Kog45:
icon4s baba what else again.I don tire for this keeper issue.

Pls check my response to Oga truidster's comment.

I did.

What even amazes me is someone insinuating I have something against Uzoho.

We know what world cup standards are.

Well, like you have opined, let Rohr decide.

But we should get ready for a tension soaked WC going with the goalkeeping crisis.

Nothing is concluded, nothing is finalized yet. Na Baba Rohr face we dey look.

Icon4s:


I did.

What even amazes me is someone insinuating I have something against Uzoho.

We know what world cup standards are.

Well, like you have opined, let Rohr decide.

But we should get ready for a tension soaked WC going with the goalkeeping crisis.

Nothing is concluded, nothing is finalized yet. Na Baba Rohr face we dey look.

Oh you have something against Uzoho? boss pls forget that,and continue talking football as it's cos no be today it don tey.

safarigirl:
Was Aina not brought on as a sub for Idowu later in the game?

Not that I want to say I dey reason pass some people o, but mbok, shey Rohr cannot decide that he wants Aina playing LB for us and not RB? So, because Aina is great at RB for his club, the national team coach should just put him there?

Rohr does not want Aina playing RB, he is grooming him for the LB position and Aina must get accustomed to it, he can't be confusing him with LB on Monday and RB on Tuesday.

Ebuehi was not 100% fit in that game and that was why even as he started strong, he finished weak

So, please, let people stop being myopic with their reasoning and figure out that in football 1+1 is not necessarily 2.

Aina has already said he prefers playing at LB. Don't know why we're still talking about this.

Oasis007:


Bro..... why do we have Aina in the Squad pls? Is he not fit too?! What's the essence of inviting him in the first instance?!

You claimed he's not fit, yet he played 90mins while a fit Aina was on the Bench throughout the Match Duration?!

Let's be frank here Dude, if indeed he's unfit, then Rohr must be stupid and naïve to play him for 90mins.

unfit, not fully fit, fit. I repeat the human body is not a machine. Ebuehi had a groin injury. Please go online and check what the groin is then perhaps it would water this your harshness(I cant call it frankness). The young man underperformed. I say yes he did but could there be extenuating factors considering that he's just recovering from a groin injury? some of you say absolutely No! and it makes me wonder how you guys could be so 100% sure. I always find it choking when a man is 100% sure of what he's in reality not 100% sure of. now you have gone ahead in the name of what you call frankness insulting the coach.

eterisan:
pun intended, right. Who doesn't like perfection.. The strive for perfection is the aim of life. You would be very happy if our team becomes perfect surely.

abeg you guys are confusing me with this pun thing. where is the pun(as in word play in what i wrote. i didnt play on words ooo) and i've cheked the dictionary meaning of a pun and read examples and it tallies with what i have always understood to be a pun. but the way somehow used it yesterday confused me and now you. please whats a pun to you? i ask sincerely.

now to the point: i like perfection but that kind of perfection in spain displayed is one i dont like- its boring perfection. something in me finds it revolting. i have never liked tiki-taka. looks too mechanical to me. i want our passing to improve but abeg i dont want our game to be as stonecold perfect as that of spain. i prefer the perfection of the Brazilian team that played in Spain 82 which has been described by pundits as the most complete football squad. now that is the kind of perfection i want for SE. i need my dose of flair abeg.

fucklikant101:
SERBIAN Match: VITAL LESSONS!

Must Read: Gernot Rohr.

This is my humble reaction and submission to those in the Nff, admistrative authorities, concerned high stakeholders and friends who called to demand for a critical explanation for SE woeful showing & loss to Serbia.
First, I will explain that these matches are WC preparatory, or test matches and results would vary. Only a bad Coach would insist on fielding his strongest side, and not experiment to determine his best materials leading to the main event.
I salute the courage & focus of Coach Gernot Rohr for always cleverly shielding his plans from the prying eyes of rival Spies & paid Hawks.
I respect his tactics & strategies.
He is a very good tactician! I applaud the Coach.
SE have nothing else to prove.
The Coach could have won still, if he wanted to, he knew what to do, trust me. But to what purpose? Nigerians must know that football is a strategic game of cons, intrigues & delusions. It demands knowledge, intrigues & intelligence to execute a strategic winning plan.
Gernot Rohr told the world that he wasn’t desperate to win the Serbian game. Implying that he was going to experiment and explore other tactics and formation that might not outrightly yeild positive result.
I was spot on in my preview of this match warning against the danger of under performance, or under estimating the Serbians.
We also presented that Serbia would die to win and they brought their A game.
I was also spot on informing Nigerians of a ‘burst’ outcome, if our midfield fail to take charge and control, and shred-off the challenge in the middle of the pack.
GR matchday-list for the occasion was telling because he threw the game open when he handed Captain’s Arm Band to Onazi, and named him in his starting 11.
Furthermore, GR gave Ahmed Musa a rare chance to prove himself a better man than Ighalo as Top 9.
Awaziem, Idowu, Ekong & Ebuehi were re-tested together. It was good experimentation, one you would not risk without a trial. Uzoho is still coming up.
Ubuehi must not aggravate his fragile health; his quality is not in doubt.
Ekong, Idowu & Awaziem are all of good quality. Why risk injury & all with the WC next door.
Now, Nigerians have seen the boys and everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether such opinions are technical, or unfounded and pedestrian. Popular or unpopular the media are dishing out all sorts of analyses.
I have read comments about the match and most of them are dry and sentimental.
This is not only a Nigerian problem, even in Argentina, La Albiceleste had succumbed 1- 6 to Spain, in Madrid, fans will take to the streets.
Portugal had also suffered a 0-3 defeat with CR7 in the mix. Some are calling for a sack.
Such is the extent fans could go.
Many of these so-called hardline followers (fans) are football illiterates & quacks.
They lack deep knowledge of the game and only believe their team must WIN in every match, even in mock games.
We need a lot of education on this.

