zuchyblink:
NFF should simply sack Oliseh and appoint Siasia and SE coach and appoint Amunike as U-23 coach. Oliseh is an empty vessel that makes the loudest noise.

Orkpekyandega:

Don't be in a haste to suggest Sunday Oliseh's. Remember several persons made such suggestions to the previous Coaches who also failed.

Coach Sunday Oliseh needs the right working atmsphere to strive. Unfortunately, the one he finds himself in, is not helping matters. He can still take us there with patience.

krattoss:
iheanacho is on fire..

joseph1013:

I believe Oliseh is still the man. Nigerian fans are an impatient bunch.

Icon4s:
I was Live on a sports program on radio this morning. And the topic of discuss was related to Nigeria's chances against Egypt in Cairo. And the question was which is the worst match to play between: Playing against Egypt in Cairo, Playing against the Ivory Coast in Abidjan and playing against Ghana in Accra.

The phone lines were opened and u needed to have heard pple's shocking reactions, More so after losing to Guinea at CHAN. Nigerian fans have lost faith in Oliseh.

I, for 1 ,do nt have any good memories of the games we played against the home teams in Cairo, Accra or Abidjan from way back d 80s to date. Even during d great 90s Super Eagles era we never won any game in those three venues.

So guys which of the d 3 is the most dreaded to visit considering the present state of our Oliseh tutored Super Eagles: Cairo, Abidjan or Accra? Give reasons if u can.

cc:Joseph1034, terzurum5, Bascovanveli, TheGoodJoe, safarigirl, mikron, TheSuperNerd, tbaba1234, enomakos, BlackAlbino6, orkpekyandega, forgiveness and other forumites too many to mention.

Orkpekyandega:
[b][size=14pt]
Chikatara, Okoro In 7 CHAN Eagles Good Enough For Main Squad
[/size]


Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has tipped seven or eight members of his squad to the African Nations Championship to graduate to the A squad following impressive individual performances, despite the collective failure. Completesportsnigeria.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU, who is in Kigali covering CHAN, names his own seven Home Eagles for the main squad…


Ikechukwu Ezenwa
The Sunshine Stars goalkeeper battled stiff competition from Olufemi Thomas and Okiemute Odah to emerge as the side’s first choice goalkeeper. The former junior international proved his class in the Home Eagles’ three games in the competition.
He certainly looks good to continue his role as assistant to Carl Ikeme in the main Super Eagles side.


Kalu Orji
A versatile defender who can play either as a right-back or centre-back. The Rangers International of Enugu star who nearly missed the competition due to illness came in as a substitute in Nigeria’s first two games in the competition and showed he can be relied on in the future.
He helped stabilised the Eagles’ defence after coming on for the fumbling Jamiu Alimi in Nigeria’s first game against Niger and did the same
against Tunisia.
It was a surprise that he didn’t get to start the last game against Guinea, the only game the Eagles lost in the competition.


Austin Obaroakpo
The Abia Warriors centre-back is one of Sunday Oliseh’s favourite players and looked to have further boosted his chances of keeping his place in the team with an above average showing at the African Nations Championship.


Ifeanyi Matthew
The highly-rated midfielder all things being equal will be in Nigeria’s squad for the AfricaCup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Egypt in March. The El-kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri man was one of the key performers for the home-based Super Eagles in Rwanda and he is highly regarded by the coaching crew.


The disappointing display of Paul Onobi may have also increased Matthew’s chances of earning a spot in the main Super Eagles squad.


Chisom Chikatara
The darling of the local fans here in Kigali ‘Chakatara’, as they pronounce his name, scored four goals for the Eagles in their ill-fated campaign in Rwanda. Though Nigeria is blessed with a number of attacking talents, he has done enough to show he can compete at the highest level.


Osas Okoro
Another key performer for the Home Eagles in Rwanda. He won the man of the match honour in the Eagles’ second game against Tunisia and did enough to justify the coach’s faith in him. He has surely done enough to get a berth in the AFCON qualifiers.


Usman Muhammed
One of the most talented members of the squad. The FC Taraba midfielder is highly rated by coach of the side Sunday Oliseh. He is certain to get more opportunities to impress in future.

Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/chikatara-okoro-in-7-chan-eagles-good-enough-for-main-squad/#yHuGcplkMorrWaGS.99
[/b]

BascoVanVeli:


I think he will develope more at man u. Lets not forget there is a certain LVG that made Finidi George the best winger in the world.

