[quote author=PROVERBZ post=62475571][/quote]That's an easy group. they should be able to get at leas five points

Danycrusoe:


to me this is segregation. they are also Super Eagles just that they are Home Based and as far as this thread remains the Super eagles thread the Chan Eagles will be discussed as well. thank u

Well, they have my support too.

But never expect a lot from them in this tournament.

Kakamorufu:
please, how is odey fairing in his new club?

He has made his debut but has not yet worked himself into the starting lineup

Mickael2 has been quiet o!!... Chai!!

After assuring us that we will lose two games, my bro just disappeared... Biko, your input is needed.

edi287:

Long and Jelavic are strikers. Aluko mostly plays as a winger/AM. He rarely plays as a 9 and let's be honest, he isn't making our first 11 as one considering he can't bench Shane Long and Jelavic.

So, you know pass the Hull City wey dey talk, abi?

Which 11? Ebuehi and Idowu never break into the first 11?

Give em the chance first before you tag a dog because u wan hang am.

Abi, you dey fear say em go dispose ya boys from the first 11?

forgiveness:


So, you know pass the Hull City wey dey talk, abi?

Which 11? Ebuehi and Idowu never break into the first 11?

Give em the chance first before you tag a dog because u wan hang am.

Abi, you dey fear say em go dispose ya boys from the first 11?

What is Sone Aluko's main position??

My 23 after the last 2 games

GK
Uzoho
Ezenwa
(1 slot left)

DF
Ekong
Balogun
Awaziem
Ebuehi
Idowu
Aina
Shehu
(1 slot left)

MF
Mikel
Onazi
Ndidi
Ogu
(2 slots)

FW
Iwobi
V.Moses
Ighalo
Iheanacho
S.Moses
(1 slot)

forgiveness:


Was Iwobi close to playing for the England National team before he played for Nigeria?

Without the National team Arsenal wouldn't have renewed his contract because he was never rated but now see what the national team did for his career.

Dude, talent wise, Aluko is never behind Iwobi.

please stop talking what you don't know...
even Scotland rarely call up players from their league for the national...team.
most of their players are mainly from the English championship just to tell you...how they lowly rate their league...and you now expects England to go after aluko all because he plays for rangers....


and for that taiwo and celestine....sometimes i just don't understand you....what made you say that?

because it is glaring to all who knows football that celestine is quite ahead of taiwo....
notwithstanding taiwo did well too.....

Humility017:


please stop talking what you don't know...
even Scotland rarely call up players from their league for the national...team.
most of their players are mainly from the English championship just to tell you...how they lowly rate their league...and you now expects England to go after aluko all because he plays for rangers....


and for that taiwo and celestine....sometimes i just don't understand you....is it because taiwo is of the same tribe with you...that' made you say that?

because it is glaring to all who knows football that celestine is quite ahead of taiwo....
notwithstanding taiwo did well too.....

Lol let's not bring in this tribal thing again when discussing these issues with oga forgiveness. l think he also clamours for joel obi with same passion.
Just Saying though.
lf I'm not mistaken, Celestine Babayaro is not from a different tribe as well.

tbaba1234:
My 23 after the last 2 games

GK
Uzoho
Ezenwa
(1 slot left)

DF
Ekong
Balogun
Awaziem
Ebuehi
Idowu
Aina
Shehu
(1 slot left)

MF
Mikel
Onazi
Ndidi
Ogu
(2 slots)

FW
Iwobi
V.Moses
Ighalo
Iheanacho
S.Moses
(1 slot)

nice one...in that forward role I will expect kayode to pick up the last slot...or even Paul or dessers....but i think kayode will likely pick the remaining spot.

while on the midfield.....
Joel obi will be a perfect notch....
I just pray rohr get to notice him....even though he may not get to play much games...but having such a creative player in the bench...is a plus..he can fit into mikel shoes....
i see his agent to be a lazy dude......can't he blow his hype...

and for the defense..role I still think we can get one of this German born prior the World cup......if none we can then try Uche Agbo..I am not just sold on him reason because of his quick propensity to get bookings...
.

