₦airaland Forum

goldfish80:
The second formation looks fantastic. If Ndidi can compete passes like Kante, we will cooking with gas!

The midfield is thin na

Icon79:
Russia 1 Argentina 2. But the scoreline flattered Russia ... it would've been more like 6-1, if not for their goalkeeper - Akinfevev.


O pari

The game ended 1-0 to Argentina.

forgiveness:
It seems you don't understand my point. The formation we played against Argentina is meant a LWB and not the usual LB in a 4-3-3 formation. That was why Aina struggled to cope holistically in that new role. I am not say he is a bad player going forward but in that particular game, he did nothing offensively.

Now, let us go away from the LWB and back 3 defence to the usual 4 back defence known to us. I still feel I need to see him again in that role before drawing conclusion but before then Elderson or Brian have my nod.

However, I am convinced he is a better player at RB and I would like him to be played there first to compare his performance on both sides.

does ebuehi use both feet....?
if he does....we can as well ready him there against sychelles and then...use aina for the RB slot....
I expect us to whip Seychelles silly with this new formation they won't pose any threat at all......

forgiveness:
Which fallacy? You had better wake up to the reality that these boys are playing in one of the top 3 best leagues in the world and even on the book of one of the the best clubs in the world.

And that is where the eyes of the whole wide world preys.

lol. Only Tammy I can say looks good. Solanke plays well but I don't see him benching Nada in the English team. That league has a hell of a hype o. If Nacho were English, we for dey hear Neymar comparisms.

MetalJigsaw:
How? you mean we're flatterd by the ranking?

Am not saying we are flattered by the ranking. We deserve it. Just saying we should be humble and keep our head down. Let's fly under the radar. We will surprise a lot of people, even ourselves.

MetalJigsaw:
they scored 2 penalties

It was Spain(Ramos) that scored two penalties not Russia.

Yes, you're correct. It ended 1-0 Argentina .... with Sergio Aguero's goal.

I was getting it mixed up with another game.



O pari

nelszx:
It actually ended 0-1 to Argentina, Russia didn't and couldn't score
One wonders how they were able to put 3 past Spain....
Football can be crazy sometimes

Kog45:
My man just his opinion and you need to respect it.If you have any contrary opinion just say it and the discussion w continue with guys coming in to contribute.This make the thread to flow.

That is also an opinion...

Further modified:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.

We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through the years. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to look critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: We sincerely appreciate the current effort being put in place by the NFF to ensure that bonuses and allowances issues are sorted out ahead of the World Cup. This is a commendable step towards avoiding players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup.
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018. We also expect high profile friendlies in window leading to the World Cup
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to curb “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.

Icon4s:
I have done some modifications and editing of the above points as shown bellow:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.
We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to look critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: This is to avoid players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018.
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to cub “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.



*** The floor is still open to add points.

Meanwhile: The above write up is open for editing.

I call on our English grammar specialists in the house. Safarigirl tops the list and every one here. We are all stake holders.

We need to publish this on the twitter hanldes of The NFF and Toyin Ibitoye ASAP.

Top post. Lovely contribution, I will just add 2 points ;

1) The team should set up a base camp in Russia immediately after the European season in May.
I believe the team may have to criss-cross around Europe, playing friendly games or mini pre world cup tournaments.
The Base camp in Russia should serve as their home ground and training base where they return to after every friendly. Camping early in Russia will defeat the problem of acclimatisation which is very key.
I studied past world cups and discovered that European countries usually win world cups hosted in Europe.

2) The technical bench should be fortified to world standard.
The Nff should engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physio. You can't have a good tournament without these two in your crew. Germany employed an American guy Shad as their physio at the last mundial.
We must shop for the best in this very sensitive area.
In my opinion

Humility017:
does ebuehi use both feet....?
if he does....we can as well ready him there against sychelles and then...use aina for the RB slot....
I expect us to whip Seychelles silly with this new formation they won't pose any threat at all......

Yes, he can. In short, Ebuehi played for his club on the LB sometimes.

I think I will have to agree with you on this.

Mujtahida:
The midfield is thin na

I'm referring to the midfield of Ndidi, Mikel and Iwobi

goldfish80:
Top post. Lovely contribution, I will just add 2 points ;

1) The team should set up a base camp in Russia immediately after the European season in May.
I believe the team may have to criss-cross around Europe, playing friendly games or mini pre world cup tournaments.
The Base camp in Russia should serve as their home ground and training base where they return to after every friendly. Camping early in Russia will defeat the problem of acclimatisation which is very key.
I studied past world cups and discovered that European countries usually win world cups hosted in Europe.

