komekn:


Don't think it's an issue or advise.

Where do a large percentage of Ireland players come from ❓

Nigeria is on a higher level than Ireland even without FIFA rankings.

It's a " NO BRAINER "

There are Nigerians that have represented Countries as low as Sudan, Benin and Togo not to talk of Ireland. An average Nigerian origin player would jump at that opportunity. I say it again that he has good advisers.

TheGoodJoe:


The Mumuness of Nigerians is still fresh. When it is done and the people understand the true power lies in their hands, they will wake up and sort themselves out.

I bet you, it's gonna take a hundred years for us to ever get there.

We've regressed way past the low we were once at.

CaptainStephen:
Nigerians are everywhere

This one off me oo, buh if these boys turn out good discoveries, then Aigbogun knows his onions.

OPPONENT WATCH:

Percy Tau believes time has come for Bafana to return to main stage

Percy Tau will be a key player for injury-ravaged South Africa when they take on Nigeria in their African Nations Cup qualifier on Saturday.

The Belgium-based star says it is about time that the national team returned to major international tournaments on a regular basis.

The forward was not part of the squad when Bafana Bafana played at the 2015 Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea, the only time they have qualified for the continental showpiece in a decade, not including when they appeared in 2013 as hosts.

And it has been 16 years since they qualified for the World Cup in 2002, again notwithstanding their 2010 appearance as hosts.

A victory over Nigeria at the FNB Stadium would secure Bafana's passage to Cameroon next June-July, while a draw might also be enough if Libya failed to get a win on a difficult surface in the Seychelles. Tau believes it is high time they fulfilled their potential.

"The squad is good enough, we just have to get the goals," Tau told KweséESPN. "We want to go to Afcon, it is one of the biggest tournaments for the national team and we want to be part of that.

"It's about time that we participate a lot more in these types of tournaments. I'm confident that we will do that, but we have to get the goals. There is still a lot of teamwork that has to be done, but the squad is good enough."

Tau has emerged as the lead forward with Bafana in the last two years and has six goals in 15 caps, including three in his last five appearances.

"I'm happy, but there still has to be progress. I always find pleasure seeing goals and assists because that shows good progress and I would like that to keep happening," he said.

He has a new strike partner in Strasbourg youngster Lebo Mothiba, who has hit the international scene with a bang with three goals in his first four caps. Mothiba has continued scoring in Ligue 1 this season and Tau says he is excited by their partnership.

"With Lebo, we are proud that he has got to a new club where he has been scoring goals, which he was also doing at his last club [Lille]," Tau says.

"It's a good move for him, the most important thing is to hit the ground running and that reflects well on him and us.

"From the national team perspective, we love to see him score and if he can continue to do that then we will play in the major tournaments."

Tau is no ordinary player and has built a reputation for trying things on the pitch that other players would not even attempt.

He says he often visualises things in his mind before matches and then tries to pull them off, with his favourites moment being an assist for former Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Khama Billiat last season.

His flick and cross to set up the goal for the Zimbabwe international left the entire Cape Town City defence flat-footed, so unexpected was the move.

"I have got a lot of images in my mind and sometimes they come out on the pitch. The one that I always had was the assist gave Khama against Cape Town City. Sometimes the imagination comes out well on the pitch."

His goal against Korean Side Jeonbuk Motors at the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup was also a special moment, such was its quality.

"I'll always remember that because I don't know if I will ever go back to the Club World Cup so it is one I will keep in my memory."

But it is not his favourite, that was a mazy run against Free State Stars that ended with a sublime finish.

"There are a lot of goals that stand out, if I had to choose ... it is tough because you always think winning goals are more important than other goals.

"The one I enjoyed the most was against Free State Stars, I got a good pass from Thapelo [Morena] and I went on a long run. It is one I love to watch again."

—ESPN

OPPONENT WATCH:

Bafana’s Mothiba is an artist on the ball – and off it, too

14 November 2018 - 07:00
BY MARC STRYDOM

Striking in football is an art form – and Bafana Bafana’s most exciting striker to emerge for some time, Lebo Mothiba, has revealed that he’s an artist off the field, too.

