₦airaland Forum

Let me acknowledge the wonderful work Akor Adams has been doing. His runs, his strength, his vision has added another potent arrow to our attack.

We praise Iwobi for that sword pass, but that pass was made possible by the fact that Akor Adams anticipated it and started running before Iwobi laid the ball to him.

Watch:

That defence shattering pass by Iwobi for Lookman's goal against Mozambique is out of this out#NIGMOZ pic.twitter.com/Sx9CUtnKt2

— Ityclety (@Itycletylove) January 5, 2026

Mujtahida:
E come be like say Ejuke no dey this team. Meliforme what's happening?

Who does "Mr All dribble and no end product or vision" want to add to this team

If we had better option, such players shouldn't be in the team. I dislike such players like mad. All huff and puff but no end product

Napoleon55:
Here we go again!

Prior to an important match and we are hearing this type of bunk,of NFF payments settlement drama.
As if Osihmen's case which is yet to cool off not enough,NFF comes with theirs.

If they fail to win this trophy, it's on them.

Is aid it that our undoing against Algeria will not be because they are better

But you see NFF, they are evil people. If those demons in the glass house aren't killed off (yes I said it), we won't go anywhere with our football

Mujtahida:
E come be like say Ejuke no dey this team. Meliforme what's happening?

Ejuke has played his last match as far as chelle is concerned…he was lackadaisical in d last game against Tunisia 🇹🇳 when he was introduced after 70 something minutes ,he couldn’t track back to support osayi ,playing as if he has been on d pitch since first half …he was too poor

Update:

The Minister Of State For Finance has confirmed that the players’ bonuses have now been processed, and will hit the players’ accounts between today and tomorrow

So, Ndidi’s generosity may not be needed after all.

PDPGuy:
Update:

The Minister Of State For Finance has confirmed that the players’ bonuses have now been processed, and will hit the players’ accounts between today and tomorrow

So, Ndidi’s generosity may not be needed after all.

This is the only way they could get paid btw any other avenue would have been ignored, it seems the Super Eagles have gotten a cheat code

so far in this afcon our goal pattern has been
Nig vs Tanzania 2-1
1st goal was a beautiful link up cross from Iwobi finding Ajayi’s header(team work)

2nd goal was a majestic individual brilliance of Lookman holding the ball confidently and as usual believing in his cutting in footwork to release a bullet shot(individual brilliance)

Nig vs Tunisia 3-2
1st goal was a beautiful link up cross from Lookman to finding Osimhen beautiful header(teamwork)

2nd goal was a lovely corner kick from Lookman locating Ndidi for a fine cool header(set piece)

3rd goal beautiful through from Iwobi to Osimhen and laying to Lookman, who still showcased his signature kinda goal (Teamwork)

Nigeria vs Uganda 3-1
1st was a sleek pass from Bruno to Bashiru to Onuachu (beautiful team work)

2nd goal was a sweet move from Chukwueze to Onyedika then boom a sweet goal (Teamwork)

3rd goal was a beautiful individual dribble from chukwueze and then laying a sweet pass to Onyedika who slot in a beautiful goal(Teamwork)

Nigeria vs Mozambique 4-0
1st goal was sweet through pass from Iwobi to Akor the laying a sweet pass to Lookman placing a sweet goal(Teamwork)

2nd goal was a beautiful pass from Iwobi to Lookman then making a cross into the box for Osimhen to slot in/tap in cooly (beautiful teamwork)

3rd goal was Lookman making an individual wing dribble beating the defenders and laying a sweet pass to Osimhen to slot in cooly and goal (teamwork)

4th goal was beautiful pass from Simon to Lookman to Akor and then a bullet released (Teamwork)


Our goals have been a mixed of Beautiful teamwork and some lil touch of individual brilliance….we need this to beat Algeria…those through passes from Iwobi,those PERFECT individual brilliant runs from Lookman, and also laying of beautiful passes to the strikers(Osimhen and Akor)…..those individual brilliant dribble from chukwueze and then laying a pass/cross…..

THIS TEAM HAS BEEN PLAYING BEAUTIFUL TEAMWORK

Mujtahida:
Let me acknowledge the wonderful work Akor Adams has been doing. His runs, his strength, his vision has added another potent arrow to our attack.

