lloydtruth:

I've watched both in their 2 matches, nothing like country pride, they think AFCON is a small tournament, and they are not giving their best.

" they think " how you know what they are thinking � ?AFCON is the biggest tournament in Africa. Professionals know the value of AFCON

komekn:


What makes your chosen player's the best ❓

I don't know if you have not noticed but football has progressed in the last two decades. Dribbling and playing to the gallery with skills and show boating will not get you anywhere. Ejuke is that type of player he may find it hard to go higher unless he changes..

However, end product, football intelligence, work rate, team discipline garnished with technical ability, skill and dribbling WILL get you FAR.

Considering Onyekuru club form it's not been great and or the league he is playing in Greek league rated 20 in Europe.

On the other hand Onyekuru has had some very good multi million £ transfer. From Everton to Monaco to Olympiacos. He must have made millions but his club performance are not good. Although he is laughing all the way to the bank.


.

Yes, Ejuke is the third best dribbler in the world according to CIES football observatory, and the seventh fastest player according to fifa 22, but i tell you that if those are all he brings to his game, i will not rate him.

I hope you know that no player in S.E is as technical as Ejuke. I am talking about a forward that drops deep to carry the ball. Ball carrying and holding on to the ball are some of his strong points. You can study his heat map to ascertain what i am saying.

Aside Olayinka no other forward is better than Ejuke at man marking, combined with his speed, Ejuke becomes a very good tool at the high pressing game.

Having you taken time to study Ejuke's passing accuracy and long balls. He passes with good accuracy.

As far as game tactics is concerned, tactically he is one of best, if not the best in the crop. I am still working on this aspect, i can tell you that he is better than Iwobi, Simon and Chukwueze, but i can't really say for Olayinka and Onyekuru, that's why i said that i am still working on this aspect.

Concerning Onyekuru, no winger in the current crop is better at finishing, he is very skillful, I don't really want to go into Onyekuru's style of play, but you might get it wrong many times if you continue to judge a player's quality by the club the player plays for, or by the woes he has been through at his club.

samtol4:
" they think " how you know what they are thinking � ?AFCON is the biggest tournament in Africa. Professionals know the value of AFCON

I wonder o. If even Eto took Afcon serious in his days then why not Mahrez?

lloydtruth:
Trust me Salah and Mahrez don't want to be in this AFCON. They both want to be eliminated and return back to their clubs.

Salah and Mahrez didn’t wanna be in this afcon ?

Mahrez wey pep no too send

Linus mbappe

andrewbaba44:


Salah and Mahrez didn’t wanna be in this afcon ?

Mahrez wey pep no too send

Linus mbappe

Commot that too

See, I am expecting blood, sweat and a lot of tears

safarigirl:
Algerian women are on Twitter Space talking about Mahrez cheating on his ex-wife and how Allah is punishing him and the team for the relationship

And allah didn’t punish them when they won the last afcon ,or maybe he hasn’t cheated on his wife when

Allah should Kuku punish mancity and stop them from winning the epl ,after all Raheem sterling got 3 baby mamas

Surebaba01:


Commot that too

andrewbaba44:


And allah didn’t punish them when they won the last afcon ,or maybe he hasn’t cheated on his wife when

Allah should Kuku punish mancity and stop them from winning the epl ,after all Raheem sterling got 3 baby mamas

Surebaba01:
chidozieAina are you there

I'm not happy ��

Surebaba01:

Na now the thing dey click for them, shebi they have been shouting 'unbeaten record' since?

Who no know go think say dem dey win games, instead, na draw everywhere

Seeing all these giant-slaying, Ivory, Algeria Eguavoen might just decide to opt for his trusted comrades from the start against Guinea-Bissau.

mostob:
before the AFCON, we already debated on this but the fact that people like you were already against the lad from the onset will make you turn a blind eyes to what he offers. To your question, Onyeka is capable of playing as a DM and as an 8. In the current SE squad, if Ndidi is out, he will be the undisputed DM to start. This is to tell you he is here to deputise for Ndidi and can also slot in as a CM or B2B in case there is need for it.
Must there be a need for back up before Nwakali is called up? Rohr listed only 3 pure midfielders in the squad so why was it a crime to call up Nwakali when the opportunity showed up?

Because in the first instance , selection to the SE is and should be based on outstanding consistent top level performance in your club and league. He absolutely none of these things.

In the second instance playing Midfield is not a "straight jacket" it's not about being rigid but fluid and adaptable.

