₦airaland Forum

Icon4s:
He should go back to City and resume warming bench. At age 21? A player rated to be a " future world beater"? A player projected to be better than Nwankwo Kanu, A player that was said to be in a class of his own.

At 21: Kanu Nwankwo had won the UEFA Champions league with Ajax (at age 19), not as a bench warmer but as a strike pertner to Patrick Kliuvert. He had won the Olympic gold medal (at age 20). This was the age he was diagnosed of a heart disease while at Intermilan.

at 21: Obafemi Martins already broke into the Inter Milan senior squad. He played for inter in the final of UEFA champions league scoring in the winning goal in the semi final against AC Milan

At 21: John Utaka was painting French league one red. Emerging the highest scoring African in a league that is blessed with numerous talented Senegalese, Ivorian and Malian players. Note that Didier Drogba was also in that league at that time.

At 21, Yakubu Ayegbeni was banging in goals in Europe for Maccabi Haifa.

At 21 Victor Moses was snapped by Chelsea from Wigan where he had a blistering season.

Some of you may attack me for this analysis. But the truth must be said that Iheanacho has fallen far short of expectations. He seems to be an excess luggage at Lowly Leicester presently. He was bought only to be find out that he wasn't needed in the first place.

I feel for the boy. He may just spend one season with Leicester or end up like Musa who we often forgot is an EPL player.

OMANBALA1:
So many factors contribute to a good outing at the world cup. Having wonderful players is not enough to win you the world no matter how star studded. Spain,Holland and Argentina are some good example.

In 1994

We had a monstrous squad that couldnt go past second round and why did not they. Inexperience and lack of focus was our downfall. At the world cup every second counts and there is no room for mistakes.

In 1998
We changed coach soon after the qualifier and we brought alot of players at the last days of their carreer AND again LACK of Focus played a part. We need to understand that world cup is not club football...We must fight with all our might else hungrier countries like Brazil,Germany and France will keep winning.

In 2002
We had Sodje,Ogbeche,Justice Christopher(an excellent DM but wrong stage to start off) and most of our top stars were not around anymore...Oliseh,Amokachi,Amunike,Finidi and co were all missing and we had a depleted team. Cant do much with that.

In 2010

We were still going through a drought and our top players were Obasi,Aiyegbeni, and Kalu Uche then we had a Kaita who had temper problem. It was a world cup good as forgotten.

In 2014

We were at the height of our misery and things couldnt be worse.

Finally,my point is that having wonderful players is not a guarantee for a good outing. Good players +Good management/coach+stability + preparedness all play a major part. Now ,we are getting everything right except we are not ready or prepared.

tbaba1234:
USA 94, i cried that day... We had that game won.

terzurum5:
More troubles for Iheanacho, as new coach tips Okazaki

https://www.thebreakingtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/iheana.jpg

The hopes of Nigeria’s Kel­echi Iheanacho picking a first team shirt at Leicester City looks dimmed after the team’s newly appointed caretaker coach, Michael Appleton, has suggested that Shinji Okazaki will be his preferred choice to part­ner Jamie Vardy in attack.


Okazaki was dropped by sacked manager, Craig Shakespeare, in Leicester City 1-1 draw against West Brom, with Kelechi Iheana­cho selected to start in the game which was the last for Shakespear.


Appleton who was ap­pointed on interim capac­ity, following the sack of Shakespeare made only one change to the line up that won 2-1 away against Swan­sea , with Okazaki taking the place of Iheanacho in the starting line up


Speaking to LCFC TV after the teams’ away win over Swansea, Appleton was asked the reason why Ihe­anacho was the only player axed from the starting line up and he explained that Okazaki as the perfect part­ner to Vardy in attack.


“Shinji did great for us and to be fair, when he has played, he’s always done that. What Shinji brings is what he does out of posses­sion. He knows how to deal with a no.6 and the job he did on Leon Britton today was really pleasing”, he said.

http://www.thebreakingtimes.com/more-troubles-for-iheanacho-as-new-coach-tips-okazaki/

Mujtahida:
In 1994 though we had a really good team inexperience took us out. It was a first for the players, the technical crew and also the officials. And then in fighting and squabbling among the players as there are stories that players refused to pass the ball to Rashidi.
Lesson: Rohr too is a newbie. He should ask coaches who've been to the World Cup to learn from their experiences, he should brush up tactically and maintain the good spirit in the team. Apart from Mikel, Echiejile, Moses, Omeruo (? dey him head sha) Enyeama (if he makes the squad) Musa, the rest of the players are new. Team spirit and morale should be the highest priority cos it is where there's unity that anything worthwhile can be achieved. As for the officials, we lack continuity. I doubt if there's still any of the officials that went to Brazil that is still with the federation to give useful hints and guidelines.

