Kog45:
Mikel is the captain and Onazi is the vice captain, nothing like Musa-3 or Echiejele-4,so Ekong and any of the players can get the captain band in the absence of Mikel and Onazi.

If musa or Echiejile start the game they will be the captain, even Rohr admitted in the press conference with Onazi that they have other captains

MetalJigsaw:
( From completesports Nigeria)

My Wroclaw Preview!

The hypes for tonight’s table top fixture with Poland has reached a feverish crescendo, paving way for our gladiators to show us their level of readiness to fight for a spot on the plane to Russia.

Attention should be on Gernot Rohr.
We have held him very highly as our Master Chess tactician and now is the time to prove us right, and assure Nigerians that beating Argentina was no fluke.

He should be able to pull out the chestnuts from the fire with his formation, tactics and the available players tonight.
His starting line up is perfect & tactical.
Winning tonight, realistically, should not be the primary target of this clash, rather a win for SE should be a bonus.

Essentially, Nigerians should be looking out for the state of readiness of the team. The quality of individual contribution & team cohesion, the telepathy, synergy & bonding, ability to understand & execute the gaffers tactics.

We want to see tactical players-movement on and off the ball. This will go down to elimination by substitution.
One aspect, though shall not go unnoticed, where a player clearly falls below the expected standard of the game.

This is a test match for those fighting to earn a WC shirt. Heads will start rolling after this & the next encounter.

Expectedly, i foresee a horde of spies squatting in the cold windy-night in Wroclaw, jotting down notes as they can possibly make on the Super Eagles players & team tactics.

The chickens are home to roost, but Rohr, it seems is still holding to himself some valued cards close to his chest.
Certainly the SE squad as constituted now is a work-in-progress, we might have 1 or 2 additions before the WC event.

But wit the options available to GR, I want to see how the SE defense will hold out tonight against an attack minded polish team wit the highest number of goals in the European qualifying series.
Towering home boy, 6′ 5″ Stephen Eze might have his chance tonight. Will he take it, or blow it?

Our backline seems strong enough on paper to put up a great show in the air against Polish lethal finisher, Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich prized asset, 100 goals in 121 matches for Bayern since 2014, is expected to lead the attacking line against the SE. Uzohor will be well tested tonight against one of the world’s renowned hitmen.

The Guinness World Records four-time record man is an enigma of some sort; a proven & consistent goals machine. Six times Poland’s footballer of the Year.
Polish Captain, top 9 for club and country, Lewandowski is a conjurer of goals.
He is as dangerous in the air as he is with both feet on the ground, and particularly with his back against the goal. Strong, fast, visionary & a constant threat in the box. He is top quality.

He drilled 5 goals in 9mins, coming on as a super-sub in a 5-1 win over Wolfsburg. He holds the fastest hatrick in the bundesliga history; 3 goals in four minutes. His 10 goals in three games in one week in European CL is still getting rave reviews. Give him a chance, and he takes 3.
This is the guy SE defense will be hoping to put in the freezer tonight.

Our keeper’s hands will be full, I tell u.
Will Uzohor convince his fans that he is the MAN, or will he fail the test?
It’s held in narrow circles that a Keeper is as good as his defensive cover. Not true!
If true then, it makes mockery of the concept of keepers’ shutouts & one-on-one assessments.

At 6′ 5″, 19 years old Francis Uzohor has a towering & intimidating goal presence.
Nigerians want to see his best showing tonight.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, 6’1″ is the other available keeper alternative.
Make no mistakes, the SE rear shall be stretched to breaking limits tonight by the Poles’ attacking wizardry on current form.
It will be a test of nerves, experience, presence of mind & grit.

This is good for Nigeria; it will expose some of our lapses in attack and defence lines. Rohr will be jotting down notes too.
The poles are playing at home & will play to win this one.

The SE German machine, Leon Balogun, 6’3″ has been dogged wit fitness concerns lately and a constant cause of worry for everyone, but Troost-Ekong, 6’3″ and reliable Nantes man, Chidoze Awaziem, 6’3″ should provide a good option for the backline when called upon in tonight’s duel.
Zenit St. Petersbourg’s prospect, Kenneth Omeruo, 6’1″ is yet to give a good account of himself and this might just be his last.
Nigerians love the fact that GR has looked the way of young, strong & fast defenders for listing.

Hull City Aina, 5’9″, Shehu, 5’7″ & Bryan Idowu, 5’11” may not have the advantage of being six footer as Tyrone Ebuehi, 6’1″ but are equally effective going forward and would need to convince the gaffer they deserve to be on the boat too.

