₦airaland Forum

Blueelf:
African teams were given 10 slots. Unprecedented by FIFA

All naija had to do was get at least 1 of those slots. Not 2, just 1.

We didn't. We didn't qualify for 2022 and now again, we didn't

What makes this more painful?? We have at least 6 African teams in the knockout stages (if I'm not mistaken) - this is unprecedented as well

But no, some people will rather you smooth the ego of players who don't see playing for the National team as thwir pride and joy

In as much as we can blame the NFF and Finidi George, the players share a huge chunk of that blame

Games you should've won at home, you draw such that you garnered a measly 2 point from several games

Yet you want to go to the world cup.

God of soccer gave you a second chance against DRC, yet you couldn't get over the hump. But no, Super Eagles players are world class...lolllll

In a working country:

The entire NFF would've resigned, including the fake guardiola called Eguaveon

Some players should never be invited to the Super Eagles again. Chukwueze should've been disciplined for the comments he made after missing that penalty at AFCON. No need for rafiu durosinmi, Bonifsce or arokodare. These ones aren't footballers but faux-yahoo guys with athleticism.

A sports psychologist should've been hired for the National teams. They seem to become lily-livered at critical games.

Sports minister should've been asked to resign

Finidi shouldn't have been allowed to coach even in the NPFL because he even failed there before failing on a grand stage at the Senior Team

Our grassroots football would've been taken seriously. I see some people defending age-chesting on this thread - "na you born am"

Last last, it'll be rinse and repeat.

Don't worry, I am quite sure that if nothing drastic is done, they'll miss the world cup again next time amd waste osihmen and lookmans prim

Na here we dey.

NFF has turned the national team to ridicule in the eyes of other Africans

Very demonic organization that has nothing good in mind for national team

One Chukwueze fan boy will come for you for mentioning his name because Fulham wants to sign him 😂😂😂😂

AndSunGorilla:
They just don't have the quality. Argentina would beat them like no business if they make it.

I'm licking my lips in expectation.

Goke7:
Iranians are not Arabs they are Persians and the language they speak is Farsi

In fact they hate it when they are called Arabs. Their civilization is far older than than that of the Arabs.

I think it's time we start moving on from our failure to qualify from the WC debacle.

Winging, crying, and wailing will not hoist our flag at the WC.

What we should dedicate our energy to now as supporters of the national team is finding solutions and making sure this never happens again.

Giving Chelle a new contract is a step in the right direction however it's just a step more crucial strides need to be made to set the SE up for sustainable success.

NFF leadership should be voted out in September. The Technical Department needs to be completely retooled and infused with fresh ideas. Eguavoen great guy but I think we have seen the limits of his ability.

I'm hopeful for the future based on the quality and quantity of talent however we have to do better at discovering and convincing diaspora talent. Morocco, Senegal, CIV, and even Cape Verde have the drop on us on that area. Hopefully the new Diaspora team can make head way in that approach.

Odunayaw:
I've been impressed with the shots from outside the box in this WC. That thing seemed to have been dying out due to overemphasis on recycling the ball until openings show.

Lookman, FDB, Onyeka and now Azeez have some shots in their legs. Chelle needs to incorporate sequences that gives opportunities for gbim!

Especially those Colombians. They nearly peeled the hands of that Congo goalkeeper.

Goke7:
Na tikitaka o the soaking garri system taking the shine and entertainment out of football.

Kudos to the players taking those shots and giving us joy, anyone wey say their yam no go done their water too no go boil 😂

Spain the chief proponents of tiki taka aka robot football are a bland team drawing against Cape Verde, dem see araha chop against Saudi and could only manage one goal against Uruguay.

I say dem no good.

mostob:
Kylian Mbappe is not beating the dictator allegation.. 😂😂😂

Even Better.... #DictatorMbappe AKA TheGeneral!

Franktom247:
One Chukwueze fan boy will come for you for mentioning his name because Fulham wants to sign him 😂😂😂😂

I watched Dembele yesterday curling balls into the back of the net and it made me think: why can't Chukwueze play like this?

