₦airaland Forum

mekabuachi:
Onyedika is injured
Get your facts right, before making claims.

Okay. If so, who is now replacing him in the middle slot?

Amedino99:
he played in 2018

Ndidi can't be a starter if we are going to USA. That's my point.

Nigeria U20s back on track... BUT... Still needs work

Nigeria U20s vs Saudi Arabia. Very entertaining but we also got careless at the back as Saudi Arabia had no business scoring their two goals.
Ahmed Akinyele messed up yesterday and it is quite unlike him. Losing the aerial duel for the 2nd goal and also mistiming the aerial ball for the 1st goal. I hope this is a one off poor showing from him coz he was far better vs Norway. Aliyu was right was pull him out on 60mins.

I like that Aliyu Zubairu got one thing right.
Sani Suleiman started on the left and instantly delivered sweet crosses and an assist. He is also good with his right foot when going for goal. I hope he is given freedom to exert more influence and not limited to crosses alone with his left.

Tahir Maigana kept his place on the right and was a menace all through but his finishing/shooting still needs work.

Kparobo Arierhi was a constant threat and outlet in attack. Enterprising lad but wastes too many chances as he seems in a hurry to finally get a goal for his confidence as the team's top 9. He should be calm and not put too much pressure on himself... the goals will come.
He is a genuine 18 y/o super talented CF who can play and shoot with both feet. Already off to a fine start with goals in Norway. He should play with freedom and a will to win and not cluster his mind with pressure.



Israel Ayuma did well in midfield. Created 2 chances and was our best passer in the middle. The glue that holds our middle game together. Brilliant midfield prospect on his day but still needs to work on his shooting.

Daniel Daga did okay but still not at his best as he misplaced several passes which explains his 68% passing accuracy (34 accurate passes out of 50 attempted). With 7 defensive contributions, 7 duels won out of 13 contested, he tried but by his standards, he fell short of his best. As we enter the finak group game, he needs to wake up and fast.

Nasiru Salihu bagged a goal and an assist from that brilliantly executed FK routine. He did well on the day with 4 created chances as well. I love the way he would quickly spot Arierhi's run into space uptop and release him with a fine long pass. He is showing patches of the form that made him a darling at El Kanemi warriors before departing for Azerbaijan. I hope he keeps on doing well... he is team's attacking midfield player.


Amos Ochoche... I was right to single him out as a huge prospect on the right channel of our defence pretournament. Solid in defending, good in attack and has brilliant ball striking as seen from his well taken goal. The Reims youngster can only get better and I hope he grows into a RB that can make his mark in the Super Eagles in a few yrs.

Odinaka Okoro Right from the Afcon U20, this lad have never had a bad game. Never!! He is one of my favorite 3 players to watch in the team. He had the most defensive contributions vs KSA, won the most duels, and was also the most fouled player as he always seemed to know how to push forward from LB. A genuine ball carrying, forward thinking LB who is also quite solid in his defensive duties. Easily a Super Eagles material in my book and from my analytical standpoint.
I will drop stats paremeters for the top performers in the team vs Saudi Arabia and you will see why Okoro is a name you should note carefully. He is a pearl

Daniel Bameyi I may not rate Bameyi when talking Prospects for the Super Eagles but he was far better than his CB partner yesterday. While Akinyele, uncharacteristically disappointed and was majorly responsible for the 2 goals conceeded, Bameyi held it down solidly enough. More interceptions, clearances, duels won, recoveries, and more defensive contributions than Akinyele.
Very shocking as Akinyele is the bigger defender between them.
Akinyele's performance yesterday made me miss Emmanuel Chukwu from the U20 Afcon. Another solid prospect, I am sure will become a Super Eagle in a few yrs from now, who Hoffenheim and his loan club, Wolfsberger AC did not release for the World Cup. They play him every matchday off the bench.
But even at that, Bameyi is still suspect as he struggles against Tricky attackers who can easily nutmeg him and draw fouls in the box. He needs to watch that.

