Nigeria 1 Vs 1 Brazil: 5 things we learnt from Super Eagles friendly
pulse.ng Oct 14, 2019 4:29 PM
Some talking points from the Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Brazil on Sunday.

Super Eagles of Nigeria played a 1-1 draw with Brazil on Sunday (AFP vis Getty Images)
These are five things we learnt from the game.

1. Aribo is here to stay




If anyone thought his debut against his goal-scoring debut against Ukraine in September was a fluke, Joe Aribo delivered another performance for the Super Eagles to prove that he is the real deal.

He was very good against Brazil again with his energy and drive in midfield. Even more impressively, he showed his goal instinct with his goal after a timely run in the box to get on a pass. It is perhaps his biggest strength and what could make him indispensable in this Super Eagles teams.



While he offers so much threat on the offensive, it is on the defensive side that Aribo has not convinced. He left so many holes at the back which exposed Wilfred Ndidi. At 23 and only two games for the Super Eagles, he remains a work in progress.

2. Semi Ajayi has found his place

Semi Ajayi (left) is gradually settling into the Super Eagles as a central defender (Insatgram/William Troost-Ekong)
Semi Ajayi got into the national team on the back of a host of questions about his call up. Still playing in the lower division in England, Rohr went on to play Ajayi in midfield where he performed poorly. He was duly dropped from the squad just before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but has since returned for the last two friendly games in central defence.

Although he struggled against Ukraine, the defender has looked better in central defence. Against Brazil, he did well to remain composed and contained their attack. He read the game well and made some important interceptions in the box.

Ajayi has also maintained a stable role in central defence at West Brom this season unlike in previous season at his former club where he also played as a midfielder. With this stability, he is growing into a better player and has found his place with the national team.

3. Uzoho keeps convincing

Francis Uzoho caught the eye between the post for the Super Eagles (Instagram/PlayMaker)
Francis Uzoho further reiterated his status as Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper with a strong performance against Brazil. He was impressive again like he did against Ukraine, this time especially with the reflex he showed several times.

He made two fantastic saves to stop Gabriel Jesus from scoring with his head. The second was more stirring with the way he dived to save.

Uzoho got many questioning Rohr’s decision to leave him on the bench during AFCON 2019.

4. Okoye gets his debut

Maduka Okoye made his debut for the Super Eagles against Brazil (Instagram/Maduka Okoye)
From one goalkeeper to another, German-born Maduka Okoye made his debut for the Super Eagles after he came on for Uzoho in the 63rd minute. Born to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Okoye grew up in Germany but decided to commit his international allegiance to Nigeria.

We didn’t get to see what he’s made off against Brazil as he wasn't tested but he made a silly mistake of using his hands to collect a backpass which the referee missed.

5. Super Eagles come out unscathed

Super Eagles showed lots of promises against Brazil (Getty Images)

The Super Eagles can hold their heads high after coming out of the huge test against Brazil with their confidence unscathed. Although they were outplayed for the most part, they showed a lot of promise. Even with some important players missing, the Super Eagles still gave a good account of themselves.

However, there are still a couple of questions to be asked of Rohr’s young Super Eagles. The midfield combination still doesn’t look right and the respect they afforded Brazil in the game limited them.




https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/nigeria-1-vs-1-brazil-5-things-we-learnt-from-super-eagles-friendly/mlcre33

Eartquake1:


No mention of Eze

He mentioned Eze, he might invite him

quickberry2:


A good player is a good player, irrespective of where he is playing......Iheanacho? I'm better than that one

You are not good until you play it against good ones

The boy is a dynamite. It's possible he won't play for us but that doesn't deny the fact that he is good. From the little I saw he is better than barca's teen sensation ansu and very similar to samu.

For barca planning to cough out 8m euros for him while his parent club redbull Salzburg wants more means the Bobo has something special.

