₦airaland Forum

TheSuperNerd:
Yes, Bennacer was rightly noted but below is the difference.

-Bennacer is key to their rhythm in the middle but he was also onfield for 49mins vs DRC and Algeria didnt have any progressive sequence. So in essence, Bennacer was key to them keeping the ball but not exactly progressing the ball or hurting the opponent vertically.
Even against Burkina Faso, Bennacer played 87mins but only dropped 3 final third pass entries. Most of his passes were backward or sideways.


-In Iwobi's case, he is a high volume progressive passer. And it would be bad strategy for the Algerians to have 2-3 players on Iwobi constantly bcoz he plays deep and it would mean them leaving gaps in behind which our other midfielders and a Lookman or Akor can easily take advantage of.

It is difficult double/triple-marking a player playing a bit deeper on the LCM channel and who can also pop up meters short of the final third, especially knowing you would be conceding space and giving up a lot of gaps that a Quick Nigerian offensive transition can utilise.



Now, on the Ndidi or Onyedika question. Yes, it is okay Ndidi continues his role especially for the sake of Team Chemistry already at a high with the personnel executing the 4-3-1-2 setup. I guess you ask this because of the yellow Ndidi has. Well, that brings me to my next point.

Onyeka and Ndidi are on yellow cards, yes. I understand the risk but this is why we must begin the game on the front foot which I know is Chelle's plan and is Nigeria's style so far at this Afcon. Let the Algerians be the ones on the backfoot with need to defend and try stop our forays... it is the team that is on defence constantly that is more likely to commit fouls. I repeat "more likely". An attacking team commits fouls too and could be carded if there is a dangerous turnover in possession resulting in having to scramble back due to a poor "rest defence" setup.

Onyedika and maybe Nnadi or a winger can come in when the game looks "safe" to protect Onyeka and Ndidi from picking up 2nd yellows ahead of the semis. Akinsanmiro was reported ill as at last training report so I cant count on him now.


In finality, Blueelf, you seem more concerned than usual about how we approach this game. Oga, can you please continue in your negative work? Abeg.

Blueelf, TheSuperNerd has touched all the vital points. For added emphasis on the Iwobi point you raised, watch this analysis


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=098DZOLi5xw?si=RD8fcmKRAgB0-E7G

Danielnino00:
Some people, for no tangible reasons just develop dislike for certain people...over time, that dislike turns to hatred...
In Osimhen's case, it was after that spat with Finidi that many people brought their hatred to the limelight...
One thing I've observed in most controversies involving Osimhen is that he isn't always the instigator...starting from his feud with Napoli, issue with Finidi, his refusal to sign with Chelsea and now this.... It is his reaction to the issue that people always focus on rather than issue itself..
The fact is that not everybody is cool headed... people react to issues differently... Even Lookman that some people are praising as being cool headed, well brought up child had issue with his club too...


In the end, Osimhen is one of the most passionate player this country has ever produced, and that's based on facts!

Even before the Finidi case the hatred has been there from the last Afcon where Osihmen could only score one single goal. His offside slips has been a major source of that hatred being used as an excuse to justify that he’s not good enough which is funny for a player who has over 30 goals for his country in fact on this thread some folks downplay his goals tally by saying if not for that match against Seychelles or so. What about his transfer saga where many said he should take a wage cut to play in the epl all in the name of legacy. The player is not liked by so many in fact he is lucky he keeps scoring goals to regulate the hatred. Today he can’t dribble, tomorrow he can’t pass, another day na one on one matter all sorts of bunkum, ok shebi e Dey score still he can never be good in their eyes. There was even a time some here were accusing him of not being nice to his family which they say is a reason for big clubs not signing him. The matter long no be small 😂

Cocony:
Bia BankyGee, Minfelix, Mujtahida etc don't we think we are taking the words exchange a.k a. Subtle insults on each other a little far? In as much as I will like to jump and pass these statements I would rather plead we air our views on the Eagles strictly irrespective of anyone agreeing or disagreeing with our opinions because we can't all reason the same.
Please sheathe your swords of verbal attacks!

brotherly, na wetin i dey do ooo, wey someone first said “im yammering illogically”…i checked the meaning it means “to talk foolishly and nonsense” just becos i said Tunisia is a weaker opponent which i dont even mean to downplay super eagles…

