11 C. Ndoye
8 C. Kouyaté
5 I. Gueye
24 A. Mbengue
9 M. Diouf
7 M. Sow
15 O. N'Guette

Sadio Mane came into the fray in the 65th min....


Come on Sir Goldfish... no Mikel... no Moses Victor, No Ikeme, No Ighalo, No ideye (as battering ram).... yet Nigeria held their own.....

Remember their team have stayed linger than ours as a unit... Nigeria deserve your plaudits... not condemnation...

Odey is down the pecking order. Not saying he is not better than some of the strikers already in the Eagles. When he gets his chance he had better score a hart-trick.. lol

tbaba1234:
At presser Gernot Rohr said his asst coach Salisu has told him about @MFMFC_Lagos striker Stephen Odey, that the kid will get opportunity. But he has a lot of strikers on his hands at the moment - Iheanacho, Kayode, Success, etc. Odey's time will come. #NGASEN

-@Jololade

I remember arguing with you once when we had that Mikel talk, that he will make a good replacement, but anyways you prefer Mikel as a number 10, so this won't apply. For now that #10 position can be marshaled very well by Mikel or Etebo

TheSuperNerd:
Thanks Sir Joebie........


And actually.... Ndidi have always been on my radar oooo.... it is just that I speak more of Nacho and Iwobi as these two always steal the headlines among our players on this thread for good or bad reasons... looolll.... people always talk about these two so you will see me then trying to balance views out...


But not all remember that I gave Ndidi a nichname in our national team... here on this thread or the previous thread before this... it has been a while...

Wilfred "The Rock" Ndidi......

So Ndidi have always been in my heart........

I've been clamoring for Onazi's replacement in the SE midfield for some time now. It's our job to observe. No one is particularly right or wrong until it is proven on the pitch.

So glad we have a new look midfield in Ogu and Ndidi.

Mickael2:
I pointed out a long time ago that Onazi is not made for a possession based team, I am not happy that he is injured but the difference in our play with and without Onazi ought to have enlightened his die hard fans right about now

wingers that can run and not tire out? Wingers that have the ability to defend? I believe so.

Kakamorufu:
3-4-3 won't be bad. cos we have lots of wingers now

I always had this bad feeling that he will not live up to expectation in Leicester. But should he prove me wrong next season I would be happy for him. Club career can sometimes affect your national career. I don't think he is finished.. But at the moment, we have better options.

ChrisKels:
I pointed out some pages back that the high point of of Musa' s career with the Eagles remains his two goals against the Argies and some misguided guys were calling for my head, they even went as far as telling me about his exploits in an obscure league like the the Russian league, forgetting the fact that I was specific with my assertions. To those guys quoting me that day, I still repeat it again, Musa's highlight with EAGLES remains his two goals against the Argies.

my brother welcome back!!! lol

I'm glad Ndidi is beginning to warm your heart.

TheSuperNerd:
Honestly Wilfred Ndidi should be a mainstay in the Super Eagles Midfield..... Lord!!!!!!! What a player he is..... Long ago, Sir TheGoodjoe said Ndidi may indeed be the true heir to Oliseh's long vacated throne.... and just hours back... Sir Tbaba1234 have uttered the same thing....


If I didn't know better... I would term him world class already but I feel I would be too froward... but give him time.... like within the next two years or so.... he will be referred to as a true world class midfield enforcer and operator....

This is what this new generation needs.... an avalanche of young dedicated players who will move from being "potential world class" to actual world class

21-25 -- the age range they peak. Not necessarily meaning they experience a deep after 25?

Icon4s:
No na. I dnt think so.

Musa, though has not been at his best of late, has been a strong member of this team. Remember his brace against Argentina and his power strike against SA in the last friendly game we played against them.

I have suggested that he b converted to a supporting striker.

Besides, Ahmed Musa has passed his peak.

He peaked around 2014-2015 but meanwhile he is just 24.

Aha! who was i pointing out to the other day that most West African strikers peak between 21 and 25?

