₦airaland Forum

tbaba1234:
Opponent Watch
Tanzania Under 17 drew 3:3 with Rwanda under 17 in their last friendly game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WZCkhVTsSg

are you sure these kids passed MRI tests...they look older.....

R2bees:
None of u guys mentioned Morocco here... That team go shock una. Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda...Semi final. Screenshot this post

and where will Egypt be?
Tunisia is like an average team so please remove them.... you omitted Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast...

please we need Mikel ooohhh. if we can't get Victor moses back at least let's have Mikel for Afcon...

forgiveness:
Can you please tell me the most valuable player and the highest goal scorer in the last U15 Africa youth games? Thanks

Divine Nwachukwu was top scorer. He is with the under 17 team.

Joebie:
Oluwabusola paid Manu Garba

c'mon it is not funny.....

BascoVanVeli:
Who pays?

He can be among the pinnick crew nah

Humility017:
and where will Egypt be?
Tunisia is like an average team so please remove them.... you omitted Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast...

please we need Mikel ooohhh. if we can't get Victor moses back at least let's have Mikel for Afcon...

No, we don't

tbaba1234:
Divine Nwachukwu was top scorer. He is with the under 17 team.

Thanks. Who was the best player?

darkelf:
Maybe he is a late Bloomer.

Let him not be discouraged or become bitter. He just needs to work more on his game and prove to everyone that he is really good. There's always the U-20. Some start really well early buy loose their way or plateau quick (KC nacho). There's always more opportunities in the near future

how I wish I can talk to him....
dude should just relax he has a bright future with nigeria.... he just need to keep working hard

darkelf:
No, we don't

that's you... thank God you're not the coach.
without Mikel we are just on same par wit ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal

Tunisia is an average team

elyte89:
OK no p,so dt means all oda home grown lad who impressed d coaching crew but got dropped due to MRI TEST too must b invited to eagles camp and probably go to d competition for experience as u rightly said

abeg chill.... that dude have since expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles ever since he was less 10....
for him to ditch the US for the Nigeria.... normally it should be the practice with NFF outstanding cadet team players should taken on such tours for exposure

Humility017:
that's you... thank God you're not the coach.

without Mikel we are just on same par wit ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal

Are they very bad teams?

You people know in the deep recesses of your mind that we don't need him. Even Segun Odegbami echoed same sentiment in one article I read earlier this week. He is not the same player as before.

darkelf:
Are they very bad teams?

You people know in the deep recesses of your mind that we don't need him. Even Segun Odegbami echoed same sentiment in one article I read earlier this week. He is not the same player as before.

please leave that unstable Segun out of the conversation.... a pundit who have made nothing out of his uefa coaching badge. ....

he should go lick his sore elsewhere...I am waiting for the old Festus onigbinde to spew his own words...
those men rarely talk sense sometimes...with all due respect.

Joebie:
Iheanacho started in Nigeria’s very first match against Brazil. Unless you are particular about Simon. What is your case really??

Manu can err. That's the point.

Joebie:
Oluwabusola paid Manu Garba

He was not considered for the tournament not until the first choice goalkeeper failed MRI test. Do you understand now?

Humility017:
please leave that unstable Segun out of the conversation.... a pundit who have made nothing out of his uefa coaching badge. ....

he should go lick his sore elsewhere...I am waiting for the old Festus onigbinde to spew his own words...
those men rarely talk sense sometimes...with all due respect.

They may be old and senile as you implied but their messages sometimes carry a bit of truth.

Mikel's presence will not change the result of any match signficantly

darkelf:
They may be old and senile as you implied but their messages sometimes carry a bit of truth.

Mikel's presence will not change the result of any match signficantly

the issue I have with you.... You're judging Mikel on the basis and outcome of our matches with non-african nations during and prior the world cup....
tell me was Mikel presence and contributions not helpful during the world cup qualifiers against Cameroon, Algeria, Zambia etc

Rohr’s whip for Iheanacho

by Ade Ojeikere
March 30, 2019

I’m a big fan of competent foreign coaches handling our senior national teams. This is not to disrespect the feats achieved by many Nigerian coaches, including Adegboye Onigbinde, the late Shauibu Amodu and the late Stephen Keshi. I have avoided mentioning age-grade coaches because of certain reservations, rightly or wrongly. I love Nigeria, so I won’t talk about the reservations. Foreign coaches’ selection processes are fair and they cannot be dictated to, having laid their cards on the table during their engagement. This isn’t to say that some Nigerian coaches don’t have some of these attributes.

