Rohr To Land In Russia On Wednesday For World Cup Draw



By Bamidele Boluwaji:

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is expected to arrive in Russia on Wednesday for the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The draw for the World Cup will be held on Friday in Moscow and Rohr, according to Super Eagles Media Officer Toyin Ibitoye, will leave France for Russia on Wednesday to be part of the ceremony that will reveal the teams Nigeria will face in the first round of the World Cup next year.


Ibitoye also informed completesportsnigeria.com that the former OG Nice of France manager will also take part in a FIFA seminar.

“The coach must definitely be in Russia for the World Cup draw,” Ibitoye said.

“He is expected to travel from France to Russia on Wednesday because there is a seminar on Thursday which he will also attend.”


The seminar is to help the coaches and managers know how to conduct themselves and other footballer related information they need to know before the World Cup.

Nigeria claimed 14 points from six World Cup qualifying group games to bag their sixth ticket for the global tournament.


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-land-russia-wednesday-world-cup-draw/

tbaba1234:
Nwakali with a terrific freekick goal.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9QtpIL1Vzk

Good keep up with the good work.
We are taking note.

Uzoho good enough to be Eagles’ number 1 –Shorunmu

Idris Adesina

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu believes Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has the qualities to become the Super Eagles’ first choice at the Russia 2018 World Cup.


Uzoho is the third choice at the struggling Spanish side. He made the headlines in October after he became the youngest foreign player in the history of La Liga.


The former Golden Eaglets keeper made his La Liga debut at 18 years and 352 days. He however returned to the bench after two matches.


Eagles coach Gernot Rohr handed Uzoho a national team call up for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine and the friendly against Argentina in Krasnodar, Russia.


The two matches were played earlier this month. The invitation was Uzoho’s first since he won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.


Uzoho made his full international debut on November 14, as a 46th minute replacement for Daniel Akpeyi in the friendly against Argentina, which the Eagles won 4-2. Uzoho kept a clean sheet in the match.


And Shorunmu, who represented Nigeria at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, told our correspondent during the week that Uzoho has the qualities to be Eagles first choice despite his age.


The former Basel keeper said Uzoho has a good command of his goal area and positioned himself well to make some good saves as was seen in the Argentina match.


He however called for more matches for the young keeper to build and test his confidence ahead of the World Cup.


“With what I saw him do against Argentina, I believe Uzoho is good enough to be Eagles number one at the World Cup if the coaches find him fit for the role,” he said.


“As a former keeper, I saw the qualities of a good keeper in him. He has a good command of his area and communicates well with his defenders. He also positioned himself well so that he could make some good saves. He is a young keeper and has many more years ahead of him, so he will learn with more matches and improve as he gets the playing time.”


Shorunmu said Uzoho’s presence in the team will keep the other keepers – Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi – on their toes ahead of the World Cup.


He said, “That Akpeyi made some mistakes does not mean he is totally a bad goalkeeper likewise the fact that Ezenwa was not impressive against Algeria doesn’t mean he should be dropped from the team.


“The two have their areas of strength but with the way Uzoho performed against Argentina, they will have to work on their own areas of weaknesses to ensure that they stay ahead of him. This gives a healthy rivalry in the team.


“The goalkeeper is a very sensitive member of the team. If all the other members do well and he doesn’t do well, the team will suffer for it. A keeper can ensure that a team wins a match if he is determined to do so. The best keepers have to make it to the World Cup for the team to succeed.


“Currently, the three keepers need to be tested more in matches to ensure that the best one of them gets the starting shirt.”


The former Shooting Stars number one also said the calls for the return of Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, were unnecessary.


Shorunmu, who Enyeama deputised at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, said the 2013 African Cup of Nations winner should be allowed to make his decision to either return to the national team or stay out of it.


He said, “Enyeama should be allowed to make a public decision on his intention to either return to the Eagles, where he left of his own will, or to remain out of it.


The team have been on a good run in his absence so, if he stays out, it will not affect their performance.


“If he is forced by the coaches and fans to return to the team – against his own free will – it may spell doom for the team. The keepers in the team are battling to do well and I believe they will get better with more matches before the World Cup.”

punchng.com/uzoho-good-enough-to-be-eagles-number-1-shorunmu/

Don’t add more players to Eagles, Adelabu tells Rohr

Idris Adesina

Former Shooting Stars attacker, Adegoke Adelabu, has said Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, should be careful in adding new players to the team ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup.


