₦airaland Forum

That's the language Nigerians always use which breeds a sense of entitlement.
The players should be picked on MERIT only! If their level of performance (at the time of selection) warrants they should be in the SF squad, then great.
Nobody needs to be 'drafted'.

solonnachi:
NFF must invest in the youthful players and bring them on. Players like Nicole Payne, Peace Efih, Flourish Sebastian, Esther Onyenezide, Ajakaiye etc[b] should all be drafted into the Super Falcons[/b] after this world cup no matter the outcome

Unfortunately, Nicole was unable to make the last 5 matches of the SF and therefore was rightfully dropped.
There is absolutely no doubt that IF her move to PSG comes to fruition and she proves herself and becomes a regular member of the PSG team, her place as SF right back will be on lockdown. No doubt!
It would have been unfair on Glory Ogbonna to miss out, since she was present for those 5 matches.

Now, if the idiots at the NFF had indeed organized the camp in Nigeria and Nicole was present, she would have very likely displaced Ogbonna and made the team (based on her performance at USC in the NCAA D1 season.

Deltamani:
We all will say the Coaches knows best YES I AGREE but Randy decision not to go with Nicole Payne really bothers me, I see a lot of talent in her, You know how demanding it’s right now for Full Backs as far as the modern game is concerned..

Nicole should be the quickest FB in the team, her burst of pace going forward is really something the Coaches really need to take advantage of just like what Selma Bacha is doing for Lyon, I remember when she ran with the ball from defense to the Canadian box during the friendly game, even though Onumonu couldn’t anticipate the final pace but that was a great one from her.

Deltamani:
We all will say the Coaches knows best YES I AGREE but Randy decision not to go with Nicole Payne really bothers me, I see a lot of talent in her, You know how demanding it’s right now for Full Backs as far as the modern game is concerned..

Nicole should be the quickest FB in the team, her burst of pace going forward is really something the Coaches really need to take advantage of just like what Selma Bacha is doing for Lyon, I remember when she ran with the ball from defense to the Canadian box during the friendly game, even though Onumonu couldn’t anticipate the final pace but that was a great one from her.

Like AkinDS rightly noted, I think he stuck with Ogbonna on principle. Nicole hasn't been a part of the team for quite some time, and with the absence of a pre-australia camp, he stuck mostly with those who were a part of previous camps. I think the only exceptions made were Oluehi, Ordega and partly Oparanozie who featured only in the last friendly. It was exactly easier to pick them as they weren't necessarily displacing an integral member of the team.

Nigeria: Five players to watch

A girl with blue hair, a 40-year-old, the record five-time African Female Footballer of the Year and former USA youth international feature.

Barcelona star Oshoala spearheads Nigeria attack
Defender Ebi set for sixth Women's World Cup campaign
FIFA also shines spotlight on Payne, Ajibade and Kanu
The Super Falcons landed in the group of death. Olympic queens Canada, co-hosts Australia and a reinforced Republic of Ireland await for Nigeria. Yet their poster girl believes they can escape the pool, win a knockout-phase game for the first time ever, and even go on to lift the trophy at Stadium Australia.

Asisat Oshoala is not the only intoxicating talent at Randy Waldrum’s disposal. FIFA looks at five players who could help Nigeria check their towering targets.

Onome Ebi
Position: Centre-back
Date of birth: 8 May 1983

One of the storylines of this competition could be two 40-year-olds doing battle in Melbourne: Ebi and Canada forward Christine Sinclair. “It would be very exciting for both players and fans,” said Waldrum. “You see them still playing at a high level.”

Ebi remains as fundamental to the Super Falcons going into her sixth Women’s World Cup as she ever has been. A rock at the back and an immeasurable influence on those around her, she has also developed into an attacking threat from set-pieces.


Toni Payne
Position: Full-back, midfielder or winger
Date of birth: 22 April 1995

Born in Birmingham, Alabama to Nigerian parents, Payne thrived for USA at various youth levels before switching allegiance in 2021. “She’s versatile, good technically, a clever player,” said Waldrum of the Duke University graduate whom he has deployed at right-back, left-back and in central midfield. It’s in the latter role that the Sevilla player is expected to operate Down Under.


Rasheedat Ajibade
Position: Attacking midfielder or deep-lying forward
Date of birth: 9 October 1994

She champions herself as ‘The Girl With The Blue Hair’, but Ajibade also stands out with her dazzling feet. The Atletico Madrid playmaker, indeed, won the maiden edition of the Nigerian Freestyle Championship and boasts a seldom capacity to pirouette her way out of impossible situations. One of the most complete players in Africa, Ajibade also wins tackles and makes interceptions.