Finally, there are no too many Nigerian players that are doing way better than him in better leagues and clubs.

andrewbaba44:


And allah didn’t punish them when they won the last afcon ,or maybe he hasn’t cheated on his wife when

Allah should Kuku punish mancity and stop them from winning the epl ,after all Raheem sterling got 3 baby mamas

Actually two that I know of one in Manchester and ifn one in Liverpool. The one in Liverpool is about 3/4 years older than him and is a calculating scheming stret wise &&&& that enticed him when he was barely 17.

Icon4s:

Wrong. They crashed out of the group stage in 1992 and not 1994.

For Nigeria:
After winning in 1980, we crashed out at the group stage in 1982.
After winning in 1994 we didn't participate in 1996 due to diplomatic issues with South Africa.
After winning in 2013 we didn't qualify for 2015.

For Ghana:
After winning in 1982 they crashed out at the group stage in 1984.

For Egypt:
After winning in 1986, they crashed out at the group stage in 1988.

For Cameroon: after winning in 1988 they crashed out at the group stage in 1990

For Zambia: after winning in 2012, they crashed out at the group stage in 2013

For Ivory coast: after winning in 2015 they crashed out at group stage in 2017.

These are the ones I can point out from off my fingers with certainty.

Others like:
Tunisia after winning in 1978 didn't do well in 1980

Cameroon after winning in 1984 didn't do well in 1986.

So this has been a trend, probably complacency from the defending champions.

Very true all the stats abive, but Egypt wom back to back and SA got to the finals in 98 after winning in 96.

Algeria is done!

TheSuperNerd:


In the second half, watch. It was no longer them sending long balls. The ball distribution responsibility fell to Nwakali who dropped deeper and allowed Ndidi even venture forward a few times..

Agreed. Nwakali is the best Nigeria has to offer when it comes long-rangers.

Napoleon55:

3rd loser from group B have to b considered first,
before Algeria's group then group F

Winner Group D vs 3rd Group B/E/F at Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua

The team we meet depends on arrangement of the best looser (ie group they come from). See attached picture.

We are most likely playing 3rd place team in group E or F. Probability if meeting group B team is 1/15 while E is 7/15 and F is 7/15.

komekn:


Wow to even make the suggestion means you really have no idea.

Now you know that Africa is different from EPL. Salah and Egypt performance during the qualifiers wasn't spectacular!

fabyom:
I know! But there is no way we will lose to Egypt! Egypt needs the point more than we do. Algeria and Tunisia are within our reach too! The AFCON will separate the boys from the men. There will be time for full in-house training! The Super Eagles is more than capable with or without Osi. Desser, Awo, Okereke, Moffi, Dennis, and Paul are capable!

I said it!

fabyom:
I think we need a midfielder like Watford's Louza! What a player! Dennis and Oshimen partnership will be fireeeeee!! I don't want to ever see Musa and Shehu in our National team ever again! Ighalo, Collins should go and rest. Bring in Dennis, Awo, Okereke, Bassey and Desser to bring life to the team

Aribo our Louza!! Fireboy!

fabyom:
The only good team Algeria played is Burkina Faso and they struggled badly! Algeria's team lacks depth. This is a fact! The SE has the ammunition but a very stupid coach. What is the purpose of playing Iheanacho when we need someone that can put pressure on the defense through dribbling? Iheanacho is a bad footballer and Rodgers knows!

Iheanacho is improving but still needs to do more! Many people didn't even watch the qualifiers but will be arguing with you based on past reputation. You don see Algeria now!

Meliforme:


Yes, Ejuke is the third best dribbler in the world according to CIES football observatory, and the seventh fastest player according to fifa 22, but i tell you that if those are all he brings to his game, then i will not rate him.

I hope you know that no player in S.E is as technical as Ejuke. I am talking about a forward that drops deep to carry the ball. Ball carrying and holding on to the ball is one of his strong points. You can study his heat map to ascertain what i am saying.

Aside Olayinka no other forward is better than Ejuke at man marking, combined with his speed, Ejuke becomes a very good tool at the high pressing game.

Having you taken time to study Ejuke's passing accuracy and long balls. He passes with good accuracy.

As far as game tactics is concerned, tactically he is one of best, if not the best in the crop. I am still working on this aspect, i can tell you that he is better than Iwobi, Simon and Chukwueze, but i can't really say for Olayinka and Onyekuru, that's why i said that i am still working on this aspect.

Concerning Onyekuru, no winger in the current crop is better at finishing, he is very skillful, I don't really want to go into Onyekuru's style of play, but you might get it wrong many times if you continue to judge a player's quality by the club the player plays for, or by the woes he has been through at his club.