Now BankuGee from no where came gun blazing, probably he didn’t read who first started to insult subtly, the next thing Osimhen of comedy start to talk him own insult….
i dont have any issue with Mujtahida, he has been responding and arguing with respect and civility….thank God for the banning button that restricts my airflow, if not i will wont relent oo, i will fire back at them ooo…like i really no send oo

Blueelf:
CAmeroon will beat them

The only reason they are a test is because they are the hosts and refrees will be biased towards them

Else, I am even more wary of CIV

Morocco is gonna win I know some folks wants Cameroon in the semi final but I doubt the host go Dey look Cameroon to stroll past them. The Cameroon team is young and experience at this stage is beginning to count

Kog45:
1.Lookman was leaning towards glory hunting?pls tell us how.

2.Lookman telling Osimhen to calm down is a sin abi for yelling at Bruno...the whole thing happened in 63 minutes if am right.

3.Osimhen emphasis on team play and the same team play gave him two goals already within 63 minutes of play right?

4.Lookman words "calm down"lacked compassion and real comfort,so he should have said Bruno is stupid abi?

Really surprised you're trying to blame Lookman on this,pls do you really played this game on the street or you in school cuz football is 90 minutes movements and a lot happening within that minutes....do you know the meaning of having captain in a team?is for player to pass their messages on the field,simple Osimhen should have called Ndidi or on his own talk politely to Bruno or do we say Bruno too is going for personal glory.

Well,we have game against Algeria, things have been resolved,hope to see goals and assists from both cuz they're vital to the team so far

1. Osimhen was emphasizing teamwork, Lookman was like "You have scored two, allow others hunt for their own glory."
Victor was insinuating that the person in a better position should be the person to shoot. Again, the main striker's primary role is to shoot at goal. In a team every component has a main role. If Osimhen who is the target man finds himself in a position to shoot, and demands for the ball, he should be given the ball. Football is a team sports.

2. The best way to calm a person that is hurting is to address whatever it is, that is causing his pain, not to question or dismiss his reasons for feeling pain. Ademola should have tried to understand Osimhen's grouse and address it before confronting him to calm down. That Osimhen is already on two goals is not a good reason to jettison team play. Is Lookman supporting chaos?

3. Should we throw teamplay out of the window because it is the 63rd minute and Osimhen is on two goals.
I think you should reexamine the situation and consider thoroughly your stand.

4. Lookman's words lacked compassion. It lacked empathy because it did not attend to Osimhen's hurt feelings. Was there any substance in Osimhen's complaint? Why should it be dismissed under reason that the he is already on two goals. The focal point is teamwork not individual performance.

Lookman should have condemned Bruno's act expressing his sympathy and solidarity with the team not insinuating that Osimhen should not have complained since he is already on two goals. How does that make sense? Football is teamwork pass the ball when you are supposed to.


I don't normally tell a hurting person to calm down first of all. Instead i try to discern the source of his hurt and then exploit ways to address the cause of the upset, afterwards, that is when "calm down" will work.

Don't forget the jab that he is not learned

Silly standards they don't apply to others nor can they bear if applied to them.

I could put up with outright haters, it's the pseudo-lovers that disgust me

Goke7:
Even before the Finidi case the hatred has been there from the last Afcon where Osihmen could only score one single goal. His offside slips has been a major source of that hatred being used as an excuse to justify that he’s not good enough which is funny for a player who has over 30 goals for his country in fact on this thread some folks downplay his goals tally by saying if not for that match against Seychelles or so. What about his transfer saga where many said he should take a wage cut to play in the epl all in the name of legacy. The player is not liked by so many in fact he is lucky he keeps scoring goals to regulate the hatred. Today he can’t dribble, tomorrow he can’t pass, another day na one on one matter all sorts of bunkum, ok shebi e Dey score still he can never be good in their eyes. There was even a time some here were accusing him of not being nice to his family which they say is a reason for big clubs not signing him. The matter long no be small 😂

Meliforme:
Regarding Osimhen and Lookman's saga

Lookman's behaviour towards Osimhen is like administering Paracetamol (an analgesic) as a cure for Malaria.

Lookman should have joined in the cautioning of Bruno and the entire team, instead of providing a dissent making it look like Osimhen doesn't know what he is saying.

Lookman did not attack the real problem. This made Osimhen more upset.

Osimhen's emphasis was on teamplay. Lookman's was leaning towards glory hunting.
The number of goals Osimhen has scored should not banish teamplay.