Daejoyoung:

Lol let's not bring in this tribal thing again when discussing these issues with oga forgiveness. l think he also clamours for joel obi with same passion.
Just Saying though.

ok...edited

BascoVanVeli:


No they are in Pot 2 of the draw not grouped yet.

Were they potted according to the FIFA rankings?

Humility017:

nice one...in that forward role I will expect kayode to pick up the last slot...or even Paul or dessers....but i think kayode will likely pick the remaining spot.

while on the midfield.....
Joel obi will be a perfect notch....
I just pray rohr get to notice him....even though he may not get to play much games...but having such a creative player in the bench...is a plus..he can fit into mikel shoes....
i see his agent to be a lazy dude......can't he blow his hype...

and for the defense..role I still think we can get one of this German born prior the World cup......if none we can then try Uche Agbo..I am not just sold on him reason because of his quick propensity to get bookings...
.

Musa will make that list. Rohr won't drop him.

Who Is On The Plane To Russia? 16 Players Assured Of Places In Nigeria World Cup Squad



Published: November 18, 2017
One of the noticeable highlights of Gernot Rohr's management in the series we witnessed was that he largely showed an unwavering loyalty in his choice of core players, less prone to tinkering, in such a way that has barely tried to improve on the fallout of the team's game-by-game exigencies.
While the midfield pivot of Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi and further forward,J ohn Obi Mikel largely remained unchanged, he had somewhat staunchly kept faith with the duo of Shehu Abdullahi and Elderson Echiejile irrespective of their deficiencies and also, William Troost-Ekong and his partner, Leon Balogun were always called upon to man the defense.
The jubilation and the flow of champagne had been at its utmost since Nigeria secured its participation at the biggest stage of international football billed for Russia next year but then as we savour and watch the dust settle on that stunning run with a return to club football, this review would just about postulate the sixteen dead-cert Eagles who are more than guaranteed a place on the plane to the Eurasian country — of course, barring any last-ditch irremediable development(s).

(1) John Obi Mikel — There is very little to suggest that the 30-year-old would not be leading out the Super Eagles in the World Cup tourney next year. Cohesion, incisiveness and coordination: he has these qualities in bountiful amounts.

(2)Victor Moses — Victor Moses is even more irremovable and the nub of the matter is simply that when he is on song, he gives the team that sprinkling of gold dust that evidently rubs off on his teammates and elevates them to a greater level. Rohr can ill-afford to leave him out.

(3)Alex Iwobi — The Super Eagles attack has bedded well with the explosiveness and trickery of the Arsenal youngster and perhaps, it is on such dispositions that the team would thrive in Russia.

(4)Leon Balogun — Much like his defensive partner, Troost-Ekong, Balogun has been almost impenetrable at the heart of the team's rear guard and would surely form part of it's defensive lynchpin next year.

(5)William Troost-Ekong — Troost-Ekong seamlessly complements Balogun. So what we are primed to continue witnessing in the 2018 showpiece is the duo of the aforementioned Balogun and Ekong reprising the inch-perfect roles they had played at the back line for the Super Eagles.

(6)Ogenyi Onazi — Very few would match his tenacity on the ball and his disposition in helping out defensively in adverse situations. Onazi would, no doubt, walk back into the team when fit.

(7)Wilfried Ndidi — Ndidi's aggressiveness, work rate and midfield agility picks him out as a surebet, even if idyllic passing ability counts against him. It is equally telling that the Leicester City midfielder has featured in almost all the Super Eagles qualification games.

(Kelechi Iheanacho — Iheanacho has shown his brilliance and deadly instincts in large swathes for Nigeria and it is succinctly clear that on his day, the precocious starlet is simply unplayable.

(9)Moses Simon — He has handily held off Ahmed Musa, his direct rival for the left spot and has largely done well whenever called upon. A viable shoo-in for any kind of Super Eagles attack.

(10)Odion Ighalo — In Ighalo, the team's attack have just the perfect poacher to unlock the meanest of defences and we had all at different points witnessed the efficacy of his biggest powers.