[size=14pt]
FIFA Applauds Iheanacho’s Hat Trick Feat Against Villa
[/size]
[img]http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-iheanacho-on-as-west-ham-city-win-mikel-benched/[/img]
By James Agberebi:
Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, has sent a congratulatory message to Kelechi Iheanacho, who bagged a hat-trick in Manchester City's 4-0 win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.


Iheanacho scored in the fourth, 24th (pen) and 74th minute, in the emphatic win.
Raheem Sterling got City's fourth goal in the 76th minute.


Reacting to the five-star performance, FIFA wrote on their Twitter handle: "U-17 World Cup star in 2013 Hat-trick hero in the FA Cup today congrats, Kelechi Iheanacho."


The win sees City progress into the fifth round.

[b][size=14pt]
Watford Coach Delighted With Ighalo, Teammates Over FA Cup Progress
[/size]

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores, has hailed his players for advancing into the fifth round of the FA Cup after they pipped Nottingham Forest 1-0.


Top scorer Odion Ighalo, who came in for Troy Deeney on 72 minutes, scored a late winner with one minutes left, to send the Hornets into the next round.

Reacting to the win, Flores expressed his appreciation for the travelling supporters.
"We played with a very good personality since the beginning.


We tried to play football, we tried to calm things down a little bit and we had control with the ball,"
"It was very important to keep the ball and to focus on the transitions, and I think we had control. I am happy with the players and I am happy for the fans, because we are through to the next round."


Flores added: "We respect this competition a lot, it is a very historic competition in England.
"The fans, of course, are dreaming with the idea to do something.


Step-by-step, little-by-little, we are through to the next round but it is impossible to know what will happen, so we just try to be happy.

[b][size=14pt]
Iheanacho Demolishes Villa With Hat-trick, Iwobi Shines In Arsenal Win
[/size]

By Johnny Edward:
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho took his goals tally to eight this season when he bagged his first-ever clubb career hat-trick for Manchester City who advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.


Iheanacho scored his side’s opener in the fourth minute and doubled the lead 20 minutes later from the penalty spot.


He completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute of the win, and became the third City player to hit a treble this season after Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling.


Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi made his second FA start for Arsenal who defeated Burnley ‎2-1 to book a place in the fifth round of the competition at the Emirates stadium.


The Nigerian international who is being courted by several Championship teams ‎played a part in Callum Chambers goal in the 17th minute.


It was his eighth appearance for the Gunners in all competitions this term.


At the City Ground stadium, Odion Ighalo sent Watford to the next round of the FA Cup with his first goal in the competition when he scored an 89th minute winner against Nottingham Forest.


It was his second FA Cup substitute appe‎arance for Watford.


The 26-year-old forward who has notched up 15 goals in 26 games in all competitions for the Hornets came on for skipper Troy Deeney in the 72nd minute of the game.


At Selhurst Park, want-away striker Osaze Odemwingie made his first start of the season for Stoke in the Emirates FA Cup as they crashed 1-0 to Crystal Palace.


He was replaced by Mame Biram Diouf in the 75th minute for his seventh game for the Potters this term.


At the Hawthorns, Victor Anichebe came on for Stephane Sessegnon the 67th minute as West Brom drew 2-2 Peterborough United.


In Germany, Anthony Ujah did not score in Werder Bremen’s 3-3 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

[b][size=14pt]
Iwobi Targets First Arsenal Goal
[/size]

Nigerian youngster, Alex Iwobi, has stated that he hopes to soon score his first goal for Arsenal senior team.


Iwobi featured for the Gunners from the start, in their 2-1 home win against Burnley in the FA Cup fourth round at the Emirates.


According to talksport.com, Iwobi says he hopes Arsenal's next FA Cup game will be at the Emirates, in order for him to get a chance to play in front of the home fans who have been showing him support.


"I'm enjoying the home ties in front of a massive crowd with everyone screaming your name and clapping. I'm enjoying it so hopefully we'll get another home tie, " Iwobi states.


"With the chances I've been given, I'm happy already. Hopefully I'll get more and he (Arsene Wenger) will give me another chance."


I'm hoping to get a goal. That will be amazing,but it's more about the team. We're doing well and that's what I'm looking at."

Icon4s:
I was Live on a sports program on radio this morning. And the topic of discuss was related to Nigeria's chances against Egypt in Cairo. And the question was which is the worst match to play between: Playing against Egypt in Cairo, Playing against the Ivory Coast in Abidjan and playing against Ghana in Accra.

The phone lines were opened and u needed to have heard pple's shocking reactions, More so after losing to Guinea at CHAN. Nigerian fans have lost faith in Oliseh.

