₦airaland Forum

Sunnypa11:
Pls add Olamide Sunday-Gideon Oyetunji or Join Nigeria football and others group on facebook....

The group contains players(Current and ex),Coaches and NFF officials......I want to make you an Admin and we are 20,000plus in that group

Sunnypa11:
The.SuperNerd
Pls add Olamide Sunday-Gideon Oyetunji or Join Nigeria football and others group on facebook....

The group contains players(Current and ex),Coaches and NFF officials......I want to make you an Admin and we are 20,000plus in that group

I miss you on SL10

Napoleon55:
I believe 4-3-3 is the best formation for this game against Egypt,in order to accommodate most of the inform stars. Onazi,Mikel,Iwobi on the midfield while Ighalo lead the attack with Musa and any of the two Moses', we unleash one moses on each half.
Iheanacho should come in as a super sub in the second half.
The 4 most inform defenders should make up the back 4.
The formation can be switched from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2.

Likely line up.

1-IKEME
2-CHUBZOR OKONKWOR
3-UWA
4-ONAZI
5-EFE
6-OBOBONA
7-MUSA
8-IWOBI
9-IGHALO
10-MIKEL
11-MOSES

Subs-
IHEANACHO
MOSES

tbaba1234:
Carl Ikeme (GK)
Shehu Abdullahi
Elderson Echiejile
Godfrey Obaboana
Efe Ambrose
Azubuike Okechukwu
Mikel Obi
Ahmed Musa
Moses Simon
Victor Moses
Odion Ighalo

Likely side, According to owngoalnigeria.com

Good side. We definitely need more center back options, if Efe or Oboabana get hurt, what happens?

krattoss:
the Kaduna turf is looking good unlike before.

BascoVanVeli:
Onazi won't play the first leg. He still has one match to sit out.

Napoleon55:
I believe 4-3-3 is the best formation for this game against Egypt,in order to accommodate most of the inform stars. Onazi,Mikel,Iwobi on the midfield while Ighalo lead the attack with Musa and any of the two Moses', we unleash one moses on each half.
Iheanacho should come in as a super sub in the second half.
The 4 most inform defenders should make up the back 4.
The formation can be switched from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2.

Likely line up.

1-IKEME
2-CHUBZOR OKONKWOR
3-UWA
4-ONAZI
5-EFE
6-OBOBONA
7-MUSA
8-IWOBI
9-IGHALO
10-MIKEL
11-MOSES

Subs-
IHEANACHO
MOSES

Icon4s:
Infact this is the most likely starting line -up. Let me set this up in a 4-4-2 formation:

.........Ikeme
Abdullahi..Ambrose..Obaobona..Echiejile

............Mikel
...................Azubuike

Simon.................................Moses

...........Musa
........................Ighalo


On worries abt CB getting injured we already have 2 injured. A couple of other defenders are on the bench. Going back to "he should have invited Awaziem or Ehizubie" is now a postmortem

lexyman:
Nice formation .i think I will go with this line up .i will keep simon if possible through out 90mins cos of his ability to score set pieces .

Icon4s:
Yes. We need to maximize the full potentials of our forwards. Throwing all of 4 of Simon, Moses, Musa and Ighalo from the start of the game is like hitting the ground running. Musa's ability behind a main striker was highlighted in the game between Nigeria and Argentina at the 2014 WC. He also plays that position at CSKA.

Notice I played Azubuike in front of Mikel bc of Mikel's defensive abilities. He could provide shield for our "weakened" CB positions.

In the return fixture Onazi would play DMF while Mikel goes to CM position.

Icon4s:
Starting with a 4-3-3 in a game of this magnitude is a no-no for me. 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 would be ideal and safer.

lexyman:
I m not too conversant with azuibuike's ability in the role , I hope he's mobile like Onazi , any time I see a Onazi play I remember Micheal Essien of Ghana . . But d attacking style we will play tomorrow will really help our defense line .

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BREAKING: Mikel new Eagles skipper, Ahmed Musa surrenders post
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Mikel - Eagles new Skipper

by Samm Audu

Chelsea star Mikel Obi is the new Nigeria captain after Ahmed Musa relinquished the position at a press briefing in Kaduna Thursday, saying this is to “right the wrong” previously done.


Last year, Ahmed Musa was named Eagles skipper by former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh, who overlooking the seniority in the team which would have installed vice-captain Mikel as team captain following the retirement of Vincent Enyeama from international football.