(11)Ahmed Musa — Ahmed Musa would surely feel hard done by if he were to miss out of the travelling party but that is very unlikely. Even though he is not getting substantial game time with the team, one would hardly begrudge his quality.

(12) Elderson Echiejile — He might be much-maligned by the local faithfuls but it would be doing disservice to one of the long-serving members of this team. Come the turn of next year, a fit and performing Elderson would get his World Cup wish.

(13) Shehu Abdullahi — His versatility would likely prove crucial in getting him a place on the Russia plane. Having largely filled in well at right back for the team while naturally being a midfielder by trade, Rohr might yet call upon him at any given time.

(14) Ikechukwu Ezenwa — The jury is still out on which goalkeeper would be between the sticks for the Super Eagles but Ezenwa might just be the Occam's razor in a situation whereby Rohr is forced to make do with what he has at his disposal. Yet, the team's goalkeeper position is currently in the melting pot though.

15) Oghenekaro Etebo - The CD Feirense number ten would equally be on the plane because of his ability to thrive in all the positions in the midfield zone and attack.

16) Ola Aina : A no-brainer. The Chelsea product would act as back up option for the regular left back and right back and this makes him a useful option. Can also play in central defense and midfield.
Emmanuel Chinaza

MetalJigsaw:
Musa will make that list. Rohr won't drop him.

then he should better tell him to get a club and start playing football...

I said it that the Jersey we used against the Argies is beautiful. Check this out:

German-Nigerian Forward Sarenren Bazee Gets All Clear To Make Eagles Debut Next Year


Hannover 96 forward Joel Noah Sarenren Bazee has been given the all clear by doctors of the club to resume full time training with the rest of his club colleagues.

Bazee has been out injured for three months since picking up a knock in a pre season game, and after several setbacks he has finally gotten the all clear to return back to training.

The injuries and fitness issues has made him put on hold a potential debut for the senior national team of Nigeria since pledging his international career to the team ahead of Germany.

He is expected to play games for Hannover 96 before the end of the year, which will put him in good frame for his debut for Nigeria when they resume next year.

As part of Nigeria’s preparations for the World Cup in Russia next year in June, the Super Eagles are expected to play two friendly games in March following the postponement of their AFCON 2019 Qualifiers against Seychelles.



http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/11/17/german-nigerian-forward-sarenren-bazee-gets-all-clear-to-make-eagles-debut-next-year/

tbaba1234:
Mickael2 has been quiet o!!... Chai!!

After assuring us that we will lose two games, my bro just disappeared... Biko, your input is needed.

I wanted to give a shout out to him oooo. Oga Mickael2, where you dey na? Abi you are still recovering from our victory against Argentina? Abeg come yarn us ball, help us dissect that game and show us our lapses. It's necessary cos most of us still have our eyes colored with euphoria. Respect man

Mujtahida:
I said it that the Jersey we used against the Argies is beautiful. Check this out:

100% . The Jersey is top notch. I was telling pple that should take a look at the French and English national team Jersey they used for their friendlies , that if they like it then they will like the Super Eagles Jersey as well cos they are of the same pattern.

Humility017:

nice one...in that forward role I will expect kayode to pick up the last slot...or even Paul or dessers....but i think kayode will likely pick the remaining spot.

while on the midfield.....
Joel obi will be a perfect notch....
I just pray rohr get to notice him....even though he may not get to play much games...but having such a creative player in the bench...is a plus..he can fit into mikel shoes....
i see his agent to be a lazy dude......can't he blow his hype...

and for the defense..role I still think we can get one of this German born prior the World cup......if none we can then try Uche Agbo..I am not just sold on him reason because of his quick propensity to get bookings...
.