Nigeria qualified for the World Cup unbeaten and recently beat South American giants Argentina 4-2 in a friendly affair.


Rohr has reportedly been scouting for a few more players to strengthen the team ahead of the World Cup. The German said there were no guaranteed shirts for players in the team and that there was room for new players to compete for roles.


Adelabu, who praised the Eagles for qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten, said, “The coach should be commended for leading the team to qualify for the World Cup with an unblemished record but he needs to be careful in his preparations for the competition.


“To run all over the world looking for players to add to the team may affect the balance of the team. It may also send a wrong message to the players who fought to get the country the qualification that their places in the team are not secured.


“Also, running after players that Nigeria contributed nothing to their careers is not good enough.


Such players who refuse to play for Nigeria would be seen as unpatriotic. When some of these players offer to play for the country, they are mostly not followed up.


“I believe that except there is a serious development such as an injury to any of the current players, who played the qualifiers, there should not be any addition to the squad. These players only need more game time to build their confidence and unity to perform well at the World Cup.


“The present squad may not be perfect, but I believe they will take their chances against any team who are not extra careful.”

punchng.com/dont-add-more-players-to-eagles-adelabu-tells-rohr/

AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Nigeria
Nigeria not afraid of anyone, Echiejile warns Brazil and co.

Monaco's Nigeria full-back Elderson (left)

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Nigerian international Elderson Echiejile has fired a warning to the world's best football national teams ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals which will be hosted by Russia.


World champions Germany, European giants Spain, France, South American giants Brazil and Argentina will be amongst the favourites to win next year's tournament.


Echiejile, who plays for Turkish side Sivasspor, believes that the Super Eagles can beat anyone with the draw for the global tournament set to take place on the 1st of December 2017.


“We are not afraid of anyone, any team," Echiejile told brila.net.
"We just want to keep our preparation in top form, play quality friendly games and we will be ready for anyone in our group.


“This could be our time, Right now we have things going well with the team, so we are not afraid of anyone” he continued.


Nigeria came back to stun Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly match earlier this month and Echiejile stated that it is just a tip of what the Super Eagles will do in Russia.


"The win is enough motivation for everyone in the team that we can actually dispose any team at the World Cup without fear or jittery," he added.

africanfootball.com//news/735571/Nigeria-not-afraid-of-anyone-Echiejile-warns-Brazil-and-co

Martins Fires Shanghai Shenhua To Chinese FA Cup Triumph



By James Agberebi:

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins was on target in the second leg of the Chinese FA Cup final as his club Shanghai Shenhua were crowned champions.Despite losing the second leg 3-2 to 10-man Shanghai SIPG FC, Shanghai Shenhua won on away goals rule after winning the first leg 1-0 to end the tie 3-3 on aggregate.


Martins scored the only goal in the first leg 1-0 win for Shanghai Shenhua last weekend.
Wenjun Lue gave Shanghai SIPG the lead in the 16th minute on Sunday before Yunding Cao drew Shanghai Shenhua level on the stroke of half-time.


Martins scored to make it 2-1 to Shanghai Shenhua in the 68th minute but Brazilian forward Hulk made it 2-2 after converting a 72nd minute penalty.


An own goal by Giovanni Andres Moreno in the 76th minute gave Shanghai SIPG a 3-2 lead.
In the 90th minute, Shanghai SIPG were reduced to 10 men following Huan Fu’s sending off.


Shanghai Shenhua have now won their first Chinese FA Cup title since 1998 and have now won it for the fourth time.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/martins-fires-shanghai-shenhua-chinese-fa-cup-triumph/

Iwobi Starts As Arsenal Edge Out Burnley With Late Penalty



History repeated itself at Turf Moor on Sunday as Alexis Sanchez scored a stoppage time penalty for Arsenal who defeated Burnley 1-0 in their Premier League clash.


James Tarkowski was punished for what the referee ruled as a push on Aaron Ramsey in the box in added time and Sanchez stepped up to score the winner.


It was the third time Arsenal recorded a victory over Burnley courtesy of a last minute goal.


Arsenal had won both meetings with the Clarets last season courtesy of 90th-minute winners.


Alex Iwobi made his sixth English Premier League start for Arsenal who were stifled for the better part of the game at Turf Moor.


The Super Eagles star started in place of the ill Mesut Ozil.
The Nigerian winger, who has appeared eight times for the Gunners this season in the EPL, was replaced in the 66th minute by Jack Wilshere. Iwobi has not scored in his last six appearances for the club.