As Siasia would say. Forwards should not be predictable. Simon is good, but we have to start thinking about beating the likes of Germany someday. We need to start building with that in view. I did not see any clips of the match besides Iheanacho's penalty goal. So I can't comment yet on this one.
But owngoal said Success Isaac caused Senegal all kind of problems. I've always thought Success to be a good match up against Cameroon. We need physical and skillful players, not petit and soft players that Cameroon would characteristically pocket. I still think Success has great potential. The premier league may not be his thing.

I've always said Iwobi will not fare well against Cameroon and teams that play like them. For the same reason above. I don't think he can really play the physical African game.

I tow your line of thinking on the likes of ONyekuru, Bazee and Kalu, because for a while now the duo of Moses Simon and Musa have not been impressive (IMO) especially in Nigeria's colors.

ChrisKels:
Another player I would boot outta this team is Moses Simon. Too predictable, keeps doin same thing over and again, yet expecting a different result. He has been as poor as anything in our competitive matches. Time will tell Sha. I hope Onyekuru, Kalu, bazee are improvements on both Musa and Moses so that they get consigned to the bench or worse yet, left out entirely, since they have refused to grow.

Plz I want Aluko back, I doubt he would have been as poor as iwobi was today behind the main striker.

I rather have us have promising players than big headed super stars. The future is bright..
This match is not a do or die affair. Most importantly let's learn applicable lessons.

Icon4s:
Hahaha we are Nigeria!
No team in Africa can intimidate us.

The boys will shock u tonight.

I've watched the boy Tammy Abraham. He looks like the poacher we need. Also good with the ball.
Let's not forget that Ighalo also duplicated his championship performance at the premier league before his deep. But not all players are the same.

komekn:
The disparity between the league is not as large as was previously thought. The pay is also very high and transfer fees huge. Top notch striker in the championship can get to the £20 million level some midfielders are in excess of £15 million. Quite regularly players go from Championship to premiership and vice versa depending on favourable contract terms. Gayle Newcastle United and Richie left the premiership to play in the Championship by choice.

As if Aluko has not played in the Premier League before. There was also this hype about him while at Hull. And they got promoted to the Premier League. Didn't live up to expectation.. But i won't lie. He has performed well in the Green white green.

Icon79:
You still can't compare Aluko's performance in the championship with the likes of what Moses, Iwobi, Ndidi, etc are doing in the EPL.

Kakamorufu:
Mmmmmmmm. no one liked the idea?

I LOVED the idea.. We are divided in this.
I am still of the opinion that we will do better with a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2.
Omeruo starting ahead of Ebuehi somehow supports my thinking.

But let's not rule the latter off too prematurely.

Will Success start?

safarigirl:
My preferred formation for this game


Ikeme
Ebuehi. Troost. Leon. Omeruo
Onazi. Iwobi. Ndidi
Musa/Simon. Success. Kelechi

Thanks my bro!

Icon4s:
Ur last 2 sentences there really got me laughing.

But gents, I think we should pipe low on this Odey's age issue.

We should discuss more of his abilities pls.

All for the good of Nigerian football.

cc: joebie

cool down my brother. Even Ronaldo (who I am a fan of) has a good number of penalties in his goals tally. I've not denied Odey's quality. It's in your head that i'm trying to run him down. There were two games in the NPFL yesterday. I didn't just make that statement from the outcome of the MFM game alone. Besides I did not see what led to the awarded penalties.

The context remains I was making my submission from Odey's account on CF digital copy. some people will also agree with me, as much as some disagree. The age cheat argument will always be an issue in our football, especially with players who did not go through the ranks of the U17 category. Not saying the MRI is accurate anyway.

BascoVanVeli:
Funny that u care less but u take time to write out this speech. Did i tell u to shut up, or that u are stoopid? I made a comment which i am well within my right to do, so stop being a cry baby. Just like u can make any post u want, I can also counter ur opinion if i want. I didn't tell u that u just like to type or tell u to ignore my post if u don't like it. Lets do this like adults, this is football talk. My problem is why now? Why try to scandal the boy's name while he is on the rise. U posted that he scored 2 goals yesterday but u also made sure u let us know they were penalties with an lol. U then said the NPFL sucked and got into calling Odey an age cheat.