2) The technical bench should be fortified to world standard.
The Nff should engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physio. You can't have a good tournament without these two in your crew. Germany employed an American guy Shad as their physio at the last mundial.
We must shop for the best in this very sensitive area.
In my opinion

Noted. Thanks

goldfish80:
The second formation looks fantastic. If Ndidi can compete passes like Kante, we will cooking with gas!

exactly, Ndidi needs to do a kante and also shield the defence too.

MetalJigsaw:
Of course! I'm not saying we have better strikers. Is he relevant in the English team, let alone their starting eleven? Thats my point... and you must answer my question o.
Both Tammy and Solanke made the wrong moves, believe it or not. They just jeopardized their international future. They should have chosen a team where they're actually needed and they'll be welcomed with both hands to stake a claim for shirts in the SE.

I am at pains to say this after more than a decade of involvement with British football.

There has been a paradigm shift in English football. For the first time in recorded history England won both the U20 and U17 World cups.

But the most pronounced and dramatically different thing about these teams was Black boys were about 70% of the team. In the Final of the U20 three Nigerian origin players scored all the goals. There is a change of cultural dynamics which includes race hither unknown before.

They made the wrong move in not supporting thier Father Land. However, career wise it's way too early to tell.

Secondly, even if the had come to the SE there's no guarantee they will be in the squad to Russia.

Is that the same welcome that was given to Sone Aluko, Anichebe and Hope Akpan. Considering how they were treated and thier refusal to show loyalty and homage with settlement.

daveP:
lol. Only Tammy I can say looks good. Solanke plays well but I don't see him benching Nada in the English team. That league has a hell of a hype o. If Nacho were English, we for dey hear Neymar comparisms.

Both of dem are special gems any team will want to have. Even if Nacho is in the same team with them , he Nacho may not make the bench. That is how highly rated they are. this is not hyping matter.

forgiveness:
Simon is more versatile than Onyekuru. He can play that formation wella because that is what played regularly with his team last season.

simon is good defending but the only draw back is his tendencies to go wide and try dribbling opponents which could lead to him losing the ball.

komekn:
I am at pains to say this after more than a decade of involvement with British football.

There has been a paradigm shift in English football. For the first time in recorded history England won both the U20 and U17 World cups.

But the most pronounced and dramatically different thing about these teams was Black boys were about 70% of the team. In the Final of the U20 three Nigerian origin players scored all the goals. There is a change of cultural dynamics which includes race hither unknown before.

They made the wrong move in not supporting thier Father Land. However, career wise it's way too early to tell.

Secondly, even if the had come to the SE there's no guarantee they will be in the squad to Russia.

Is that the same welcome that was given to Sone Aluko, Anichebe and Hope Akpan. Considering how they were treated and thier refusal to show loyalty and homage with settlement.

So, sad. The way NFF humiliated Anichebe after he got injured on duty for the national team was very painful. Even Hope Akpan never received a call after he got injured in action for the National team. That's unfair and very discouraging.

Despite Sone Aluko's consistency in performance over the years yet ignored.

What is the guarantee that these lads will not be treated the same way?

Further modified:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.

We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through the years. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: We sincerely appreciate the current effort being put in place by the NFF to ensure that bonuses and allowances issues are sorted out ahead of the World Cup. This is a commendable step towards avoiding players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup.
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018. We propose camping in Russia where we expect high profile friendlies in the window leading to the World Cup
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to curb “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.
7. The technical bench should be fortified to world standard. The NFF should also engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physios

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.

Ajiboye I know but alampasu? What has he really done of recent? What about Emmanuel Daniel? Is Alampasu better than him or why this insistence on Alampasu? I know it's your choice but just need to know what qualifies him.

Kog45:
I w rather pick Uzoho, Ezenwa was just one of the flaw of Alloy Agu just like Keshi forcing Agbim on us,just too glaring Ezenwa lacks it all,people keep on referring to his performance against Zambia and Cameroon just cos of Akpeyi howler against SA,nothing so unique about Ezenwa.

I believe Rohr should give all the keepers including Alampasu,Ajiboye level playing ground.I don't think Ezenwa is better than Ajiboye, honestly Alloy Agu is not helping the situation.

The foreign goalkeeper trainer doesn't know much but always act on Alloy recommendation and if care is not taken it w affect the team.