Ebenezer Harcourt as highly rated as he is even though very young was uncharacteristically off his game yesterday. The 2nd goal was majorly Akinyele's fault but also partly his. His positioning contributed hugely to him conceeding that cheap headed goal. He is better than he showed yesterday and should thrive for a cleansheet vs Colombia unless Aliyu will consider Andy Clinton Ezekiel in goal.



The subs that came in tried.
Achichi Orseer, came in on 86mins and gave the fine cross that found Agada who nodded towards goal but was blocked by the hand of a KSA defender. One chance created.

Charles Agada won the penalty and hit the post in 30mins on the pitch. Not really enough attacking threat but just enough to get us the win.

Alatan Azuka, left footed defender came in for Okoro on 86mins and still created a chance.

Haruna Aliyu won all his duels. Came in for Akinyele on 60mins

Emmanuel Ekele in 19mins made as much defensive contributions as Akinyele did for 60mins.


Coach Aliyu Zubairu showed he can listen by benching Achichi and starting Sani Suleiman. The decision brought instant impact on our attacking game. We ceated loads of chances. But Aliyu needs to do more in organizing the lads defensively especially on the mental side of the game. Work on Akinyele! Psych him up right and fix whatever the issue was with his game earlier today.
He also should not have taken off Kparobo as early as 60mins. He should have persevered with him till 75 or maybe 80 as he was a constant threat. But he needs to also work on Kparobo mentally and help him work better up top so that his finishing improves. Aliyu needs to let Kparobo know that he is not under immense pressure to score... he should just work for the team and naturally the goals for him will come next.

In all, an improved showing generally but defensively not impressive. We faced a team who were also fighting hard to stay in the WC so it was bound to be tough. But it would have been less tough had we taken our chances and defended better.

Up next, Colombia U20s on early monday morning (midnight of Sunday into Monday morning).

#FlyingEagles2025

If Chelle fails to win these two remaining matches, I would be among those calling for his sack.

Chelle called up Zero replacements for injured Onyedika and injured FDB. So he loaded more in attack. Beats me.

daveP:
Okay. If so, who is now replacing him in the middle slot?

Let's all calm down and support them regardless... If they lose then we can complain all we want

mekabuachi:
Let's all calm down and support them regardless... If they lose then we can complain all we want

abi ooo…who knows if this will be the formula that will give us the much needed 6pts

Danielnino00:
It seems like Onyedika and Dele Bashiru are injured, hence their omission from the list... But the midfield is still flat... Why drop Uche?? Too many strikers in the team...Osimhen, Moffi, Dessers, Adams, Tolu ..5 strikers...for what Na ?

It is a TEAM with or without any player.
Uche is still new in this team
He doesn't have a strong hold yet, either at midfield or offensive wise above the other players. He is not gonna play the DM role like Alhassan Yusuf who is actively playing that role, neither is his offensive intuition as natural as any of the forward. He is currently adjusting to life in EPL and barely getting time to play. However he will come good in a team like crystal palace if he buries his head to work.

Flying Eagles Top Performers vs KSA

1. Chances Created

🥇Sani Suleiman - 4
🥈Nasiru Salihu - 4
🥉Odinaka Okoro - 3
🏅Israel Ayuma - 2


2. Defensive Contributions

🥇Odinaka Okoro - 11
🥈Amos Ochoche - 8
🥉Daniel Daga - 7
🏅Israel Ayuma - 6
🏅Daniel Bameyi - 5

3. Passing success/Passing accuracy
🥇Odinaka Okoro - 41 accurate passes/76% passing accuracy
🥈Daniel Bameyi - 34 accurate passes/72% passing accuracy
🥉Daniel Daga - 34 accurate passes/68% passing accuracy
🏅Israel Ayuma - 26 accurate passes/84% passing accuracy
🏅Amos Ochoche - 20 accurate passes/71% passing accuracy