SUPER EAGLES’ CAPTAINCY:
A captain is a manager & coordinator of his team, also during play. It is critical to how a team performs. The team Captain combines his duties wit supervision of his colleagues. It is a dual function & not everyone can handle it.
Ordinarilly, the oldest team player should claim it but it must not be automatic if the player lacks the qualities to lead.
Onazi Ogenyi has failed again leading SE. Against South Africa, last year, and now Serbia.
So, GR knew why he switched the Band (C) from Troost-Ekong, CB to Onazi in 4 days.
Onazi lost direction again & failed to coordinate his midfield, he allowed the Serbians to dictate the Midfield rhythm and take the initiative. These lapses clearly have shown what level GR can commit to him..
MIDFIELD:
A match is won and lost in the midfield department, a good Coach will tell u.
SE had no midfield play against the hardworking Serbians. Joel was lost, Ndidi suffered & Onazi was at sea, completely overwhelmed & confused. The duty & initiative to shred the Serbians was lost. It was a below par outing.
No feeds to out strikers. This was a show of shame. It was a disaster!
ATTACK:
Ahmed Musa’s deficiency was clearly revealed without Iheanacho’s presence. Musa has by far past his best, just like Uwa Elderson Echiejele who watched from the bench. These are “Aged” players under illusion as boys.
We all know them; they can’t give what they don’t have.
Ighalo is fighting for a 2nd choice top 9 spot with Musa, but the man had failed himself again to take half chances, even the rear gift chance in the box, he frittered away.
Victor Moses & Iwobi showed commitment and their class even in the drab encounter.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
The match served its purpose very well. Kudos to the technical Man, GR for using these matches to expose the deficiencies of our “Big Players”.
Heads can now start rolling.
Nigerians must not be surprised to see NEW faces in the SE next invitation.
The clock is ticking fast and SE are getting set to fly.
NEW CALL UPS:
Our striking role is our current major headache & concerns of fans.
We expect the Crew to source for proven goals-machine to be invited no matter the Division in which they play for quick assessment.

Suggested Names:
1) Cyriel Dessers
2) Paul Unuachu
3) Fernando Adi
4) Obafemi Martins..

Critics speaking against seeing these eligible Nigerias get called up are either nursing a clandestine motive, or clearly know nothing about this game, and are enemies of SE & Nigeria.
There are more ‘battles’ ahead to be fought to hammer the team into good shape before the WC, and GR have proved very decisive with his Master stroke in Serbian Match by not showing his full hand but only his intent.
The ‘Oyinbo Man’ knows his starting 11 for the WC. Don’t be deceived.
SE will be the team to beat at the Mundial.
I stand by them, 100%.

[b]

fucklikant101:
SERBIAN Match: VITAL LESSONS!

Must Read: Gernot Rohr.

This is my humble reaction and submission to those in the Nff, admistrative authorities, concerned high stakeholders and friends who called to demand for a critical explanation for SE woeful showing & loss to Serbia.
First, I will explain that these matches are WC preparatory, or test matches and results would vary. Only a bad Coach would insist on fielding his strongest side, and not experiment to determine his best materials leading to the main event.
I salute the courage & focus of Coach Gernot Rohr for always cleverly shielding his plans from the prying eyes of rival Spies & paid Hawks.
I respect his tactics & strategies.
He is a very good tactician! I applaud the Coach.
SE have nothing else to prove.
The Coach could have won still, if he wanted to, he knew what to do, trust me. But to what purpose? Nigerians must know that football is a strategic game of cons, intrigues & delusions. It demands knowledge, intrigues & intelligence to execute a strategic winning plan.
Gernot Rohr told the world that he wasn’t desperate to win the Serbian game. Implying that he was going to experiment and explore other tactics and formation that might not outrightly yeild positive result.
I was spot on in my preview of this match warning against the danger of under performance, or under estimating the Serbians.
We also presented that Serbia would die to win and they brought their A game.
I was also spot on informing Nigerians of a ‘burst’ outcome, if our midfield fail to take charge and control, and shred-off the challenge in the middle of the pack.
GR matchday-list for the occasion was telling because he threw the game open when he handed Captain’s Arm Band to Onazi, and named him in his starting 11.
Furthermore, GR gave Ahmed Musa a rare chance to prove himself a better man than Ighalo as Top 9.
Awaziem, Idowu, Ekong & Ebuehi were re-tested together. It was good experimentation, one you would not risk without a trial. Uzoho is still coming up.
Ubuehi must not aggravate his fragile health; his quality is not in doubt.
Ekong, Idowu & Awaziem are all of good quality. Why risk injury & all with the WC next door.
Now, Nigerians have seen the boys and everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether such opinions are technical, or unfounded and pedestrian. Popular or unpopular the media are dishing out all sorts of analyses.
I have read comments about the match and most of them are dry and sentimental.
This is not only a Nigerian problem, even in Argentina, La Albiceleste had succumbed 1- 6 to Spain, in Madrid, fans will take to the streets.
Portugal had also suffered a 0-3 defeat with CR7 in the mix. Some are calling for a sack.
Such is the extent fans could go.
Many of these so-called hardline followers (fans) are football illiterates & quacks.
They lack deep knowledge of the game and only believe their team must WIN in every match, even in mock games.
We need a lot of education on this.