France 98: first error was to change the coach who qualified us Phillipe Trousier for Bora Militunovic . We took a fairly experienced World Cup squad but yet had weak spots in the attack and GK departments. Rashidi was old and out of form, ditto Rufai. We had no real CF as Ikpeba wasn't an out and out forward for the Super Eagles (though he scored in the game against Bulgaria). That team too had serious issues of disunity as those were the heydays of the much talked about Super Eagles mafia(Amokachi was injured but he still went to the World Cup). Hubris took over us after we topped our group and we began dreaming of Brazil instead of Denmark who were our next opponents(I read that the Danes got our tapes, watched it and you all know the end)
Lessons: Don't change the coach. Washed up players of the old brigade should be totally left out(of course except Enyeama who also must prove himself). Players must be united and should not let pride eat into them should they win matches. We must also study our opponents thoroughly and take each game as it comes.

Korea/Japan 2002: Pre World Cup preparations were fair as we played three friendlies against Paraguay and Jamaica and Scotland- not top sides though. We didn't learn from the previous World Cup as we changed Shaibu Amoudu who qualified us and replaced him with Onigbinde. Newbies like Ogbeche who flashed a bicycle kick in one friendly had everybody hollering his name. He went to the World Cup and was a flop. That team also lacked depth. We heard stories about Taribo refusing to play to instruction.
Lesson: Do not change the coach. We need quality grade A friendlies not teams like Liechtenstein or Azerbaijan. We need discretion to be able to sift real quality from empty showmen who will disappoint when crunch time arrives. Players should avoid insubordination. The team should have depth.

South Africa 2010: preparations were poor. I can't remember that we played any friendlies. Same mistake again occurred (them jazz us abi) as Amoudu qualified us again and was ditched. Lars Lagersback took charge and I swear I really can't pin point what the problem was except to say our players played like they had drunk Lager beer: Yakubu suddenly became epileptic in front of goal, Kaita flared up for no reason. Of course since we didn't participate in Germany 06 we took an inexperienced side to the World Cup. They were not just inexperienced, they also were not hungry enough because our group wasn't that tough(Nigeria, Argentina, South Korea and Greece) The team also lacked depth as our lean years had begun from 2006 or even farther back. First round we were out.
Lessons: Don't change the Coach. The team must be robust in all departments and deep in depth and quality.

Brazil 2014: The lesson had been learnt or so it seemed cos Keshi qualified us and was at the Mundial as our Coach. Preparation was poor as we played just two or so friendly matches. Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel, Oshinawa, Babatunde broke into the squad and some into the first eleven. In fact much of the players that won the Afcon 2013 and played in the qualifiers were dropped. It even looked like a new squad was taken to the World Cup a new squad that was seriously lacking in depth as can be seen from the Onazi injury in the match with France. Those were the peak of our lean years because truly everywhere was barren (in terms of quality) as personally I couldn't reel off players doing well at least not like we can do today. Player agents played their cards well and succeeded, the coach compromised and wafflers made the squad. Issues of player bonuses made headlines and a chartered flight with cash had to be flown to Brazil to save us from international embarrassment.
Lessons: Preparation for the tournament should be top notch with quality friendly matches at least four. FIFA handles much of the logistics regarding hotels and flights during the tournament proper so no excuses. No compromises: players should go by merit. New bloods should be of high quality and should not be more than seven so that baring injuries, loss of form etc 90% of those who played the qualifiers should form the nucleus of the squad. We should be hungry to go far beyond our best yet. Nothing stretches and brings out the best like a dream that is deep and glorious. Our coach should also brush up tactically because football has become an intensely intellectual endeavour where men have turned the sport into a battle field of the mind. Tactical strength, suitable tactical game plan and flexibility should come to play in our strategies.

I wish our team the best. Mikel greet Olga family on our behalf.
Assignment:Project Vladimir
Codeword: Victoria
Location:Russia
Time:June/July 2018

Viva Super Eagles!!!!

terzurum5:
If Enyeama refuses to come back who should be our first choice goalie?

terzurum5:
Exactly Sir.

Mickael2:
Ezenwa? World Cup first choice? Does Agbim ring a bell?

Mickael2:
Was Mikel poor in that tournament or not? The question is why did we lose and he was a major reason. For God's sake he was the CMF, the central man in the middle who controls play and he was poor. Simple and short Mikel was poor in the 2010 World Cup.

Yobo had a solid game, I was impressed with his game, he played so well probably because that was his 100th appearance, he scored an OG but that does not mean he was the reason why we lost.