Mikel will therefore lead Nigeria in tomorrow's must-win AFCON qualifier against Egypt in Kaduna.

More to follow…

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AFCON qualifier: SWAN urges Eagles to defeat Pharaohs
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Enugu – The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu Chapter, has urged the Super Eagles to defeat the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna order to lead the group. The Pharaohs of Egypt currently top the Group G with six points, as against four by the Eagles.


Norbert Okolie, the Chairman of the Enugu chapter of SWAN said that they should not lose concentration during the game, until the final whistle. He suggested that they should approach the match with determination and professionalism stressing that the Egyptians were `hungry for opportunity’ to be at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Gabon.


“We are talking about a 6-time African Champions that missed the tournament since 2012. “I urge the players and the technical crew to make the match in Kaduna a morale boaster, ahead of the return leg in Egypt on March 29,” he said.


The secretary of the association, Ignatius Okpara observed that the country could only have hopes of qualifying for 2017 AFCON after the two legged encounter with Egypt. He enjoined the Eagles Interim Coach, Samson Siasia, to strive to do all within his powers to achieve victory, even if it meant a 1-0 win from each of the two legs — home and away. “We have been looking forward to this match as this will determine if Nigeria will qualify or not; so the players do not need to toy with the match.


“I want the Eagles to win the two legs but I am not among the players, who will be expected accomplish the job”. Treasurer of the association, Franky Omokhua said he felt disappointed when the failed to secure the slot to be at 2015 edition of AFCON.


“I do not want a repeat of the 2015. “I will want the players to go all out against the Egyptians and do their job the normal way they are used to ensuring victories at their various clubs.


“Egypt is beatable and with the right frame of mind and determination, Nigeria will smile at last. “Players like, Victor Moses, Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo should defeat any team in the world,’’ Omokhua said. He urged all, to play their roles properly to ensure the country’s victory.

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Eagles fly out to Egypt Saturday
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Nigeria will fly out to Egypt on Saturday for the reverse leg of an AFCON 2017 qualifier in Alexandria.

“The team will depart Abuja for Egypt on Saturday,” disclosed NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire.

“They will have enough time to train on Sunday and Monday before the match on Tuesday.”


Cash-strapped NFF will fly the team to Egypt on a regular Egypt Air flight because they cannot afford a chartered flight, which could set them back by as much as $300,000.


Egypt lead Group G with six points from two matches, Nigeria are two points behind with only the group winners automatically qualifying for Gabon 2017.

Tanzania have also recorded four points after they beat hosts Chad 1-0 on Wednesday.

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Elneny: I Hope Iwobi Is Fit To Face Egypt
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By Johnny Edward in Kaduna:

(Photo shows Elneny with Completesportsnigeria.com’s Johnny Edward in Kaduna)


Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny has exclusively told Completesportsnigeria.com that he hopes his Arsenal club mate Alex Iwobi recovers‎ fully from the food poisoning the Nigeria forward suffered from on Tuesday.

Nigeria host Egypt in a key Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna on Friday.


Iwobi and Elneny have been in great form for the Gunners prior to the international break and the former Basel player believes the 19-year-old Nigerian will be a good addition to the Super Eagles if fully fit.


“I hope he’s fit to play. Iwobi is a good player,” Iwobi told Completesportsnigeria.com when he was informed Iwobi trained‎ with the Super Eagles.


Elneny who joined The Gunners in the January transfer window has been in splendid form for Arsenal, scoring a stunning strike against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

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Siasia: Eagles Know How To Handle Egypt
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By James Agberebi:

Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has expressed optimism that his side can secure the three points against Egypt in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna on Friday.

The Eagles are second in Group G on four points behind Egypt, who have six points.

They (Eagles) are currently tied on points with Tanzania, who defeated Chad 1-0 away on Wednesday.


In an interview with cafonline.com, Siasia
Posited that a win on Friday will have a positive effect on his team ahead of the return leg on Tuesday.

"First and foremost, we know this is going to be a difficult game therefore we need to have a good preparation," Siasia said.

"We don't have much time left but we just need to know how to play against them.


"Victory in Kaduna on Friday would put us in good frame of mind for the return fixture in Alexandria. We are very hopeful but we must also work very hard."

The 1994 AFCON winner said that he will be banking on the Eagles superior head-to-head against Egypt come Friday.


He added: "I feel strongly that history is on our side against Egypt; though we know that this is going to be a crucial match. This is an important match for us and we know we have to win the game in Kaduna to put our AFCON campaign back on track."