To be sincere I doubt if the Germans will allow us have him

Utonwanne:


Is he really good? I mean Karim Ayedemi? If yes, forget it, we are not getting him.

Utonwanne:


The argument is not who goes to better club stop changing mouth.

Did you just say that we don't have Nigerians in Turkey? We have thousands of them is all those kaspaspor, hispaspor,tarapasor, etc.

You could not even name up to 5 foreigners that got transferred from that league.

Belgium has more exports FULLSTOP.

Stop comparing Jupiler to that retirement home

No much potential naija player in the super league

Turkish league is not a retirement home

I will take you serious when you give me a player from the past 2 seasons that join a club from belgium thats better than napoli and roma

You cant even back up your argument with facts, lol

FULL STOP

charlesemeka85:
The boy is a dynamite. It's possible he won't play for us but that doesn't deny the fact that he is good. From the little I saw he is better than barca's teen sensation ansu and very similar to samu.

For barca planning to cough out 8m euros for him while his parent club redbull Salzburg wants more means the Bobo has something special.

To be sincere I doubt if the Germans will allow us have him

He is joining barcelona B just have that in mind.

komekn:


You are being way too general and add to that cry presumptious as well.

I am sorry you have NO IDEA what you are talking about.

Keep to Nigeria local football not the dynamics and diction of racial discrimination in Europe and or the Americas.

What is all this nonsense you are talking about? I have no idea of discrimination that I have actually faced in real life? You think I was reading a story book. This is something I have experienced myself.

jihday:
Don't mind them, the only reason it seems players don't move is because Turkey is tax friendly so players don't really like to move to another country where tax will finish their money, it's not like they don't get offers but they look at the financial side of the deal first

Lol

Victor Osimhen vs Tammy Abraham: Have Nigeria or England got the better striker?
goal.com Oct 17, 2019 1:16 AM

The Chelsea star has committed to the Three Lions, but can the Super Eagles take comfort in the Lille wonderkid?

By James O'Conners



Against the Czech Republic last week, Tammy Abraham came on as a substitute to make his competitive debut for England, killing any talk that he could one day represent Nigeria.

While the Super Eagles have lost out on one exciting striker, they have recently unearthed another in LOSC Lille youngster Victor Osimhen, who has enjoyed an excellent start to life in Ligue 1 after moving to France in the summer.



Osimhen’s emergence should help reassure Nigeria fans that, even though they’ve lost Abraham, they still have a magnificent new option to lead the line for a decade to come.

The recent Champions League showdown between Lille and Chelsea represented an ideal opportunity for Super Eagles fans to assess the one who got away and the player who represents Nigeria’s best goal threat post-Odion Ighalo.

Coming into this match, both players had enjoyed excellent starts to the season. Abraham has netted eight times in eight Premier League matches

Osimhen has taken to life in Ligue 1 like a duck to water, netting seven times and assisting two more goals in his nine appearances since his move from RSC Charleroi.

Victor Osimhen Lille 2019-20
At the start of this game, both men struggled to have an impact. Abraham was significantly more involved in the play though, often running the right channel to be an out-ball as Chelsea struggled to penetrate Lille’s excellent narrow midfield defending.

For the Camberwell-born forward, it was a largely frustrating open 21 minutes categorised by some heavy first touches, or taking too long to move the ball and being dispossessed. After that, he opened the scoring with some excellent play inside the box – a goal in the 22nd minute on his 22nd birthday.

As Fikayo Tomori motioned to play a big diagonal switch out to the right flank, the Anglo-Nigeria centre-back instead swept a pass into the box. Lille’s defence were caught out and Abraham took a superb first touch before sweeping home ruthlessly with his second.

On the other side, Osimhen was struggling to get involved. Against a Chelsea back three, he was largely unable to press with a spare man for the away side to build, so he would often drop off and blocking forward passing lanes.

His first involvement came in the eighth minute on a Lille counterattack as he found a teammate on the flank after a good turn between the lines. That was his only real involvement in the opening 30 minutes, other than losing several aerial duels to Kurt Zouma.