Both teams made a bright start to the game and Burnley had a chance in the 15th minute when Jóhann Berg Gudmundsson collected a pass from Jeffrey Hendrick and he skipped past Nacho Monreal before firing a thunderous strike which crashed the post.


In the second half, Arsenal began with more purpose with Sanchez and Iwobi linking up well to create opening for Alexandre Lacazette but Burnley were solid in breaking their attack.


In the 51st minute, Lacazette turned his marker well to his first attempt on goal but his strike was straight at Nick Pope in the Burnley goal, who made a comfortable save.


Gunners kept up the pressure and began to boss the game but Arsene Wenger’s men lacked the final final ball until the last-gasp drama.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/iwobi-starts-arsenal-edge-burnley-late-penalty/

AF 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
CAF release new AFCON Qualifier dates due to FIFA World Cup


Cameroon celebrates being crowned Champions during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Afcon Final match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Libreville in Gabon on 05 February 2017 ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

News coming from the Confederation of African Football is that new dates for the 2019 CAF African Cup of Nations qualifiers have been released.


The new dates are related to the second round of 2019 AFCON qualifiers after CAF opted to postpone all the round’s fixtures last Thursday.


After losing their first qualifier against Tunisia, Egypt were set to face Niger in Alexandria in March 2018 in the second round of the qualifiers, but the date has been rescheduled by CAF.


Following the committee meeting last Thursday in Rabat in Morocco, CAF took the decision of postponing the second round matches to give teams that have qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup a chance to prepare for the tournament.


The new dates for the second round have been moved from March to 3-11 September 2018, with the third and fourth rounds taking place on October 8-16 2018.


Furthermore, the fifth round has been moved one month forward to take place between 12-20 November 2018 instead of October, while the final round will take place between 18-26 March 2019.


On the other hand, CAF has also decided to move the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.


It will now be staged between June and July instead of January and February for the first time as teams have also been increased from 16 to 24.

africanfootball.com/news/735462/CAF-release-new-AFCON-Qualifier-dates-due-to-FIFA-World-Cup

SUPER REGULAR: Ndidi Set For 30th EPL Start In 30 Games

Gold Usenekong


By Dare Esan: Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is set to make his 30th start in 30 Premier League games tonight at the London Stadium where his club Leicester City will face West Ham United.


Ndidi has started all Premier League games he played since he made his debut in the Foxes’ 3-0 loss to Chelsea on January 14 at the King Power Stadium following his switch from Belgian top flight side Genk during the last winter transfer window.


The Nigerian who won Leicester’s young player of the year award at the end of his first season in England last summer started all 17 games he played in the league for the former EPL champions last season.


This term, and despite the change in manager from Craig Shakespeare to Claude Puel, Ndidi has played and started all 12 EPL games played by Leicester and, barring any last minute injury, looks set to make his 30th appearance in the most competitive and lucrative league in the on Friday night.


Ndidi, who has scored twice in the competition since he moved over from Belgium, will hope to lead Leicester City to victory against David Moyes’ side to at least ensure he bridges the gap between the wins and losses the club recorded in the games he featured in.


Leicester have lost 13 and won 10 in the 29 games Ndidi has featured in since last January.
While Ndidi is seeking to continue in his 100 per cent run for the Foxes, his compatriots Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho will be hoping for a change in their fortunes.


Musa who has appeared 21 times in the league since he joined from CSKA Moscow last season is yet to feature in the club’s matchday squad for the league this term while Iheanacho has started only two of the nine games he has played in the league for the club following his summer transfer from Manchester City.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-regular-ndidi-set-30th-epl-start-30-games/amp/

Stoke City Join Race To Sign Ighalo


Gold Usenekong

Premier League side Stoke City have shown interest to sign Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, from Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai, Completesportsnigeria.com report’s.


Ighalo was part of the Watford side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2015 – then scored 15 goals in his Premier League debut season in the 2015/2016 league campaign.


But the following season, Ighalo struggled to replicate his form in the previous campaign, scoring once in 17 games before joining CSL club Changchun Yatai on January 31, 2017.


According to Stoke Sentinel, Stoke City have joined the likes of Southampton, Everton and West Ham in showing interest to sign Ighalo following his impressive performance for Changchun where he scored 15 goals in 27 league appearances in the just concluded season.


Crystal Palace and West Brom were interested in signing him last season, but were put off by the Watford’s huge financial demands.


Ighalo is currently in Nigeria getting set to launch his new orphanage home with the date on December 16 in Ijegun, Lagos.