Encouragingly, while Mothiba – in Johannesburg for Bafana Bafana’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria at FNB Stadium on Saturday – comes across engaging and entirely pleasant and normal, he names eccentrics Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as among his idols.

He’s painted them, too.

That’s encouraging because some of the world’s best geniuses on the field – such as Balotelli and Ibrahimovic, or Eric Cantona, who has gone on to a creditable acting career after being a Manchester United legend – have been eccentric off it.

Mothiba’s artistic streak was featured on TV in France recently; the country where the big 22-year-old centre-forward has banged in seven goals in 13 games for Strasbourg and Lille in Ligue 1 this season.

“Actually I was on TV, in an interview. And I was showing them what I do outside football,” he explained after a Bafana training session at Steyn City School in Midrand.

“And I’m doing art on my days off when I’m at home, to keep myself busy. That’s what I do – I do art. And I’m a good artist – I can draw,” Mothiba grinned.

Asked where his artistic streak came from the striker responded: “I don’t know. I think it’s in my blood, or something like that. But I learnt a lot at school.”

“That’s where I started drawing, and I learned a lot. And now I’m … I’m not yet professional – but I’m good. I draw portraits. Only faces. I’m good with faces.

“I haven’t drawn my teammates. Not yet. But my role model, Balotelli, I have. And Zlatan,” he added.

Mothiba has had a hugely promising start to his Bafana career, revealing an artist’s streak in front of goal on the field too with three goals in his first four games.

—TimesLive

OPPONENT WATCH:

Familiar foe but an unfamiliar opponent for many in Bafana squad

It is a sign of the injury crisis and the rapid evolution of the South African national side that just nine of their 23-man squad have ever faced Nigeria before in an international fixture - and of those only three have played the Super Eagles more than once.

With stalwarts Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly and Sibusiso Vilakazi all missing through injury, facing Bafana Bafana's traditional arch-nemesis will be a novel occasion for many of their team.

Injuries aside, the fresh blood that coach Stuart Baxter has also tried to introduce to the national team during his tenure having also shed experience but, he hopes, added energy and hunger.

Only four of the players that started the 2-0 victory in Uyo in June last year are likely to feature again in Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the FNB Stadium - goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, defenders Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Thulani Hlatshwayo, and midfielder Themba Zwane.

Others, such as Mulomowandau Mathoho, Tebogo Langerman and Tokelo Rantie have seen their national team careers possibly ended, or at best put on hold, as Baxter sweeps through with a new broom.

For his part, Baxter says he has nearly finalised his starting XI for Saturday's crunch match.

KweséESPN looks at the members of the current Bafana Bafana squad who have faced Nigeria before and their record.

ITUMELENG KHUNE

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 90

Matches against Nigeria:

6/9/08 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-1 - World Cup group four qualifier

14/8/13 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-2 - Friendly international

29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 - Friendly international

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

DARREN KEET

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 8

Match against Nigeria:

19/11/14 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-2 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

THULANI HLATSHWAYO

Position: Defender

Caps: 37

Matches against Nigeria:

14/8/13 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-2 - Friendly international

10/9/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 - Friendly international

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

RAMAHLWE MPHAHLELE

Position: Defender

Caps: 15

Match against Nigeria:

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

HLOMPHO KEKANA

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 25

Match against Nigeria:

19/1/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-3 - African Nations Championship finals

TIYANI MABUNDA

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 6

Match against Nigeria:

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

THULANI SERERO

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 37

Match against Nigeria:

29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 - Friendly international

THEMBA ZWANE

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 16

Matches against Nigeria:

10/9/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

PERCY TAU

Position: Striker

Caps: 15

Match against Nigeria:

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

—ESPN

Kelechi Iheanacho says it is "only a matter of time" until Nigeria start winning trophies.

The Leicester City striker is away on international duty with the Super Eagles, who are looking to secure their spot in next summer's Africa Cup of Nations with a defeat of South Africa on Saturday (1pm).

Iheanacho and co, who will be without club-mate Wilfred Ndidi (suspension), will go four points clear of the Bafana Bafana in Group E with a win, and, crucially, stay five points clear of third-placed Libya if, as expected, they beat the Seychelles with one matchday left.

"As you can see, we are getting better and better," he told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"We learnt a whole lot from the World Cup, and since then we are improving as a team and also individually.