I, for 1 ,do nt have any good memories of the games we played against the home teams in Cairo, Accra or Abidjan from way back d 80s to date. Even during d great 90s Super Eagles era we never won any game in those three venues.

So guys which of the d 3 is the most dreaded to visit considering the present state of our Oliseh tutored Super Eagles: Cairo, Abidjan or Accra? Give reasons if u can.

cc:Joseph1034, terzurum5, Bascovanveli, TheGoodJoe, safarigirl, mikron, TheSuperNerd, tbaba1234, enomakos, BlackAlbino6, orkpekyandega, forgiveness and other forumites too many to mention.

[b][size=14pt]
AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Aston Villa
EPL Award: Mikel battles Jordan Ayew
[/size]
[img]http://africanfootball.com/news/607004/EPL-Award-Mikel-battles-Jordan-Ayew[/img]
Mikel has previously won this award

by Samm Audu
Aston Villa's summer signing Ghanaian Jordan Ayew, Chelsea's Nigeria midfielder Mikel Obi and Senegalese star Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham are the final three in the shortlist for the African Player in the English Premier League of January.


The statement signed by awards director Tunde Adelakun explained that the month showed signs of a long and hard season for the Premier League players so far with players like Odion Ighalo and Leicester's Riyad Mahrez still proving doubters wrong as they continued sparkling form.


But, according to Adelakun, this month is 'a tribute to the Africans who are making their own contribution in their own way, in their clubs' trying times'.


Apart from Kouyate, whose West Ham are certainly riding high, getting impressive results against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, and an impressive away win at Bournemouth, the other two nominees are having a season to forget in their respective clubs.


Chelsea, champions of England only last season, are not having the best of times. But, as Adelakun pointed out, 'things have taken a turn for the up for the champions, unbeaten in eight games since the departure of former manager Mourinho, but more importantly, a restore to starting eleven duties for Nigerian Jon Obi Mikel".


Continuing, he said "Mikel has put an air of settlement in the Chelsea midfield and we thought we should recognise his input by shortlisting him for January's award".


The same can be said of Ghanaian Jordan Ayew, who is having a torrid season with Aston Villa, seemingly unable to pick points to take them off the bottom of the table.


However, Ayew has been playing really well, showing signs of why he was highly rated and picked up by Villa in the summer.


In the statement, Adelakun was quoted as saying "the quality of Ayew's skill, ability and work rate belies the position his team is on the table, but that is football", he concluded.

justiz5:



Ahmed Musa will have a chance with Leicestercity than Man U.
If he goes to Man u, he will expire on the bench

Orkpekyandega:
[b][size=14pt]
‘His ability is in question’ West Ham warned about incoming signing’s ‘problem’
Pete Evans
[/size]
[img]http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/1.4397052.1453976538!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/image.jpg[/img]
Emmanuel Emenike of Nigeria (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Emmanuel Emenike has not been in good form for years and his first touch has ‘always been his problem’ according to a former Nigerian international.


The striker looks set to agreed a loan deal until the end of the season with Slaven Bilic’s West Ham and could make his debut as soon as Tuesday night’s clash with Aston Villa.


The 28-year-old will provide Bilic with another option upfront with Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho having been sidelined in recent weeks.


But fellow Nigerian Akpoborie told the BBC that Emenike, who was previously on loan from Fenerbahce to Al Ain, has not been at his best for years.


He also believes the striker’s limited skill set means he is unlikely to thrive in the Premier League.


“Over the last two or three years he hasn’t been in good form for his club and country”, he said.


“To be a striker in the top flight in England you need to have a good first touch and that has always been his problem.


“His ability is in question.”
http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/west-ham/his_ability_is_in_question_west_ham_warned_about_incoming_signing_s_problem_1_4399808
[/b]

BascoVanVeli:


I strongly disagree, the main issue with Man U right now is their lack of pace and Musa is a bottle full. He has never had a problem with his work rate so I see no reason why he would be on the bench while LVG is in control.

African players do not have a too good history with Man u thats all.

I don't doubt his abilities either.

Orkpekyandega:
[b][size=14pt]
DR Congo Coach, Ibenge: We’re Happy Nigeria Are Out Of CHAN
[/size]

By Adeboye Amosu in Kigali:
Democratic Republic of Congo coach, Florent Ibenge has told Completesportsnigeria.com
that he is delighted that one of pre- tournament favourites of the 16 African Nations Championship, Nigeria, are out of the competition.


The Home Eagles failed to make it to the quater-finals of the competition after going down to a 1-0 defeat to Guinea in their last Group C game on Tuesday.


The Leopards of DR Congo, on the other hand, are through to the semi-finals following a hard fought 2-1 win against hosts Rwanda on Saturday.