4. Dribble Success/Take ons
🥇Sani Suleiman - 3
🥈Israel Ayuma - 2
🥈Tahir Maigana - 2


5. Tackles won (attempted)
🥇Odinaka Okoro - 5 (5), 100% tackles won
🥈Daniel Daga - 2 (2), 100% tackles won
🥈Israel Ayuma - 2 (3), 67% tackles won
🥈Amos Ochoche - 2 (3), 67% tackles won


6. Interceptions
🥇Odinaka Okoro - 3
🥇Israel Ayuma - 3
🥈Amos Ochoche - 2
🥈Daniel Bameyi - 2


7. Clearances
🥇Ebenezer Harcourt - 5
🥈Daniel Daga - 4
🥉Odinaka Okoro - 3
🏅Daniel Bameyi, Amos Ochoche - 2


8. Touches
🥇Odinaka Okoro - 91
🥈Daniel Daga - 64
🥉Daniel Bameyi - 59
🏅Israel Ayuma - 53
🏅Amos Ochoche - 52


9. Interceptions
🥇Odinaka Okoro - 3
🥇Israel Ayuma - 3
🥈Amos Ochoche - 2
🥈Daniel Bameyi - 2


10. Recoveries
🥇Daniel Daga - 12
🥈Odinaka Okoro - 9
🥉Daniel Bameyi - 8
🥉Israel Ayuma - 8
🥉Amos Ochoche - 8


11. Total Shots (Shots on target)

🥇Kparobo Arierhi - 4 (1 on target)
🥈Charles Agada - 4 (zero on target)
🥉Israel Ayuma - 3 (zero on target)
🏅Nasiru Salihu - 2 (1 on target)
🏅Amos Ochoche - 2 (1 on target)
🏅Daniel Daga - 2 (zero on target)
🏅Sani Suleiman - 2 (zero on target)
🏅Tahir Maigana - 2 (zero on target)


12. Accurate Long balls

🥇Daniel Daga - 3
🥇Odinaka Okoro - 3
🏅Nasiru Salihu - 3

13. Aerial duels won
🥇Daniel Daga - 5
🥈Haruna Aliyu - 2


14. Total Duels won
🥇Odinaka Okoro - 11
🥈Daniel Daga - 7
🥈Sani Suleiman - 7
🥉Israel Ayuma - 6
🏅Daniel Bameyi - 4
🏅Amos Ochoche - 4


#FlyingEagles2025

I don't think calling up a new face like Akor for a stacked role over Uche in a department in dire need of options is defensible. It is 6 points or nothing.

Meanwhile Seun and mods should put the notifications of numbers after the words as it was before.

Chelle is a fool. I wanted him to stay even if we didn’t qualify so he could coach us at AFCON, now I want him gone. Terrible selection.

Car321:
Chelle is a fool. I wanted him to stay even if we didn’t qualify so he could coach us at AFCON, now I want him gone. Terrible selection.

You know it is really bad when our Hero of the SA 3 pts deduction saga wants Chelle gone because of the latest list.

Car321:
Chelle is a fool. I wanted him to stay even if we didn’t qualify so he could coach us at AFCON, now I want him gone. Terrible selection.

bro nairaland is looking to send you as a representative to USA if we qualify….shey if Chelle get those 6points now, you go wan follow the f00l go USA again?

TheSuperNerd:
Chelle called up Zero replacements for injured Onyedika and injured FDB. So he loaded more in attack. Beats me.

Chelle and/or the usual List makers from above. Iwobi that should be coming from bench in some games not cos he's not fit but as tactical switch. Ehn. And they don't want to invite dem new boys too.🤦🏽‍♂️

For their mind, putting Dessers there na apology for the media officer's clownish, arrogant remarks. Smh

It is well. To be honest, I am disappointed he left out Uche knowing fully well that he stands in perfectly for FDB who is also ruled out. I hate that he throws the chance to see Uche step into a central role for the team but then let us work with this. We are just days away.

Odunayaw:
I don't think calling up a new face like Akor for a stacked role over Uche in a department in dire need of options is defensible. It is 6 points or nothing.

Meanwhile Seun and mods should put the notifications of numbers after the words as it was before.