"Most of us have new clubs, play more often in our club and above all getting better in terms of team cohesion when we play for the national team.

"It's only a matter of time before we start wining trophies."

Nigeria would have already qualified if they hadn't lost 2-0 to this weekend's opponents in June last year.

Iheanacho's side opened up their group with a defeat - but they clearly learned from it as they haven't dropped a point since.

"The first leg is still fresh in our memories. We definitely want to take revenge for that defeat," he added.

"We are much more better now than we were as of the time we played them in the first leg so I am confident we will get a win."

—LeicesterMercury

ChrisKels:


Argen...what? Does the guy play for River Plate? Whats the guy's name please?

FEYISEITAN ASAGIDIGBI

Club Atletico Banfield of Argentina

Truth is Guardiola's tiki taka football phisolophy is very alien to these premiership guys and can take ages to perfect. EPL clubs do not have that patience and if Pep does not do something fast he will soon be on his way out.

I mean he has terribly regressed this team from what he inherited. Are you trying to say Yaya toure and Zabaletta suddenly aged over night?
Yaya is not finished and he clearly showed it in his game today. It is Guardiola's alien one way tactic that should be attacked.

I tell you if Mourinho inherits this same team from Pep, Mancity would be a difficult team to score against or defeat.

So many comedy

Chukwueze Targets Super Eagles Debut Vs Bafana

Samuel Chukwueze hopes he will get the chance to make his debut for the Super Eagles in Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against South Africa, reports Completesportsnigeria. com.

Chukwueze, 18, has impressed for Spanish side, Villarreal this season following his promotion to the first team set-up.

The former U-17 World Cup winner scored his first LaLiga goal in Villarreal’s 2-2 away draw against Rayo Vallecano last weekend.

His impressive showing for the Yellow Submarines has caught the eye of Nigeria head coach, Gernot Rohr who handed him his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles.

Chukwueze linked up with his international teammates on Tuesday in Asaba for the game billed for the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.

A win for the three-time African champions against the Bafana Bafana would seal their return to the AFCON finals which hold next year in Cameroon, and the teenager hopes to play a part.

“I’m so happy to be invited to the Super Eagles and I’m hoping to have a chance to play against South Africa,” Chukwueze stated in a short video posted on official Twitter handle of the Super Eagles.

“I hope our fans will come out to support us fully so that we have the ticket to the Nations Cup next year.”

—CSN

Nazifi Yahaya & Alhassan Ibrahim on Trials With Brondby, Denmark

From Banfield to the Nigeria National Team
10/31/2018 | 08:34

Asagidigbi Feyiseitan, African footballer of the Lower Drill Divisions, was summoned to the Sub20 of his country.

Banfield has a footballer of African origin in his Lower Divisions and is one of the jewels of the quarry. Such is the case that he was summoned by his country for an under20 competition.

Asagidigbi Feyiseitan, 19-year-old Nigerian midfielder, will be part of his national team at the next African Cup of Nations that will take place in Nigeria from February 2 to 17 next year.

The young footballer is one of the figures of the Drill, has the 10 on the back usually and stands out for his technique and his punch. He was the star of Nigeria's under-15 Olympic youth team and was subsequently promoted to the U-17 team. Today he sees the fruits of his work and will be able to show all his quality in his country and wearing the national shirt (which is the most winning of the contest with seven titles).

Read also: In another loose work, Banfield saved the point in Tucumán
In Banfield he signed his first contract a few months ago and this year he made his debut in the Reserve Division after arriving in 2017 at the club.

https://launion.com.ar/banfield-nigeria-cantera/

tbaba1234:


FEYISEITAN ASAGIDIGBI

Club Atletico Banfield of Argentina

tbaba1234:


FEYISEITAN ASAGIDIGBI

Club Atletico Banfield of Argentina

that's a good one...let's see what the lad has to offer....
it still baffles me that the coach just Europe based groomed players invited so far are all English kids...how about German, Austrian and Spanish groomed kids?

raumdeuter:


So many comedy

It's crystal clear u re jobless to dig out as far as 2016 posts from different sports thread to troll and buttress ur points

Nice updates Joebie. Apparently the South African team are heavily weakened with a lot of injuries. That's one up already

Belgium are top of the Men Football rankings. Joint top with Les Blues.