If he attempts to drift across the final third, the ball gets taken from him. If he attempts to dribble, the ball becomes tangled in his legs or gets taken away.

He rarely crosses the ball.

We need a more effective player on that right. I prefer Azeez to Zadok. To me Azeez has that kind of Lookman's intelligence.

Dribble to the touch line like Ikedia irritates me. And that's how I see Zadok. I might be wrong sha

Franktom247:
One Chukwueze fan boy will come for you for mentioning his name because Fulham wants to sign him 😂😂😂😂

Lolll

Them no fit

Mujtahida:
I watched Dembele yesterday curling balls into the back of the net and it made me think: why can't Chukwueze play like this?

If he attempts to drift across the final third, the ball gets taken from him. If he attempts to dribble, the ball becomes tangled in his legs or gets taken away.

He rarely crosses the ball.

We need a more effective player on that right. I prefer Azeez to Zadok. To me Azeez has that kind of Lookman's intelligence.

Dribble to the touch line like Ikedia irritates me. And that's how I see Zadok. I might be wrong sha

You're not wrong

Nigerians just like the superficial nonsense that comes with mindless dribbling is the reason chukwueze is rated

In most European teams, coaches will bench him. He adds nothing of value to pur scoreline

Hopefully if Zadok develops his game and lives up to potential we won't have to worry about Chukwueze's subpar performances.

Mujtahida:
I watched Dembele yesterday curling balls into the back of the net and it made me think: why can't Chukwueze play like this?

If he attempts to drift across the final third, the ball gets taken from him. If he attempts to dribble, the ball becomes tangled in his legs or gets taken away.

He rarely crosses the ball.

We need a more effective player on that right. I prefer Azeez to Zadok. To me Azeez has that kind of Lookman's intelligence.

Dribble to the touch line like Ikedia irritates me. And that's how I see Zadok. I might be wrong sha

Mujtahida:
Especially those Colombians. They nearly peeled the hands of that Congo goalkeeper.

As a goalkeeper myself in secondary school, I cannot but imagine the PTSD that can come out of facing shots non stop all game.

Mujtahida:
I'm licking my lips in expectation.

This time, Cabo Verde sef know dem don try.

Odunayaw:
As a goalkeeper myself in secondary school, I cannot but imagine the PTSD that can come out of facing shots non stop all game.

Goalkeeper abi Goalcounter?

Mujtahida:
I watched Dembele yesterday curling balls into the back of the net and it made me think: why can't Chukwueze play like this?

If he attempts to drift across the final third, the ball gets taken from him. If he attempts to dribble, the ball becomes tangled in his legs or gets taken away.

He rarely crosses the ball.

We need a more effective player on that right. I prefer Azeez to Zadok. To me Azeez has that kind of Lookman's intelligence.

Dribble to the touch line like Ikedia irritates me. And that's how I see Zadok. I might be wrong sha

Most pundits I've seen online and offline insist that Zadok's dribbles are purposeful and decisive, as opposed to Chukwueze and Ejuke who dribble for the sake of it, and don't actually know exactly what they want to do with the ball moving forward.

I'm sha rooting for the lad. Anybody that can give Chukwueze a run for his money and make him sit up is a welcome addition in my book. We'll likely see him at the AFCON qualifiers later this year or at most the U-23 AFCON next year.

chrisooblog:
Hopefully if Zadok develops his game and lives up to potential we won't have to worry about Chukwueze's subpar performances.

God will save Chukwumagic from all of una, Mama Chuks no sleep for heaven o. Na OGN craze pass, anytime dem wan talk Chuks matter,na that chewing gum pix dem dey always show, wicked people.

chrisooblog:
I think it's time we start moving on from our failure to qualify from the WC debacle.

Winging, crying, and wailing will not hoist our flag at the WC.

What we should dedicate our energy to now as supporters of the national team is finding solutions and making sure this never happens again.

Giving Chelle a new contract is a step in the right direction however it's just a step more crucial strides need to be made to set the SE up for sustainable success.