SUPER EAGLES’ CAPTAINCY:
A captain is a manager & coordinator of his team, also during play. It is critical to how a team performs. The team Captain combines his duties wit supervision of his colleagues. It is a dual function & not everyone can handle it.
Ordinarilly, the oldest team player should claim it but it must not be automatic if the player lacks the qualities to lead.
Onazi Ogenyi has failed again leading SE. Against South Africa, last year, and now Serbia.
So, GR knew why he switched the Band (C) from Troost-Ekong, CB to Onazi in 4 days.
Onazi lost direction again & failed to coordinate his midfield, he allowed the Serbians to dictate the Midfield rhythm and take the initiative. These lapses clearly have shown what level GR can commit to him..
MIDFIELD:
A match is won and lost in the midfield department, a good Coach will tell u.
SE had no midfield play against the hardworking Serbians. Joel was lost, Ndidi suffered & Onazi was at sea, completely overwhelmed & confused. The duty & initiative to shred the Serbians was lost. It was a below par outing.
No feeds to out strikers. This was a show of shame. It was a disaster!
ATTACK:
Ahmed Musa’s deficiency was clearly revealed without Iheanacho’s presence. Musa has by far past his best, just like Uwa Elderson Echiejele who watched from the bench. These are “Aged” players under illusion as boys.
We all know them; they can’t give what they don’t have.
Ighalo is fighting for a 2nd choice top 9 spot with Musa, but the man had failed himself again to take half chances, even the rear gift chance in the box, he frittered away.
Victor Moses & Iwobi showed commitment and their class even in the drab encounter.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
The match served its purpose very well. Kudos to the technical Man, GR for using these matches to expose the deficiencies of our “Big Players”.
Heads can now start rolling.
Nigerians must not be surprised to see NEW faces in the SE next invitation.
The clock is ticking fast and SE are getting set to fly.
NEW CALL UPS:
Our striking role is our current major headache & concerns of fans.
We expect the Crew to source for proven goals-machine to be invited no matter the Division in which they play for quick assessment.

Suggested Names:
1) Cyriel Dessers
2) Paul Unuachu
3) Fernando Adi
4) Obafemi Martins..

Critics speaking against seeing these eligible Nigerias get called up are either nursing a clandestine motive, or clearly know nothing about this game, and are enemies of SE & Nigeria.
There are more ‘battles’ ahead to be fought to hammer the team into good shape before the WC, and GR have proved very decisive with his Master stroke in Serbian Match by not showing his full hand but only his intent.
The ‘Oyinbo Man’ knows his starting 11 for the WC. Don’t be deceived.
SE will be the team to beat at the Mundial.
I stand by them, 100%.

[/b]

fucklikant101:
SERBIAN Match: VITAL LESSONS!

Must Read: Gernot Rohr.

This is my humble reaction and submission to those in the Nff, admistrative authorities, concerned high stakeholders and friends who called to demand for a critical explanation for SE woeful showing & loss to Serbia.
First, I will explain that these matches are WC preparatory, or test matches and results would vary. Only a bad Coach would insist on fielding his strongest side, and not experiment to determine his best materials leading to the main event.
I salute the courage & focus of Coach Gernot Rohr for always cleverly shielding his plans from the prying eyes of rival Spies & paid Hawks.
I respect his tactics & strategies.
He is a very good tactician! I applaud the Coach.
SE have nothing else to prove.
The Coach could have won still, if he wanted to, he knew what to do, trust me. But to what purpose? Nigerians must know that football is a strategic game of cons, intrigues & delusions. It demands knowledge, intrigues & intelligence to execute a strategic winning plan.
Gernot Rohr told the world that he wasn’t desperate to win the Serbian game. Implying that he was going to experiment and explore other tactics and formation that might not outrightly yeild positive result.
I was spot on in my preview of this match warning against the danger of under performance, or under estimating the Serbians.
We also presented that Serbia would die to win and they brought their A game.
I was also spot on informing Nigerians of a ‘burst’ outcome, if our midfield fail to take charge and control, and shred-off the challenge in the middle of the pack.
GR matchday-list for the occasion was telling because he threw the game open when he handed Captain’s Arm Band to Onazi, and named him in his starting 11.
Furthermore, GR gave Ahmed Musa a rare chance to prove himself a better man than Ighalo as Top 9.
Awaziem, Idowu, Ekong & Ebuehi were re-tested together. It was good experimentation, one you would not risk without a trial. Uzoho is still coming up.
Ubuehi must not aggravate his fragile health; his quality is not in doubt.
Ekong, Idowu & Awaziem are all of good quality. Why risk injury & all with the WC next door.
Now, Nigerians have seen the boys and everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether such opinions are technical, or unfounded and pedestrian. Popular or unpopular the media are dishing out all sorts of analyses.
I have read comments about the match and most of them are dry and sentimental.
This is not only a Nigerian problem, even in Argentina, La Albiceleste had succumbed 1- 6 to Spain, in Madrid, fans will take to the streets.
Portugal had also suffered a 0-3 defeat with CR7 in the mix. Some are calling for a sack.
Such is the extent fans could go.
Many of these so-called hardline followers (fans) are football illiterates & quacks.
They lack deep knowledge of the game and only believe their team must WIN in every match, even in mock games.
We need a lot of education on this.