If erstwhile lowly Belgium can do it,any national team can do it. It just takes Organization and Transparency.

ChrisKels:


This one off me oo, buh if these boys turn out good discoveries, then Aigbogun knows his onions.

we never expected it, like you said let's hope they turn out good. na so I go Pakistan see our brothers hustling there.

tbaba1234:

FEYISEITAN ASAGIDIGBI
Club Atletico Banfield of Argentina

I thought dey says no BLACK n ARGENTINA

Jayden Bennetts is the younger brother of Keenan Bennetts who plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach

tbaba1234:
Jayden Bennetts is the younger brother of Keenan Bennetts who plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach

Chai naija my country. We crafty die. Is anybody thinking what im thinking?

An African adage said something about killing two birds with a stone

tbaba1234:

FEYISEITAN ASAGIDIGBI
Club Atletico Banfield of Argentina

That name ASAGIDIGBI, how oyinbo commentators go pronounce am sef.

tbaba1234:

FEYISEITAN ASAGIDIGBI
Club Atletico Banfield of Argentina

That name ASAGIDIGBI, how oyinbo commentators go pronounce am sef.

tbaba1234:


FEYISEITAN ASAGIDIGBI

Club Atletico Banfield of Argentina

This yeye network wan disgrace himself, not me, this night.

There's a huge probability that Rohr might start Chukwueze against South Africa..




Folks, who do u want to start on the flank alongside Musa?

Like for Onyekuru
Share for Chukwueze
Mention for Kalu

CaptainStephen:
we never expected it, like you said let's hope they turn out good. na so I go Pakistan see our brothers hustling there.

Pakistan, Iran and Israel are wonderful places for real hustlers.

Joebie:
From Banfield to the Nigeria National Team
10/31/2018 | 08:34

Asagidigbi Feyiseitan, African footballer of the Lower Drill Divisions, was summoned to the Sub20 of his country.

Banfield has a footballer of African origin in his Lower Divisions and is one of the jewels of the quarry. Such is the case that he was summoned by his country for an under20 competition.

Asagidigbi Feyiseitan, 19-year-old Nigerian midfielder, will be part of his national team at the next African Cup of Nations that will take place in Nigeria from February 2 to 17 next year.

The young footballer is one of the figures of the Drill, has the 10 on the back usually and stands out for his technique and his punch. He was the star of Nigeria's under-15 Olympic youth team and was subsequently promoted to the U-17 team. Today he sees the fruits of his work and will be able to show all his quality in his country and wearing the national shirt (which is the most winning of the contest with seven titles).

Read also: In another loose work, Banfield saved the point in Tucumán
In Banfield he signed his first contract a few months ago and this year he made his debut in the Reserve Division after arriving in 2017 at the club.

https://launion.com.ar/banfield-nigeria-cantera/

Oh the boy is a former Nigerian U15/17 international? Interesting

training pictures

Icon4s:


That name ASAGIDIGBI, how oyinbo commentators go pronounce am sef.

I was wondering the same thing. They will shorten it or something.

TheGoodJoe:
Our poor maintenance culture is birth from the same corrupt umbrella which those in position hide under. They do not want to pay money to people to think and work. They want to eat everything and waste it for praises. Just as their so called goal reward. Instead of contracting that money for pitch maintenance, they will waste it.

Ridiculous. Then campaign for Venue to score mediocre points.

You are right brother, that $25k alone is enough to pay five workers to maintain that stadium pitch to international standard for a year

Icon4s:


That name ASAGIDIGBI, how oyinbo commentators go pronounce am sef.

A very typical African name.


BTW, I av bn wondering, what tribe in Plateau State bears these sweet sounding names like Gong, Nansel, Selbol, Gyang etc?

Don't know if this has been posted already, but thoughts?? I'd replace Eguavon with Taribo and push Yobo to rb. Tbh I'm surprised one of Keshi or Christian Chukwu didn't make it but oh well...

Humility017:


that's a good one...let's see what the lad has to offer....
it still baffles me that the coach just Europe based groomed players invited so far are all English kids...how about German, Austrian and Spanish groomed kids?

England is his comfort zone.