9JAMac10:
1-0 wins in our final qualifying matches will be suitable for us to qualify for the World Cup. I see South Africa dropping points against Rwanda hopefully. Lord be with the super eagles of Nigeria

Realistically speaking, only way SA will drop points against Rwanda is if they beat Benin. Once Rwanda fails to do that and SA wins or draws Zim, they will effectively be out and have nothing to play for against SA.

That said I don’t think Benin, SA or NGA will lose their first game. Once that happens SA will easily ride Rwanda while Benin vs NGA will turn to a bloody contest cos Benin will be fighting to top the group now.

Nairaland now has night mode feature. Or was it always there?

Scroll up & Check the top right corner of your screen

Observation.

TheSuperNerd:
Nairaland now has night mode feature. Or was it always there?

Scroll up & Check the top right corner of your screen

Observation.

Yes cool

4 MFs instead of 6.

Onyedika and FDB out. Invite Uche and Akinsanmiro, 2 sound MF talents in their place and add them to the 4 invited. That makes 6 MFs. Tactically balanced and addresses technical needs in the middle.

Having 5 center forwards in the list instead of 3 is baffling. He will only start 1 CF. Even if he starts 2, 5 is still way too much. 3 CFs is what he should have invited.

But then, the list is the list.

Dey worst Super Eagles in dey history of Super Eagles.....Yeye players.

for he mind, the more strikers, the more goals that we need.. hahaha

Odunayaw:
I don't think calling up a new face like Akor for a stacked role over Uche in a department in dire need of options is defensible. It is 6 points or nothing.

Meanwhile Seun and mods should put the notifications of numbers after the words as it was before.

make i go cancel my subs. i no dey pay another month to watch rubbish. AFCON sef, we go hear ween

So The Esperance guy isn’t good enough to replace Onyedika
Is Yusuf better than the Espérance guy ?

Why does the list look like something the NFf technical committee complied and forced on the coach. It's only those ancient thinking men in that committee that would think because you need to win you invite 5 CF with no midfielders. How are the strikers going to get service and how many can you play at once. Either that or Chelle is out of depth and it's tactical understanding of the grade is extremely low. I just hope he abandons this his stupid 442 diamond or he gets sacked before the afcon if not he will disgrace us there.

mekabuachi:
List finally out
Only 4 midfielders?
This Chelle na werey😂😂

The shame would be too much if SA qualifies. Dem go say on top 3pts docking dem still qualify.

mekabuachi:
Is uche injured?💀

Maybe Uche didn't impress him during the training sessions they had. Buy I think Ebenezer should have been handed an invite.

Why not drop Chukwueze for another defender

5 defenders too small to prosecute a double header

Diavolo:
Why does the list look like something the NFf technical committee complied and forced on the coach. It's only those ancient thinking men in that committee that would think because you need to win you invite 5 CF with no midfielders. How are the strikers going to get service and how many can you play at once. Either that or Chelle is out of depth and it's tactical understanding of the grade is extremely low. I just hope he abandons this his stupid 442 diamond or he gets sacked before the afcon if not he will disgrace us there.

Why does this always come up sef?

Ajayi
Bassey
Samuel Osayi
Ndidi
All are defensive players with 1 yellow card each…if they get any yellow card again they will miss the Benin match

What's the use of the wafu ,3rd place match

Of what use of it??

It is just rubbish. They know wafu B has only 2 slots. So why bother with the 3rd place match. This is why I did not bother posting anything about the game or teamlist.

It is only in Wafu A, one can bother with 3rd place as they have 3 slots. Demonic CAF.

UncleHaba22:
What's the use of the wafu ,3rd place match

Of what use of it??

AndSunGorilla:
Maybe Uche didn't impress him during the training sessions they had. Buy I think Ebenezer should have been handed an invite.

Which training session? This is politics . I am sure the coach is not in charge. They compiled list and forced on him. He is a low grade coach hence he will play along wishing for a miracle to happen . Uche and the guy that played in Pisa Italy deserved call up to beef up the midfield. It means that if we qualify for world cup , Uche will be dropped ..