SUPER EAGLES’ CAPTAINCY:
A captain is a manager & coordinator of his team, also during play. It is critical to how a team performs. The team Captain combines his duties wit supervision of his colleagues. It is a dual function & not everyone can handle it.
Ordinarilly, the oldest team player should claim it but it must not be automatic if the player lacks the qualities to lead.
Onazi Ogenyi has failed again leading SE. Against South Africa, last year, and now Serbia.
So, GR knew why he switched the Band (C) from Troost-Ekong, CB to Onazi in 4 days.
Onazi lost direction again & failed to coordinate his midfield, he allowed the Serbians to dictate the Midfield rhythm and take the initiative. These lapses clearly have shown what level GR can commit to him..
MIDFIELD:
A match is won and lost in the midfield department, a good Coach will tell u.
SE had no midfield play against the hardworking Serbians. Joel was lost, Ndidi suffered & Onazi was at sea, completely overwhelmed & confused. The duty & initiative to shred the Serbians was lost. It was a below par outing.
No feeds to out strikers. This was a show of shame. It was a disaster!
ATTACK:
Ahmed Musa’s deficiency was clearly revealed without Iheanacho’s presence. Musa has by far past his best, just like Uwa Elderson Echiejele who watched from the bench. These are “Aged” players under illusion as boys.
We all know them; they can’t give what they don’t have.
Ighalo is fighting for a 2nd choice top 9 spot with Musa, but the man had failed himself again to take half chances, even the rear gift chance in the box, he frittered away.
Victor Moses & Iwobi showed commitment and their class even in the drab encounter.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
The match served its purpose very well. Kudos to the technical Man, GR for using these matches to expose the deficiencies of our “Big Players”.
Heads can now start rolling.
Nigerians must not be surprised to see NEW faces in the SE next invitation.
The clock is ticking fast and SE are getting set to fly.
NEW CALL UPS:
Our striking role is our current major headache & concerns of fans.
We expect the Crew to source for proven goals-machine to be invited no matter the Division in which they play for quick assessment.

Suggested Names:
1) Cyriel Dessers
2) Paul Unuachu
3) Fernando Adi
4) Obafemi Martins..

Critics speaking against seeing these eligible Nigerias get called up are either nursing a clandestine motive, or clearly know nothing about this game, and are enemies of SE & Nigeria.
There are more ‘battles’ ahead to be fought to hammer the team into good shape before the WC, and GR have proved very decisive with his Master stroke in Serbian Match by not showing his full hand but only his intent.
The ‘Oyinbo Man’ knows his starting 11 for the WC. Don’t be deceived.
SE will be the team to beat at the Mundial.
I stand by them, 100%.

Nice write up but
It's funny u think Roth actually 'deceived' his WC opponents with the tactics he used... like seriously. Friendly is for you to practice if you already have a defined tactics or to test a new system, it's funny that you think Rohr used this friendly deceive his spies. If it were to be a Nigerian coach we would have been firing him criticizing him but because he is foreign we are trying to find excuse for him, mind you even Rohr dares not say such to NFF as the reason to why we performed poorly.
Pls get my point am not trying to villify Rohr but he didn't get his tactics right in both matches and he has to bear some of the responsibility for our poor outing.
Rohr is also a conservative. The changes in the previous match was due to injury and absentees.

Mujtahida:

unfit, not fully fit, fit. I repeat the human body is not a machine. Ebuehi had a groin injury. Please go online and check what the groin is then perhaps it would water this your harshness(I cant call it frankness). The young man underperformed. I say yes he did but could there be extenuating factors considering that he's just recovering from a groin injury? some of you say absolutely No! and it makes me wonder how you guys could be so 100% sure. I always find it choking when a man is 100% sure of what he's in reality not 100% sure of. now you have gone ahead in the name of what you call frankness insulting the coach.

Oga I do not need Google to understand what Groin Injury is. Yes.... Rohr must be stupid to play an unfit Player for 90mins. What about if he got injured again or perhaps worsen his Recovery?!

He had a fit Aina on the Bench, yet he chose to play a Player recovering from Groin Injury for 90mins?! What else can someone objectively call it pls?!

Is Rohr God?! Is he immune from making Mistakes?! We can condemn our local Coaches but Rohr is untouchable?!

Let's assumed its a local Coach that's relying on a Rookie as our first GK for the Mundial, many of you would have concluded that - he's being bribed to help the Lad gets a better Club in the Summer Transfer Window?!

Let's assumed it's a local Coach that played an unfit Player as you said, we would have been reading Epistles; criticizing him as turning the Team to a Platform to sell his Boys.

Let's call a Spade a Spade...... if truly Rohr knew Ebuehi wasn't fit and still went ahead to play him for 90mins - then he's a Fool.

TheSuperNerd:
I would not say so.

With these two friendlies, we have seen Uzoho against other opponents and have moved on from his 45-mins show against Argentina which was the only Uzoho song we sang. And so far the Uzoho I saw is going to get better before May and even before the Wembley game.

Good reflexes, quick off his lines to snuff out danger and cliam the ball off Kostic's quick feet, good sweeping skills, fine ball grip, knows how to get down well for a one on one... I say these two friendlies did him a world of good.


And these two friendlies also showed us that Joel cannot step into Mikel's shoes in the CAM role. Yes he is not a CAM... But a CDM...or more precisely a CM but he was touted here among us to be the answer to the Mikel role.
Well, these two friendlies showed he is not. We should be looking at Iwobi.

Well , you may be right but I think Rohr should have done better with the players he invited.

Like i said earlier, I saw both positives and negatives and I think this is one of the negatives.

MetalJigsaw:
The same Joel that I watched yesterday and against Poland?. Oya swear say Joel add any quality.

