₦airaland Forum

BascoVanVeli:
He lost the ball, didn't link up well and his touch was poor in some instances. If Ideye or Ighalo had a game like this we all go crazy.

my problem is that the guy is saying that Iheanacho will do well against less organised defenders, are we going to the world cup to play less organized defences? Or Cameroon is less organized? I don't understand if he thinks we are going to play Tanzania

goldfish80:
Akpeyi = He was solid enough between the poles. Commanded and organised the defence thus neutralising the Algerian threat from set pieces. The goal he conceeded was honestly a good shot straight to the roof.  I've seen cech, Courtouis, Buffoon conceed such goals. Simply put, the ball was well struck by Bentaleb,partly because he had all the time to pick his spot. 7/10


Omeruo = was tidy in possession and strong to tackle. He matched Brahimi pace for pace. Most times he out paced Brahimi. Although am not surprised by this because durring the course the season he has been the most improved Nigerian defender. I have to say this, Brahimi over the past few seasons have proved a handful for world class defenders in the Champions league. Big probs to Omeruo for neutralising him. 8,5/10


Uwa Echiejile = (As an apostle of experience)  Ive always said Echiejile is a big game player. The most experienced defender and by a country mile the defender with the most caps for the eagles. This guy knows what it's all about to compete at the highest level. He masterfully neutralized Mahrez. Mahrez could still be in his pocket as  I type this. Uwa have yet again proved that experience is a huge factor that can't be thrown away. Kudos 10/10


BALOGUN/EKONG = Theses guys were rock solid all night. They double teamed on Slimani and gave the Algerian no sniff at all. Their proficiency reduced the Algerians to shoot from outside the box. They certainly dominated and owned every aerial battles they went in for. It was a promising performance by the pair. 9.5/10


Onazi = This guy was a soldier as usual today. He pressed and stifled the Algerians in midfield. This young man bleed for the shirt, even put his career on the line when he made that last ditch effort to deny the Algerians. He got injured and yet soldered on. Nigerians have been critical of the eagles in the past  for lacking the zeal and effort to compete, here we are with a guy who is ready to die on the pitch to make sure we win, instead of giving him the praise he deserves, we rather throw him under the bus. 

The goal we conceeded came as a result of Onazi going after Brahimi who cut back the ball to Bentaleb, unfortunately Etebo was out of position and the CBs were occupied with Slimani so they didn't press up to pressure Bentaleb. 8,5/10

Etebo =  What a footballer we have on our hands. This guy ran the show in midfield. His pace and power proved too much for the Algerians at times. He put in a shift today and crowned it all by chalking  an assist for the second goal. For those critical of Npfl players(cc Icon4s) , I hope you watched Etebo who was a player  for Warri Wolves just last year. Another dynamite we have in the Npfl last season was Nwobodo (watch out for him) 

8.5/10


Mikel Obi = It was a solid day in the office for the captian. His lack of game time showed abit in the first half but he picked it up in the second. He Oozed class and ran the Algerians down. He gassed out at the 70-75minute mark and was duely substituted. 8/10


Alex Iwobi = The young Arsenal man had a tough day today. He struggled in the first period because the Algerians had 2men on him all game. They certainly were scared of his abilities. He showed class when he was with the ball. And there I say he has the best first touch of any football player in the world at the moment. And that nasty piece of skill to put the Algerian guy on the poster will make a good Internet meme for awhile..  Oh dear!  8/10


Victor Moses =  incredible performance. This guy was like a tank today. Bejesus! He showed the Algerians clean pair of heels time after  time. They simply didn't know how to deal with him. Detailing 2 players to mark out Iwobi left Moses to run amork. Simply his best performance yet for the super Eagles. He should share Man of the match award with Uwa Echiejile. 20/10


Iheanacho = I don't want to say I told you so, but I can't help it. Ihenacho not a proper striker. His best position is playing off a striker. Playing him as the top striker neutralized his influence. He had no shot on target today and certainly was dominated by the Algerians aerially. However, I can see the sense in playing him up front today certainly because we needed the insurance of Etebo in midfield,hence Rohr had to do without Brown/Odion. 5/10

Gernot Rohr = The master tactician proved once more his tactical acumen. What a find by the Nff. His substitutions were understand and spot on! The timing of Musa's introduction was right on the money.