Better to take Omeruo than Agbo,if Omeruo can come in as a standby and still replaced Balogun from the bench with same Agbo on the bench meaning what,he is better than Agbo.

tbaba1234:
My 23 after the last 2 games

GK
Uzoho
Ezenwa
(1 slot left)

DF
Ekong
Balogun
Awaziem
Ebuehi
Idowu
Aina
Shehu
(1 slot left)

MF
Mikel
Onazi
Ndidi
Ogu
(2 slots)

FW
Iwobi
V.Moses
Ighalo
Iheanacho
S.Moses
(1 slot)

Bro and u think rorh won't pick ehiejile and to some extent musa based on compensation for been dere with d team and also experience wise


because frm ur list,we only av 3experience players


Ur list is good, but I think 3players playing NO2 position will b counterproductive, we re only trying to b "sympathetic" here to accommodate all d foreign born players, but I feel rohr might drop one of dem


And as for me,I am not ruling out ISAAC SUCCESS to gatecrash d team easily if he start playing regularly


For d 2slot,O.ETEBO definately will pick one slot.

aodis:


100% . The Jersey is top notch. I was telling pple that should take a look at the French and English national team Jersey they used for their friendlies , that if they like it then they will like the Super Eagles Jersey as well cos they are of the same pattern.

If you want to see the beauty of the Jersey check it out on Iwobi and Troost Ekong. I hope that Nike will take their measurements and make bespoke Jersies for each member of the team so that it would fit them. And if the team wants to light things up some bit majority of them should wear red boots as they did against Argentina. It added more aesthetics to their kit up.

Humility017:
Who Is On The Plane To Russia? 16 Players Assured Of Places In Nigeria World Cup Squad



Published: November 18, 2017
One of the noticeable highlights of Gernot Rohr's management in the series we witnessed was that he largely showed an unwavering loyalty in his choice of core players, less prone to tinkering, in such a way that has barely tried to improve on the fallout of the team's game-by-game exigencies.
While the midfield pivot of Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi and further forward,J ohn Obi Mikel largely remained unchanged, he had somewhat staunchly kept faith with the duo of Shehu Abdullahi and Elderson Echiejile irrespective of their deficiencies and also, William Troost-Ekong and his partner, Leon Balogun were always called upon to man the defense.
The jubilation and the flow of champagne had been at its utmost since Nigeria secured its participation at the biggest stage of international football billed for Russia next year but then as we savour and watch the dust settle on that stunning run with a return to club football, this review would just about postulate the sixteen dead-cert Eagles who are more than guaranteed a place on the plane to the Eurasian country — of course, barring any last-ditch irremediable development(s).

(1) John Obi Mikel — There is very little to suggest that the 30-year-old would not be leading out the Super Eagles in the World Cup tourney next year. Cohesion, incisiveness and coordination: he has these qualities in bountiful amounts.

(2)Victor Moses — Victor Moses is even more irremovable and the nub of the matter is simply that when he is on song, he gives the team that sprinkling of gold dust that evidently rubs off on his teammates and elevates them to a greater level. Rohr can ill-afford to leave him out.

(3)Alex Iwobi — The Super Eagles attack has bedded well with the explosiveness and trickery of the Arsenal youngster and perhaps, it is on such dispositions that the team would thrive in Russia.

(4)Leon Balogun — Much like his defensive partner, Troost-Ekong, Balogun has been almost impenetrable at the heart of the team's rear guard and would surely form part of it's defensive lynchpin next year.

(5)William Troost-Ekong — Troost-Ekong seamlessly complements Balogun. So what we are primed to continue witnessing in the 2018 showpiece is the duo of the aforementioned Balogun and Ekong reprising the inch-perfect roles they had played at the back line for the Super Eagles.

(6)Ogenyi Onazi — Very few would match his tenacity on the ball and his disposition in helping out defensively in adverse situations. Onazi would, no doubt, walk back into the team when fit.

(7)Wilfried Ndidi — Ndidi's aggressiveness, work rate and midfield agility picks him out as a surebet, even if idyllic passing ability counts against him. It is equally telling that the Leicester City midfielder has featured in almost all the Super Eagles qualification games.

(Kelechi Iheanacho — Iheanacho has shown his brilliance and deadly instincts in large swathes for Nigeria and it is succinctly clear that on his day, the precocious starlet is simply unplayable.

(9)Moses Simon — He has handily held off Ahmed Musa, his direct rival for the left spot and has largely done well whenever called upon. A viable shoo-in for any kind of Super Eagles attack.