Lille's Victor Osimhen
However, the latter was forced into one panicked backpass when closed down by the Lagos-born attacker, and Kepa Arrizabalaga had to rush out to beat Osimhen to the ball.

After half an hour, the forward sprang into life – and sprang to head his side level. Having initially spun inside the box to fire off a left-foot shot to earn a corner, Osimhen levelled from the resultant set-play as he got between Zouma and Tomori’s zonal marking to head home.

There was a strong burst up the left channel and then low cross soon after, as well as one superb piece of control to take down a high ball and attempt a dribble in a dangerous area.

In all, Osimhen only had 12 touches of the ball in the first half though and had made only three successful passes. In general, Chelsea’s pacey defenders had handled him well and avoided many opportunities for the home side to use their renowned counters.

Abraham, meanwhile, was not getting much joy.

There was one good piece of play to win a foul, and some excellent chest control from a longer pass from Cesar Azpilicueta, but otherwise, he had been a target for Reece James’ deliveries from the right and hadn’t managed to get onto any of those crosses.

Tammy Abraham Chelsea 2019-20
With four heavy first touches to lose the ball and him being dispossessed five times, it was a half only memorable because it had brought his maiden Champions League goal.

On the other hand, Tomori, who remains eligible for Nigeria, had a very good first half. He won three tackles and played three successful long passes and 46 in all. Other than one moment when Luiz Araujo cut inside him and tested Kepa, he had been excellent.

In the second half, it was another relatively slow start for Osimhen as both Zouma and Tomori beat him in aerial duels with their excellent leaping ability. However, after 55 minutes, he played a lovely layoff and soon after, he released a runner after quick interplay around Tomori.

In the opening 25 minutes of the second half, Osimhen had only touched the ball five times whilst Abraham was struggling for service with Mason Mount and Willian blocked from receiving the ball.

However, once Chelsea went to a 4-2-3-1 formation, there was now more width and Abraham’s influence grew. First, one great run into the channel and driven cross by the striker had no one arriving to finish at the near post. Then, the Chelsea man made a great run to drag a runner away from the middle and Mount had a good opening.

For Osimhen, there was a shot rifled over the bar from distance before his big chance to make it 2-2 as he caught Tomori on the ball, but Kepa made a crucial intervention to prevent the Nigeria striker from levelling.

Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori
As the game ticked down, numerous long balls were aimed long by Lille, but Osimhen lost three of his four late aerial duels with Zouma, and his one flick-on went straight through to the goalkeeper.

In defence, Tomori breathed a sigh of relief that his error did not cost a goal, but he had been otherwise excellent. In possession, he looked to bring the ball forward overload in midfield and his recovery pace was perfect for this game. A few nervous moments are to be expected as he gets thrown into the deep-end at the highest level.

As for the battle of the strikers, it was probably edged by Osimhen purely for the moments of anxiety that he caused Chelsea’s defenders, but the selection of Zouma kept him quiet in the air in open play.

Abraham had a relatively disappointing game under some tight, physical marking but both players netting their first goals in the Champions League will send their confidence through the roof.

Any talk of Abraham to Nigeria must now come to an end, but as Osimhen has demonstrated, both domestically and in the UCL, the future of the Super Eagles’ striking department is in good hands.



https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/victor-osimhen-vs-tammy-abraham-have-nigeria-or-england-got/z1k190ccv9g91v22la25hyqij

Eartquake1:


Dis one still dey mention Man city

Then why are you worried about big clubs being able to scout Nacho? Isn't man city a big club?

Yes I know that. From there if he performs he is on the verge of playing for one of the best teams in the world. E dey pain u?

andrew444:


He is joining barcelona B just have that in mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtyiJx0t8Ew

charlesemeka85:
Yes I know that. From there if he performs he is on the verge of playing for one of the best teams in the world. E dey pain u?