Tough guy, Uche Henry Agbo, 6’2″ Super Eagles defensive midfielder cum central defender is the team’s hatchet man. The Standard Liege top dog is a reliable cover, versatile and hard as nail, might claim his chance tonight with a strong showing and book his flight to Russia.

This is the acid test MATCH for Nigeria!
Under performing Odion Ighalo is an on and off goal shy player. He is the SE first choice top 9.
He is well known.
I dont see him making the flight to Russia, even if he scored a thousand goals in this duel.
He doesn’t look like the guy with the right credentials.
Inconsistency is his bane.

Nigerians should be prepared for a nervy game in the absence of SE mercurial & inspirational Captain, Mikel Obi.

I predict a very difficult match for the Super Eagles. Anything can happen, though.
However, a narrow win for GR’s men should be a celebrated result they must dig deep to earn, and a wallop is not a probable consideration under Wroclaw’s freezing weather condition.

Many think the SE might not nick this one, but a tough call for them, only if there is a magic man upfront which, unfortunately SE front men, particularly our top 9 doesn’t represent.

This is a good test anyway.
1-0 Either way (My position).
Good luck, SE.
Godbless Nigeria.

-Kingmaker, Completesports fan

the writer of this article need a recommended glasses if he don't see ighalo making the flight to Russia

Game day looking forward to an exciting goal filled match will be exciting to see what francis brian and joel can do. I predict the match to end in a 2-2 draw but however the game goes I just want to see good play. I also employ all of us supporters to be patient with the boys I believe today is the beginning of a very beautiful journey may God reward their hard work amen

Let's go super eagles

Kog45:
Mikel didn't played that match,he was on the bench and i remember Joel did one great flick that drew applause from spectators.

THE chip??..

Oasis007:


Yes..... I will. We are parading the youngest Team at the moment, and once they fully gel together - they would be unstoppable.

I'm convinced with the Unity and Spirit in the Team. They are more like Brothers, they genuinely love each other, and Rohr is more than a Coach to them, he's also a Mentor to some.

are we hiring a mentor or are we hiring a coach that will make the team gel and perform well?

One question, it was Siasia that actually started this 'catch them young' campaign, he introduced Iwobi and Iheanacho and Shehu and Ekong etc etc, when he failed to qualify us for the Afcon did you back him?

Danielnino00:
If Idowu puts up another superb display tonight,then his WC ticket is as good as sealed.. that leaves Aina to prove to Rohr that he can offer better than Echijele, otherwise, I'm afraid Ebuehi may b the one to b dropped should Echijele eventually make the final list..

I think the right back is settled, Ebuehi is the only one that play right back every week in his club, shehu is a midfielder, but his slot is secured, the fight is between Aina and Echiejile

edi287:
#soareagles

I just don't feel okay having Ighalo in any of our lineups. Dude can have 20 chances and still miss them all. He did surprise me against Cameroun in Uyo, though.

Mickael2:



are we hiring a mentor or are we hiring a coach that will make the team gel and perform well?

One question, it was Siasia that actually started this 'catch them young' campaign, he introduced Iwobi and Iheanacho and Shehu and Ekong etc etc, when he failed to qualify us for the Afcon did you back him?

I was never against Siasia's Ideology and philosophy, and you will never see a Post of me going against him after missing out on AFCON Qualification.

In fact I have huge respect for him till now, and wouldn't mind if he's appointed to replace Salisu Yusuf.

Oasis007:




Yes Boss..... solid Performance is needed but we shouldn't be more focused on the Scoreline but on the Team's Performance.

I know how average Nigerian thinks, but it does not matter if the Project is on Course - on the right Path.

We shouldn't put much pressure on him or his Team to win the Cup or surpass his Predecessors, rather cue into the Project and hope it succeeds.

Sir i think this is our 6th WC appearance so what are you suggesting?cos i know my people very well.

ChrisKels:


I just don't feel okay having Ighalo in any of our lineups. Dude can have 20 chances and still miss them all. He did surprise me against Cameroun in Uyo, though.

Loool wasn't sold on him myself till after the Cameroun game. He's the best we can do in the CF position for now

Oasis007:
The Lineup, if true, is fantastic. It's really a good Call by Rohr and his Crew. We do not need to play as Underdog, rather let's show the World what this Team is capable of.

Eagles were known for entertaining, dazzling Football internationally, and I am so much believing this Team gonna be exciting to watch on the Pitch.

Rohr's Contract should be extended till 2023, coz it's damn apparent he's building a formidable Team for the Country in the Future. I'm kinda believing Rohr is simply building a very solid and superb Team for the Future - catch them young Tactic.