Ejuke is a secret weapon in Eguavons arsenal. He can be a game changer

safarigirl:
See, I am expecting blood, sweat and a lot of tears

@safari, please drop the link to the Algerian fan page... I want to feel their ranting and tears �

Lolz

Meanwhile Jordan ibe is close in joining Turkish second division side

realpoacher:


@safari, please drop the link to the Algerian fan page... I want to feel their ranting and tears �

Lolz

You go fit read Arabic or French ?

Algeria's Struggles: A Lesson

Before the tournament, we had to give Algeria their respect as Champions but I recall indeed agreeing that Algeria's fall is possible especially after they had been held by Burkina Faso in the Qualifiers last year.

Truth is, I just knew they won't be able to repeat their triumph in Cameroun like they pulled off back in 2019 because of certain factors.

They were one shock game away from falling but never did I think that it would be Equatorial Guinea that would pull it off.
Algeria did fight and had chances to score but you see, that bit of luck has eluded them so far.

The African Champions yet to score at the Afcon. How ironic. How strange yet not so surprising when you consider how they have struggled against some of Africa's mid-powers like Zimbabwe (2-2 in harare) and most especially the team that held them to a standstill TWICE. Home and away. Burkina Faso (2-2 away & 1-1 at home).


Algeria's fall came through because of one mentality which prevented them from making the needed tactical switches/changes that would have enabled them refresh and upgrade.

They stuck to a big majority of the team of won them the Afcon title in 2019 even when it was clear a few of them were not in form.

Djamel Belmadi is a fine coach but I guess even he fell for this and misapplied the "You don't change a winning team" mentality.

There are times to change or shake up a little what worked before in order to get results. I mean, it's been 2 yrs+. Even Spain changed/shook up a few things to its core and twitched tactics a little to win the WC 2 yrs later and the Euros four years later all after their Euros conquest in 2008.

Algeria has an Adem Zorgane coming into this tournament. An inform bonafide MF Playmaker adept at contributing strongly in defensive phases as well. Ramiz Zerrouki is another who could pair either of Bennacer or Zorgane.

I spoke about both players after the Ghana game where Algeria extended their unbeaten run to 34 Pre-Afcon, earlier this month. The effortless form both showed in that game vs Partey & Ghana made me envy the depth in Algeria's Midfield but so far, none of them has been used at this Afcon.

Imagine my surprise when I saw that. Well, not saying these 2 lads are the sole reason Algeria have struggled but the rigidity of Belmadi in sticking to the old guard is clearly affecting the team.

Belaili is another core member of the side. He has created the most chances at this Afcon so far but none have turned into a goal. Why haven't the coach seen the need to put a little trust in some fresh legs who could offer new dynamism? Lads like Said Benrahma.


Anyway, the point is simple. Keeping a winning side is good but beware of its limitations. If that winning side is not tactically flexible enough to keep pulling out those results then a little shakeup that will tactically/technically elevate things won't hurt.

Belmadi failed to spot the expiry date signs of his own team. A team he built. This is because he put too much trust. Wayyyy too much trust in his core even when the core was beginning to show signs of rust and wear.

Now it's true a couple of us saw their downfall coming from various degrees of observation angles. A few were strongly certain. Few were hinging on the possibility of a shock. Few more were cautious but didn't rule it out.

I personally was expecting their fall using terms like "it's very possible for them to be shocked going by some results in recent times for them" but I still gave them my respect as Champions.

But some expected Algeria to defend their title. Cameroun 2021 must be a wakeup call to these lots.

Algeria's struggles should not just be an opportunity to mock or laugh at how a Giant is fallen or how right we were at any level to see or predict their fall.

I say it is a lesson. A lesson that even we and our Darling Super Eagles must take to heart.

Yes, in some instances, you don't change a winning team. But sometimes, you do to shake things up and keep things fresher and ahead of the game.

With that said.... Bissau will be coming for blood. We must be ready. Eguavoen should make his selection based on who is mentally ready to keep our momentum going strong. And if the first XI can still do it. Then stick with them. But be mindful, be keenly observant to notice even the slightest drop in focus and form so that we don't spoil the good work we are doing at this Afcon.

Selah.

Samueltemi337:
Malawi are playing against Senegal


Do you think they can get a draw?

Even if they lose to Senegal, the 3pts they have might just be enough.

JohnBullMySon:
If they lose thats all for them. Even if they come third, they'll never qualify with 2 points

Modified; Just remembered they won their first game.