NFF leadership should be voted out in September. The Technical Department needs to be completely retooled and infused with fresh ideas. Eguavoen great guy but I think we have seen the limits of his ability.

I'm hopeful for the future based on the quality and quantity of talent however we have to do better at discovering and convincing diaspora talent. Morocco, Senegal, CIV, and even Cape Verde have the drop on us on that area. Hopefully the new Diaspora team can make head way in that approach.

We’re probably just 20% away from putting ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup after renewing Eric Chelle’s contract. Now, two key areas must be addressed:

1. Upgrade our home advantage

The NFF and relevant authorities should renovate at least two stadiums preferably the Abuja National Stadium and one other to meet the standard we witnessed in Morocco. Our World Cup qualifying home matches should also kick off no earlier than 6:00 p.m. under floodlights, allowing the players to perform in more comfortable weather conditions.

Our poor home results during the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns showed that we have not maximized our home advantage. Every point matters, and any nation serious about qualifying must treat every game like a final. The competition is becoming even tougher, with more African countries gaining World Cup experience and confidence. Imagine being drawn against teams like DR Congo, Cape Verde, or Gabon in the next qualifiers there will be no easy games.

2. Establish a dedicated Super Eagles management team

The NSC and NFF should create a professional management unit responsible for the Super Eagles’ off-field operations, focusing on planning, logistics, player welfare, and administrative coordination throughout the qualification campaign.

This would help prevent avoidable issues such as delayed payments, poor travel arrangements, and player protests over unpaid bonuses. A well-organized team off the pitch gives the players the best chance to succeed on it.

Going forward, we must be deliberate, proactive, and professional in every aspect of our World Cup qualification campaign. Success is achieved not only through talent but also through proper planning and execution.

FiveFootNinja:
Most pundits I've seen online and offline insist that Zadok's dribbles are purposeful and decisive, as opposed to Chukwueze and Ejuke who dribble for the sake of it, and don't actually know exactly what they want to do with the ball moving forward.

I'm sha rooting for the lad. Anybody that can give Chukwueze a run for his money and make him sit up is a welcome addition in my book. We'll likely see him at the AFCON qualifiers later this year or at most the U-23 AFCON next year.

Sani Suleiman just came back from injury -if I'm not mistaken

I heard RB Leipzig are looking to integrate him into the first team as soon as possible because yan diomande may move away this summer

This is someone chelle should also monitor

This chukwueze that people have been waiting to improve for over 8 years now - I think the train has reached ita final destination

It may seem crazy to say but the ball currently in use rewards long shots. Its a design flaw to the goal keeper and blessing to the shooter. Sort of a jabulani situation.

Odunayaw:
I've been impressed with the shots from outside the box in this WC. That thing seemed to have been dying out due to overemphasis on recycling the ball until openings show.

Lookman, FDB, Onyeka and now Azeez have some shots in their legs. Chelle needs to incorporate sequences that gives opportunities for gbim!

It is not crazy to say. It is the actual situation with the 4 pannelled WC ball in use at this edition. Long shots are hard to stop with this ball. GKs like Mendy have suffered coz of it and GKs are still adjusting to the motion physics of the ball.

Amedino99:
It may seem crazy to say but the ball currently in use rewards long shots. Its a design flaw to the goal keeper and blessing to the shooter. Sort of a jabulani situation.

This number 2 suggestion is the koko.

Establish a special committee, board, agency call it whatever outside of direct NFF control to oversee all things preparation like you said. Apart from logistics everything around payment of bonuses will be monitored and carried out by them.

The management team will be made up of reps from Govt, NFF, Journalists, ex-players, local league reps but should strictly be run as a private sector project.

The Falcons too should have a similar arrangement.

elyte89:
We’re probably just 20% away from putting ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup after renewing Eric Chelle’s contract. Now, two key areas must be addressed:

1. Upgrade our home advantage

The NFF and relevant authorities should renovate at least two stadiums preferably the Abuja National Stadium and one other to meet the standard we witnessed in Morocco. Our World Cup qualifying home matches should also kick off no earlier than 6:00 p.m. under floodlights, allowing the players to perform in more comfortable weather conditions.