Lookman's words lacked compassion and real comfort.
He is more deserving of the stick.

I believe that every professional should be educated in the principles of conflict resolution, so that they can settle conflicts without exacerbating it.

You know book

Mujtahida:
You don't understand why Lookman told Osimhen to calm down. He felt guilty because he too did what Bruno did.

It's a good thing Ademola stood up to Victor. Yes, na men all of them be. People like that Ademola who are quiet are sometimes also stubborn oo.

Like Mikel said, I like the fire. It shows our players are madly driven to get something out of this Afcon. They are not running like a Rolls Royce, they are moving like HOWO Truck

Lookman did not handle the situation the right way.

minfelix:
🤣🤣🤣🤣 i just dey pity Cameroon now 🥺🥺….them go too rob dem wetin no good, chai no more Issa Hayatou🤦🏽‍♀️🤣

They need to give mbeumo and kofane the ball in areas where they can hammer shots especially from outside the 18 yard box

Then they must try to defend resolutely and not give away free kicks and penalties in and around their 18 box, because the refs will be on the look out to give those to Morocco..

If they defend resolutely and keep their shape, they can knock out Morocco..

Mujtahida:
I think he will score. I pray he scores. I just hope all of the issues of the past days does not weigh him down.

I expect an Osimhen brace or hattrick on Saturday

BankyGee:
Make that 22 games, 34 goals, 16 wins and 0 games lost! 🎭🇳🇬🦅

Massive 🔥🔥🔥
Mentality Monster!!!

lbrichman2:
You know book

Thank you.

Cocony:
Bia BankyGee, Minfelix, Mujtahida etc don't we think we are taking the words exchange a.k a. Subtle insults on each other a little far? In as much as I will like to jump and pass these statements I would rather plead we air our views on the Eagles strictly irrespective of anyone agreeing or disagreeing with our opinions because we can't all reason the same.
Please sheathe your swords of verbal attacks!

You know passions are high. Sometimes people have a go at each other here. It's normal. Na men we be. No too reason am. I appreciate your concern sha. You are a good man.

Goke7:
Morocco is gonna win I know some folks wants Cameroon in the semi final but I doubt the host go Dey look Cameroon to stroll past them. The Cameroon team is young and experience at this stage is beginning to count

Those Cameroun, they are hosts slayers oo
It's in their DNA. They are cold assassins. I won't be surprised if they defeat Morocco.

Osimhen this , Osimhen that.
We need him in this tournament. And he knows it, we need him fully fit as he is a distraction to the opponent in our next 3 matches. Let's all focus on tactics.

The Algerian side seems to be wary of our team. I'm predicting a 5-2 scoreline in favour of Nigeria.

I know we would win by 3 goal margin. I hope we don't get any red card because that will be very bad. But for every other thing the Algerian side will throw at us , we are well capable of handling them.

elyte89:
In law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, until the case is concluded, the Congolese players remain eligible.…contact my lawyer (dlaw) for more explanation

This man 😂😂. Well said

My mind is so relaxed with our upcoming game .we re winning

lbrichman2:
They need to give mbeumo and kofane the ball in areas where they can hammer shots especially from outside the 18 yard box

Then they must try to defend resolutely and not give away free kicks and penalties in and around their 18 box, because the refs will be on the look out to give those to Morocco..

If they defend resolutely and keep their shape, they can knock out Morocco..

i hope we knockout Algeria and Cameroon do the same to Morocco

FiveFootNinja:
Baba training in Fez and Marrakesh cannot possibly be the same. They should have at least been acclimated to the terrain where they'll play the QF.

Honestly I'm starting to think this AFCON is lost to us. The damage cannot be reversed. Not because the players are poor but because little things like this go a long way in affecting the squad. Especially these current set of Super Eagles who are difficult to motivate in the first place.

Just my opinion sha. I've heard and seen enough bad news in the last 24 hours to lose hope in this tournament. We won't go the World Cup and we may not win the AFCON.

Eric Chelle tried his best, but when Nigeria is involved, it's like pouring water into a basket.

Ore, I do not disagree with you. I just think training in Fez is still better than not training at all.

Still, I am pissed about the protest. More so, I am shocked they would do it again after pulling the same stunt a month ago and it backfired with their loss to DR Congo.