(10)Odion Ighalo — In Ighalo, the team's attack have just the perfect poacher to unlock the meanest of defences and we had all at different points witnessed the efficacy of his biggest powers.

(11)Ahmed Musa — Ahmed Musa would surely feel hard done by if he were to miss out of the travelling party but that is very unlikely. Even though he is not getting substantial game time with the team, one would hardly begrudge his quality.

(12) Elderson Echiejile — He might be much-maligned by the local faithfuls but it would be doing disservice to one of the long-serving members of this team. Come the turn of next year, a fit and performing Elderson would get his World Cup wish.

(13) Shehu Abdullahi — His versatility would likely prove crucial in getting him a place on the Russia plane. Having largely filled in well at right back for the team while naturally being a midfielder by trade, Rohr might yet call upon him at any given time.

(14) Ikechukwu Ezenwa — The jury is still out on which goalkeeper would be between the sticks for the Super Eagles but Ezenwa might just be the Occam's razor in a situation whereby Rohr is forced to make do with what he has at his disposal. Yet, the team's goalkeeper position is currently in the melting pot though.

15) Oghenekaro Etebo - The CD Feirense number ten would equally be on the plane because of his ability to thrive in all the positions in the midfield zone and attack.

16) Ola Aina : A no-brainer. The Chelsea product would act as back up option for the regular left back and right back and this makes him a useful option. Can also play in central defense and midfield.
Emmanuel Chinaza

CHAN w be a decisive test for Ezenwa, with a good performance he w definitely be a backup may be third choice not number 1 but if i have my way Ezenwa w not make my team coz i don't believe in him.

Kog45:
Better to take Omeruo than Agbo,if Omeruo can come in as a standby and still replaced Balogun from the bench with same Agbo on the bench meaning what,he is better than Agbo.

Omeruo stands a better chance as a CB. If Balogun does not pick up his game he might lose his place ooo in the starting Eleven cos Omeruo looked sharp on Tuesday. No sentiments

MetalJigsaw:
Well, they have my support too.
But never expect a lot from them in this tournament.

Thank u 4 supporting them.

7 Takeaways From Super Eagles’ Win Over Argentina In Russia
9 November 15, 2017 9:35 am

Following Super Eagles impressive showing in Tuesday’s friendly win against Argentina, Completesportsnigeria. com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU highlights seven major talking points from the game.

1. OYINBO WALL NOW CRACKING
One of the major talking points of Nigeria’s successful World Cup qualifying campaign is the formidable partnership between Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong. The understanding between the central defenders was telepathic and they looked impregnable.
The two were badly exposed by the pacy Zambian forwards in their penultimate qualifying fixture in Uyo and struggled against Algeria last Friday in Constantine.
Against world class trio, Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Mario, they were thoroughly exposed again. Balogun in particular was awful in the game especially in the first half and it was not a surprise he was hauled off later in the encounter for Kenneth Omeruo who did well after his introduction.
Troost-Ekong recovered after the break to help ward off the threats of the Argentines but the big question now in the mind of the fans is can the once reliable duo still hold their own in the team.
2. UZOHO MAKES BOLD CLAIM FOR STARTING BERTH
Ahead of the game, young Deportivo La Coruna of Spain goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, was rumoured to be the in the frame to make his first start for the three-time African champions but he had to make do with a place on the bench.
He however got his chance after the break and the former Golden Eaglets goal tender showed great composure beyond his age.
With Ezenwa’s shaky performance against Algeria and Akpeyi’s poor display in the first half against Argentina, then Uzoho might be in for more regular playing time ahead of the world cup.
3. FRINGE PLAYERS SHOW CLASS
Aside from the manner of the win and the performance of the players especially in the second half, head coach of the side, Gernot Rohr must be pleased with the contributions of some of his fringe players in the game.
Brian Idowu came in at half time and scored the decisive third goal. Tyrone Ebuehi who had been waiting for a chance to show his quality was outstanding, while Chidozie Awaziem also did well.
Should they maintain this impressive form in subsequent games, then Rohr will be in for a big selection headache ahead of the World Cup finals.
4. EAGLES THRIVE IN A NEW FORMATION
The last time the Super Eagles played a 3-5-2 formation was under Frenchman Philippe Trousier during the qualifiers for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The team failed to adapt then and the formation was abandoned.
Against Argentina, the players were lackadaisical in the first half as they struggled to hit top form. They however improved after the break and look well acquainted with the new formation.
5. SUPER EAGLES’ IMPRESSIVE ATTACKING DEPTH
One of the hallmarks of great and successful football teams is the options available to coaches in different departments of the team. Against Argentina, the Super Eagles were without key forwards, Victor Moses, Moses Simon and Odion Ighalo and yet they scored four superb goals against a side that parades some of the best players in the world.
Should the forwards hit top form at the world cup, they will be a tough nut to crack for many opposing defenders.
6. THE DEFENDERS NEED TO STEP UP
Despite their second half recovery, the defenders need to step up their game as they were badly exposed by the Argentines in the first half. Had the Albiceleste converted some of the chances they created in the first half, then the road to redemption may have been more difficult.
More so, they could be punished by a team with a better attacking prowess.
7. MIKEL OBI IS A TRUE LEADER
The captain of the team was rested in last Friday’s qualifying fixture against Algeria and his presence, especially in the middle of the pack, was badly felt. Mikel showed his importance to the team with a commanding performance against Argentina. He is surely the undisputable leader of this team.