Please, watch the match again without tension.

jerryclinton:
Friendly matches are suppose to be an avenue to test new players and possibly carry out a substitution by elimination approach to games but I observed yesterday Rohr was playing to win by bringing in players he would have put earlier on to assess late. we all know how iwobi, ighalo, Ndidi, musa or Moses play and we wanted to see Gabriel, Ajayi, Stephen Eze, etc so they can be verified if some of them can even perform better than the main 11. How are we sure if given enough chance an Ajayi wouldn't do better than an Ighalo who always needs 100 chances created before he can score one goal? You don't aim to win all your friendly matches by using 70 or 80 percent of your starting 11. since we know your first 11, experiment on new players to see if there's anyone that will perform better than the regular so you can draft in such a player into your first team while you drop those who are complacent to the bench.

This is spot on. There's no other way to say it better.

elyte89:



Na musa boss chriskels dey talk abt

Ok na.

BascoVanVeli:


He almost scored while on the ground but for a block

You are right.

RichardKajola:
[b][/b]
Nice write up but
It's funny u think Roth actually 'deceived' his WC opponents with the tactics he used... like seriously. Friendly is for you to practice if you already have a defined tactics or to test a new system, it's funny that you think Rohr used this friendly deceive his spies. If it were to be a Nigerian coach we would have been firing him criticizing him but because he is foreign we are trying to find excuse for him, mind you even Rohr dares not say such to NFF as the reason to why we performed poorly.
Pls get my point am not trying to villify Rohr but he didn't get his tactics right in both matches and he has to bear some of the responsibility for our poor outing.
Rohr is also a conservative. The changes in the previous match was due to injury and absentees.

that match against Poland was too physical and rough . and the one against Serbia lack some tactical deficiencies .....i wasnt expecting a win ... but looking out for a pattern of play .... which was not too visible in the 2 matches .

Farzat:
I didnt watch d match against Serbia live, so I was not under any pressure when i watched d replay and my observations are as follows;
1. Serbians has size and physical fitness advantage over us. (You will always struggle when challenging someone bigger than you. E.G d disallowed goal. Awazie was struggling to stop d player from heading d ball but d player was taller and stronger than him)
Advise- We shud not go into physical battle with a team physically stronger than us. Imagine playing 3 DM/Tacklers (Ndidi, Onazi n joel) in such match, u dont expect such match to be free flowing and entertaining. Winning such match can only be by a slim chance as d case of Poland. We must approach such game with a different formation n tactics to outsmart them like our 2nd half approach against Argentina.
2. The Selection. I think d choice of Onazi in front of Awazie is wrong. Onazi is a kind of tackler that moves to wherever ball is available thereby leaving lots of space behind, In any case he misplaces passing, the opponent utilizes d space he left thereby exposing Awazie who is not experienced enough to handle such pressure.
Advise- We should have a commanding CBs that would always call d DM to order or shout on another player to fall back whenever d DM is caught out of position. As for Onazi I think he should be coming in as a late subtitute for maybe a striker whenever we are defending a goal.
3. There are many areas to improve in this team before WC, so i wont be surprised to see any of these players gatecrash d team. 1-Sareren bazee. GR will like to use d NT success of these German breeds to lure others. 2-
Isaac Success. GR likes him. If his form picks, he has edge over Musa and Simon. He can be another version of VM on d left. 3-Austin Ejide. He is d best option to fall back on. He has d experience. No issue with NFF like Enyeama and he has no terrible past working against him like DeleAyenugba. 4-Chinedu Obasi. His move to Bolton is simply to showcase his quality to avoid criticism when invited. He is eager to start playing and we all know what he can do. So dont be surprises that after 2 matches d call for his invitation will start (maybe Mikel's Connection). 5-Onyekuru. This guy wants this WC more than others, its d easiest way for him to return to Everton and so he can do anything to prove himself. If he recovers on time, he will definitely work harder than ever n increase d fan's call for his inclusion.
This remaining 2 months will be very intense for players fighting to be recorgnized and others fighting to retain their place in d team. My prayer is that non of them will be injured and d injured ones would recover quickly.

Do you mean Austin Ejide who was clubless for almost 2-3 seasons before he got a club in the second division of Isreali league is better than Dele Aiyenugba who is playing consistently in the first division of Isreali league for almost 2-3 seasons?

fucklikant101:
SERBIAN Match: VITAL LESSONS!

Must Read: Gernot Rohr.

This is my humble reaction and submission to those in the Nff, admistrative authorities, concerned high stakeholders and friends who called to demand for a critical explanation for SE woeful showing & loss to Serbia.
First, I will explain that these matches are WC preparatory, or test matches and results would vary. Only a bad Coach would insist on fielding his strongest side, and not experiment to determine his best materials leading to the main event.
I salute the courage & focus of Coach Gernot Rohr for always cleverly shielding his plans from the prying eyes of rival Spies & paid Hawks.
I respect his tactics & strategies.
He is a very good tactician! I applaud the Coach.
SE have nothing else to prove.
The Coach could have won still, if he wanted to, he knew what to do, trust me. But to what purpose? Nigerians must know that football is a strategic game of cons, intrigues & delusions. It demands knowledge, intrigues & intelligence to execute a strategic winning plan.
Gernot Rohr told the world that he wasn’t desperate to win the Serbian game. Implying that he was going to experiment and explore other tactics and formation that might not outrightly yeild positive result.
I was spot on in my preview of this match warning against the danger of under performance, or under estimating the Serbians.
We also presented that Serbia would die to win and they brought their A game.
I was also spot on informing Nigerians of a ‘burst’ outcome, if our midfield fail to take charge and control, and shred-off the challenge in the middle of the pack.
GR matchday-list for the occasion was telling because he threw the game open when he handed Captain’s Arm Band to Onazi, and named him in his starting 11.
Furthermore, GR gave Ahmed Musa a rare chance to prove himself a better man than Ighalo as Top 9.
Awaziem, Idowu, Ekong & Ebuehi were re-tested together. It was good experimentation, one you would not risk without a trial. Uzoho is still coming up.
Ubuehi must not aggravate his fragile health; his quality is not in doubt.
Ekong, Idowu & Awaziem are all of good quality. Why risk injury & all with the WC next door.
Now, Nigerians have seen the boys and everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether such opinions are technical, or unfounded and pedestrian. Popular or unpopular the media are dishing out all sorts of analyses.
I have read comments about the match and most of them are dry and sentimental.
This is not only a Nigerian problem, even in Argentina, La Albiceleste had succumbed 1- 6 to Spain, in Madrid, fans will take to the streets.
Portugal had also suffered a 0-3 defeat with CR7 in the mix. Some are calling for a sack.
Such is the extent fans could go.
Many of these so-called hardline followers (fans) are football illiterates & quacks.
They lack deep knowledge of the game and only believe their team must WIN in every match, even in mock games.
We need a lot of education on this.