Our poor home results during the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns showed that we have not maximized our home advantage. Every point matters, and any nation serious about qualifying must treat every game like a final. The competition is becoming even tougher, with more African countries gaining World Cup experience and confidence. Imagine being drawn against teams like DR Congo, Cape Verde, or Gabon in the next qualifiers there will be no easy games.

2. Establish a dedicated Super Eagles management team

The NSC and NFF should create a professional management unit responsible for the Super Eagles’ off-field operations, focusing on planning, logistics, player welfare, and administrative coordination throughout the qualification campaign.

This would help prevent avoidable issues such as delayed payments, poor travel arrangements, and player protests over unpaid bonuses. A well-organized team off the pitch gives the players the best chance to succeed on it.

Going forward, we must be deliberate, proactive, and professional in every aspect of our World Cup qualification campaign. Success is achieved not only through talent but also through proper planning and execution.

elyte89:
We’re probably just 20% away from putting ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup after renewing Eric Chelle’s contract. Now, two key areas must be addressed:

1. Upgrade our home advantage

The NFF and relevant authorities should renovate at least two stadiums preferably the Abuja National Stadium and one other to meet the standard we witnessed in Morocco. Our World Cup qualifying home matches should also kick off no earlier than 6:00 p.m. under floodlights, allowing the players to perform in more comfortable weather conditions.

Our poor home results during the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns showed that we have not maximized our home advantage. Every point matters, and any nation serious about qualifying must treat every game like a final. The competition is becoming even tougher, with more African countries gaining World Cup experience and confidence. Imagine being drawn against teams like DR Congo, Cape Verde, or Gabon in the next qualifiers there will be no easy games.

2. Establish a dedicated Super Eagles management team

The NSC and NFF should create a professional management unit responsible for the Super Eagles’ off-field operations, focusing on planning, logistics, player welfare, and administrative coordination throughout the qualification campaign.

This would help prevent avoidable issues such as delayed payments, poor travel arrangements, and player protests over unpaid bonuses. A well-organized team off the pitch gives the players the best chance to succeed on it.

Going forward, we must be deliberate, proactive, and professional in every aspect of our World Cup qualification campaign. Success is achieved not only through talent but also through proper planning and execution.

To add to what you all have said so far. We the fans, and Social media sports influencers and the NFF have a very serious and special off field politics role to play.


We were all here when SA was allowed to play 7 home matches in the Qualifiers, an "undue advantage" against its opponents and non of us here Called out CAF to rectify that anomaly when the Qualifier draws were made.

If the Technical Unit of the NFF would miss that, then we who are learned fans cum football analysts should have called NFF attention to it by making noise on the social media.

It was here on this thread that a quiet moniker called our attention to Mokeana Double Yellow card. We were the first to propagate it on social media before FIFA did the needful.

We should not sit down and allow any unfair advantage to any of our opponents for the next 2030 world cup Qualifiers again.


Any team without a good venue to host home matches, should look for a neutral ground to play their away matches. Don't take it to any of your opponents home.


It's an unfair advantage against other teams in the group, it doesn't matter whether you have more fans there.


I mean, common sense should be common.

In addition every qualifying campaign whether WC or AFCON should be tackled with the seriousness it deserves. No more inviting players out of the blue with no noticeable trace of their abilities whether diaspora or local.

That should be reserved strictly for friendlies.

Plus they should ensure we have a pool of 40-50 players we stick to strictly except for one or two rare exceptions.

elyte89:
We’re probably just 20% away from putting ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup after renewing Eric Chelle’s contract. Now, two key areas must be addressed:

1. Upgrade our home advantage

The NFF and relevant authorities should renovate at least two stadiums preferably the Abuja National Stadium and one other to meet the standard we witnessed in Morocco. Our World Cup qualifying home matches should also kick off no earlier than 6:00 p.m. under floodlights, allowing the players to perform in more comfortable weather conditions.