elyte89:




Bro and u think rorh won't pick ehiejile and to some extent musa based on compensation for been dere with d team and also experience wise


because frm ur list,we only av 3experience players


Ur list is good, but I think 3players playing NO2 position will b counterproductive, we re only trying to b "sympathetic" here to accommodate all d foreign born players, but I feel rohr might drop one of dem


And as for me,I am not ruling out ISAAC SUCCESS to gatecrash d team easily if he start playing regularly


For d 2slot,O.ETEBO definately will pick one slot.

Either Aina or Ebuehi would be dropped. If Aina is dropped It would be unfortunate cos he was tried as a LB not RB. But one of them would be dropped but then another top profile friendly is in the offing in March. Rohr might want to see Aina as RB. Ebuehi plays LB too. Shehu is going to be rewarded. Echiejile too. Even Musa too. But then anything can still happen. Injury(God forbid sha) loss of form can change a lot of permutations.

elyte89:




Bro and u think rorh won't pick ehiejile and to some extent musa based on compensation for been dere with d team and also experience wise


because frm ur list,we only av 3experience players


Ur list is good, but I think 3players playing NO2 position will b counterproductive, we re only trying to b "sympathetic" here to accommodate all d foreign born players, but I feel rohr might drop one of dem


And as for me,I am not ruling out ISAAC SUCCESS to gatecrash d team easily if he start playing regularly


For d 2slot,O.ETEBO definately will pick one slot.

Definitely a fit and in form experience player w make the team but off form one w find it difficult.

Musa just need a club in January not only a club but playing time to compete.

Echiejele knows is not business as usual coming to camp as only LB and pick a shirt, he need to get back to old Echiejele of 2013 to compete with new emerging guys in the team.On his experience,i don't think we need it cos Oshaniwa has proved that in 2014 WC when Echiejele got injured.

Isaac Success is a player Rohr love to have in the team but it w take a grace for him to make the list,his fitness w be an issue.

Etebo just need to work harder cos his rating is diminishing, seeing any good player like Alhassan Muzzam coming to scene and perform can be an obstacles.

My man Good list.

Mujtahida:

Either Aina or Ebuehi would be dropped. If Aina is dropped It would be unfortunate cos he was tried as a LB not RB. But one of them would be dropped but then another top profile friendly is in the offing in March. Rohr might want to see Aina as RB. Ebuehi plays LB too. Shehu is going to be rewarded. Echiejile too. Even Musa too. But then anything can still happen. Injury(God forbid sha) loss of form can change a lot of permutations.

My man remember Nduka Ugbade wasn't rewarded despite played a huge part in our qualification to US 94 even at Tunisia 94,he was dropped for Mike Emenalo.