SUPER EAGLES’ CAPTAINCY:
A captain is a manager & coordinator of his team, also during play. It is critical to how a team performs. The team Captain combines his duties wit supervision of his colleagues. It is a dual function & not everyone can handle it.
Ordinarilly, the oldest team player should claim it but it must not be automatic if the player lacks the qualities to lead.
Onazi Ogenyi has failed again leading SE. Against South Africa, last year, and now Serbia.
So, GR knew why he switched the Band (C) from Troost-Ekong, CB to Onazi in 4 days.
Onazi lost direction again & failed to coordinate his midfield, he allowed the Serbians to dictate the Midfield rhythm and take the initiative. These lapses clearly have shown what level GR can commit to him..
MIDFIELD:
A match is won and lost in the midfield department, a good Coach will tell u.
SE had no midfield play against the hardworking Serbians. Joel was lost, Ndidi suffered & Onazi was at sea, completely overwhelmed & confused. The duty & initiative to shred the Serbians was lost. It was a below par outing.
No feeds to out strikers. This was a show of shame. It was a disaster!
ATTACK:
Ahmed Musa’s deficiency was clearly revealed without Iheanacho’s presence. Musa has by far past his best, just like Uwa Elderson Echiejele who watched from the bench. These are “Aged” players under illusion as boys.
We all know them; they can’t give what they don’t have.
Ighalo is fighting for a 2nd choice top 9 spot with Musa, but the man had failed himself again to take half chances, even the rear gift chance in the box, he frittered away.
Victor Moses & Iwobi showed commitment and their class even in the drab encounter.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
The match served its purpose very well. Kudos to the technical Man, GR for using these matches to expose the deficiencies of our “Big Players”.
Heads can now start rolling.
Nigerians must not be surprised to see NEW faces in the SE next invitation.
The clock is ticking fast and SE are getting set to fly.
NEW CALL UPS:
Our striking role is our current major headache & concerns of fans.
We expect the Crew to source for proven goals-machine to be invited no matter the Division in which they play for quick assessment.

Suggested Names:
1) Cyriel Dessers
2) Paul Unuachu
3) Fernando Adi
4) Obafemi Martins..

Critics speaking against seeing these eligible Nigerias get called up are either nursing a clandestine motive, or clearly know nothing about this game, and are enemies of SE & Nigeria.
There are more ‘battles’ ahead to be fought to hammer the team into good shape before the WC, and GR have proved very decisive with his Master stroke in Serbian Match by not showing his full hand but only his intent.
The ‘Oyinbo Man’ knows his starting 11 for the WC. Don’t be deceived.
SE will be the team to beat at the Mundial.
I stand by them, 100%.

Is Ighalo fighting for the 2nd striker position?

Besides, I agree with him to some extent, especially the bolded.

forgiveness:


Please, watch the match again without tension.

Bros I no go lie for you... e dey do me like say make I scatter guilder bottle for ya head.

Oasis007:




Oga I do not need Google to understand what Groin Injury is. Yes.... Rohr must be stupid to play an unfit Player for 90mins. What about if he got injured again or perhaps worsen his Recovery?!

He had a fit Aina on the Bench, yet he chose to play a Player recovering from Groin Injury for 90mins?! What else can someone objectively call it pls?!

Is Rohr God?! Is he immune from making Mistakes?! We can condemn our local Coaches but Rohr is untouchable?!

Let's assumed its a local Coach that's relying on a Rookie as our first GK for the Mundial, many of you would have concluded that - he's being bribed to help the Lad gets a better Club in the Summer Transfer Window?!

Let's assumed it's a local Coach that played an unfit Player as you said, we would have been reading Epistles; criticizing him as turning the Team to a Platform to sell his Boys.

Let's call a Spade a Spade...... if truly Rohr knew Ebuehi wasn't fit and still went ahead to play him for 90mins - then he's a Fool.

Hahahaha hahahaha. Na online you dey dey call am stupid. Smh. Wole Soyinka talks about those who wallow in the secure cesspit of anonymity afforded by the Internet to insult others. You are simply playing to the gallery by saying the bolded especially bringing in local coaches just to pander to patriotic zeal. Cos I've not said anything about not criticising Rohr at all within the immediate context of our discussion. You have moved from criticism into the gutter of insults. Let me leave you there abeg. I no dey.

MetalJigsaw:
Bros I no go lie for you... e dey do me like say make I scatter guilder bottle for ya head.