This is the time to put experience aside and test the abilities of the keepers.

Ezenwa i saw against Algeria w have been a disaster than Akpeyi against Argentina.

Good CHAN is coming up we will definitely see much of Ezenwa if Ajiboye did not displace him cos likely it w happen

Uzoho i saw against Girona and Argentina just need more international friendlies to prove his readiness.

I don't care about rookies going to the WC.At 2002 WC we went with two local rookies in Enyeama and Ejide,so I don't mind if Uzoho,Alampasu and Ajiboye makes it.

We have seen much of Akpeyi and Ezenwa drama they are not better than the trio just using experience to make the team and despite the experience they always committing school boys errors.

On Enyeama hope he regain his form back but I still hold my reservation cos is coming back should be based on Uzoho performance.

Kalapizim:
simon is good defending but the only draw back is his tendencies to go wide and try dribbling opponents which could lead to him losing the ball.

Even Iwobi, Mikel and Iheanacho did that against Argentina.

Icon4s:
Further modified:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.

We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through the years. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to look critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: We sincerely appreciate the current effort being put in place by the NFF to ensure that bonuses and allowances issues are sorted out ahead of the World Cup. This is a commendable step towards avoiding players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup.
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018. We propose camping in Russia where we expect high profile friendlies in the window leading to the World Cup
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to curb “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.
7. The technical bench should be fortified to world standard. The NFF should also engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physios

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.

Nuff said and written posting on the NFF handle now.

ykalhaji:
And guess what Onazi wasn't playing in those 2 games..

True talk. Seems it brings out the best in him.

Icon4s:
Further modified:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.

We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through the years. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to look critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: We sincerely appreciate the current effort being put in place by the NFF to ensure that bonuses and allowances issues are sorted out ahead of the World Cup. This is a commendable step towards avoiding players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup.
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018. We propose camping in Russia where we expect high profile friendlies in the window leading to the World Cup
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to curb “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.
7. The technical bench should be fortified to world standard. The NFF should also engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physios

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.

Instillment not instilment.
Critically look into. 'Look'was reported twice

Mujtahida:
The midfield is thin na

How do you mean?

Let's make one thing clear: Ezenwa in spite of all his flaws (and they are quite glaring) is better than Daniel Akpeyi. I have watched Akpeyi several times and he lack the most fundamental rudiments of goalkeeping. And this is before the howler against Argentina. Go back and watch Akpeyi in the friendly match against Senegal. Watch him in the AFCON qualifiers against South Africa. The man is a disaster waiting to happen.

Having said that, I don't think that either one of them (Ezenwa and Akpeyi) is good enough to take to Russia. So I will recommend getting rid of both of them especially since they are not getting any younger either. Francis Uzoho is the future. And I would strongly recommend that we take a risk on him. Don't get me wrong, he's a young goalkeeper and inexperienced so he's bound to make mistakes sooner or later but I would rather stick with him and let him learn through his mistakes. Hopefully he would keep getting playing time at his club.

I am really not a big believer in forcing Enyeama to come back. He has made his decision, let him live with it. Bringing him back is bound to cause recriminations and damage team spirit in the team, especially since he didn't participate in any of the qualifiers.

For the World Cup, let's go with: Uzoho, Alampasu (if there's no better home-based goalkeepers), and Emmanuel Daniels (or Ezenwa). And I totally agree with you that Alloy Agu has been useless in the team. But then so was Ike Shorunmi before him. One big mistake the NFF still makes is this stupid assumption that being a former goalkeeper automatically makes you a goalkeeper trainer! No, it doesn't work that way!!


O pari

Kog45:
I w rather pick Uzoho, Ezenwa was just one of the flaw of Alloy Agu just like Keshi forcing Agbim on us,just too glaring Ezenwa lacks it all,people keep on referring to his performance against Zambia and Cameroon just cos of Akpeyi howler against SA,nothing so unique about Ezenwa.

I believe Rohr should give all the keepers including Alampasu,Ajiboye level playing ground.I don't think Ezenwa is better than Ajiboye, honestly Alloy Agu is not helping the situation.

The foreign goalkeeper trainer doesn't know much but always act on Alloy recommendation and if care is not taken it w affect the team.

This is the time to put experience aside and test the abilities of the keepers.

Ezenwa i saw against Algeria w have been a disaster than Akpeyi against Argentina.