The former Granada striker played a key role in helping the Super Eagles qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.


He however missed the Eagles’ last match in the 2018 World Cup African qualifying Group B against Algeria which ended 1-1 due to injury. He was also absent when Nigeria beat Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly Match on November 14.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/stoke-city-join-race-sign-ighalo/amp/

Bonfrere Salutes ‘Powerful Nigerian Striker’ Yak At Retirement

Gold Usenekong

Exclusive By Adeboye Amosu: Former Super Eagles technical adviser, Jo Bonfrere, has heaped plaudits on the former Nigeria forward, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, following his retirement from football, Completesportsnigeria. com reports.


Aiyegbeni announced his retirement from the round leather game on Wednesday, same day he celebrated his 35th birthday.


Though still remembered for missing a sitter during Nigeria’s group game against South Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Yak as he is fondly called, holds the proud record of the country’s third all-time leading scorer behind Rasheed Yekini and Segun Odegbami.


Bonfrere, who led the Nigeria U-23 side to win the Olympic Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympic Games was the man who handed Yakubu Aiyegbeni is first real taste of international football by picking him to be part of Nigeria’s squad to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia has joined the lists of eminent personalities paying glowing tributes to the striker at retirement.


“Yakubu was one of my favourite Nigerian players. A powerful striker you can trust to score important goals for your team,” the Dutchman told Completesportsnigeria.com during an exclusive chat.


“I remember the unbelievable goal he scored against Honduras at the Olympic Games in Sydney .That goal helped us pick a point from the game.

“He is a wonderful guy and I wish him good luck.”

Yakubu played for clubs like Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.


It was however at Everton that he made a huge impact scoring 25 goals in 85 appearances for the Tofees.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/bonfrere-salutes-powerful-nigerian-striker-yak-retirement/amp/

Pascal: Super Eagles Not Bothered By Drop In FIFA Ranking



By Adeboye Amosu:

Super Eagles co-ordinator Patrick Pascal is unperturbed despite the team faring poorly in the latest FIFA world rankings, reports Completesportsnigeria. com.


The three-time African champions dropped nine places from 41st to 50th position in the latest ranking released by the world soccer ruling body on Thursday.


The team is also ranked in the eighth position in Africa behind countries like Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, Congo Democratic Republic, Morocco, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.


It came as a shock to many following the Super Eagles’ impressive showing during the last international break during which the team played out a 1-1 draw against Algeria and recorded a 4-2 win against Argentina.


“I don’t read any meaning to the new rankings. For me, we should continue to do well on the pitch and the reward will surely come at the right time,” the former Super Eagles and Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan player told Completesportsnigeria. com.


“I expect us to do better next month and in the subsequent ones. We have a young team that is full of quality players and I don’t see any reason why we will not be ranked among the best in the next few months.”
The Super Eagles are one of the five teams that will represent Africa at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/pascal-super-eagles-not-bothered-drop-fifa-ranking/

Amuneke: Eagles Have Progressed Despite Fall In FIFA Ranking



By Johnny Edward:

Former Super Eagles assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has urged Nigerians not to be dismayed by the recent plummeting of the senior national team in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola World Ranking released on Thursday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.


Nigeria dropped nine places, from 41st to 50th position, losing 50 points from their previous 721 points to record 671 points for the month of November.


“We must not delve much on that (FIFA ranking),” Amuneke told Completesportsnigeria.com.


“The most important thing is that the team is improving, the ranking isn’t biased as many think because its down to points accumulated over the course of a period. We did well in the month under review defeating Argentina and drawing Algeria but how many points did Nigeria accumulate?.


“It could be suprising to see that the Super Eagles are behind Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, Congo Democratic Republic, Morocco, Burkina Faso and Cameroon, but what matters most is which team is progressing with the aim of achieving their targets.”


The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 21 December 2017.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/amuneke-eagles-progressed-despite-fall-fifa-ranking/

Puel: Iheanacho, Musa Will Get Leicester City Chances



By Johnny Edward:

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has assured Nigeria forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa that they will get their chances in the starting line-up with the Foxes soon.


Puel admits Iheanacho is facing a lot of competition for a starting spot, but is quick to add that the 21-year-old must be ready to seize the opportunity when it comes.


Iheanacho, who has made nine appearances (two starts and seven substitute appearances) for the club this season, has struggled to break into the Leicester City side following his £25 million move from Manchester City in the summer.

Musa has been totally frozen out, restricted to cup games and U-23 fixtures.