Icon4s:
If may start, let me state the problem I feel the 94 set had.

1. The coach and the whole crew was inexperienced.
They got as far as their experience could carry.

2. The team did not have back-up wingers. It was Amuneke and Finidi standing towers above the rest. Take them out and the Eagles wings were clipped. The Italian technical crew identified Amokachi and Amuneke as two of the key supplier of balls to Yekini and they also scored goals themselves. The other two suppliers were Finidi and Oliseh. They tactically injured Amokachi and Amuneke and Yekini was left stranded.

3. This 3rd point is connected to the first. That team is set up to play attacking football. Just like Arsenal, they don't know how else to play rather than attack. Westerhorf decided to choke up the midfield rather than making at least one like for line substitution for Amuneke or Amokachi. I mean Victor Ikpeba was on the bench. The team became immobile.

4. Oliseh made the wrong choice of trying to disposses Roberto Baggio of the ball rather than a "clear throway".

tbaba1234:
I think Enyeama will be back once he sorts his club status.

It will be harsh to drop Ezenwa. My GK choices are

Enyeama
Ezenwa
Uzoho

Icon4s:
Boss,
I feel its high time we changed the nomenclature of this thread.

It is no longer a 'New thread' neither is it a 'New Super Eagles'.

I suggest it be altered to 'The Super Eagles Thread:................' Every other thing remaining same.

My people wetin una say?

cc: joseph1013, tbaba1234, TheGoodJoe, forgiveness, safarigirl, goldfish80, enomakos, Kog45, Michael2, Orkpekyandega, Mujtahid, icon79, eterisan, blueto, joebie, confun, petrobros, do4luv14, Chriskels, Chrisoblog, Humility017, all Parliamentarians not mentioned please pardon me, you are included.

Icon4s:
The one goalie I am almost certain will make it to Russia is Ikechukwu Ezenwa. He may likely end up as second choice to either Enyeama or Akpeyi. He has always proven to be a good back up goalie.

Recall one of our qualifiers I think Algeria game when Ikeme, Ezenwa and Alampasu were invited. Ikeme got injured and Akpeyi was invited to replace Ikeme while Ezenwa still remained backup.
I think Rohr feels Ezenwa doesn't have the kind of exposure to be a number 1 keeper.

As for the young goalies, I don't see Rohr taking more than one, that is if he takes any of them. So for your second list of goalies one of Uzoho and Alampasu may likely have to drop.

Icon4s:
Has Ezenwa found himself a club in Europe yet?

terzurum5:
Maybe we need Paul O. To take his place.

tbaba1234:
One point about Uzoho, he is good with his feet. His distribution was very good. Particularly in the second half.

tbaba1234:
I think Enyeama will be back once he sorts his club status.

It will be harsh to drop Ezenwa. My GK choices are

Enyeama
Ezenwa
Uzoho

ChrisKels:
Kayode the undisputed man of the match. Him no even say make him pity his younger bro in Uzoho Chai. Kayode's electric pace would make faint hearted defenders and goal keepers pee their pants. Dude is a pest, a bad thorn in the buttocks. Kayode is really hungry for the World Cup. Dude even tackles as though he was a defensive player. We need him

Uzoho looks the real deal. Dude is tall, good reflexes, strong grips, reads the game well to know when to come out and when not to. Comfortable with the ball at his feet . Above all he is a confident young goalie. He was tall during the U17 days but definitely not this tall. He has that physique that makes good goalies. The future looks bright.

A bittersweet match for me. Would have been happier if it ended goalless with kayode the liveliest outfield player and uzoho the goalie with the highest and best saves. Lol i kinda sounded selfish and too patriotic there huh? Chai what would you have me say?

I pray alampasu displaces the first choice at fareinse too. Ezenwa's rumored move to OGC Nice looks like it was made up and will remain a rumour until everything is done and dusted, I wish him the best.

My three picks for the world cup remains, enyeama, ikeme and uzoho but if ikeme fails to recover in time, then enyeama, uzoho and Ezenwa would be our best bet.

ChrisKels:
Kayode the undisputed man of the match. Him no even say make him pity his younger bro in Uzoho Chai. Kayode's electric pace would make faint hearted defenders and goal keepers pee their pants. Dude is a pest, a bad thorn in the buttocks. Kayode is really hungry for the World Cup. Dude even tackles as though he was a defensive player. We need him

Uzoho looks the real deal. Dude is tall, good reflexes, strong grips, reads the game well to know when to come out and when not to. Comfortable with the ball at his feet . Above all he is a confident young goalie. He was tall during the U17 days but definitely not this tall. He has that physique that makes good goalies. The future looks bright.

