Icon79:
Has he played any game since Libya?


O pari

He has played all the games for his club. And he is better than Agu.

safarigirl:
last year is last year. This year is this year

Last year they made our team look like garbage, this year, they are drawing against Libya and Seychelles that we are winning with ease.

We did not need to defeat Algeria, it was a ceremonial match more or less, so, it is obviously not the same stakes.

Of course it will be a tough match, you don't need a soothsayer to tell you that, SA need the match, so, they will not make it easy.

+ he forgets Algeria were saved by a bad called penalty

Ai nairaland

[quote author=Mickael2 post=72511582]

So Iwobi is going to be our controller against South Africa? In South Africa? I thought Mikel Obi is back? So we want to face the South Africans with a midfield trio of Ogu,Etebo and Iwobi. Bash me all you want, but we will be lucky to get away with a draw, mark that anywhere.

Bookmarked pending when we beat SA

This would have been an even better game to invite Kelechi Nwakali or some of these foreign pros like Ebere Eze, come on!!

Who is this Adeleke guy? If na Keshi now, we will scream Egunje.

Nice to see Victor Oshimen and Samuel Chukwueze. But don't we have wingers who are playing in better levels than Villarreal B? I love the guy's invitation but it is detrimental to our midfield, the SA's like playing on the counter and we do not ha e enough experience, skillset, speed or technical knowhow in this crop. I mean our midfield was overran in patches by Libya's quick midfielders, and now we have less pace in Ogu, Mikel is needed or at least somebody who can control the game. That said Super Eagles till I die

A simple question please, who is slower between Ogu and Mikel?

Oh, no question! Well, I thought he was left out due to the injury he copped up before the Libya game.

but if he's been playing for his club then Rohr has questions to answer. Who knows whether he even sustained any injuries before the Libya game in the first place. Maybe he just "pushed" to leave camp.


O pari+

tbaba1234:


He has played all the games for his club. And he is better than Agu.

yea, I had corrected that omission already.

TT had a deadly left foot and deserves a mention after Ben and Baba


O pari

Odunayaw:
Taye Taiwo nko

Another argument,i have seen against this list is that Osimhen and Chukwueze should be allowed to focus on their club career for now.

remember its just a single match so we don't needs a truck load of midfielders to execute it. ajayi can as well play in the dm midfield role if the need arises.

wayodude:


We are light in midfield. This is a fact. Take it or leave it.

This list has left me dumbfounded

Rohr are you high!!

maybe we can give usain bolt a call up so that he can add pace to our midfield. notin wey dey do una wey una no criticize

Mickael2:


So Iwobi is going to be our controller against South Africa? In South Africa? I thought Mikel Obi is back? So we want to face the South Africans with a midfield trio of Ogu,Etebo and Iwobi. Bash me all you want, but we will be lucky to get away with a draw, mark that anywhere. This would have been an even better game to invite Kelechi Nwakali or some of these foreign pros like Ebere Eze, come on!!

Who is this Adeleke guy? If na Keshi now, we will scream Egunje.

Nice to see Victor Oshimen and Samuel Chukwueze. But don't we have wingers who are playing in better levels than Villarreal B? I love the guy's invitation but it is detrimental to our midfield, the SA's like playing on the counter and we do not ha e enough experience, skillset, speed or technical knowhow in this crop. I mean our midfield was overran in patches by Libya's quick midfielders, and now we have less pace in Ogu, Mikel is needed or at least somebody who can control the game. That said Super Eagles till I die

Joebie:
Oga it’s up to the products to develop after passing through our youth system. We can’t be sentimental when it gets to the National team. The senior National team should be for proven and tested players and should not serve as an incubator for the stagnant products of our youth system.

Of course if u have followed my posts long enough on this thread that has always been my stand.

I do not tolerate rookies in the senior national team and I also do not rate players based on their U17 performances alone. And I have always opined that not all Youth players will progress well to the senior teams. These have always been my stand right from day one here.

What I am against is running down the products of our youths system just in a bid to promote the English born players.

Nobody can shove any English-born player down my throat just because they were born in England. When some were saying Ola Aina was the best RB in the Championship, I had to do a fact check. Another moniker also said Tomori is the best CB in the Championship at the moment, I had to ask the source if that info. Irrespective of where a player is born it has to verifiable, for any special talent claim to hold water.

Icon4s:


Of course if u have followed my posts long enough on this thread that has always been my stand.

I do not tolerate rookies in the senior national team and I also do not rate players based on their U17 performances alone. And I have always opined that not all Youth players will progress well to the senior teams. These have always been my stand right from day one here.