Ibenge hinted Completesportsnigeria.com at the Amahoro Stadium after his side's victory against the Amavubi, that the ouster of Nigeria has boosted his country's chances of winning the competition.


"We are proud to be in the last-four and the exit of a country like Nigeria makes us believe we can win the competition," Ibenge told Completesportsnigeria.com.

"We look forward to the next game and hope to make it to the final."
www.completesportsnigeria.com/dr-ciongo-coach-were-happy-nigeria-are-out-of-chan/
[/b]

Orkpekyandega:
[b][size=14pt]
Enyimba's 'Hazard' Bassey for trials
[/size]
by Samm Audu
Ambitious English Premier League side West Ham United have invited Enyimba forward Ezekiel Bassey aka ‘Hazard’ for trials.

“Bassey has been invited for trials by West Ham,” a top source disclosed.


Last year, Nigeria defender Azubuike Egwuekwe trialed with 'The Hammers'.
Bassey has already been capped at full international level by Nigeria, when he made his debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in October in Port Harcourt.


The former Akwa United star was on the final squad to CHAN 2016, but he only played a bit role as he has struggled with his form in pre-tournament training camp in Pretoria, South Africa.


He is a left-sided winger with dazzling footwork and dribbles who has earned the nickname ‘Hazard’ after the Chelsea in his first season at champions Enyimba.


But it is left to be seen if he could be granted a work permit should he impress trying out with the London club.
africanfootball.com/news/607106/West-Ham-invite-Enyimba-s-Hazard-Bassey-for-trials
[/b]

TheGoodJoe:


[b]Cairo is definitely the worst place because the Egyptian teams are always disciplined. Even when they lose, you can hardly blame their tactical plan or the ways the players follow the plan to the end.

It is the same thing like when you meet a top side. Any weakness is exploited.

As much as Coach Oliseh is good at what he does, his lack of experience can cause lapses in his game plan just as we saw him make a strategic blunder against Guinea.

The likes of Ghana and the Ivorians are not as sound tactically and strategically as the Egyptians. So I take Cairo as the most dreaded team, considering our position now.

Also, Coach Oliseh's negative rants about being owed and lack of bonus payment will not build the right mindset for his players as they prepare for this game. This is another point were his lack of experience showed.

Since the time of Westerhof, we have faced these NFF/NFA crisis. Managing the situation and keeping the boys motivated is the key. Just like Coach Siasia did in 2005, to Bonfere Jo and even Amunike who did not earn anything until he won the title.

The Egyptians are too disciplined and I fear them exploiting our weak points.[/b]

[b][size=14pt]
Egypt 3–1 Nigeria: Pharaohs Come Back To Defeat Super Eagles
[/size]

Egypt went into this match hoping to pick up their first victory against Nigeria in 47 years as the Pharaohs began their title defence. The Super Eagles looked determined from the start, making typically tough tackles, but the first chance of the game fell to Egypt, as Mohamed Zidan found himself in front of goal, but his shot was wasted as he hit it over Vincent Enyeama’s goal.

Nigeria were forceful in their play, and in the 11th minute their determination paid off, as Hoffenheim striker Chinedu Obasi turned the ball from his right foot onto his left before unleashing a thunderbolt that Egypt ‘keeper El Hadary could not keep out.

A blistering run and cross from Taiwo in the 21st minute found Uche in the box, but the Almeria player blasted over when he should have made it 2-0.

Emad Meteeb, who dribbled around the onrushing Enyeama before slipping the ball into an empty net.

The two teams went into break with the score at 1-1.

In the 54th minute, Egypt took the lead for the first time in the game, as good work on the right by Zidan allowed him to set the ball back forAhmed Hassanin his eighth African

Egypt held on well, and Nigeria could not break down the Pharaohs despite some desperate play at the death, but when there seemed to be no more goals in the game Egypt placed the cherry on top of a fine win with a 87th minute goal from substitute Nagy Gedo, scoring his first Nations Cup goal with a strike from just outside the box into the corner of the Nigerian net. Egypt launched a final flurry of attacks, and they almost extended their lead, but after a few minutes of injury time the exciting game ended in favour of the Pharaohs.


Egypt defeat the Super Eagles for the first time in 47 years and the rest now is history.


Egypt na baba. Even now that most of our players are playing abroad, I still entertain fears when the name Egypt let alone Cairo is mentioned.
www.goal.com/en/news/815/2013-africa-cup-of-nations/2010/01/12/1740983/egypt-31-nigeria-pharaohs-come-back-to-defeat-super-eagles
[/b]