Our poor home results during the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns showed that we have not maximized our home advantage. Every point matters, and any nation serious about qualifying must treat every game like a final. The competition is becoming even tougher, with more African countries gaining World Cup experience and confidence. Imagine being drawn against teams like DR Congo, Cape Verde, or Gabon in the next qualifiers there will be no easy games.

2. Establish a dedicated Super Eagles management team

The NSC and NFF should create a professional management unit responsible for the Super Eagles’ off-field operations, focusing on planning, logistics, player welfare, and administrative coordination throughout the qualification campaign.

This would help prevent avoidable issues such as delayed payments, poor travel arrangements, and player protests over unpaid bonuses. A well-organized team off the pitch gives the players the best chance to succeed on it.

Going forward, we must be deliberate, proactive, and professional in every aspect of our World Cup qualification campaign. Success is achieved not only through talent but also through proper planning and execution.

FiveFootNinja:
Most pundits I've seen online and offline insist that Zadok's dribbles are purposeful and decisive, as opposed to Chukwueze and Ejuke who dribble for the sake of it, and don't actually know exactly what they want to do with the ball moving forward.

I'm sha rooting for the lad. Anybody that can give Chukwueze a run for his money and make him sit up is a welcome addition in my book. We'll likely see him at the AFCON qualifiers later this year or at most the U-23 AFCON next year.

I'd really be happy if Zadok proves to be a player we can rely on particularly given the fact that he's an home grown talent.

Blueelf:
You're not wrong

Nigerians just like the superficial nonsense that comes with mindless dribbling is the reason chukwueze is rated

In most European teams, coaches will bench him. He adds nothing of value to pur scoreline

I like dribbling but it should be purposeful and effective. Not like while you trying to sort out your legs, the ball is knicked off you. It's frustrating

elyte89:
We’re probably just 20% away from putting ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup after renewing Eric Chelle’s contract. Now, two key areas must be addressed:

1. Upgrade our home advantage

The NFF and relevant authorities should renovate at least two stadiums preferably the Abuja National Stadium and one other to meet the standard we witnessed in Morocco. Our World Cup qualifying home matches should also kick off no earlier than 6:00 p.m. under floodlights, allowing the players to perform in more comfortable weather conditions.

Our poor home results during the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns showed that we have not maximized our home advantage. Every point matters, and any nation serious about qualifying must treat every game like a final. The competition is becoming even tougher, with more African countries gaining World Cup experience and confidence. Imagine being drawn against teams like DR Congo, Cape Verde, or Gabon in the next qualifiers there will be no easy games.

2. Establish a dedicated Super Eagles management team

The NSC and NFF should create a professional management unit responsible for the Super Eagles’ off-field operations, focusing on planning, logistics, player welfare, and administrative coordination throughout the qualification campaign.

This would help prevent avoidable issues such as delayed payments, poor travel arrangements, and player protests over unpaid bonuses. A well-organized team off the pitch gives the players the best chance to succeed on it.

Going forward, we must be deliberate, proactive, and professional in every aspect of our World Cup qualification campaign. Success is achieved not only through talent but also through proper planning and execution.

Good suggestions but we simply don't have the character to sit down, reflect on why and how we got it wrong not qualifying for two WCs, plan on how to succeed and execute it. We don't have that fibre in us.

We have magic thinking. We believe we will succeed - whether we plan or not, create systems or not, study patterns or not - we just believe we will succeed.

Morocco has left magic thinking. They have adopted western approach - study, plan, execute. Do it over and over again until it becomes a system with it's own institution and ecosystem and then eventually becomes a culture.

While Morocco is the team of the future. We are the team of the past. We have better pedigree but pedigree has to be sustained otherwise it even becomes a source of mockery. Look at Ghana. Look at Hungary. These were once footballing giants but today nobody reckons with them.

realpoacher:
To add to what you all have said so far. We the fans, and Social media sports influencers and the NFF have a very serious and special off field politics role to play.