What I am against is running down the products of our youths system just in a bid to promote the English born players.

many are crying that the midfield is lean and slow. what happens when mikel and ogu retires? i have been bashed severally here for clamoring for the nff to approach the likes of Billing,onomah and ejaria in order to rejuvenate our aging midfield but many who are short sighted tagged me a hater just because i have been blunt about onazi's poor form since 2014(after the world cup) and a 30 year old ogu who has only 20 caps to boast since keshi brought him to the team.

I like rohr for one thing, he is trying all he can to inject younger players that will grow and mature with the team in the future. it good the team is relying less on the likes of mikel and onazi which was evident against the libyans home and away. left for me onazi's time is over in the national team unless he proves us wrong by getting back to his best which i doubt he can,mikel is a well respected figure and his presence is still needed atleast till the next afcon while ogu's time in the team is fast ticking and i doubt he will still be in the team after afcon 2019.

“Recent antics” have been blamed for the Super Eagles overlooking Ogenyi Onazi for next month’s AFCON qualifier in South Africa, top officials have revealed.

The Turkey-based midfielder missed the AFCON double header against Libya this month after he suffered a muscle injury in Eagles training.

An official told SCORENigeria: “The team handlers are not impressed with Onazi’s attitude of late and that was why he was dropped for the games against South Africa and Uganda.

“He has always been known as a very committed player, but some of the coaches took exception to the fact that he could not play for the team against Libya but by the next opportunity he was back playing for his club.”

Oghenekaro Etebo and John Ogu are now ahead of the former Lazio star in the pecking order of those to play alongside Wilfred Ndidi in defensive midfield for the Eagles.

Another official also raised a poser over the captaincy for the Eagles.

At a time, Onazi stood in for the absent Mikel Obi.

But for AFCON qualifiers against both Seychelles and Libya, Ahmed Musa wore the captain’s armband with coach Gernot Rohr praising his leadership.

Osimhen has always been in Rohr’s good books even when he was not performing. Hence I’m not surprised at the call up. I’m not agaisnt the call up either. But let’s call a spade a spade. Local coaches are not the only ones guilty of having their boys. Even if Awoniyi did what Osimhen is doing right now, you and I know he won’t be invited. Since Onyekuru is out would there have been a better replacement than Chukwueze? That’s open to argument. I’m very ok with Chukwueze’s call up though.

The dropping of Awaziem is justified. But is the replacement justified?

I score this list 85%

tbaba1234:
These are my thoughts on the list.

Samuel Chukwueze and Osimhen are welcome additions. Samu is already getting some first team action with Villarreal and Osimhen is in good form. These two players are closer to being ready for the super eagles than the Nwakali brothers. They are unlikely to start though and would be lucky to even make the match day squad.

Awaziem lack of first team action has cost him his place. Why do we have 5 CBs? I would have thought Ajayi, Omeruo, Balogun and Ekong was ok.

Midfield looks thin but it is mainly DMs/CMs anyway. Iwobi will play in the advanced role and Ajayi is no stranger to playing at DM.

Former Super Eagles defender Isaac Semitoje has opined that invitation of players to the national teams, especially the Super Eagles should not be based on the leagues they play in.

There have been debates in the Nigeria football fraternity regarding the number of players ought to be involved in national teams' matches with the Nigeria Football Federation said to be keen on enforcing a certain percentage of players to be invited from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for Super Eagles games.

Speaking exclusively to allnigeriasoccer.com on the issue, former Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri (now Heartland FC) strong man, Isaac Semitoje disagrees with the line of thought that the Eagles should have a quota system.

"I don't think so. Playing in Nigeria league doesn't mean that you are not good enough for the Super Eagles or indeed any other national team," Semitoje, a member of the Super Eagles side that came third in the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal stated.

"They (NFF and Super Eagles technical crew) have to mix them to get good result.

"To my mind, this issue is just the handiwork of some group of people who want to use that to destroy our football.

"Home based or foreign based players, what matters in the end are good results. That is what is important not where the players are based," Semitoje concluded.

The Super Eagles are billed to play against Uganda in an international friendly on November 20 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, with few of the players expected to prosecute the game coming from the domestic league while the foreign legion are expected to dominate the squad for the crucial 2019 AFCON qualifier against South Africa three days earlier.

to me chukwueze's invitation is too early though it will serve as a learning tool and will boast his confidence as well. he just made few appearances for villareal so i dont think its enough to warrant a call up. inviting club brugges dennis would have been better.

Joebie:
Osimhen has always been in Rohr’s good books even when he was not performing. Hence I’m not surprised at the call up. I’m not agaisnt the call up either. But let’s call a spade a spade. Local coaches are not the only ones guilty of having their boys. Even if Awoniyi did what Osimhen is doing right now, you and I know he won’t be invited. Since Onyekuru is out would there have been a better replacement than Chukwueze? That’s open to argument. I’m very ok with Chukwueze’s call up though.