We praise Iwobi for that sword pass, but that pass was made possible by the fact that Akor Adams anticipated it and started running before Iwobi laid the ball to him.

Watch:

That defence shattering pass by Iwobi for Lookman's goal against Mozambique is out of this out#NIGMOZ pic.twitter.com/Sx9CUtnKt2

— Ityclety (@Itycletylove) January 5, 2026

See the beauty of team work in that goal. Iwobi took his time, knew exactly where he want to put the pass. Osimhen run dragged the defenders, creating space for Lookman.

elyte89:
Ejuke has played his last match as far as chelle is concerned…he was lackadaisical in d last game against Tunisia 🇹🇳 when he was introduced after 70 something minutes ,he couldn’t track back to support osayi ,playing as if he has been on d pitch since first half …he was too poor

I that game Ejuke tracked back more than ever Simon. His problem was losing possession on several occasions hiping pressure on our defense. He had a very poor game. The one on one that he should even have passed to Osimhen was the last straw.

Bannedlargejr:
This is now Jazz. Lookman should had assisted osimhnen to publicly berate a Grown man (Bruno) because he tried to score in a game that Nigeria is winning 3-0 and Lookman should had done that publicly?? I am arguing with Low IQ people or People has been jazzed. Any ways, the standards has been set for everyone disrespect your teammates when things doesn’t go your way and anyone that says otherwise will personally be pounced here by Me

REST!!

zicky:
I that game Ejuke tracked back more than ever Simon. His problem was losing possession on several occasions hiping pressure on our defense. He had a very poor game. The one on one that he should even have passed to Osimhen was the last straw.

It think that was the major problem with Ejuke he kept losing possession when we were under pressure

Sarsaparilla524:
BREAKING!!!

Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi has promised to pay all winning bonuses at the AFCON if the NFF fails to pay before Saturday.

Source: @oluwashina.

They will put this poor boy under pressure simply because he is captain.. ...

My observations on Eric Chelle's tactics

Player movements and transitions
To me, this is the most salient improvement in how we conduct our plays. We now move in sync, players spot and run into open spaces as their awareness of space is now on the increase, players are now more open to receive passes ensuring a faster transition into attack.

Tweaks in tactical formations
Eric Chelle has deployed a 4-3-1-2, a 4-1-2-1-2, and a flat 4-4-2 in the four matches that he has overseen so far.
In the match against Tanzania and Mozambique he deployed a 4-3-1-2, and in the matches against Tunisia and Uganda, he utilised a 4-1-2-1-2 and a 4-4-2 respectively.

Tweaks in personnel deployments
It appears Eric Chelle's initial idea was to deploy two wingers who can play as midfielders on the left and right midfield respectively as seen in the first match against Tanzania where Iwobi and Chukwueze started in those flanks, and also in the match against Uganda where Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze started in those flanks as well. The use of Frank Onyeka on the right midfield was also an important tweak as Frank Onyeka has been a right winger before his conversion to a DM. The use of Frank Onyeka has given Iwobi the freedom to roam more offensive areas of the pitch.

Ingenious discoveries and deployment of players
Ademola Lookman broke into limelight playing as a secondary striker, but playing behind two strikers as a #10 is the best of his deployments. It has given him the freedom to roam, shoot and create chances.

Alex lwobi is a player that can play and has played in almost all positions in the field of play, but his strengths lie more in possession football, stability and creativity. Deploying Iwobi deeper to help bulld and distribute play, making pre-assists from a deeper postion and making assists from a more offensive position is an ingenious intervention.

ChrisKels:
This is not patriotism, this is eye service, and sabotage. Like I said under this post on Twitter, this guy is setting a bad precedent.

This is the type of puppets the NFF admire, and for that reason he has bought himself a permanent place in the national team.

The guy is under pressure as captain I believe he should have handled it much better

So far, the team has been so good that we don't know how sharp Nwabali currently is.

Ndidi chose to take the pressure off NFF when the pressure on them should be hottest, poor leadership action Ekong wouldn't have done such

Omo.. Cricfy is down ke

Just found out Nigeria 🇳🇬 is the only English speaking Nation left at the AFCON.