We were all here when SA was allowed to play 7 home matches in the Qualifiers, an "undue advantage" against its opponents and non of us here Called out CAF to rectify that anomaly when the Qualifier draws were made.

If the Technical Unit of the NFF would miss that, then we who are learned fans cum football analysts should have called NFF attention to it by making noise on the social media.

It was here on this thread that a quiet moniker called our attention to Mokeana Double Yellow card. We were the first to propagate it on social media before FIFA did the needful.

We should not sit down and allow any unfair advantage to any of our opponents for the next 2030 world cup Qualifiers again.


Any team without a good venue to host home matches, should look for a neutral ground to play their away matches. Don't take it to any of your opponents home.


It's an unfair advantage against other teams in the group, it doesn't matter whether you have more fans there.


I mean, common sense should be common.

That issue was pointed out here but no one took it serious because people thought South Africa was not a threat until it was too late.

AndSunGorilla:
Goalkeeper abi Goalcounter?

Goal keeper. Led my class twice to the finals of interclass competition for both junior and senior. And to toot my horn, I saved two penalties in semifinal for both if I remember well.

Amedino99:
It may seem crazy to say but the ball currently in use rewards long shots. Its a design flaw to the goal keeper and blessing to the shooter. Sort of a jabulani situation.

Yes. Makes it add to the psychological torment.

Back then in our small school sports I didn't have gloves and everytime I palmed the ball my baby palms will be bloodred. At first I'd feel good that I did something, but after 3 or more shots I'd be afraid when I see people shaping to shoot. Same way with this ball, keeper go don de fear say ball flight go make him look useless

Odunayaw:
Goal keeper. Led my class twice to the finals of interclass competition for both junior and senior. And to toot my horn, I saved two penalties in semifinal for both.

Tah, no be mixed game una dey play (boys and girls) and most likely na only two classes una school get for your grade that time
Awon Onyemachara, Agbonibasket.

FiveFootNinja:
Most pundits I've seen online and offline insist that Zadok's dribbles are purposeful and decisive, as opposed to Chukwueze and Ejuke who dribble for the sake of it, and don't actually know exactly what they want to do with the ball moving forward.

I'm sha rooting for the lad. Anybody that can give Chukwueze a run for his money and make him sit up is a welcome addition in my book. We'll likely see him at the AFCON qualifiers later this year or at most the U-23 AFCON next year.

Brighton no go release am for U23 afcon.

elyte89:
We’re probably just 20% away from putting ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup after renewing Eric Chelle’s contract. Now, two key areas must be addressed:

1. Upgrade our home advantage

The NFF and relevant authorities should renovate at least two stadiums preferably the Abuja National Stadium and one other to meet the standard we witnessed in Morocco. Our World Cup qualifying home matches should also kick off no earlier than 6:00 p.m. under floodlights, allowing the players to perform in more comfortable weather conditions.

Our poor home results during the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns showed that we have not maximized our home advantage. Every point matters, and any nation serious about qualifying must treat every game like a final. The competition is becoming even tougher, with more African countries gaining World Cup experience and confidence. Imagine being drawn against teams like DR Congo, Cape Verde, or Gabon in the next qualifiers there will be no easy games.

2. Establish a dedicated Super Eagles management team

The NSC and NFF should create a professional management unit responsible for the Super Eagles’ off-field operations, focusing on planning, logistics, player welfare, and administrative coordination throughout the qualification campaign.

This would help prevent avoidable issues such as delayed payments, poor travel arrangements, and player protests over unpaid bonuses. A well-organized team off the pitch gives the players the best chance to succeed on it.

Going forward, we must be deliberate, proactive, and professional in every aspect of our World Cup qualification campaign. Success is achieved not only through talent but also through proper planning and execution.

Very well said sir. I also think Lagos or Abuja would be the best for our home games to reduce travel logistics, cos the players don't have e a lot of time like that. That said, I think Uyo might actually be better weather wise as it shouldn't be as hot as Lagos or Abuja, I think.