The dropping of Awaziem is justified. But is the replacement justified?

I score this list 85%

What in heaven's name do we need Five CB's for? Why not drop that Adeleye guy (who probably won't even get a single minute) in favour of an extra CM/DM to bolster that midfield?

Just imagine if, God forbid, Iwobi or even Etebo gets injured in the opening minutes, knowing Rohr's poor abilities when it comes to tactical substitutions, won't it simply be game over for us?

I’ve always been an advocate for new competition. It would bring the best out of all our players. I expect Chukwueze to really fight for a shirt. Maybe tomorrow it would be Bonaventure’s chance. The regular starters should consistently watch their backs.

charlesemeka85:
to me chukwueze's invitation is too early though it will serve as a learning tool and will boast his confidence as well. he just made few appearances for villareal so i dont think its enough to warrant a call up. inviting club brugges dennis would have been better.

We all know if Rohr has his way homebased OUTFIELD players would BARELY make his standby list. He is gradually caving in to pressures to invite local players.

Ezenwa is clearly Rohr’s boy .

Curtisaxel7:
What in heaven's name do we need Five CB's for? Why not drop that Adeleye guy (who probably won't even get a single minute) in favour of an extra CM/DM to bolster that midfield?

Just imagine if, God forbid, Iwobi or even Etebo gets injured in the opening minutes, knowing Rohr's poor abilities when it comes to tactical substitutions, won't it simply be game over for us?

Omeruo can also play as DM lol

Curtisaxel7:
What in heaven's name do we need Five CB's for? Why not drop that Adeleye guy (who probably won't even get a single minute) in favour of an extra CM/DM to bolster that midfield?

Just imagine if, God forbid, Iwobi or even Etebo gets injured in the opening minutes, knowing Rohr's poor abilities when it comes to tactical substitutions, won't it simply be game over for us?

you are right but chukwueze is yet to do anything tangible in villareal to deserve a call up. maybe what is working for him is because he is left footed and currently in the team we lack a left footed winger. he is a top prospect no doubt with a lot of promise but i think he should not be rushed into the team. all the same it will be a good experience which will aid is development.

Joebie:
I’ve always been an advocate for new competition. It would bring the best out of all our players. I expect Chukwueze to really fight for a shirt. Maybe tomorrow it would be Bonaventure’s chance. The regular starters should consistently watch their backs.

iheanacho can replace iwobi while ajayi will replace etebo. any other question?

Curtisaxel7:
What in heaven's name do we need Five CB's for? Why not drop that Adeleye guy (who probably won't even get a single minute) in favour of an extra CM/DM to bolster that midfield?

Just imagine if, God forbid, Iwobi or even Etebo gets injured in the opening minutes, knowing Rohr's poor abilities when it comes to tactical substitutions, won't it simply be game over for us?

He plays for Villarreal B right? Well K. Nwakali got a call up before him, so I’m not even surprised. At least Chukwueze has shown real promise that’s why I don’t want to criticize his invitation.

charlesemeka85:
you are right but chukwueze is yet to do anything tangible in villareal to deserve a call up. maybe what is working for him is because he is left footed and currently in the team we lack a left footed winger. he is a top prospect no doubt with a lot of promise but i think he should not be rushed into the team. all the same it will be a good experience which will aid is development.

bros nawaoooo how you wan compare chukwueze's development so far to that of nwakali jnr? atleast chukwueze don taste game time for laliga and have played 2-3 matches in the europa league. more over he is the standout player in villareal B team. abeg no use am compare dead wood again

Joebie:
He plays for Villarreal B right? Well K. Nwakali got a call up before him, so I’m not even surprised. At least Chukwueze has shown real promise that’s why I don’t want to criticize his invitation.

Haha then why u dey complain?

charlesemeka85:
bros nawaoooo how you wan compare chukwueze's development so far to that of nwakali jnr? atleast chukwueze don taste game time for laliga and have played 2-3 matches in the europa league. more over he is the standout player in villareal B team. abeg no use am compare dead wood again

FORGIVENESS COME OOOOOOO OLAYINKA DON SCORE LMAO




Peter Olayinka scored for Slavia Prague to smash past Dukla Prague 4-1 in a local derby tonight.

Olayinka, 22, scored his team’s third goal after 49 minutes.



It was his second goal in six league appearances for the top Czech club.

He returned to the Czech Republic after he moved from Belgian club KAA Gent on a four-year contract.

Slavia Prague are top of the table in the Czech Republic with 33 points from 13 matches.