Pain me as in how?

I am just realistic and you are finding it offensive

Sorry i forget you are the chief asslicker

And mind you if he ends up playing for barca from barca B then your hope of him playing for super eagles will be lost

charlesemeka85:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtyiJx0t8Ew

You have already starting carrying hopeful and fake news clips from youtube

You really have a degree in your job

West Brom are riding high in the standings of the English Championship following an impressive start to the 2019/2020 season, accruing 22 points from a possible 33 and have lost just one of their eleven fixtures so far to emerge as strong contenders to earn promotion to the topflight next term.

If there is one player in the team who praise should be accorded to, one will look no further than their Nigerian center back, Semi Ajayi.

Since making his move from Rotherham United to the West Midlands last summer, the Super Eagle has become Slaven Bilic's trusted ally and he has thus, reciprocated the faith of his club manager by churning out awe-inspiring performances week in week out.

The 25-year-old has formed a good partnership in the central rear with Kyle Bartley, both of who have played every single league game for The Baggies this season.

What more, it is even impressive to note that Ajayi is not only helping out defensively but also chipping in with important goals at the other end for the team — only two players Matt Philips and Grady Diangana (both four goals) have scored more than his tally of two for the club, same as strikers Matheus Pereira and Kenneth Zohóre.

And it will only get better for the 25-year-old. His showings in the national team versus Ukraine and lately Brazil were commendable and means he can cut it top alongside the best players of the game.

On Saturday, he and his teammates will make the trip to the Riverside stadium where they face Middlesbrough, bearing in mind that a victory will put them provisionally clear of closest chasers, Nottingham Forest.

If West Brom have the slightest chances of achieving greater success this season, much of it will undoubtedly rest on the shoulders of Ajayi who is fast emerging as their most important player.

andrew444:


No much potential naija player in the super league

Turkish league is not a retirement home

I will take you serious when you give me a player from the past 2 seasons that join a club from belgium thats better than napoli and roma

You cant even back up your argument with facts, lol

FULL STOP

Its obvious you don't know the common basics of argument. Stick to the topic, you no gree.....

You just dae run around

andrew444:


No much potential naija player in the super league

Turkish league is not a retirement home

I will take you serious when you give me a player from the past 2 seasons that join a club from belgium thats better than napoli and roma

You cant even back up your argument with facts, lol

FULL STOP

Its obvious you don't know the common basics of argument. Stick to the topic, you no gree.....

You just dae run around ...

Arsenal's Nigerian starlet, Miguel Azeez recently teamed up with elite company for an important advert campaign and his style of play has even been likened to a former Premier League legend.

The 17-year-old who starred in an advertisement for sportswear giants Adidas on famous Predator Boots alongside illustrious names the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Paul Pogba on Wednesday has emerged as the most talked about youth team player, thanks to his obvious talents.

His dynamism and guile on the ball has earned him rave reviews in the British press, including a comparison with former Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard.

Azeez is, however yet to earn his debut for the Gunners senior team at the moment but it is highly envisaged that it will come sooner rather than later, judging by his profile which continues to skyrocket daily.

This season, the talented midfielder who signed his first professional contract at the Emirates last month has been involved in ten games in all competition for Arsenal youth teams, scoring once.

He is eligible to represent the Nigerian teams and his skill sets will specifically be of good use to the U-23 team.

Utonwanne:


Its obvious you don't know the common basics of argument. Stick to the topic, you no gree.....

You just dae run around

Lol when person no get wetin e wan talk again

I understand no yawa

charlesemeka85:
The boy is a dynamite. It's possible he won't play for us but that doesn't deny the fact that he is good. From the little I saw he is better than barca's teen sensation ansu and very similar to samu.

For barca planning to cough out 8m euros for him while his parent club redbull Salzburg wants more means the Bobo has something special.

To be sincere I doubt if the Germans will allow us have him

Odiegwu!