Boss Metaljigsaw ....any small thing u wan break bottle for person head,


E b like say u don collect one N.U.R.T.W POST FOR OSHODI

Cc...boss chriskels, join me to congratulate him on his new post

Kog45:
Sir you said we should leave sentiment but your comment is full of sentiments.

Onazi is disastrous? how sir,pls can you point out one of his disastrous outing for eagles.

Oh you prefer Ogu,well accepted,your opinion which i must respect but i will pick Onazi over Ogu anytime any day,my opinion.

Agreed without reservation or Question❓ ❓ ❓

elyte89:



Boss Metaljigsaw ....any small thing u wan break bottle for person head,


E b like say u don collect one N.U.R.T.W POST FOR OSHODI

Cc...boss chriskels, join me to congratulate him on his new post

For ya mind u dob halla abi! .. how person go dey refer me to rewatch match wey I don watch with my naked eyes like say I wear pant for face d time wey I watch am. Person no good be say e no good

safarigirl:
Was Aina not brought on as a sub for Idowu later in the game?

Not that I want to say I dey reason pass some people o, but mbok, shey Rohr cannot decide that he wants Aina playing LB for us and not RB? So, because Aina is great at RB for his club, the national team coach should just put him there?

Rohr does not want Aina playing RB, he is grooming him for the LB position and Aina must get accustomed to it, he can't be confusing him with LB on Monday and RB on Tuesday.

Ebuehi was not 100% fit in that game and that was why even as he started strong, he finished weak

So, please, let people stop being myopic with their reasoning and figure out that in football 1+1 is not necessarily 2.

To date not one official corroboration of that position so in otherwords your assertion is anchored on thin and beer parlour rumour.

Unless you are telling folks here thatis what Rohr told you personally. Otherwise it's a load of Balderdash


And if you cant prove it you are rumour peddling.

Silence is considered golden in this kind of situation I would suggest.

Can I add what kind of coach will play an injured player in friendly with the world cup round the corner. Don't make any sense to me what are establishing his pain threshold or aggravating the injury to make him unfit long term.

Your supposed football rational with regards to Aina is only understood by you. Aina came non fir barely five minutes is that how you test a player.

Earlier today I read Colin Udoh player ratings for the Serbia match. He rated Ebuehi on a 7 and wrote thus:
Looked composed in the face of a double assault from Kostic and the out-drifting Tadic, but suffered from a lack of support. Barely offered anything going forward and looked tentative defending but hardly put a foot wrong either.

---

I'm not concerned with Colins' rating scale of Ebuehi. My attention is on the bolded. Interesting I had used the word 'gingerly' in the describing Ebuehi's performance in defence yesterday. And I say could it be that his poor performance was because he's just recovering from an injury? As could it be? Just a little doubt as to the reason for his below par performance?
Omo, see insults on the coach.

Kog45 I appreciate the angle you took cos you accommodated the doubt I was trying to create and said let's see how it goes in the future. I remember harping on Balogun's poor run of games and each time tbaba1234 came to Balogun's defence pointing out that he's either in poor form or not fit. I'm just doing same here for Ebuehi given the fact (and it is a fact) that he's just recovering from an injury but some have shut down not just their ears but their minds.Adichie talks of the danger of a single story. I no dey abeg.

TheSuperNerd:
In truth, I agree with the writer on this point.... against Serbia, Ndidi was indeed the most advanced of the three MFs (meaning Ndidi played no.10 surprisingly) and he did impress with his footwork and ball holding but nothing came out with respect to creativity and dictating play. Joel played CM (sometimes CDM) while Onazi played DM. This again may have restricted Joel's offensive shine.... not making excuses for Joel oooo... he was even abysmal with the throws and still failed to connect to the attacking third even as a CM playing somewhat behind or alongside Ndidi and ahead of Onazi in that triangle (more like scalene triangle) but his defensive duties were okay (against Poland he did his defensive job pretty good but could not exert himself offensively in a two man central midfield combo with Ndidi with Nacho playing further forward behind Ighalo) but I want him to be "properly" tried in the no.10 role primarily so that we know for sure. Else, we got Iwobi for Mikel 2.0..... enjoy the article

Did Joel Obi make the most of his Super Eagles opportunity?



The Torino man was given ample gametime to impress by Gernot Rohr, but did he make a case for World Cup inclusion?


There won’t have been too many Nigeria players who were under greater pressure to impress during this international break than Joel Obi .

The midfielder has endured a frustrating international career, failing to build on the promise he showed as a youngster—when he was once considered alongside John Obi Mikel—with a series of injuries and fitness problems undermining his progress.
He failed to establish himself at Internazionale as the club appeared to gradually lose faith in his consistency, and missed out on both the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and 2014 World Cup.

Now, however, enjoying a renaissance of sorts at Torino, and with the 2018 tournament in Russia fast approaching, Gernot Rohr offered Obi an invaluable opportunity to showcase his qualities in the green of Nigeria.

The 26-year-old was given ample time to impress during both friendlies—the victory over Poland and the defeat by Serbia—but did he do enough with his minutes to ensure he makes the cut for Russia?

In truth, the jury’s out.





Assuming Obi stays fit between now and the tournament—a big ‘if’ considering his record—it remains to be seen whether he’ll take his place within Rohr’s 23.

First of all, beyond fitness issues, there is considerable competition for a spot in the midfield, and player with a dubious injury record may resemble an un-necessary risk unless he offers something that no one else can.

Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel and Wilfred Ndidi are essentially settled as Rohr’s first-choice three, with John Ogu and Oghenekaro Etebo likely to fill up two more spots.