Siasia played down the fact that the game will be played on Friday, stating that his players are ready to give their all.

Siasia said: "I have no doubt that Nigerians fans are stoutly behind us because they (Egyptians) have been saying they can't lose to us in Kaduna.


"We are expecting a full house at the stadium and on our part as team we are going to do our best.
"We are going to see a new Nigerian team against Egypt on Friday. We are going to see a team that would play from the heart."

He added that they will be focusing on Egypt as a team, and not on particular players.

"We don't want to worry about any particular player rather we must be worried about how they play as a team," Siasia explained.


"We have video tapes of their past matches which we have been studying and we already know the kind of players they have – attacking-minded. I’m not going to tell you the plans we have in store for them. I can't be talking about how we are going to play but we shall be ready for them on Friday."


And on his return as Eagles coach after his first experience, he said: "It feels good and I'm happy that I have the privilege to train the team after my last experience.


"I was in charge for 11 months the last time and we didn't even lose a match; but this job is all about hiring and firing. My focus is on these two matches in Kaduna and Alexandria and I'm very hopeful that everything will turn out well."

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5 Key Battles Likely To Decide Nigeria Vs Egypt In Kaduna, Alexandria
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The die is cast – the much expected back-to-back 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between Nigeria and Egypt are here. Completesportsnigeria.com's IZUCHUKWU OKOSI examines five key battles that could shape the outcome of both the first leg in Kaduna and the second leg in Alexandria.


AHMED 'Koka' HASSAN VS GODFREY OBOABONA

Super Eagles central defender Godfrey Oboabona will have a torrid time making sure he polices Sporting Braga striker, Ahmed 'Koka' Hassan effectively.


The Egyptian forward who is likely to play as the 'number 9' for the Pharaohs against the Eagles has taken the Portuguese top flight by storm this season. Currently, he has scored nine goals in 17 league matches, starting 11 of them.

Koka's take-ons are outstanding and Oboabona's fitness will have to be top notch to check his menacing pace.

Oboabona will do his job in these crucial games without the support of his regular partner, Kenneth Omeruo, who misses out through injury.


2013 AFCON winning defender, Oboabona, has completed the most passes in the Turkish top flight this season with 851 attempts with an accuracy of 83%.

However more reassuring is his statistics in his tackling; 34 tackles won this season for Caykur Rizespor,

Nigerian football fans may be forgiven to believe that the former Sunshine Stars man will deal with the threat of the Egyptian.


Oboabona has made 63 interceptions, 91 clearances and 20 blocks for his club so far this season before joining his international teammates for the qualifying matches.


The defender makes an average of seven defensive key actions per game and he has won 52% of his duels with strikers in Turkey.

This is a battle in prospect which could either result in a back-breaking goal(s) or produce outstanding defensive display.

Hopefully, the pendulum swings in Oboabona and Nigeria's favour.


MOHAMED ELNENY VS ALEX IWOBI
The battle between Nigeria and England over an international allegiance of Arsenal youngster, Alex Iwobi, has finally been won by the country of his father – Nigeria.


Iwobi will likely make his competitive debut this weekend/next week and face his teammate and Egyptian midfielder, Mohamed Elneny, in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Former Basel star, Elneny, spoke of the likely confrontation in Kaduna and Alexandria between him and Iwobi.

“I told him (Iwobi) that it will be hard for Nigeria to beat Egypt,” Elneny revealed while speaking with Arab news channel, MBC.


The prediction for most Nigerian fans will naturally be that Iwobi is going to be handed a cameo appearance, but there could be another plan up the sleeves of Samson Siasia.


Handing Iwobi more than a few minutes on Friday and Tuesday, fitness permitting, will likely send a strong signal to other Anglo-Nigerian players who might be in dilemma over which country to represent in international football.


If this projection comes to fruition, both players will be playing against each other this time rather than playing for same team. The fact that they are club mates will be one subplot fans will be pleased to watch out keenly.


Elneny is a box-to-box midfielder who tracks the run of opposition midfielders and forwards brilliantly.

The Egyptian has completed 94 passes in the Premier League in three games with an accuracy of 88%, of which 71% were forward passes.

His average pass length is 16m and his average duels won is 36%. His average defensive actions per game stand at five.

Iwobi's passing ability and take-ons will be key if he gets to play. The youngster's average duels won is just 23%, an area Elneny is understandably superior, but the Nigerian's ability to thread good passes could be where he comes out the winner of the battle.