Such a shame Mr Rohr wasn't the chosen one immediately Keshi was sacked. He was the real MVP today. 10/10

so you gave Etebo and Onazi the same rating?! I wonder where you got this idea from

Etebo was our box to box today, a box to box is not tasked with covering the opposing midfielders. Onazi went out of position, Ekong and Omeruo were there to mark but Onazi had to joing the party

OdenigboAroli:
Hopefully he will watch from the bench next time we play,talking about Onazi. We have John Ogu,Ndidi and Uche Agbo.

simple! But the 'team cohesion' apostles will probably jump on our backs now

joseph1013:
Those were the times he was helping out the defensive midfield. Did you notice that the midfield sort of collapse around the 55' to the time Ndidi came in, that was the time Leon was putting in that shift. Seriously, Onazi needs to help our game more. He lacks that urgency to mark out the opposition.

yes, but I doubt if he told Ekong to cover, communication is key. Because if you watch closely, whenever he charges forward, Omeruo will come into the middle more but Ekong won't shift from his position at all. But that should be the goalkeepers job anyways, he should have told Ekong to move, Akpeyi should never be invited again

TheGoodJoe:

Caught out of position when he pressed in the middle. I think it was two or three. However, his brilliance and hardwork kept us in the game. He was outstanding even after we conceded.

Note, I said my man of the match. I know many will pick Victor Moses. Most writers will give it to Moses. But, Balogun was my man of the match.

well I will blame Onazi sha, the only strong point of his game was non-existent today. He wasn't doing a good job shielding the defence, neither was he pressing. When I said Ndidi is better than him, I was castigated, now we have seen it

TheGoodJoe:
Balogun:

What a player. So much confidence and belief in his ability. Aerial master class. Fast speed and amazing tackle. Unfair such a player is not in one of the top clubs.

Definitely my man of the match.

Nah, I saw him caught out of position a couple of times. My MOM is obviously Moses, followed by ETEBO!!! The guy was running for 90 mins, marking, fighting, pressing, hassling, everything! Echejile was ok, but Omeruo comes next for me before Balogun

tbaba1234:
Leon Balogun na Bus Stop.. I think we have a solid CB pairing... Weakness appeared in the centre of the pitch (midfield)... Mahrez was average... Elderson was solid.

but did you see how Ndidi corrected that Mistake? That boy is a baller

joseph1013:
Akpeyi was off his line and could not dive. The first attempt on goal for Algeria, the first goal. He's been shaking all day.

where was Onazi?

kingphilip:
Akpeyi o
Why why why

wetin concern Akpeyi? Where was Onazi?

Oasis007:
Perhaps it's you watching another Match?! He's no match to Brahimi! Akpeyi has zero confidence, we are simply lucky in the first Half. We would have conceded two Goals!

the first one was a mistake by Iheanacho. Omeruo has been fantastic today! He has chased Brahimi to the middle. And he is doing it alone, Iwobi isn't helping him at all, I wonder what else you want from your RB

Icon4s:
Come! Mikel snatch ur gal friend?

lol. I am rooting for a 3-0 win, no room for errors

Slimydude49:
we need a fast winger that as well cut in and score now that the Algerians are getting tired

till the 70th minute atleast

joseph1013:
Not really. If you notice, Etebo is the defensive partner of Onazi, which in itself is a masterpiece. Mikel is the one playing with Kelechi.

yes, fatigue has been catching up with Mikel sha, lack of game time, he started well but faded, leaving Nacho alone upfront

tbaba1234:
Mikel is Kelechi's support.
Onazi and Etebo are playing the anchor roles..

and we know Etebo could do that better. Meanwhile, Onazi hasn't been fantastic

Slimydude49:
Iwobi has to go now for kelechi to go back to supporting striker and maybe ighalo as top 9

iheanacho has to go, not Iwobi

joseph1013:
This is why I keep telling Goodjoe that Kelechi plays best as a SS. Lone striker will not bring the best out of him.

well, the fact that Etebo is playing too far away from him is not helping matters

Oasis007:
Omeruo is a complete useless Defender! Akpeyi is the biggest Fool ever liveth!

are u watching another match or it's sarcasm?!

Iheanacho has been shocking and Iwobi needs to go back to the left side as soon as possible, he is not helping Omeruo at all

joseph1013:
Did you see that move by Iwobi. Okocha-like!

but it was uncalled for, things like this incite violence

phamarsenal:
dis formation is a good formation dat plays to our strength but am not comfortable with echijile and iwobi on d flanks and I don't see why d young man is wasted there, we all know he is not a true winger. did man is a classic no 10, he is what we re looking for since d exit of okocha from dat position, and even for dis match in particular etebo would HV bn suited for dat role due to his strength and endless running up and down, he would help echijile deal with d rest of mahrez cos of his physique and stamina, unless etebo and iwobi will be interchanging positions which I hope to see, apart from dat d formation is d best we can offer at d moment, with d likes of ogu, musa, ighalo, and musa and even ideye. our bench is loaded with players with quality. goals shouldn't be a problem for dis team.