The biggest advantage foreign coaches have over their indigenous counterparts is the players’ vote of confidence for them and their change of attitude during the country’s matches. This trend didn’t start today. It predates this era. In fact, the Eagles’ ‘’mafia’’ decided who coaches the team. Clemens Westerhof began the process of crushing the cabals, forcing Nigerians to change their fixations about who should play and who shouldn’t. One had thought with some of former ex-internationals transiting into coaches, things would have improved. No way! Some of the obscene ‘sins’ committed by former coaches manifested during such internationals’ reign, including the accusations by one of them that he ran away from the job, because of juju in the camp.

This ex-international complained about his failing health, which he attributed to some of his assistants. He banned them from putting their hands inside their pockets while talking to him. Ex-internationals’ relationship with top stars in the new generation has been unthinkable; most times they were close to punches. Other times, such ex-internationals stood their ground that those new stars won’t make their squads, even if they were the best or were scoring goals in the moon, like one former Eagles coach once said.

Foreign managers in the Eagles have brought peace and stability, improving the quality of invited players. They were respected by their employers. They got what they wanted and upped the scale in terms of achievements. They visited our players in their clubs. They spoke to coaches to find out what the problems were. They established the right synergy between European clubs and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) chieftains pertaining to the release of our players for international competitions and friendly matches.

Therefore, when Gernot Rohr reenergised the Eagles through their clubs, he went further to get those who didn’t have clubs new teams, which toughened them for the new challenge. Rohr ensured that Kelechi Iheanacho got fielded by Leicester City’s Claude Puel, who was eventually sacked. Puel did his friend’s bidding by increasing Iheanacho’s playing time, but the Nigerian couldn’t seize a first team, even when Jamie Vardy was injured.

No doubt, Vardy is a good striker. He may not be flamboyant in his play nor is he a dribbler, but he uses his pace to outrun his markers just as his finishing is legendary – for his age. Rohr’s strong words to Iheanacho is coming at the right time. The Leicester star raised hopes since his Golden Eaglets days. With the new boys paraded first against Seychelles, then against the Pharaohs, pundits seem to appreciate why Rohr used the whip on Iheanacho.

Rohr told the international media: “I think he must be more professional. We’re not satisfied with his performances the last time he was with us.There’s a new coach at Leicester City and it will be an opportunity for Iheanacho to show during this international window that he wants to get back into the starting team of Leicester. Personally, I think it’s a good thing for him to stay back at his club to prove this.”

Well said, Rohr. Iheanacho should accept the challenge by making the Foxes’ first team, even if it means benching the much older Vardy. Rohr has spent close to two years on the job. Nigerians will start demanding trophies and nothing will thrill the fans more than lifting the Africa Cup of Nations like the team did in 2013 in South Africa.

The way the country’s U-23 Olympic Games side destroyed Libya on Monday to qualify for the last round of the U-23 AFCON competition with a game against Sudan, many have submitted that Iheanacho’s days in the Eagles are numbered. A few people hugged themselves during the game as the U-23 lads did incredible things with the ball on a turf that Eagles complained about in the course of beating Seychelles 3-1 inside the late Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, last Friday.

Paul Onuachu offers the biggest threat to the team’s attacking options, comprising Odion Ighalo, Henry Onyekuru, Ahmed Musa and Iheanacho, who was dropped from the two games against Seychelles and Egypt. Onuachu’s height reminds fans of the late Rashidi Yekini. Yekini was muscular and could sprint with his height. Many described Yekini as ‘gangling’, but it appears Onuachu is the real ‘’gangling’’ striker whose speed gave him the space to hit that rocket-like shot, just under 20 seconds after the kickoff of Tuesday’s game against the Pharaohs. Onuachu’s goal separated both sides at dusk.

Onuachu was quiet in the first game against Seychelles as a 72nd minute substitute, which made it difficult to judge his potential. But his early goal against the Egyptians, coupled with the way he shielded the ball in between markers and still made passes, showed that Nigerians could start celebrating the emergence of a new Yekini. In Africa, Yekini’s presence in Nigeria’s matches meant we hardly played barren draw games.