Whatever happens tonight matters not, also whatever happens at the Mundial shouldn't be taken to the Heart. We should all believe in the Rohr's Project for the Eagles, coz with him in charge till 2023...... we may possibly win it in Qatar!

we can win it in Russia

Today of all days... the rain decided to fall heavily....

Na wa ooo

Martz101:


I think the right back is settled, Ebuehi is the only one that play right back every week in his club, shehu is a midfielder, but his slot is secured, the fight is between Aina and Echiejile

Yea, u are right... let's hope sentiment doesn't force Rohr to take Echijele to Russia...

Martz101:


If musa or Echiejile start the game they will be the captain, even Rohr admitted in the press conference with Onazi that they have other captains

Hope you remember how Musa lost the captain to Mikel and vice captain to Onazi,so i don't think Musa will like to captain eagles.

Mickael2:



are we hiring a mentor or are we hiring a coach that will make the team gel and perform well?

One question, it was Siasia that actually started this 'catch them young' campaign, he introduced Iwobi and Iheanacho and Shehu and Ekong etc etc, when he failed to qualify us for the Afcon did you back him?

Shehu and Ekong played under Keshi.. Iwobi and Iheanacho under Oliseh.

Kog45:
Sir i think this is our 6th WC appearance so what are you suggesting?cos i know my people very well.

Quarter Final at least. However if the Team fails to meet my Expectation, I won't crucify them or their Handlers, cos I've fully understood the Plans of Rohr for the Eagles.

Besides, how many of the Lads get World Cup Experience?! Though nothing is impossible, but it will be easier for Buhari to resign than Eagles to win the Cup, hence we should lower our Expectations on the Team to avoid severe Heartbreak.

Kog45:
Mikel didn't played that match,he was on the bench and i remember Joel did one great flick that drew applause from spectators.

Joel has 11 caps for naija, is difficult to say he never played with Mikel

Looks like a 4-2-3-1

edi287:
#soareagles

Martz101:


Joel has 11 caps for naija, is difficult to say he never played with Mikel

Mikel and Joel had a great midfield combo. Sad that injuries did not let it blossom

Joebie:
Looks like a 4-2-3-1

4-4-1-1 according to the NFF tweet...

Senegal are currently being beaten by a lowly Uzbekistan. It's half time.

Right

There is a greater chance for today's good wingers to cut in. So it doesn't really matter what flank they play.

MetalJigsaw:
Hello guys, there's something I want to ascertain about V. Moses. Which foot is his stronger one is it right, left or both feet since the guy seems to fit in playing comfortably on both flanks for SE.

Thanks.

Danielnino00:




Yea, u are right... let's hope sentiment doesn't force Rohr to take Echijele to Russia...

Sir,Uzoho ahead of Ezenwa,Idowu ahead of Elderson,Joel ahead of Onazi meaning if Aina prove himself then Echijele is out,no sentiment.

Rockyrascal:
that guy is 19?

. The wonders of this world my brother. He's prolly been that tall since 15. Just Amazing

Interestingly cautious.

Danielnino00:




4-4-1-1 according to the NFF tweet...

Danielnino00:




Yea, u are right... let's hope sentiment doesn't force Rohr to take Echijele to Russia...

His a wiseman, I trust him to make a good choice, injury could make it easy for him

Joebie:
I dey ready my hand to clap until he mentioned Sone. Can't we just talk about this team just as it is based on the players in camp? Lol

You can't always have what u want

guy I was about to say komekn is this really you until he cleared my doubt by mentioning aluko

CaptainStephen:
bleakness bawo, life goes on should such happen. maybe its the explaining i will have to do for cancelling meeting with bae tommorrow

CaptainStephen:
bleakness bawo, life goes on should such happen. maybe its the explaining i will have to do for cancelling meeting with bae tommorrow

Kog45:
Hope you remember how Musa lost the captain to Mikel and vice captain to Onazi,so i don't think Musa will like to captain eagles.

I doubt if there is bad blood between them, his not a starter, making him the assistant after mikel won't be really significant, but we have seen him and Echiejile captain the team in the absent of Mikel and Onazi, the Togo match I guess

Brazil is currently whooping Russia 3 kpondo,Brazil should leave Russia and look for their mate biko.

tbaba1234:


Shehu and Ekong played under Keshi.. Iwobi and Iheanacho under Oliseh.

siasia gave iwobi and iheanacho there first invite to the team, they were both in the team that lost to Egypt

Mickael2:



quick question. if we have an abysmal world cup and exit at the group stage and then fail to qualify for the nations cup would you still subscribe to this vision 2023?

God forbid it happens as described above otherwise you’d be hearing....


Rohr Gerrrout even from his diehard Naija fans.