Iwobi plays as a side midfielder for Arsenal, specifically the left side, playing as a 10 is another thing. So where exactly did you see him playing as a 10?

So Ndidi is going to start as our RB, then that means Omeruo will start as a LB/CB hybrid. That means we play a 4-2-3-1 in possession and 3-4-3 when we lose possession. Mehn, Iwobi go hear am today. I would rather fancy Etebo as the LMF because he has the stamina to run up and down for 90 mins and the boy has got the pace too, I guess that's why he is going to start, fantastic decision by the coach. Now all we need is Leon and Ekong to turn to aerial monsters, cutting off every single long ball towards Slimani and we are good for the 3 points

What of someone who does not have his original jamb result with passport? Can the person apply with just the normal Jamb statement of result?

pelvicky:
Omeruo can't play@ LB, he lack positional sense, unless the coach will tell him not to get pass the half way line.


His career is still young, don't wanna imagine mahrez turning him inside out like hot amala fnr 90 minute.

Omeruo lacks positional sense?! Wow! tell me something I don't know

zicky:
what does his left or right have to do with the errors against Luxembourg, southAfrica n zambia. Omeruo should be move to the fullback(R or L) position.

simple. do you know why Mathieu is still a Barcelona player right now? because he is left footed. Omeruo isn't left footed yet he does manage to play on the left side of our defence because we have no other option. analyse the errors that he made. against Zambia, he could have cleared that ball with his right foot if the ball was coming in from his right, but since it was coming in from the left which is his weaker foot,he was caught in an awkward situation. against South Africa, I can remember one of the goals that Rantie out-muscled him, he was on the left side again and since he is right footed, he can't balance well with his right foot on the ground, let me explain well... if you are right footed, you tend to balance more on the ground with your left foot, when you study how to do long jumps, if you are right footed, you will be advised to take off with your left foot because you are always more balanced when you stand on your left foot and vice versa, so in these two cases he has a point to make which is why I am not surprised that the coach tried out Echejile as a CB, he is the only left footed defender we have but all these takes nothing away from Omeruo. when he was paired with Oboabona on the left, he was great, from the Afcon to the world cup.did he commit any error?

tbaba1234:
What happened against Luxemburg and Zambia? The man can be error prone.

Is Omeruo right footed or left-footed? Simple answer

TheSuperNerd:
https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AissaMandit5pTV3tY9_8m.jpg


We’ll get result against ‘quality’ Eagles,
says Algeria’s Mandi



Ahead of this weekend’s 2018 World Cup
qualifiers against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Algeria’s Aissa Mandi acknowledged the quality of the Super Eagles but boasted that they would surely get the needed result against the West African giant.


The Real Betis of Spain star told Lebuteur.com
that they would be coming to Nigeria to pick the
three maximum points in Uyo.


“Nigeria is a great team which has in its ranks,
players of quality who play in the biggest teams
of Europe. We know that this game will be
difficult and that it will be played on details. We
will go there with the ambition to get a good
result,” Mandi said.


The player is not giving up on Algeria’s chance of making it to Russia 2018 by saying,
“As always, the atmosphere is perfect in the group. We are preparing in good condition for this match against Nigeria and I can assure you that we will do everything possible to get a positive result there. We will go to Nigeria with a positive spirit and we will spare no effort to get the three points of this game,” he boasted.


“No, we are not back on the wall, for the simple
reason that there are still five games to play in
the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. We must not be
alarmed, because of this poor performance at
home against Cameroon. We will go to Nigeria
confident and with our weapons. I remain
convinced that we have the means to look for a
positive outcome there,” he added.


On the shaky defence of the Algerian side, Mandi said: “No, we must stop criticizing the defence. Football is a collective sport. We win together and we lose together. I think it was the whole team that was missing out on Cameroon, not just the defence. The state of mind within the team is very positive and I can assure you that there was never any problem between the players. All is well within the selection and it is in the most total serenity that we prepare this match against Nigeria. The players are aware of the task ahead and we will do everything possible to get a positive result.”


Source: http://thenationonlineng.net/well-get-result-quality-eagles-says-algerias-mandi/

Mandi sounds more like a girl's name. Aint going to have no problems running over these ladies

TheGoodJoe:


I do not disagree with your point. I just wanted you to understand my stance. I agree with you with Iwobi, Mikel and Iheanacho, we have enough fluidity to unlock tight defences. Having Onazi in the side gives Mikel the liberty to help support the build-up plays of the team.