As Onuachu bestrode the pitch on Tuesday, I searched for the right person to marshal Eagles’ attacking onslaughts. Such a person should be as clinical in front of the goal area as Nwankwo Kanu. The nearest player to that in the current setup is Alex Iwobi, only if he reduces his passes even inside the 18-metre box. Will anyone blame Iwobi for that attribute? No. Arsenal players like caressing the ball. Arsenal players are a beauty to watch when they are in their elements. Did I hear you say Kanu played for Arsenal? Yes, Kanu did, but he started his game here in Nigeria, where shooting accurately in front of the goalpost when the chance beckons is the only way to win matches. Iwobi grew up with Gunners’ tip-tap soccer as a kid.

I do not think Ighalo can function besides Onuachu. Ighalo is wasteful and could easily be muscled off the ball. African football is physical, with a lot of sprinting. I remember Ahmed Musa – I dreamt of goals. I played back images of Onuachu winning the ball and laying the pass for Musa. I can’t fathom how many people can outrun Musa.

With young boys graduating from our age grade teams in the tow, it won’t be long that Nigeria will be talking about an Eagles side without John Mikel Obi, in spite of his experience. We might be looking at the Eagles playing in Egypt without recuperating Ogemyi Onazi, possibly John Ogu and a host of others who were at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It will signpost the need for growth in the Eagles. How best can this be celebrated without products of the Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles, CHAN Eagles and the U-23 Olympic Eagles, who shone like a million stars last week Monday, whipping Libya 4-0 inside the late Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba?+

Going to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the debate centred on the Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper. The tournament settled that debate, with Rohr saying: “Uzoho is our number one goalkeeper, and it is unlike him to make such an error. I know his worth and won’t rush to condemn him over this error.”

Rohr has defended Uzoho, over his howler against Seychelles, asserting that he remains the number one. “Mistakes are mistakes and they are what they are and can be committed by anybody,’’ the manager said.

The other positives from the World Cup is the retention of goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Akpeyi, aside Rohr’s affirmation that no new players will make the team to Egypt. With a collection of 40 players to pick from, only an unserious manager will want to add to this list. Only 24 will be picked for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations holding from June 21 to July 19.

What stands clearly is that the average age of our players to the 2019 AFCON will be lower than the group we took to the Mundial in Russia. It shows growth which is further reinforced by the NFF’s decision to keep Rohr, despite his tantrums. Nigeria was the second youngest team to the World Cup. A few of them who were naive in their display have grown, with such improved performance rubbing off on the others.

Interestingly, Nwankwo Kanu appraised the Olympic Eagles’ outing against Libya. He said on Thursday: “I was very impressed with the overall performance of the team on Monday. The boys re-enacted the spirit of the Dream Team and fought till the end, showing class over their opponents. Now it’s time for them to build on it and ensure they qualify for the tournament proper.

“Again, Kelechi Nwakali showed his worth and dominated the midfield. I believe he has come of age and should be given a chance with the senior national team. The AFCON is just three months away, so we must select our best legs in the tournament.

“Also, Chukwueze showed he has plenty to offer and the hat-trick boy, Osimhen also showed good promise. I believe the future remains bright for Nigerian football,” Kanu concluded.

Thank you Papilo. I hope Rohr is reading this. Up Nigeria!

https://thenationonlineng.net/rohrs-whip-for-iheanacho/

Humility017:
the issue I have with you.... You're judging Mikel on the basis and outcome of our matches with non-african nations during and prior the world cup....
tell me was Mikel presence and contributions not helpful during the world cup qualifiers against Cameroon, Algeria, Zambia etc

In the same vein, tell me if Mikel's presence made any difference at the World Cup.

So Chukwueze won't feature in this AFCON tourney. This is really not good. He is in the foremost. They, Iwobi Onyekuru and Chukwueze are the finest wingers in the current fold.

darkelf:
In the same vein, tell me if Mikel's presence made any difference at the World Cup.

Enough of this Mikel argument already. He is going to Afcon period. He is playing week in week out at Middlesborough. Watch him first before you pass judgement so you don't look stupid when he performs at Afcon.

Meliforme:
So Chukwueze won't feature in this AFCON tourney. This is really not good. He is in the foremost. They, Iwobi Onyekuru and Chukwueze are the finest wingers in the current fold.