“He (Iheanacho) is a good player but he must improve when he finds his place in the squad,” said Puel during his pre-match interview.


“We have a lot of players in this position. It is good competition between them, perhaps a little more because for one or two positions we have six possibilities.


“We have Iheanacho, Islam Slimani, Ahmed Musa, Shinji Okazaki, Leo Ulloa and Jamie Vardy; it is a lot of players but I hope we can give them good game time for the future because we play every three days.


“It will need all these players with good qualities and attitude.


“They need to work hard in the training sessions to keep a good level. Of course all the players want game time but the balance is difficult because we have a lot of players in the same position.”


Leicester City are 12th in the English Premier League table with 13 points from 12 games. The travel to the Olympic stadium to face West Ham in their next game on Friday.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/puel-iheanacho-musa-will-get-leicester-city-chances/

ROAD TO RUSSIA: Who Should Spearhead Super Eagles Attack At 2018 World Cup?



The Super Eagles have not been found wanting in attack. At least so far. But there is this feeling that the squad still lacks a prolific pointman who can be relied upon to supply the goals in tight matches against high-quality opposition.


Under Gernot Rohr’s guidance, the Super Eagles have often played the 4-3-3 system with two wide forwards supporting the centre forward.


Rohr played Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Brown Ideye and Anthony Nwakaeme as the centre forwards in the qualifying campaign for the Russia 2018 World Cup.


Although Nigeria breezed through a supposedly tough qualifying group that contained Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia, none of the strikers scored more than twice. Iheanacho scored two goals, Ighalo scored once, while the others did not get on the scoresheet.


Instead, it was wide forward Victor Moses who scored three goals, while Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi added two each. Even central midfielder Mikel Obi scored twice.


So, should Rohr stick with the strikers he has already used during the qualifiers? Which of them should be the spearhead in Russia? Ighalo? Iheanacho? Nwakaeme?
Or should the likes of Henry Onyekuru, Olanrewaju Kayode, Victor Osimhen and others still be given a shot at leading the Super Eagles attack in Russia?


It is time again to have your say as Completesportsnigeria.com continue our Road To Russia World Cup Debate series.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/road-russia-spearhead-super-eagles-attack-2018-world-cup/

Puel: Iheanacho, Musa Will Get Leicester City Chances

Gold Usenekong

By Johnny Edward: Leicester City manager Claude Puel has assured Nigeria forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa that they will get their chances in the starting line-up with the Foxes soon.


Puel admits Iheanacho is facing a lot of competition for a starting spot, but is quick to add that the 21-year-old must be ready to seize the opportunity when it comes.


Iheanacho, who has made nine appearances (two starts and seven substitute appearances) for the club this season, has struggled to break into the Leicester City side following his £25 million move from Manchester City in the summer.


Musa has been totally frozen out, restricted to cup games and U-23 fixtures.


“He (Iheanacho) is a good player but he must improve when he finds his place in the squad,” said Puel during his pre-match interview.


“We have a lot of players in this position. It is good competition between them, perhaps a little more because for one or two positions we have six possibilities.


“We have Iheanacho, Islam Slimani, Ahmed Musa, Shinji Okazaki, Leo Ulloa and Jamie Vardy; it is a lot of players but I hope we can give them good game time for the future because we play every three days.


“It will need all these players with good qualities and attitude.


“They need to work hard in the training sessions to keep a good level. Of course all the players want game time but the balance is difficult because we have a lot of players in the same position.”


Leicester City are 12th in the English Premier League table with 13 points from 12 games. The travel to the Olympic stadium to face West Ham in their next game on Friday.


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/puel-iheanacho-musa-will-get-leicester-city-chances/amp

The Super Eagles Might Be Starting To Fly..

Solomon Ojeagbase

Football. The Beautiful Game. Every single day millions of kids, teenagers, adults and even pensioners put on their shin pads and pull up their socks all over the world for an hour of two of pure bliss.


It’s no surprise that from a young age people of all nationalities, faiths and races are drawn to the magic that surrounds football. Some favour the wags and the wages, others the fame and the fun or the passion and the pride. Back in 2010 men all over the world winced in unison as Benoît Assou-Ekotto admitted that he only saw football as ‘a job’.


Whatever your reason for playing football, there is no greater honour than representing your country at a major tournament, let alone winning one. How do you win a major tournament? In short, you assemble the best team, and like every other nation, Nigeria are trying to do just that.


The international tug of war that seems to rear its ugly head as players attempt to navigate the minefield of national eligibility is becoming a common occurrence, and one which the ‘lesser’ nations historically lose out on.