Isaac Semitoje wasn't rewarded for playing in qualification stage to US 94 even despite being a member of victorious Tunisia 94,he was dropped for Chidi Nwanu.

Jonathan Akpoborie was dropped for Rashidi Yekini in 1998.

Wilson Oruma was dropped at the last stage of preparation toward 2002 WC for James Obiorah.

I don't think there is any compensation for being member of the team from onset,if a better player is seen you are dropped.

Only Mikel Obi has the assurance as a captain of the team.

OK let me be sentimental,may be Vic Moses, Balogun, Ekong,Iheanacho, Iwobi,Ighalo can have that assurance.

Echiejele, Musa just need to work harder cos a lot of guys are knocking,any poor performance they are out.

Super Eagles Of Hope!
5 November 17, 2017 11:26 am
By Sulaiman Alao:
In my last article, I wrote on how Victor Moses’ injury could be a blessing for the Super Eagles ahead of the games against Algeria and Argentina, and how true it turned out to be.
In Moses’ absence, alongside others like Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon, Ogenyi Onazi and Mikel Agu, the Eagles, made up of ‘European Benchwarmers’ as Algeria coach Rabah Madjer, labeled them, went on to silence the boastful coach and the Fennecs right in front of their home fans in Constantine.
The Algerians barely escaped outright humiliation no thanks to a dubious penalty awarded them in the late stages of the game which made the game to end 1-1. It was a good performance by the team, despite missing all the afore-mentioned players and with coach Gernot Rohr also deciding to rest team captain John Mikel Obi for the game. The other players gave a good account of themselves which opens Rohr to several options available to him, with which he was able to try out some new formations which also yielded great dividends against Argentina.
With the Eagles seemingly short of quality personnel, no one saw Nigeria’s victory over Argentina coming albeit in a friendly, as most football pundits never gave the Eagles a chance against the Albiceleste who paraded top stars such as Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala, Javier Mascherano and others. That captain and superstar Lionel Messi, was excused from the game not-withstanding, did little to douse many fans’ pessimism.
The first half of the game confirmed many fears as the Argentines tormented the Eagles at will and were deservedly two goals up through Ever Banega and Sergio Aguero in the 28th and 36th minutes respectively. But Kelechi Iheanacho was able to pull a goal back just before the break and that strike did much to alter the course of the game. Nigeria came on strongly in the second stanza and also benefited from Aguero’s exit after the Manchester City goalsmerchant suffered a dizzy spell and was taken to the hospital. With the Eagles under less attacking threats, the players confidence soared as they took the game to Argentina and it was not long as the goals rain started pouring in. Alex Iwobi scored in 52nd minute to equalize and two minutes later, debutant Brian Idowu shot Nigeria into the lead. Argentina coach, Jorge Sampaoli got desperate and was ringing several changes to his side but all to no avail as it was Iwobi who struck again in the 73rd minute to take the game beyond the South Americans.
The display against Argentina brought a number of things to the fore in the Eagles squad, especially in the absence of Moses and others.
First, it proves Mikel remains the most-important player in the Eagles. The skipper was a joy to watch in the Eagles midfield holding up play, making splitting passes and generally bringing his massive experience to bear in dictating play while at the same time running rings round the Argentines.
Moses however, remains the most skillful in the Eagles and the driving power in the attack, but Mikel looks quite irreplaceable in the team for now.
Secondly, in Moses’ absence, Rohr successfully tried out new formations with other players and it worked. The experiment threw up an Iwobi/Iheanacho partnership in a 3-5-2 system. In recent times, Moses, Ighalo and Simon had become the first choice in attack with Iwobi and Iheanacho coming on from the bench. Now Iwobi’s form and his understanding with Iheanacho will give Rohr a good headache. By the time the other injured players return to the squad, Rohr will be spoilt for choice in selection and tactical approach. The Eagles are now capable of shifting from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 formations when the occasion demands.
Also, the absence of the other regular players, have thrown up a number of capable replacements and the competition for shirts is going to be very keen. Brian Idowu, Tyrone Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem, Ola Aina as well as John Ogu have all made strong claims to a starting shirt. Others like Anthony Nwakaeme, Kayode Olanrewaju and Henry Onyekuru will provide good options in the attacking line.
As things stand, it is only the goalkeeping department that is still problematic, no thanks to erratic and unconvincing performances by Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi. New boy Francis Uzoho showed some promise but he remains largely untested and we need to see him in more games. I trust Rohr to find a lasting solution to this problem soon enough, afterall, we still have about seven months to the Mundial.
At the moment, however, one can safely conclude that we now have the Super Eagles of Hope!