AndSunGorilla:
Are Mikel, Enyeama and Yobo doing any analysts work at this AFCON or commentary gig? I think they can do a good job too.

The Story Mikel is saying here, I think both Sunday Mba and Emenike also narrated the same story.

Ndidi was just playing reverse psychology in my opinion…

elyte89:
Ejuke has played his last match as far as chelle is concerned…he was lackadaisical in d last game against Tunisia 🇹🇳 when he was introduced after 70 something minutes ,he couldn’t track back to support osayi ,playing as if he has been on d pitch since first half …he was too poor

Ejuke couldn't track back to help Osayi?
Please don't make this error in your observation as this can mar your pedigree as a house coach.

I only responded to this post because it's you.

The image below reveals Ejuke's work in helping out the defence.
The orange circle represents a successful tackle he made right on Osayi's position.
The green circles represents defensive clearances.
While the greener circle shows ball recovery.

The second image shows Ejuke's heatmap.
Does that heatmap reveal a player that wasn't tracking back?

You of all people should have an eye for these things, or at least make researches before coming out to make conclusion.

Mujtahida:
E come be like say Ejuke no dey this team. Meliforme what's happening?

Hahaha 🤣 no space lol

forgiveness:
How can claim Osimhen is the target man in an obvious 4-3-1-2 formation? What is Akor role in this formation?

Auxillary (helper) striker.

Mujtahida:
E come be like say Ejuke no dey this team. Meliforme what's happening?

I am not the coach, but his time will come whenever the coach deems it fit.

elyte89:
Ejuke has played his last match as far as chelle is concerned…he was lackadaisical in d last game against Tunisia 🇹🇳 when he was introduced after 70 something minutes ,he couldn’t track back to support osayi ,playing as if he has been on d pitch since first half …he was too poor

This was the same thing I said as we dey drink for village, his cousin brother begin fold face. E come be like say I dey jealous my own younger kinsman. I just kuku lock up, drink my palmy/chop my bushmeat enter house.

Mujtahida:
Between Rashidi and Amokachi, who was the target man?

Are we in 1994? Open your eyes. This is 2026 and the coach is using 2 target man not 1 target man an a SS like Amokachi.

Meliforme:
Ejuke couldn't track back to help Osayi?
Please don't make this error in your observation as this can mar your pedigree as a house coach.

I only responded to this post because it's you.

The image below reveals Ejuke's work in helping out the defence.
The orange circle represents a successful tackle he made right on Osayi's position.
The green circles represents defensive clearances.
While the greener circle shows ball recovery.

The second image shows Ejuke's heatmap.
Does that heatmap reveal a player that wasn't tracking back?

You of all people should have an eye for these things, or at least make researches before coming out to make conclusion.

But d pressure became more intense for osayi because it wasn’t effective , he was losing possession to the opponent

Meliforme:
Auxillary (helper) striker.

Your own insinuating. Far from what the coach deployed so far. That's 2 target man.

elyte89:
But d pressure became more intense for osayi because it wasn’t effective , he was losing possession to the opponent

Ejuke dey play ball like say him still dey secondary school, and he dey hardly put body for ball, as in, him dey run away from contesting duels.

mekabuachi:
I know I'm not the only one who can't wait to see that zidane son conceed like 3 goals on Saturday, while his father watches from the stand🌝😂

We're actually more than capable of netting 3 goals om that day.

Mujtahida:
You should be doing something like this too bro. You'd do well. All you need is consistency.

There are few channels I must watch pre and post our matches.

The hindsight podcast
Football fans tribe
Eagles tracker
Victor modo
Victor Ademola
Gaant football
Naija football bias (our own BascoVanVeli's)
Soccernittygritty

And many more. They enhance and enrich the viewing experience

Hmmm. I follow all these ones too. I'll add two more:
Final Whistle
ATW Center Studios

Especially Final Whistle. Those guys are really good at reading games and predicting results.

Subzero0477:
Ndidi chose to take the pressure off NFF when the pressure on them should be hottest, poor leadership action Ekong wouldn't have done such

Don't you think focus on the next game is important?