The red tape that surrounds international eligibility is more complex than an Ikea instruction manual, however, the bottom line appears to be that many players are now able to pick and choose where they wish to ply their trade thanks to the multi-cultural society that we live in.


Historically Nigeria have lost out on some major talent to a range of different nations, Emmanuel Adebayor opted for Togo, Sidney Sam opted for Germany, Angelo Ogbonna opted for Italy and David Alaba now captains Austria. There are however signs that times are changing.


Source: David Alaba via Facebook

Nigeria were the first African team to qualify for Russia 2018 after Alex Iwobi scored the winner in a 1-0 over Zambia back in October. The commitment of match-winner Iwobi to play for Nigeria is a real coupe. The young nephew of Nigerian legendary captain Jay-Jay Okocha has recently established himself in Arsenals senior squad and has a huge future ahead of him both in club and international football.


Iwobi will be hoping he can achieve what his uncle couldn’t and help guide the Super Eagles to World Cup Glory. The latest online betting odds put Nigeria as 150-1 rank outsiders, although you could be likely to see those odds shorten.


The current squad Super Eagles is the strongest that it has been in years and showed this recently with a gutsy performance to overcome a 2-0 deficit against the fourth best team in the world Argentina, according to FIFA rankings. This is exactly the type of performance that Nigeria will be looking for if they are to attract more players of Iwobi’s quality.


Nigeria are currently in a unique position of being able to offer a whole host of young talent the opportunity to play in the world’s elite competition. Many of the ‘larger’ nations already have well-established squads with little room for manoeuvre.


The longer young players have to wait to make their international debut, the more their eyes may start to wander to pastures new, particularly when these squads are of high quality.


There is no doubt that the Super Eagles will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, who made his England bow in friendlies in November, Everton’s Ademola Lookman and Reading’s Tiago Ilori.


All three along with a whole host of young talent are yet to cement themselves to a national team and would surely jump at the chance to test themselves against the world’s elite. With Russia 2018 just around the corner, you can expect Gernot Rohr to look to strengthen his squad wherever possible as he aims to take Nigeria where no African team has been before, the World Cup Final.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-eagles-might-starting-fly/amp/

Nigeria Draw Argentina, France, Mexico In Russia 2018 Mock Draw ‘Group Of Death’



Nigeria have been drawn in a ‘group of death’ for the Russia 2018 World Cup according to former England striker and draw host Gary Lineker, who revealed that Thursday’s practice run pitted the Super Eagles against Argentina, France and Mexico.


The Super Eagles qualified for next summer’s finals in Russia with a game to spare and undefeated in a group that had Algeria,Cameroun and Zambia, but are in pot four due to an unfavourable FIFA ranking as 32 teams wait to learn their fate in the draw on December 1.


Former Tottenham and Barcelona star Lineker, who won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup where England were knocked out by Diego Maradona’s Argentina, will conduct the draw in Moscow with Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya and seven superstar ‘assistants including Maradona and Brazil’s Cafu.


Lineker revealed on Thursday that a dry run of the draw saw Gernot Rohr’s men drawn alongside Argentina for the fifth time in Nigeria’s six world cup appearances, France who knocked Nigeria out at the round of 16 three years ago in Brazil and Mexico who has never played against the Super Eagles at the World Cup.


Lineker also revealed that England have been drawn in Group B alongside Roberto Martinez’s high-flying Belgium (pot 1), Senegal (pot 3) and Japan (pot 4).


The 56-year-old wrote on Twitter: “Just had my first production and logistics meeting for next week’s @FIFAWorldCup draw. Had a quick run through (it’s complicated) and England ended up in Group B with Belgium, Senegal and Japan.”


While England managed to avoid any previous World Cup winners in the practice draw, Lineker also revealed that Mexico were pitted in a “group of death” against Argentina, France and Nigeria.


Lineker’s scenario for Nigeria is impossible though as both Argentina, who the Super Eagles defeated 4-2 in a recent friendly, and France are both in Pot 1 and two teams from the same pot cannot be drawn against each other.

The draw will take place on December 1 in the Russian capital of Moscow at the State Kremlin Palace.