Good CHAN is coming up we will definitely see much of Ezenwa if Ajiboye did not displace him cos likely it w happen

Uzoho i saw against Girona and Argentina just need more international friendlies to prove his readiness.

I don't care about rookies going to the WC.At 2002 WC we went with two local rookies in Enyeama and Ejide,so I don't mind if Uzoho,Alampasu and Ajiboye makes it.

We have seen much of Akpeyi and Ezenwa drama they are not better than the trio just using experience to make the team and despite the experience they always committing school boys errors.

On Enyeama hope he regain his form back but I still hold my reservation cos is coming back should be based on Uzoho performance.

Mujtahida:
Instillment not instilment.
Critically look into. 'Look'was reported twice

Instilment is single l. I will correct the "look". Thanks.

Wow. This is very maturely and intelligently written. The only thing I could've loved to include is a recommendation for coach Gernot Rohr and his technical crew to be given a freehand to select the team. But then that goes without saying, so it's OK.

Thank you, Baba Icon4s!!

I concur!


O pari

Icon4s:
Further modified:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NFF AND THE SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW FROM MEMBERS OF THE NAIRALAND SUPER EAGLES FANS BASE.


We are ardent followers and supporters of the Super Eagles. Most of us may not make the trip to Russia, we cannot be with the coaching crew, we are not part of the NFF, neither can we kick the balls with the players. However, we can only make our little contribution by way of advice to the NFF and the Coaching crew.We believe firmly in the ability of this team to perform creditably well because we have both the footballing and administrative personnel to make it happen.

We are an assembly of fans who have seen the game for several decades and have followed it with burning passion all through the years. We have extensively X-rayed the reasons for the disappointing ends to our past World Cup outings and hence provided some tips for both the NFF and the coaching crew to critically look into:

1. The need for the NFF to sort out issues of bonuses and players’ welfare on time: We sincerely appreciate the current effort being put in place by the NFF to ensure that bonuses and allowances issues are sorted out ahead of the World Cup. This is a commendable step towards avoiding players boycotting of training session as witnessed in the last World Cup.
2. Majority of the players who qualified the team should be kept. Only players who are better than the current crop should be added. Introducing too many new players had its negative effects in our 2002 and 2014 campaigns. The team should also be a good mix of youth and experience as we hope to achieve a balanced transition in the team even beyond Russia 2018. The best players should be selected devoid of favoritism.
3. Quality pre-World Cup warm up games: We have started with an excellent one with Argentina and should continue in that line. Perhaps a top European and or Asian Opposition would not be bad for us in March, 2018. We propose camping in Russia where we expect high profile friendlies in the window leading to the World Cup
4. Instilment of high level of discipline in the team: This is to curb “over-confidence”, lack of team play by some players, segregation in the team and excessive celebrations both on and off the pitch: These kind of attitude had negative effects in our past world cup outings.
5. Updated FIFA rules must be understood by players and coaches to avoid naïve situations. A simple case in time is with our goalie – Daniel Akpeyi in our most recent friendly against Argentina. Also the same Argentina used it against us at the 1994 World Cup. Ie Cladio Caniggia and Diego Maradona. Also players taking off jerseys to display inscriptions should be kicked against.
6. Our players should learn to react to tackles in such a way as to influence the ref’s decisions in our favor. We have been victims of influenced or lack of influenced referee’s decisions in past world cups. Eg Onazi’s tackle against France in 2014 World Cup would have been a Red Card for Matuidi if the Nigerian players close to the action had reacted appropriately. Brahimi would have been sent off if Shehu had gone down after being head butted amongst others.
7. The technical bench should be fortified to world standard. The NFF should also engage the services of world class sports psychologist and physios

We believe so much in this Team. The NFF and the entire coaching crew are doing a Super Job with the Super Eagles. We can only hope for the Super Eagles to Fly above all expectations come Russia 2018.

junnyjake:
Hehehe!

Believe me, I see that boy surpassing his uncle's goalscoring record

True talk. But Okocha was never a goal scorer in the first place.

MetalJigsaw:
True talk. But Okocha was never a goal scorer in the first place.

But should have been.

goldfish80:
How do you mean?

Only Ndidi at the base with Iwobi (whose defensive game is still lagging) and Mikel at the tip is to me a thin midfield.

Icon4s:
Instilment is single l. I will correct the "look". Thanks.

Okay. Na this American/British spelling differences. Good job. We would spread it. Also let's tag the mods to take it to front page. What do you think. So that it would go viral.