“She’s the type of player everyone wants on their team,” said Waldrum. “Very talented and a winner.”


Asisat Oshoala
Position: Forward
Date of birth: 9 October 1994

Africa’s all-time female GOAT is dreaming big. “Who says Nigeria can’t win it?” Oshoala said of their title chances.

That towering target will rely abundantly on the record five-time CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year. Strong and skilful, equally adept with her back to goal as she is at unleashing bullet shots, Oshoala incredibly has averaged around a goal a game during four-and-a-half seasons at Barcelona, helping them win two UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues.

Nigeria must first attempt to escape an extremely tough group, before striving to win a knockout-phase game at the Women’s World Cup for the first time. As Waldrum puts it, however, “When you have Oshoala, you have a chance against any team.”

Uchenna Kanu
Position: Forward or winger
Date of birth: 20 June 1997

“She’s a really good player,” Waldrum said of the rapid, unpredictable talent. The American coach is nevertheless faced with a Kanu dilemma: “She’s been more effective for us when she’s come off the bench. That’s not to say she won’t start at the World Cup – obviously she has the talent for that. But she’s had a big impact on games when she steps in off the bench.”

Kanu has a penchant for coming up with crucial goals, and a switch to Racing Louisville for the NWSL 2023 has helped the Abia native polish her game.

Deltamani:
Again I just hope she will be able to deal with the pressure of Playing at the Biggest stage of Women Football. Onyi Echegini is a complete baller, the Energy, pace, Strength, skills, mentality, Passes and many more are there… I know the experience isn’t there yet.


Again Nigerian are waiting to see how she delivers as her name have been ringing as the one or should I say one of those who replaced experienced Ngozi Okobi..

I think it boils down to who Randy plays with her. I really do hope he plays Toni Payne in the Middle with Onyi, it will hopefully help her settle in and play better

lovewins:
I think it boils down to who Randy plays with her. I really do hope he plays Toni Payne in the Middle with Onyi, it will hopefully help her settle in and play better

Yeah yeah… Tony Payne is well disciplined with the Ball, as she’s an excellent ball carrier! Since Halimatu Ayinde and Rash are out of the first game, it’s pretty certain that the midfield trio’s would be Ucheibe, Payne and Echegini.

AkinDS:
You forgot to mention she has the lungs of a horse.
Was watching the SF matches against Costa Rica and New Zealand again over the weekend and that girl covered literarily every blade of grass on the field. Left channel, right channel, center, defense, attack, back and forth, nonstop. Her level of coverage is scary.
Wish her all the very best!

You’re spot on, How will this trio fair in the absence of Halima who should arguably be Randy no.1 Defensive Midfielder? Ucheibe is more than Up to the task! But again Won’t Randy push T Payne back to the Defense? Don’t think so since Rash isn’t available

I do see Echegini as player with Pogba Physical attributes and the ball sense of Kevin De Bruyne..!

AkinDS:
Unfortunately, Nicole was unable to make the last 5 matches of the SF and therefore was rightfully dropped.
There is absolutely no doubt that IF her move to PSG comes to fruition and she proves herself and becomes a regular member of the PSG team, her place as SF right back will be on lockdown. No doubt!
It would have been unfair on Glory Ogbonna to miss out, since she was present for those 5 matches.

Now, if the idiots at the NFF had indeed organized the camp in Nigeria and Nicole was present, she would have very likely displaced Ogbonna and made the team (based on her performance at USC in the NCAA D1 season.

With that said Nicole Payne is a better Player than Glory Ogbonna in all aspects, Glory can’t match Nicole (Athleticism) pace, skills and ball sense. Randy again have always played Nicole from the Left which surprises me the most whereas she plays majorly from the Right at West Virginia Mountaineers and USC in the NCAA D1..

Let’s wait and see what the Pro life gets to offer!

lovewins:
Like AkinDS rightly noted, I think he stuck with Ogbonna on principle. Nicole hasn't been a part of the team for quite some time, and with the absence of a pre-australia camp, he stuck mostly with those who were a part of previous camps. I think the only exceptions made were Oluehi, Ordega and partly Oparanozie who featured only in the last friendly. It was exactly easier to pick them as they weren't necessarily displacing an integral member of the team.