The players say this AFCON is a redemption mission and a way to apologize and compensate Nigerians for not qualifying for the world cup. They ask Nigerians to pray for the team and always support them, and they won't let them down. Fine words, but their actions tell a different story

I mean, how can they down tools on the eve of the Q/Final? They cannot be talking about winning the AFCON, ask us to pray for them and in the same vein sabotage preparations. They cannot claim to be fighting for national pride and to make amends, and then put personal issues above national interest.

The NFF is a mess, always has been. Poor planning, unpaid salaries, owed allowances et al na their trademark. But two wrongs never make a right. Their protest at this critical time doesn't fix the issue. It only hurts the team, fans and the country.

This AFCON no be mai mai. Team wey go win am go try. All the big guns are in the Quarter Finals. All the remaining teams are equally matched. Margins will be thin. A distracted camp, one less acclimatization day, one less training day to perfect strategy etc could be the difference between a victory or defeat.

Sometimes I wonder.....Don't the players talk to themselves? Is there no one amongst them that pointed out that their protest is ill-timed considering their recent history, the current stakes and how tough the opponents are? Can't they make the sacrifice, and play for themselves, their personal legacies? Can't they play to write their names in gold? Can't they play to be forever revered in Nigerian football history?

In 2013, when we faced Ivory Coast in the AFCON Q/F, the NFF had already checked the players out of their hotel and booked flights back home but on matchday the players turned up and played for themselves, the late Keshi, and eventually won the cup. That's the kind of sacrifice and commitment I expect from this set of Super Eagles. This their protest is just giving their critics ammunition to throw at them if things go south.

Nigerians have endured a lot from this team. Two missed World Cups. AFCON FINAL loss. Yet the fans still show up. Still watch. Still believe. The least the players owe them is focus and professionalism for the duration of the AFCON.

The outstanding bonus issue can be handled differently and at a better time. The AFCON 2027 qualifiers would commence soon. They can choose to protest their unpaid allowances then. They can even drag the NFF publicly and expose them if need be. Nigerians will back that fight but this one on the backdrop of their recent failures is ill-timed and unnecessary. The team does not need this drama. They should silence all the noise, lock in, and let their football and results speak.

Anything less than the AFCON title is failure.

elyte89:
My mind is so relaxed with our upcoming game .we re winning

Osimhen brace or hattrick

minfelix:
i hope we knockout Algeria and Cameroon do the same to Morocco

We will crush Algeria

Mujtahida:
You don't understand why Lookman told Osimhen to calm down. He felt guilty because he too did what Bruno did.

It's a good thing Ademola stood up to Victor. Yes, na men all of them be. People like that Ademola who are quiet are sometimes also stubborn oo.

Like Mikel said, I like the fire. It shows our players are madly driven to get something out of this Afcon. They are not running like a Rolls Royce, they are moving like HOWO Truck

I disagree with your first paragraph,any player would have said the same thing to Osimhen to calm down.

My question do you guys wanted to beat Mozambique 10-0?when things are going our ways we intended to underrate teams,like someone labeling Tunisia a mumu team, check out Mozambique in group stage,solid team,having it easy over them doesn't mean they're that poor...football is about tactics now if you get it right fine and if you failed your team would be punished for it.....our performance against Mozambique does not deserve that drama,all these happened in 63 minutes of the game,Osimhen would have got his hat trick with ease but his reaction killed it

Fact,player should have a way to connect with his mate in a very mature way that won't have any negative effect on the field of play...if we're just a goal up I bet it with you Osimhen wouldn't have reacted that way,asked to be subbed out on top wetin.

All I know we're beating Algeria and winning Algeria would be possible with how Ndidi, Onyeka and Iwobi would react to the game not Osimhen or Lookman..... Onyeka is the key.

minfelix:
so did you read the first attack he gave me before i called him that name….you just came out from nowhere to join in the insult…anyways i will wave 👋 pass you…for now i dont have strength for insult…just that response i gave you, i was locked out temporarily…i wonder who is doing that…but its getting clearer to me

I read every single post from everyone on the thread, all of it. So don't assume that I skipped anything, I know where the argument started from and how you think you ended it. E no really matter sha, everywhere go good.

BankyGee:
Because he's real. You think say he get time to dey do those ones, he don talk him mind for pitch, if them like make them pass, if them like make them no pass.

By 11pm after Algeria match, we might need a new change to the thread name again. Mtchewww.