However, I see the team moving towards a more possessive style as the players gel with the coach's philosophy.

simple. you see no matter how good your forward players are, if you defensive midfielder isn't pass-oriented you won't be able to keep possession for long. Madrid have Casemiro who isn't really a bad passer of the ball but he is limited nonetheless and it is quite evident that whenever Madrid play any top team, they give up the possession game for a more counter attacking approach. German teams do not play like that, if we want to keep possession, having just three people who can pass the ball well isn't enough and if we want to truly dominate, then a fourth passer is entirely necessary, don't know why this is so hard to push across

goldfish80:
Just like you've said khedira doesn't have good numbers when you zero in on his key passes per game.
His stats show he has good passing range over a short distant. You will be asking for trouble if you asked him to attempt passimg over a distance.

That's why am critical of his passing abilities. However, he is a good recycler of the ball and tries to keep it as simple as possible.
You know we are discussing Khedira because I likened him to Onazi bearing in mind Rohr employs the German 4-2-3-1 formation.

thank you! His short distance passes are okay, thats all I want you to understand . but the issue is that Onazi's basic passes and by that I mean short distance passes are poor, 75% isn't good at all and that too in the Turkish league alone.

Then we go to Ndidi, I know I have seen his stats, it's on Squawka but I don't know how to post pictures here, he is second only to one teammate of his that has an average pass completion percentage of 89, I think he is around that 85-86 mark and they too play a 4-2-3-1, funny right? I mean Genk o, and Ndidi is actually the midfielder who resembles more of a runner in that system, I have been saving this point for last and I do hope that you will go and check it and see that I am correct. That means that if we play Ndidi then we are basically telling him to continue doing what he does for his club and he is quite good at it, the best in belgium infact

goldfish80:
Their league position isnt so good. Frank De Boer tried to change their system close to what he used at Ajax.
If you watched their games you will notice they tried playing through the midfield with more possession. That's why players like Kondogbia couldn't cope with the demands of the system.
John Ogu dominated an inter midfield who were pass oriented like De Boer tried to coach them into.

the bold part answers your question. He tried and he was unsuccessful. Teams that play like Ajax( example Barcelona, Arsenal and Man city) are not poor teams, once you achieve that pressing uniformity, that team will be great but Inter is still piss poor, what does that mean? De Boer was unsuccessful and yes, he was sacked too, that sums up how good Inter are

goldfish80:
Of course a CM can have more touches than a DM. Carzola averages more touches than Couqline...
Charles Arangiuz has more touches than Julian for Bayern Leverkusen
Koke has more touches than Gabi at Athletico. Examples are too numerous to mention.

When you compare Khedira's passing quality with other top players in his position, you will see a deficiency.
When you compare his passing with a Toni Kross you will see a distinct difference. Its like comparing chalk and cheese.

I should have been more specific. In a counter attacking team, do you think it's possible? They usually by-pass their CMF and pull the ball to Di Maria for a quick counter, that does not take anything away from Khedira.

Before Casemiro came to Madrid, Kroos was their DMF so his passing stats were higher than Khedira's own. But when you compare Kroos' passing stats when Casemiro is in the team with that of Khedira, there is nothing between the two, we are talking of 87-88/89 so nothing special about it. You only see the distinction when you consider key passes, again, that's not what Khedira is employed to do.

goldfish80:
His league stats aren't available and I matched his stats at the Europa with that ot Ogu in the same competition.
Ogu played against Inter Milan. It hasn't been exactly a cake walk for him.

you just said it yourself. Inter Milan, what's their league position right now? They are not even in the top 10. Meanwhile, Ogu has also played a lower amount of minutes, notably, he didn't play the match against Southampton who really are the only true competitors in that group, so you see why his stats are up?

goldfish80:
Khedira is a good player. A good box to box midfielder. But creativity and passes isn't what his game is all about.
Khedira covers more kilometres than any other player at Real Madrid. His all action style endeared him to fans,not his play making or passing.
Alonso would have more touches on the ball and make more passes while Khedira will cover more kilometres. That's who they worked at Madrid.

you are twisting everything. Meanwhile Madrid then played a 4-3-3 and Di Maria covered the same amount of KMs if not more than Khedira used to do. Your point should be that Khedira is not known for his PLAYMAKING abilities not touches. His passes were good, they have always been good, but the number of chances he creates is poor, but that isn't his problem, he is tasked with winning the ball up the field and arriving late into the box to create a 3rd scorer formation where Di Maria moves to the wing to cross, Higuain stays in the middle and Ronaldo falls into the middle too giving Di Maria two targets, he(Khedira) arrives late without getting the attention of the defenders waiting to pounce on any loose ball, but that's by the way. I have already said that if we are playing a 4-3-3, his deficiences can be masked(Onazi) but since we aren't employing that tactics, it just won't work with him.

Also you didn't really think that a CMF would have more touches than a DMF? Not possible