I don’t even see Glory getting a game time over there in Australia, I would rather have Tony moved to the FB position if need be in the absence of Imuran.. or switch to 3 CB.. and play with Wing backs where Alozie, Imuran, Payne and Ordega can blossom with their speed.

I am surprised at the questions you have asked.
Barring injuries, save for Onome Ebi (replaced by Ohale), Halimatu (replaced by Ucheibe) and Rash (replaced by Kanu), the starting 11 will be the same starting lineup we all saw against New Zealand.

Deltamani:
You’re spot on, How will this trio fair in the absence of Halima who should arguably be Randy no.1 Defensive Midfielder? Ucheibe is more than Up to the task! [b]But again Won’t Randy push T Payne back to the Defense? [/b]Don’t think so since Rash isn’t available

I do see Echegini as player with Pogba Physical attributes and the ball sense of Kevin De Bruyne..!

Tough task for Randy Waldrum picking his front 3??

We all knows Esther Okoronkwo and Oparanozie are sure starter’s for the first game but who’s the 3rd with Rash out.

Desire Oparanozie, Uchenna Kanu or Franny Ordega??

(LW) Fransisca Ordega … Sub (Kanu in for Ordega)
(RW) Esther Okoronkwo Sub ( Oparanozie in for Esther with Oshoala moving to the Flank.
(CF) Asisat Oshoala

I can bring in Onumonu during 80+ to kill of game

Monday Gift?? 😂😹😂😂😹🧐

Big Job for Randy Waldrum

Deltamani:
Yeah yeah… Tony Payne is well disciplined with the Ball, as she’s an excellent ball carrier! Since Halimatu Ayinde and Rash are out of the first game, it’s pretty certain that the midfield trio’s would be Ucheibe, Payne and Echegini.

He should please not play Rash in the middle. Stick her to the wings. Rash is a terrible ball carrier. She holds on to the ball unnecessarily and bows to pressure almost always losing the ball. He should work strictly with Onyi, Payne, Ayinde, Debbie and Ucheibe in the middle. If at all Rash would be considered she should play closer to the attack, more like an AM.

AkinDS:
I am surprised at the questions you have asked.
Barring injuries, save for Onome Ebi (replaced by Ohale), Halimatu (replaced by Ucheibe) and Rash (replaced by Kanu), the starting 11 will be the same starting lineup we all saw against New Zealand.

You already know the answers though was just trying to create a debate and get to see people’s ideas on what to do..

Okay okay we should be having something like this

Gk— Chiamaka Nnadozie

DF— Alozie, Ohale, Plumptre, Imuran

MF— Ucheibe, T Payne, Echegini

FW— Esther, Oshoala, Ordega(Kanu)


Randy will likely get Kanu off the bench though (75%)

I think Ashleigh will do fine at left-back also, as she has a better defensive mindset in comparison to Payne. Also, Imuran should be fine. She seems to have matured and her confidence has improved over the last couple of months, especially since she became a started at Stade Reims towards the end of the season.

I believe we should be okay overall. My key concern is Oshoala - she is quite injury prone and her absence inn the starting lineup could be an issue, as it will be one less problem for our opponents to be concerned about.

Deltamani:
I don’t even see Glory getting a game time over there in Australia, I would rather have Tony moved to the FB position if need be in the absence of Imuran.. or switch to 3 CB.. and play with Wing backs where Alozie, Imuran, Payne and Ordega can blossom with their speed.

Deltamani:
Tough task for Randy Waldrum picking his front 3??

We all knows Esther Okoronkwo and Oparanozie are sure starter’s for the first game but who’s the 3rd with Rash out.

Desire Oparanozie, Uchenna Kanu or Franny Ordega??

(LW) Fransisca Ordega … Sub (Kanu in for Ordega)
(RW) Esther Okoronkwo Sub ( Oparanozie in for Esther with Oshoala moving to the Flank.
(CF) Asisat Oshoala

I can bring in Onumonu during 80+ to kill of game

Monday Gift?? 😂😹😂😂😹🧐

Big Job for Randy Waldrum

I really do not think Desire will start. If Asisat is declared match fit she will start with Esther and Kanu on wings.

We'll have Onyi and Ucheibe in the Middle while Alozie and Payne/Imuran plays as Full backs.

Ohale, Demehin and Ashleigh at the back.