MetalJigsaw:
7 Takeaways From Super Eagles’ Win Over Argentina In Russia
9 November 15, 2017 9:35 am

Following Super Eagles impressive showing in Tuesday’s friendly win against Argentina, Completesportsnigeria. com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU highlights seven major talking points from the game.

1. OYINBO WALL NOW CRACKING
One of the major talking points of Nigeria’s successful World Cup qualifying campaign is the formidable partnership between Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong. The understanding between the central defenders was telepathic and they looked impregnable.
The two were badly exposed by the pacy Zambian forwards in their penultimate qualifying fixture in Uyo and struggled against Algeria last Friday in Constantine.
Against world class trio, Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Mario, they were thoroughly exposed again. Balogun in particular was awful in the game especially in the first half and it was not a surprise he was hauled off later in the encounter for Kenneth Omeruo who did well after his introduction.
Troost-Ekong recovered after the break to help ward off the threats of the Argentines but the big question now in the mind of the fans is can the once reliable duo still hold their own in the team.
2. UZOHO MAKES BOLD CLAIM FOR STARTING BERTH
Ahead of the game, young Deportivo La Coruna of Spain goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, was rumoured to be the in the frame to make his first start for the three-time African champions but he had to make do with a place on the bench.
He however got his chance after the break and the former Golden Eaglets goal tender showed great composure beyond his age.
With Ezenwa’s shaky performance against Algeria and Akpeyi’s poor display in the first half against Argentina, then Uzoho might be in for more regular playing time ahead of the world cup.
3. FRINGE PLAYERS SHOW CLASS
Aside from the manner of the win and the performance of the players especially in the second half, head coach of the side, Gernot Rohr must be pleased with the contributions of some of his fringe players in the game.
Brian Idowu came in at half time and scored the decisive third goal. Tyrone Ebuehi who had been waiting for a chance to show his quality was outstanding, while Chidozie Awaziem also did well.
Should they maintain this impressive form in subsequent games, then Rohr will be in for a big selection headache ahead of the World Cup finals.
4. EAGLES THRIVE IN A NEW FORMATION
The last time the Super Eagles played a 3-5-2 formation was under Frenchman Philippe Trousier during the qualifiers for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The team failed to adapt then and the formation was abandoned.
Against Argentina, the players were lackadaisical in the first half as they struggled to hit top form. They however improved after the break and look well acquainted with the new formation.
5. SUPER EAGLES’ IMPRESSIVE ATTACKING DEPTH
One of the hallmarks of great and successful football teams is the options available to coaches in different departments of the team. Against Argentina, the Super Eagles were without key forwards, Victor Moses, Moses Simon and Odion Ighalo and yet they scored four superb goals against a side that parades some of the best players in the world.
Should the forwards hit top form at the world cup, they will be a tough nut to crack for many opposing defenders.
6. THE DEFENDERS NEED TO STEP UP
Despite their second half recovery, the defenders need to step up their game as they were badly exposed by the Argentines in the first half. Had the Albiceleste converted some of the chances they created in the first half, then the road to redemption may have been more difficult.
More so, they could be punished by a team with a better attacking prowess.
7. MIKEL OBI IS A TRUE LEADER
The captain of the team was rested in last Friday’s qualifying fixture against Algeria and his presence, especially in the middle of the pack, was badly felt. Mikel showed his importance to the team with a commanding performance against Argentina. He is surely the undisputable leader of this team.

Nice one

MetalJigsaw:
Were they potted according to the FIFA rankings?

No it is based on past performances in CHAN