The midfielder who has played six Premier League games and twice in the Champions League this season has 80% pass accuracy and 67% shot accuracy in the current league.


MOHAMED SALAH VS ELDERSON ECHIEJILE

One of the most interesting battles in the back-to-back qualifiers will be that between Super Eagles left-back, Elderson Echiejile and Egypt's Mohamed Salah.


Salah has scored 24 goals in 40 international games for Egypt. This season (2015/2016), the left-footed forward who plays from the right side of attack (and opposing teams' left side) and tends to cut inside to devastating effect, has netted 11 times for AS Roma. He also has six assists for the Giallorossi.


Salah has created 45 chances and four assists. The Pharaoh has completed 715 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 84%, of which 53% were forward passes.


Elderson Echiejile who has won 25 tackles this season for AS Monaco with a success rate of 42% is likely to face Salah despite reporting late to the Eagles camp and will have a tough time containing the Egyptian star man.

Echiejile has made 37 interceptions, 55 clearances and five blocks for the Monaco club this season.


The Nigerian's statistics are by all intents and purposes promising, but he will do well not to drift forward too often in a bid to support the attack due to the searing pace of Salah who would find joy down the channel.


JOHN MIKEL OBI VS AMR WARDA

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi is one of Nigeria's most influential players.

Egypt coach, Hector Cuper and his lieutenants surely know that Mikel's experience and leadership qualities will be brought to bear in the two legs..


One Egyptian player who could cross path with Mikel in the midfield on Friday in Kaduna and Alexandria on Tuesday is Panetolikos FC of Greece attacking midfielder, Amr Warda.

Warda only made his debut for the Pharaohs in a friendly match against Zambia in Abu Dhabi on October 11, 2015.

The Egyptian played 24 games in the Greek Premier League in the 2015/2016 season and scored four goals, providing three assists.


The attacking midfielder was in the Egypt squad that played an international friendly against Zambia (his debut), and then the away and home 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chad on November 14 and 17, 2015, where he played for eight and 15 minutes respectively.


Warda may be new in the Egyptian national team setup, but he has demonstrated enough capabilities to earn the trust of his national team boss.


Warda is a player that likes to drift inward from the right flank and his lateral movement is deceptive and capable of causing the Eagles midfield plenty problems.


Meanwhile, Mikel has in recent games for Chelsea shown that his days under Jose Mourinho where he restricted to playing just in front of the defence is gone. He now covers a larger path of the field. This is where he steps in and should use his experience to rescue the Eagles from danger.


The Eagles star makes three at average defensive actions per game and has won 39% of his midfield duels in the Barclays Premier League this season.


One area Mikel needs to beware of in his midfield battles against Egypt is his temperament. Warda could be the man whom he tango with regularly in 90 minutes.


The Chelsea star who has been yellow-carded 36 times and handed one straight red card since he moved to the London side in the 2006/2007 season, tends to let his frustrations take the better part of him when results don't go his team's way.


ODION IGHALO VS RAMY RABIA/AHMED HEGAZY

Odion Ighalo scored Nigeria's first goal in the race for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Nigeria's 2-0 win against Chad on June 13, 2015 interestingly at the Ahmedu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, where Friday's game will hold.


Al Ahly defender, Ramy Rabia was in Egypt's team that played tune-up games against Burkana Faso, Libya and Jordan between January 27 2016 to February 27, 2016 and Zambia in 2015.


The two-time Egyptian Premier League winner scored Egypt's first goal in their 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania – a 3-0 win at the Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria a day after Nigeria's win against Chad.


Rabia is a defender strong in the tackles and with good aerial prowess.

The 22 year-old Rabia could be the defender Hector Cuper elects to deploy to mark Ighalo on Friday.


Cuper who reportedly has acquired a video compilation of the Super Eagles squad players may also pick Ahmed Hegazy for the job of marking Ighalo who is in fine form at the moment, with 14 goals scored in 30 Premier League games for Watford.

Hegazy has captained the Pharaohs in couple of AFCON and World Cup qualifiers and is widely known as the 'Nesta of the Pyramids'.


The defender was given this nickname as his playing style somewhat resembles that of Italian legend Alessandro Nesta; combative and a good tackler of the ball.


Ighalo has played 95 shots on target this season and has three assists for his club.

lexyman:
I m not too conversant with azuibuike's ability in the role , I hope he's mobile like Onazi , any time I see a Onazi play I remember Micheal Essien of Ghana . . But d attacking style we will play tomorrow will really help our defense line .