Iwobi is essentially an AM now in the team although he can feature from the wings.
What about Samuel kalu? You forgot about him? Even Simon moses too?
In Chukwueze's absence, we still have the likes of Ahmed Musa (LWF), Samuel Kalu (RW), Henry Onyekuru (LWF/RWF) and Simon Moses (RW/LW) who are strong candidates on the wings. Iwobi is also an option depending on circumstances but he is our playmaker now after Mikel. He is an AM even though I feel he still hasn't hit his peak potentials just yet.

darkelf:
In the same vein, tell me if Mikel's presence made any difference at the World Cup.

you see yourself....
are we playing the world cup come next June?
why can't you stick to the peculiarly of the tourney?
you see had it been we are playing the world cup I won't have been comfortable ighalo playing the top 9 but against Africa oppositions.... ighalo have what it takes to bully such defense and score goals....
so.....the uniqueness of the tourney matters....

many of this lads are playing their first afcon ever.... and musa is an on and off player. ...we need Mikel to give stability to that midfield

darkelf:
They may be old and senile as you implied but their messages sometimes carry a bit of truth.

Mikel's presence will not change the result of any match signficantly

This line alone shows that you need to recover the time period that lasted between September 2016 and March 2018.
You probably were not on earth during this period.
Even your 2013 memories need to be refreshed. Mikel's presence won't matter significantly? Bros...Happy weekend oooo

Truidstar:
Enough of this Mikel argument already. He is going to Afcon period. He is playing week in week out at Middlesborough. Watch him first before you pass judgement so you don't look stupid when he performs at Afcon.

Funny you should call me stupid because my argument doesn't agree with yours.

You are also not the coach to declare with an air of finality if Mikel is going or not. I didn't say he won't go, I sad his presence isn't impactfuland as such he isn't needed. Hope you understand me now. Good

profmathsland:
This line alone shows that you need to recover the time period that lasted between September 2016 and March 2018.
You probably were not on earth during this period.
Even your 2013 memories need to be refreshed. Mikel's presence won't matter significantly? Bros...Happy weekend oooo

We are in 2019 and you're talking about 2013.

Oga, 2013 is ancient history according to football.

Germany won in 2014 and confed in 2017 yet they crashed out in the WC group stages a year later. Hope you can see how fast evolving football is

Humility017:
you see yourself....
are we playing the world cup come next June?
why can't you stick to the peculiarly of the tourney?
you see had it been we are playing the world cup I won't have been comfortable ighalo playing the top 9 but against Africa oppositions.... ighalo have what it takes to bully such defense and score goals....
so.....the uniqueness of the tourney matters....

many of this lads are playing their first afcon ever.... and musa is an on and off player. ...we need Mikel to give stability to that midfield

Why can't you also stick to the narrative. you mentioned WC quaifier matches and I mentioned WC proper.

Besides, Musa isn't even the best attacker on our team. His on/off shouldn't matter much if the others bring their B game with them

darkelf:
Why can't you also stick to the narrative. you mentioned WC quaifier matches and I mentioned WC proper.

Besides, Musa isn't even the best attacker on our team. His on/off shouldn't matter much if the others bring their B game with them

I make mention of world cup qualifiers...because I wanted you to assess his performances against Africa oppositions...they're the ones we will be playing come June and not the Europeans or south Americans. ..

Humility017:
I make mention of world cup qualifiers...because I wanted you to assess his performances against Africa oppositions...they're the ones we will be playing come June and not the Europeans or south Americans. ..

And I am telling you Mikel isn't the same player he was then. Besides, this is the AFCON proper and not a qualifier.

We might dazzle in the group stages since our opposition SEEMS SOFT, however, I will keep my fingers crossed until we meet a tough team like Morocco, Ivory coast, Ghana, Senegal or even Uganda sef

darkelf:
And I am telling you Mikel isn't the same player he was then. Besides, this is the AFCON proper and not a qualifier.

We might dazzle in the group stages since our opposition SEEMS SOFT, however, I will keep my fingers crossed until we meet a tough team like Morocco, Ivory coast, Ghana, Senegal or even Uganda sef

Do you have any other option better than Mikel?

Are we seriously gonna omit Chukwueze?


Are the U-20's that serious ?

Experts in the house, what are your thoughts?

profmathsland:
Iwobi is essentially an AM now in the team although he can feature from the wings.
What about Samuel kalu? You forgot about him? Even Simon moses too?
In Chukwueze's absence, we still have the likes of Ahmed Musa (LWF), Samuel Kalu (RW), Henry Onyekuru (LWF/RWF) and Simon Moses (RW/LW) who are strong candidates on the wings. Iwobi is also an option depending on circumstances but he is our playmaker now after Mikel. He is an AM even though I feel he still hasn't hit his peak potentials just yet.

Samuel Kalu and Moses Simon are not as good as the wingers i have mentioned earlier. Ahmed Musa is not a proper winger, he is best a CF or a false 9.