They are closely followed by Viktoria Plzen, who

charlesemeka85:
iheanacho can replace iwobi while ajayi will replace etebo. any other question?

Iheanacho as an AM? Like seriously? In 2018? A guy that can barely trap the ball talk more of beating his marker? Guy you no wish us well oh.

And na Ajayi you wan give creative CM role abi? I laugh in Greek.

Are we still waiting on the midfield list? Looks like Mikel Agu could walk right into the XI against SA. I am very happy for Osimhen and Samuel but I wish Stephen Odey was also patted on the back for his performances. No big deal though.

COMPLAIN? NOOO! JUST SAYING THAT THE INVITATION IS TOO SUDDEN

Joebie:
Haha then why u dey complain?

Na complain be that na hahahahaha

charlesemeka85:
COMPLAIN? NOOO! JUST SAYING THAT THE INVITATION IS TOO SUDDEN

IF YOU LIKE LAUGH IN GERMAN, IHEANACHO IS A POSSIBLE BACK UP TO IWOBI SHOULD ANYTHING HAPPEN WHILE OGU CAN BE PUSHED TO A CM POSITION WHILE AJAYI DROPS DEEPER TO SHIELD THE BACK FOUR. YOU CAN AS WELL TRACE ROHR GO BEAT AM

Curtisaxel7:


Iheanacho as an AM? Like seriously? In 2018? A guy that can barely trap the ball talk more of beating his marker? Guy you no wish us well oh.

And na Ajayi you wan give creative CM role abi? I laugh in Greek.

OPPONENTS WATCH

Baxter faces midfield puzzle for Nigeria clash as injuries bite

[img]http://a3.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2018%2F1029%2Fr454830_1296x518_5%2D2.jpg[/img]

South Africa have a mounting central midfield crisis ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria in Johannesburg next month.

Bafana Bafana can book their place at the finals in Cameroon with a victory, while a draw would also be enough in the unlikely event that Libya are held by the Seychelles in Victoria in the other match in Group E.

The sight of Kamohelo Mokotjo limping out of Brentford's English Championship clash with Norwich City after just 30 minutes on Saturday with what looked a serious calf injury will no doubt be giving Bafana coach cold sweats.

It comes hot on the heels of the news that Dean Furman, another key cog in the defensive midfield role, will be out for the remainder of the year, to go with the long-term injury to Bongani Zungu that will likely only see him return in February.

The industrious Mokotjo is hugely important to both club and country, and his ability to shield the back four and excellent passing range, against a tough opposition and on what will be a slick surface in Soweto, would be sorely missed.

"Mokotjo's importance to Brentford should not be understated," English website football.london said.

"He is possibly the only member of the Bees' squad who provides such defensive stability in midfield and [coach Thomas] Frank has paid tribute to his away performances this year, highlighting his display against Leeds United."

That grit, quality and experience would be hugely missed against Nigeria, and potentially leave Baxter scratching around for alternatives.

Sibusiso Vilakazi played a similar, deeper role in the home 0-0 draw with Libya in September, but he too is out and unlikely to play again this season.

It means the only options available to Baxter would be inexperienced ones, with the exception of Mamelodi Sundowns stalwart Hlompho Kekana, who is not shaping up to be the key figure in the centre of the park against Nigeria.

Kekana is known for his long-range strikes and tough tackling, but he is also a natural leader who captain Sundowns to the 2016 CAF Champions League title.

He is the man that Baxter will build his central midfield around, and he at least understands the game-plans having been a non-playing member of the squad that faced Seychelles in back-to-back matches earlier this month.

But who will play around him is a big debate. Favourite among the contenders would be Lebogang Phiri, who also featured as a substitute in the 6-0 win over Seychelles and has been in good form for Guingamp in France's Ligue 1 this season.

But he remains an experienced campaigner at this level with only five caps, while Cape Town City midfielder Thabo Nodada, another strong contender, is uncapped.

Nodada received a first call-up against Seychelles and has continued that good form in recent matches for City, but it will be a big ask for him to come up against the quality and the experience of Nigeria.

Siphesihle Ndlovu, who was dropped for the Seychelles games after an indifferent start to the new season with Maritzburg United, could earn himself a recall, but he too only has five caps, all coming against modest opposition.

Tiyani Mabunda from Sundowns could be a good option to partner Kekana as they are clubmates, but he has not featured all that much for the Brazilians this season and won the last of his five caps against Zambia in June 2017.

Baxter has not had much luck with injuries of late - he lost in-form Montpellier winger Keagan Dolly for the Seychelles games and will not get him back until the New Year.

Red-hot striker Lebo Mothiba also missed the Libya game in September through injury, a match in which he could well have made a big difference.

—ESPN