Funny thing is, we have the biggest chance of beating Canada. Their camp is also somewhat in disarray and we can take advantage of that. Also remember, they were lucky to get a draw in our second game against them while playing at home with a depleted falcons team. If we really set out hearts to it we'll defeat Canada. I'm calling it now.

lovewins:
He should please not play Rash in the middle. Stick her to the wings. Rash is a terrible ball carrier. She holds on to the ball unnecessarily and bows to pressure almost always losing the ball. He should work strictly with Onyi, Payne, Ayinde, Debbie and Ucheibe in the middle. If at all Rash would be considered she should play closer to the attack, more like an AM.

Ball hugging Ball hugging Rash🤗

Esther Okoronkwo is more than capable to take on her opponents in 1V1.. Talking about the 1st game, A Combination of a play making winger like Ordega would be better as she can do the job of drawing the Canadian Fullback to herself and also delivers excellent balls into the box!

Oopps! My bad. No vex

On a more serious note, the good thing is it looks like Halimatu and Rash are only going to miss ONE game (based on what Randy said during his interview). If true, that is great news!!

Deltamani:
You already know the answers though was just trying to create a debate and get to see people’s ideas on what to do..

Okay okay we should be having something like this

Gk— Chiamaka Nnadozie

DF— Alozie, Ohale, Plumptre, Imuran

MF— Ucheibe, T Payne, Echegini

FW— Esther, Oshoala, Ordega(Kanu)


Randy will likely get Kanu off the bench though (75%)

AkinDS:
I think Ashleigh will do fine at left-back also, as she has a better defensive mindset in comparison to Payne. Also, Imuran should be fine. She seems to have matured and her confidence has improved over the last couple of months, especially since she became a started at Stade Reims towards the end of the season.

I believe we should be okay overall. My key concern is Oshoala - she is quite injury prone and her absence inn the starting lineup could be an issue, as it will be one less problem for our opponents to be concerned about.

Exactly, Only the name Asisat Oshoala is already problematic for our opponents, She’s the Star of the team and no.1 in Africa at Large.

AkinDS:
Oopps! My bad. No vex

On a more serious note, the good thing is it looks like Halimatu and Rash are only going to miss ONE game (based on what Randy said during his interview). If true, that is great news!!

I was thinking it was 3 games though, but it look like just two games. The Zambia game and Canada!

AkinDS:
Oopps! My bad. No vex

On a more serious note, the good thing is it looks like Halimatu and Rash are only going to miss ONE game (based on what Randy said during his interview). If true, that is great news!!

Yes. They missed the 3rd place match against Zambia. So they have just one game left.

AkinDS:
I think Ashleigh will do fine at left-back also, as she has a better defensive mindset in comparison to Payne. Also, Imuran should be fine. She seems to have matured and her confidence has improved over the last couple of months, especially since she became a started at Stade Reims towards the end of the season.

I believe we should be okay overall. My key concern is Oshoala - she is quite injury prone and her absence inn the starting lineup could be an issue, as it will be one less problem for our opponents to be concerned about.

No no no, I wouldn’t move Ashleigh to the Left, her best performance comes from the CB, Left footed Center Backs are very good at Ball playing. We all know she’s average at Speed but positionally and her tactical awareness of the game plays in her favour.! She have also improved a lot in her physical side of the game, she isn’t someone you can bully except u’re Desire Oparanozie 😂😹

lovewins:
I really do not think Desire will start. If Asisat is declared match fit she will start with Esther and Kanu on wings.

We'll have Onyi and Ucheibe in the Middle while Alozie and Payne/Imuran plays as Full backs.

Ohale, Demehin and Ashleigh at the back.

Funny thing is, we have the biggest chance of beating Canada. Their camp is also somewhat in disarray and we can take advantage of that. Also remember, they were lucky to get a draw in our second game against them while playing at home with a depleted falcons team. If we really set out hearts to it we'll defeat Canada. I'm calling it now.

Our game against Canada 🇨🇦 is 50/50 anybody can win. We know each other very well, just that of recent we refused to improve while they were doing so.

Anyway they will be facing almost or should I say 40% different team, with Ohale, Esther, Oshoala, Imuran in into the Starting 11… Them get Luck say Halimatu nor da available!
I know so well that Kadeisha Buchanan go rush go Mark Oshoala for sure..
We know how to Play host at the World Cup, if we’re to lose to Australia it won’t be more than 1nil.