A bittersweet match for me. Would have been happier if it ended goalless with kayode the liveliest outfield player and uzoho the goalie with the highest and best saves. Lol i kinda sounded selfish and too patriotic there huh? Chai what would you have me say?

I pray alampasu displaces the first choice at fareinse too. Ezenwa's rumored move to OGC Nice looks like it was made up and will remain a rumour until everything is done and dusted, I wish him the best.

My three picks for the world cup remains, enyeama, ikeme and uzoho but if ikeme fails to recover in time, then enyeama, uzoho and Ezenwa would be our best bet.

Icon4s:
Ah tell you my brother

Icon4s:
Reminds me of all those talks about a Bulish striker before that Cameroon game.

"Jam body football". Hahahaha.

NwaAmaikpe:




What's wise about these three?
If Tuface must truly get any respect he must earn it.
I'm sure even Annie is fed up with how he humiliates himself by hanging out with nobodies.

The other day in Benin, he was like Davido's protege.

Now, he's hanging out with one who beat up his sex partner in a church because of a Murano jeep and another who denied and abandoned his baby mama in the UK then also fought with his twin.

NwaAmaikpe:




What's wise about these three?
If Tuface must truly get any respect he must earn it.
I'm sure even Annie is fed up with how he humiliates himself by hanging out with nobodies.

The other day in Benin, he was like Davido's protege.

Now, he's hanging out with one who beat up his sex partner in a church because of a Murano jeep and another who denied and abandoned his baby mama in the UK then also fought with his twin.

komekn:
Uduokhai scores in last minute with a header for Wolfsburg to salvage a point.

Joebie:
All this dem say arguments, you hardly learn anything.. we keep arguing in circles. The MRI is a standard. It is here to stay. Any player who passes the test is within the age range. If you can't provide their original certificate to disprove it, just beat it.

Modified
We who are suppose to be repairing our image with the MRI science, are tearing ourselves down and trying to make claims about players who are most likely actually within the range. it's pathetic. Some of us will go all lengths to attempt to prove these players are all age cheats if we are paid.

komekn:
Obagoal is still running fast doesn't make him a teenager. Sylvan Distan when playing for Everton was at the age of 37 considered one of the fastest players in the EPL.

If you read Adokie expose on Kayode he would be at the barest minimum 30 years old.

Mickael2:
Kog45

timilehing:
This politicians are not as religious as you think. It's even far worse in Kwara state. Their current governor's wife is a Christian & she attended & celebrate their election victory @Jointheirs in Tanke. The husband attend church too but to gain political power, you must be a Muslim. It's all gimmick

tbaba1234:
Ekong has been solid throughout the qualifiers. He has already improved a lot.

Elderson played particularly well against Algeria. I did not like his display against Cameroon.

Simon Moses is a hard worker. Coaches love hard workers. Onyekuru does not work as hard.

Joebie:
For Argentina, I believe we can have as much as 6 subs:

1. So let another keeper, say Uzoho have the second half. I want to assume we will test Alampasu or Ajiboye for Algeria.
2. It's fair to see what Nwakaeme can do at a big stage. Also Ighalo who is our 1st choice #9 at the moment, it would be a real test for him
3. Ebuehi probably had been tested against Algeria. It will be great to see him in action again against Argentina in the 2nd half, or better yet swap Aina to the RB role in the 2nd half, and test Echiejile again against Argentina. I hope that would settle things once and for all at LB. (Let Aina and Ebuehi play against Algeria swapping full back roles)
4. Awaziem should come in and pair Balogun for once. Let's see how that will go in the 2nd half.
5. Musa for Onyekuru later on, let's see if the former still got that magic whenever he sees Messi. He's scored braces twice in Messi's presence.
6. Iheanacho should come in as a 10, while Mikel drops back and Onazi makes way. It would prove to be another good test.

Modified
I'd rather start Ndidi. Let Esiti play against Algeria, as well as Agbo and Ogu. We've seen enough of Agu.

Icon4s:
Bros see, 6 defenders: Baring any injuries we have: Ekong,Balogun, Shehu, Echiejile. The other two likely to join are Awaziem and Aina . Aina is an asset in that defense as he can play both LB and RB and is ahead of Ebuehi. If Aina displaces either of Echiejile or Shehu any of the two becomes a back up. Shehu is one of the first players to make that squad because of his abilities in multiple positions. Echijile's previous WC experience would be a major factor for his selection.

Realistically, Ebuehi's chances are slim.

I am not Rohr o I am just saying.

tbaba1234:
I guess because of his play last year. He also scored a few goals in the qualifying stages of the Champions league.