Lookman also told him his mind, he got angry and left the field. Lookman still enjoyed his game and create another assist. Osimhen is not and cannot be bigger than SE. You guys should know this and have peace.

semid4lyfe:
Ore, I do not disagree with you. I just think training in Fez is still better than not training at all.

Still, I am pissed about the protest. More so, I am shocked they would do it again after pulling the same stunt a month ago and it backfired with their loss to DR Congo.

The players say this AFCON is a redemption mission and a way to apologize and compensate Nigerians for not qualifying for the world cup. They ask Nigerians to pray for the team and always support them, and they won't let them down. Fine words, but their actions tell a different story

I mean, how can they down tools on the eve of the Q/Final? They cannot be talking about winning the AFCON, ask us to pray for them and in the same vein sabotage preparations. They cannot claim to be fighting for national pride and to make amends, and then put personal issues above national interest.

The NFF is a mess, always has been. Poor planning, unpaid salaries, owed allowances et al na their trademark. But two wrongs never make a right. Their protest at this critical time doesn't fix the issue. It only hurts the team, fans and the country.

This AFCON no be mai mai. Team wey go win am go try. All the big guns are in the Quarter Finals. All the remaining teams are equally matched. Margins will be thin. A distracted camp, one less acclimatization day, one less training day to perfect strategy etc could be the difference between a victory or defeat.

Sometimes I wonder.....Don't the players talk to themselves? Is there no one amongst them that points out that their protest is ill-timed considering their recent history, the current stakes and how tough the opponents are? Can't they make the sacrifice, and play for themselves, their personal legacies? Can't they play to write their names in gold? Can't they play to be forever revered in Nigerian football history?

In 2013, when we faced Ivory Coast in the AFCON Q/F, the NFF had already checked the players out of their hotel and booked flights back home but on matchday the players turned up and played for themselves, the late Keshi, and eventually won the cup. That's the kind of sacrifice and commitment I expect from this set of Super Eagles. This their protest is just giving their critics ammunition to throw at them if things go south.

Nigerians have endured a lot from this team. Two missed World Cups. AFCON FINAL loss. Yet the fans still show up. Still watch. Still believe. The least the players owe them is focus and professionalism for the duration of the AFCON.

The outstanding bonus issue can be handled differently and at a better time. The AFCON 2027 qualifiers would commence soon. They can choose to protest their unpaid allowances then. They can even drag the NFF publicly and expose them if need be. Nigerians will back that fight but this one on the backdrop of their recent failures is ill-timed and unnecessary. The team does not need this drama. They should silence all the noise, lock in, and let their football and results speak.

Anything less than the AFCON title is failure.

Sincerely why always outstanding bonuses to pay our boys,football is not easy o..some of these boys are not that rich as some believed,they need this allowances to complement what they're earning in their club sides.

lbrichman2:
I expect an Osimhen brace or hattrick on Saturday

...If they pass.

M7even:
Osimhen this , Osimhen that.
We need him in this tournament. And he knows it, we need him fully fit as he is a distraction to the opponent in our next 3 matches. Let's all focus on tactics.

The Algerian side seems to be wary of our team. I'm predicting a 5-2 scoreline in favour of Nigeria.

I know we would win by 3 goal margin. I hope we don't get any red card because that will be very bad. But for every other thing the Algerian side will throw at us , we are well capable of handling them.

5–2?

Ahhhhhh 😂

BankyGee:
...If they pass.

Na very nonsense talk be this
All the goals he don score since nor be person pass am

BankyGee:
...If they pass.

Hmm,Banky so they're not passing and eagles already have 12 goals,I can't remember when we had such goal rate in a tournament.... we're exaggerating this pass of a thing o

BankyGee:
...If they pass.

😂 I go lie for you?

Samueltemi337:
Na very nonsense talk be this
All the goals he don score since nor be person pass am

I know bro...

BankyGee:
I read every single post from everyone on the thread, all of it. So don't assume that I skipped anything, I know where the argument started from and how you think you ended it. E no really matter sha, everywhere go good.

oga you did not read anything, if you had followed the conversation from the beginning…you weren’t following anything…you just went to glance through pages, the back to back verbal attack lasted till around past 12 to 1, before he called for mod to block me when matter don pass him power…you did not read a whole lot of shades he made before he deleted all our arguments… i have already made screenshots….i cant call you names if you don’t spark me with subtle shade…never!! most of you guys here have been d ones doing it…when someone disagrees with you guys the next thing you do is to start subtly shading people