Deltamani:
No no no, I wouldn’t move Ashleigh to the Left, her best performance comes from the CB, Left footed Center Backs are very good at Ball playing. We all know she’s average at Speed but positionally and her tactical awareness of the game plays in her favour.! She have also improved a lot in her physical side of the game, she isn’t someone you can bully except u’re Desire Oparanozie 😂😹

I agree. Ashleigh is one of the best ball playing CB we have. Playing her as a left back is a disadvantage especially with he speed deficiency. I'll rather sit Demehin on the bench and play Ohale and Plumtre instead of taking her to the left.

SAFA vice president Bennet Bailey explains their side of the story.

The @SAFA_net Vice-President!! 👇🏾👇🏾

I've got a gazillion questions about this!!

Thoughts pliz!! pic.twitter.com/FopM3uYh5G

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 4, 2023

naptu2:
SAFA vice president Bennet Bailey explains their side of the story.

The @SAFA_net Vice-President!! 👇🏾👇🏾

I've got a gazillion questions about this!!

Thoughts pliz!! pic.twitter.com/FopM3uYh5G

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 4, 2023

Listened to it a while back. I think the VP is being smart by half. His aim is to sway public opinion against the players by labeling them as money grabbers and unpatriotic.

FIFA's allotment to players aside, football associations should have agreed match bonuses for players. You don't hide under FIFA's benevolence and claim "No money". Even if what the players have requested is out of reach, what exactly is your counter offer to them? Our NFF will probably toll same line and probably not have match bonuses for the ladies.

SAFA vp states that are the demands of the players

Deltamani:
You all should take note of Rofiat Imuran at the World Cup too, that girl is one for the Future…!!

Gk- Chiamaka Nnadozie

DF- Blessing Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Akudo Ogbonna, Onyi Zogg, Nicole Payne, Chidinma Okeke

MF- Christy Ucheibe, Onyi Echegini, Peace Efih, Deborah Abeodun, Esther Onyenezide

AT- Rash Ajibade, Monday Gift, Maclean Chinonyerem, Anam IMO, Flourish Sabastine, etc are certainly for the future as they’re all below 24 except Onyi Zogg

We still competition for Chiamaka Nnadozie

Taiwo Afolabi and Ezinne Kalu too.

lovewins:
He should please not play Rash in the middle. Stick her to the wings. Rash is a terrible ball carrier. She holds on to the ball unnecessarily and bows to pressure almost always losing the ball. He should work strictly with Onyi, Payne, Ayinde, Debbie and Ucheibe in the middle. If at all Rash would be considered she should play closer to the attack, more like an AM.

Rash is actually good in Midfield. Better in the middle than in the wide role. Her problem has been lack of discipline and decision making. Even on the wing sef, she lacks discipline.

mostob:
Rash is actually good in Midfield. Better in the middle than in the wide role. Her problem has been lack of discipline and decision making. Even on the wing sef, she lacks discipline.

I disagree. Her indiscipline and lack of decision is what makes her a liability. She's bound to lose the ball and put the team under pressure. On the wings, she has limited responsibilities; pace and dribbles where it is required. Even if she loses the ball she's less of her liability to the team.

Likelihood of Ashleigh as left back is slim anyway. Reason is IF Imuran is unavailable (for whatever reasons), Ogbonna will likely be the next in line.

Regarding centerbacks, surprised most here don't think highly of Tosin Demehin. I strongly believe she is high up Randy's list. I think she will be a starter. She is quick, physical and her ball playing skills (ball control and passing) and tactical awareness (reading of the game) are way up there. She started and played the full 90mins in all of our last 5 games.
I really don't see how she does not start.

Deltamani:
No no no, I wouldn’t move Ashleigh to the Left, her best performance comes from the CB, Left footed Center Backs are very good at Ball playing. We all know she’s average at Speed but positionally and her tactical awareness of the game plays in her favour.! She have also improved a lot in her physical side of the game, she isn’t someone you can bully except u’re Desire Oparanozie 😂😹

AkinDS:
Likelihood of Ashleigh as left back is slim anyway. Reason is IF Imuran is unavailable (for whatever reasons), Ogbonna will likely be the next in line.

Regarding centerbacks, surprised most here don't think highly of Tosin Demehin. I strongly believe she is high up Randy's list. I think she will be a starter. She is quick, physical and her ball playing skills (ball control and passing) and tactical awareness (reading of the game) are way up there. She started and played the full 90mins in all of our last 5 games.
I really don't see how she does not start.

Demehin is mainly going to be a Back up Center Back just like Onome Ebi except Randy chose to go with 3 CB at the Back.. Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre should be our starting CB at the World Cup..