Algeria drew their first game, only CIV won

Eguavon to Punch newspaper:

We banked on players that knew themselves. Everybody in this team has a chance to play in this tournament, so with qualification secured, we will be giving some players the opportunity to play in the next game.

TheSuperNerd:
Algeria's Struggles: A Lesson

Before the tournament, we had to give Algeria their respect as Champions but I recall indeed agreeing that Algeria's fall is possible especially after they had been held by Burkina Faso in the Qualifiers last year.

Truth is, I just knew they won't be able to repeat their triumph in Cameroun like they pulled off back in 2019 because of certain factors.

They were one shock game away from falling but never did I think that it would be Equatorial Guinea that would pull it off.
Algeria did fight and had chances to score but you see, that bit of luck has eluded them so far.

The African Champions yet to score at the Afcon. How ironic. How strange yet not so surprising when you consider how they have struggled against some of Africa's mid-powers like Zimbabwe (2-2 in harare) and most especially the team that held them to a standstill TWICE. Home and away. Burkina Faso (2-2 away & 1-1 at home).


Algeria's fall came through because of one mentality which prevented them from making the needed tactical switches/changes that would have enabled them refresh and upgrade.

They stuck to a big majority of the team of won them the Afcon title in 2019 even when it was clear a few of them were not in form.

Djamel Belmadi is a fine coach but I guess even he fell for this and misapplied the "You don't change a winning team" mentality.

There are times to change or shake up a little what worked before in order to get results. I mean, it's been 2 yrs+. Even Spain changed/shook up a few things to its core and twitched tactics a little to win the WC 2 yrs later and the Euros four years later all after their Euros conquest in 2008.

Algeria has an Adem Zorgane coming into this tournament. An inform bonafide MF Playmaker adept at contributing strongly in defensive phases as well. Ramiz Zerrouki is another who could pair either of Bennacer or Zorgane.

I spoke about both players after the Ghana game where Algeria extended their unbeaten run to 34 Pre-Afcon, earlier this month. The effortless form both showed in that game vs Partey & Ghana made me envy the depth in Algeria's Midfield but so far, none of them has been used at this Afcon.

Imagine my surprise when I saw that. Well, not saying these 2 lads are the sole reason Algeria have struggled but the rigidity of Belmadi in sticking to the old guard is clearly affecting the team.

Belaili is another core member of the side. He has created the most chances at this Afcon so far but none have turned into a goal. Why haven't the coach seen the need to put a little trust in some fresh legs who could offer new dynamism? Lads like Said Benrahma.


Anyway, the point is simple. Keeping a winning side is good but beware of its limitations. If that winning side is not tactically flexible enough to keep pulling out those results then a little shakeup that will tactically/technically elevate things won't hurt.

Belmadi failed to spot the expiry date signs of his own team. A team he built. This is because he put too much trust. Wayyyy too much trust in his core even when the core was beginning to show signs of rust and wear.

Now it's true a couple of us saw their downfall coming from various degrees of observation angles. A few were strongly certain. Few were hinging on the possibility of a shock. Few more were cautious but didn't rule it out.

I personally was expecting their fall using terms like "it's very possible for them to be shocked going by some results in recent times for them" but I still gave them my respect as Champions.

But some expected Algeria to defend their title. Cameroun 2021 must be a wakeup call to these lots.

Algeria's struggles should not just be an opportunity to mock or laugh at how a Giant is fallen or how right we were at any level to see or predict their fall.

I say it is a lesson. A lesson that even we and our Darling Super Eagles must take to heart.

Yes, in some instances, you don't change a winning team. But sometimes, you do to shake things up and keep things fresher and ahead of the game.

With that said.... Bissau will be coming for blood. We must be ready. Eguavoen should make his selection based on who is mentally ready to keep our momentum going strong. And if the first XI can still do it. Then stick with them. But be mindful, be keenly observant to notice even the slightest drop in focus and form so that we don't spoil the good work we are doing at this Afcon.

Selah.

I had also warned about the fall of this Algerian team when majority were tagging them favorites.

If you have followed the AFCON well enough you will understand so many things about African football.
Like i have always mentioned, book favorite and pre-tournament form can hardly win you the AFCON. We only know the favorites after the tournament has kicked off.

BTW where is that darkelf guy? I hope with this additional AFCON experience in your bag, you have come to understand a little more about African football .
And what is even more worrisome is how you usually come here to predict all sorts of doom for Nigeria, when you think we are not in good form before any tournament but will as usual varnish when our team disappoints you. What pleasure do you derive in wishing your country fails?