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nigeria-draw-argentina-france-mexico-russia-2018-mock-draw-group-death/?app=browser_push&entry1=push&entry2=timed

AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Nigeria
European giants sent scouts to watch Henry Onyekuru

www.nairaland.com/attachments/6305568_henry_jpeg93510bf696539ac818aa6000d11dea6c
Dani Alves (L) of Paris Saint-Germain in action against Henry Onyekuru (R) of Anderlecht during the UEFA Champions League group B soccer match between RSC Anderlecht and Paris Saint-Germain at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Anderlecht, near Brussels, Belgium, 18 October 2017. EPA/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

by Graeme Jackson

Several European giants reportedly sent scouts to watch Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru in action for Anderlecht in the UEFA Champions League last night.


Onyekuru, who is loan at the Belgian club from Everton, was a second-half substitute and played 25 minutes as his side succumbed 2-1 against the German giants at the Stade Constant Vanden Stock.


La Dernière Heure reported that Manchester United sent representatives to run the rule over the Super Eagles attacker, having had scouts in the stands when Onyekuru scored the winner in a 2-1 domestic triumph at Royal Excel Mouscron last weekend.


The report also states that Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and AC Milan had spies present in Brussels on Wednesday night.


Onyekuru has yet to open his account in the UEFA Champions League after five group stage matches, but he has been exceptional in the domestic league, scoring seven goals from 14 appearances.


The 20-year-old signed with the Toffees prior to the start of the 2017/18 season.

africanfootball.com/news/735427/European-giants-sent-scouts-to-watch-Henry-Onyekuru

The question of whether Agali is to scout for opposition teams or players for Rohr has been answered by this post....

AGALI VOWS TO GET BEST LEGS FOR ROHR

BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA.

Scorer of the milestone 100th World Cup qualifying goal for Nigeria, Victor Agali is delighted about the new role as Chief Scout for the Super Eagles that Nigeria’s German coach, Gernot Rohr has carved out for him.


Agali who spent the period 1998 to 2004 in Rohr’s native country, Germany, was on Monday given the role to scout for new talents for the World Cup-bound Super Eagles.


The former Nigerian striker’s link with the Nigerian coach is however more than just having played in Germany.


Agali played under Rohr at French side OGC Nice in the 2004-2005 season, scoring six goals in 30 appearances.


The lanky former Nigerian striker whose second goal doubled Nigeria’s lead at 2-0 in an eventual 3-0 defeat of Sudan in a 2002 World Cup qualifying match at the now renamed Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt expressed his delight to Sports Village Square.


He had apparently been rendering scouting services to Rohr. He told Sports Village Square that he will redouble his dedication to duty.


“I am glad to be call upon. Rohr is a great man I have known for long and I won’t hesitate to get him the best set of players which he desires, remarked Agali who stormed the Nigerian football scene after being included in the team that featured at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

www.sportsvillagesquare.com/2017/11/21/agali-vows-get-best-legs-rohr/

8 DAYS TO FINAL DRAW: WORLD CUP MATCHES THAT HAVE NEVER TAKEN PLACE

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

On Wednesday, Sports Village Square enunciated the most recurring fixtures if the World Cup in over 80 years.


The final draw for another World Cup is barely eight days away when the 32 teams will be grouped into eight and fixtures thereafter emerge for the 64-match series.


As there have been recurring fixtures of the World Cup in the past 87 years, so also are match ups the world is still waiting for.


For instance, neither Brazil nor England has ever come against Korea Republic which is historically the most successful Asian team in the World Cup.


For the 2018 Final Draw, Korea Republic is in Pot 4 while Brazil and England are in Pots 1 and 2 respectively. Russia 2018 may just break the ice for one of the two former World Cup champions to face South Korea.


France and Russia also have never been paired with Netherlands. These fixtures will have to wait till another edition, 2022 at least. The Dutch, finalists in 1974, 1978 and 2010 are one of the glaring absentees of Russia 2018.


In fact, just like the Brazil versus Germany had to wait till the final day of 2002 World Cup after an anticipation of 72 years, Spain and Netherlands finally clashed in the final of South Africa 2010.


Also, a number of Southern European countries have not played each other in the World Cup. An instance is a clash of Italy and Portugal. Again, this will not hold at Russia 2018 as Italy failed to make the final cut. Also, Italy has never been paired against Serbia.


There has never been a clash of two African teams in the World Cup since more than one of the teams hardly progress beyond the opening round. The nearest to a possible clash was at Brazil 2014.


Nigeria and Algeria were the last two African teams standing. That was the only time ever that two African teams crossed the group stage in one edition of the World Cup.