Let him play first....until then

asslicker cus i posted i made mention of a genuinely talented lad born and groomed in europe? hmmmmm andrew !

andrew444:


Pain me as in how?

I am just realistic and you are finding it offensive

Sorry i forget you are the chief asslicker

And mind you if he ends up playing for barca from barca B then your hope of him playing for super eagles will be lost

you wan witch am mae em flop? see bad belle oooooooooooo

be happy for the kid and pray that he will play for us.


until then as if you wan use jazz hold am mk em no reach em full potentials and expectations. #villagepeople #ndiobiojo

Utonwanne:



Odiegwu!

Let him play first....until then

quickberry2:


He mentioned Eze, he might invite him

Where did he mention Eze?

andrew444:


You have already starting carrying hopeful and fake news clips from youtube

You really have a degree in your job

If it's this guy, Talent scout rated him very highly they said he's world class talent and he's comfortable both feet

Eartquake1:


If it's this guy, Talent scout rated him very highly they said he's world class talent and he's comfortable both feet

I knew about the guy, but i didnt bring it here because i know he wont play for naija

Barca is after him and he will sign for barca B team, its hard to make it at barca thou, but if he manages to make it then make naija finally forget the guy

forget people wey sentiment don mk dem no dey realize truth and facts when they see one. make mention of one talented euro born kid here they will tag you asslicker.

i no follow for that group and will continue to make mention of real talents when i see one from both angles(home and abroad)

Eartquake1:


If it's this guy, Talent scout rated him very highly they said he's world class talent

charlesemeka85:
asslicker cus i posted i made mention of a genuinely talented lad born and groomed in europe? hmmmmm andrew !

So as i tell you say na barca b e go join say i lie?

Lol

and what makes you think he lacks the skillset to make it in barca?

andrew444:


I knew about the guy, but i didnt bring it here because i know he wont play for naija

Barca is after him and he will sign for barca B team, its hard to make it at barca thou, but if he manages to make it then make naija finally forget the guy

charlesemeka85:
forget people wey sentiment don mk dem no dey realize truth and facts when they see one. make mention of one talented euro born kid here they will tag you asslicker.

i no follow for that group and will continue to make mention of real talents when i see one from both angles(home and abroad)

E no go play for naija and your eye go clear

If you think i dont know most of this european born talent then you are kidding

I wont bring everything here

Na here we go dey e go play for germany

charlesemeka85:
and what makes you think he lacks the skillset to make it in barca?

Bros he is a forwarder and playing for barca first team as a winger or striker you know what that means

Barcelona have many options from team B from age 18 to 21 and i dont think this guy is better than them, i might rate him in the same level as Ansu fati, but this dude wont have chance at barcelona, he should not even near barca

and if he doesn't it wont stop me from accepting the fact that he is immensely talented. we can't have them all either can their country of birth have then all . even when i saw he plays for the german u17s i knew it will be a hard one for us but that will never stop me from making mention of him here as a super talented kid.

i appreciate good talent when i see one and not among the group that hype garbage and carpenters. aribo's performance so far in the super eagles don dey totori you any how but you follow for pple wey insult me the first day i made a post about him when he was still playing for charlton in the english 3rd tier

andrew444:


E no go play for naija and your eye go clear

If you think i dont know most of this european born talent then you are kidding

I wont bring everything here

Na here we go dey e go play for germany

this means you don't know shit about the current state of barca's la masia. the la masia currently lacks talented kids which is the reason barca buys more from other teams of late. the likes of man city and psg snapped alot of barca's wonder kids and the latest to leave is highly rated xavi simons.

la masia no good as em been dey before, any barca fan here can attest to that

andrew444:


Bros he is a forwarder and playing for barca first team as a winger or striker you know what that means

Barcelona have many options from team B from age 18 to 21 and i dont think this guy is better than them, i might rate him in the same level as Ansu fati, but this dude wont have chance at barcelona, he should not even near barca