Both Nigeria and Algeria lost on the same day to European teams. If they had scaled the hurdles, they would have clashed in the semi finals, guaranteeing a slot for Africa in the semi finals.

www.sportsvillagesquare.com/2017/11/23/8-days-final-draw-world-cup-matches-never-taken-place/

SAUDI ARABIA SACKS COACH, 9 DAYS TO WORLD CUP FINAL DRAW

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nine days to his featuring in the 2018 World Cup Final Draw, Edgardo Bauza, the Argentine coach of Saudi Arabia has been fired. He becomes the first of the anticipated 32 head coached to next year’s World Cup to be fired.


His sack is coming barely 24 hours after another hitherto World Cup bound, Ange Postecoglou of Australia resigned. Before the Wednesday sacking of Bauza, there had been dark clouds surrounding his future.


Last week, Sports Village Square carried a report sourced from Radio Rivadavia, Rosario, the Argentine home town of Lionel Messi where the now sacked coach denied speculations that he had abandoned his job with Saudi Arabia.


“We are preparing the best possible for the World Cup,” he clarified claiming that he continued in office and will go for the draw for the World Cup on December 1.


“I’m still the coach of Saudi Arabia, on the 29th we go to Russia for the draw, we are preparing the best for the World Cup, Radio Rivadavia reported him to have said.


“The news that had been sent to me came out in Argentina, I think it was a journalistic move, many things were said, we are planning and putting together everything that is going to come,” he said.


Bauza who is a former technical director of the Argentine team said that Saudi Arabia had “minimal chances” in the World Cup because being in the fourth pot will make the team face two top-level teams and admitted that he would not like to face Argentina.


But the initial speculations about his future with Saudi Arabia have now been confirmed. He took over the saddle barely two month ago when he replaced the Dutchman, Bert van Marwijk.


His short tenure with the Saudis had been of mixed fortunes. He coached Saudi Arabia in five friendly matches. The team won two and lost three matches. The Saudi FA is apparent not satisfied with his input.


The former coach, van Marwijk helped the Saudi team called Green Falcons qualify for Russia 2018, which will be their fifth FIFA World Cup and first since Germany 2006.


Saudi Arabia will be attempting to surpass their greatest performance at the world finals, which came at USA 1994 when they reached the Round of 16, only to lose to Sweden 3-1.


Sacking of coaches after qualification for World Cup is not particularly a strange happening.


Nigeria had in the past, 1998, 2002 and 2010 sacked the coaches that qualified the Super Eagles to those years’ editions of the World Cup.

www.sportsvillagesquare.com/2017/11/22/saudi-arabia-sacks-coach-9-days-world-cup-final-draw/

junnyjake:
Watched Samuel Adegbenro play for Rosenberg today. Seems to be the Go-To man of the team.

That guy has someting going for hm. Wish he adds consistency to his game.

jotey:
my preferred group

Argentina

England

Denmark

Nigeria

on a serious note I want these teams especially England

Group of ''deaths''

safarigirl:
Congratulations tbaba1234, at least Naijaphobia's son will now have iyawo-in-waiting

Congrats to Naijaphobia and tbaba1234. Your children will grow up to be great achievers.

Kakamorufu:
I saw these designs on twitter. Wish we can get Nike to make these.

We do not have to beg Nike to use these designs.
Let's let the various clubsides in our localities know that we have creative minds who can design sports kits for their Clubs.

Most Clubsides don't care what their sponsors bring on the table.

I am surprised that even the so called old and popular clubsides have kits that look way less than what they should pay for both in beauty and quality of the design.

Happy Birthday TheGoodJoe.
On this note, I wish you many more years of fruitful and more rewarding progress in all your endeavours.




Enjoy it's your day.

forgiveness:


Siasia do beat Argentina na. I don't hate Rohr.

I guess he meant the starting eleven of Argentina.
The one SiaOne beat was not the starting eleven now.

Taliban:
Good thing is Victor Mosis is quite comfortable with his left foot and has delivered some great passes and scored goals while playing from the left. Ihenacho is also a natural leftie.

I remember Ahmed Musa's goals against Argentina from the last world cup came from the left wing too. While the left side of our defence and midfield seems weak when compared to the right side, I don't believe we are that bad. Hopefully with a fir Victor mosis and an able left sided defender, we should be more effective on that channel. My humble submission.

This is the second time you have wrongly spelt this name. I therefore issue you a yellow card

...

junnyjake:


I no get o. Abeg, tbaba12345, you fit help us?

Joebie has already done justice to that.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSYLND1Dsuo

Joebie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSYLND1Dsuo

Thank you