Mikel Agu has enjoyed the faith of Rohr in the past, while Henry Uche Agbo and Chidiebere Nwakali are other options, but Obi ostensibly appears to be battling with this trio for any potential sixth midfield spot.

To climb in the pecking order, he surely needs a injury to one of the aforementioned players, or needed to have made an indisputable case for himself during the international break.

He didn't succeed.




In the first match, against Poland, his ability to express himself was largely denied him by Rohr’s conservative tactics, which saw Obi handed a more defensive brief as Onazi began the game on the bench.
This was a consequence of Rohr’s decision to switch to a central-midfield two in order to give Kelechi Iheanacho the opportunity to impress just off Odion Ighalo.

Obi may have done his duties effectively, demonstrating his energy and discipline, but this was hardly the opportunity to showcase his offensive qualities.
In the second game, with the midfield three restored and Mikel still absent, the stage appeared to be set for Obi to come into his own.

In the event, however, the Turin-based midfielder was again utilised in a deeper role—this time alongside captain-for-the-day Onazi—with Ndidi perplexingly used as the most advanced of the triangle.

It was another missed opportunity by Rohr, with Obi not allowed to prove whether he could effectively be Mikel’s understudy after ahead being handed a more restrictive brief.

If the Tianjin TEDA man cannot make it to Russia—for whatever reason—then could Obi replace him effectively?
We still don’t know…and neither does Rohr.




Certainly, at this stage, the left-footer cannot realistically hope
to have convinced the manager that he offers more thrust than Etebo or is a better passer than Ogu.

In principle, his dynamism, dribbling and technical class could have made him the ideal candidate to link the midfield and the attack—the great failing the Eagles demonstrated in London—but the opportunity was missed acquire more evidence.

What does count in Obi’s favour, however, is his versatility.

While he’s established himself as a central midfield, his ability to play through the middle in a more advanced or withdrawn role, or in various positions out wide, could make him a valuable asset in a tournament environment.
Taking a player with Obi’s dexterity to Russia would ensure that the Eagles are covered for any series of potential injuries or suspensions, with the midfielder representing something of a security blanket in the case of a crisis of personnel.




He’s not exactly the Nigerian James Milner, but it’s an attribute that will certainly count in his favour when Rohr comes to draw up his squad.

In conclusion, Obi’s case hasn’t been advanced as much as it might have been during this international break.
He kept fit and he proved that he can do a job in a deeper midfield role—both representing successes—but he didn’t make himself invaluable and hasn’t demonstrated that he can take the creative reins should Mikel miss out.

If he can stay fit, we’re tipping him to sneak into the squad on the basis of his versatility and his poise, but heartbreak only ever feels a whisker away.

Will this be another false dawn for everyone’s favourite midfielder Nigeria almost had?


Source: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/did-joel-obi-make-the-most-of-his-super-eagles-opportunity/myqywfn7xyzy1r59yoztio9vf


Russia 2018 WC Countdown: 77 days 2 hours 22 mins to go

MetalJigsaw are you seeing what I am sawing?

Joel Obi is an asset because he is versatile. Kphom

tbaba1234:
No one has said this but Ekong could be blamed for both goals.. I have seen blames for Ebuehi and Awaziem but few have looked at Ekong but he arguably had the chief blame. Ekong has been our most consistent defender but he could have done better on both occasions.

The truth is that, you can not hold just one or two persons responsible.. It was poor defending as a group. A sharp contrast to the organized defensive display against Poland.

Awaziem had a solid game (especially in the second half) before the goal, he certainly has a role in the final 23. Ebuehi started strongly but seemed to fade.. (could be that he is not yet 100%).

After reviewing the game, i do not see what the panic is about.. The coach will learn his lessons and come again.

Chill, it is just a friendly.. The purpose is to discover weaknesses and areas where we can improve.

In the run-up to Atlanta 96, Togo beat our Olympic dream team 3:1 in the national stadium, Lagos.. We played with all our stars and were battered by Togo. Several Nigerians wrote off the team.. In fact, many people did not watch our games till we got to the knock out stages. It was this same team that beat Brazil and Argentina.

The USA 94 and France 98 teams, lost almost all their friendlies before the WC but still had impressive performances in the tournament proper. Better to struggle in March, than to struggle in June. The coaches has a few months to review the tapes of these friendlies, figure out their weaknesses and work hard to improve during the final camp.

Just a friendly ooo see cries, see wailings, see absolute bitterness and gnashing of teeth. What would happen if it is a competitive Match?
Perhaps it's better to stay away from the thread after any defeat to the team. Cos between the defeat and the wailing one reads here after every defeat, I can cope with the defeat but the wailings is irksome. The wailings dey irritate me pass the defeat.
Criticism is not wailing. Read Icon4s and forgiveness to see what critical analysis of the match was.

This line of thought i took hours rebuking. i tire for some people, the bias is just too thick!

Kog45:
Thank you my brother am not questioning Rohr decision but i will never take it that Ebuehi wasn't fit for that match and played whole 90 minutes with Aina,Omeruo and Echiejile on the bench.

Aina can come in cos that's natural position, also Omeruo can do it based on his experience and Echiejile can come in by moving Idowu to RB cos he does it often for his club.

When Ebuehi came in for injured Shehu nobody talks about fitness,they are even saying he was better but why sudden changed that the guy was not fit.

Mind you i rate Ebuehi cos i see him as a great option but sometimes we need to talk football.

Did you know some were saying Ebuehi is better cos he is more suitable for non African football.

Pls is that not sentiment and emotive football analysis.

Icon79:
Can I say KPOM x20? Like I had said a few times, Nigerian fans are special - we tend to straggle from one extreme to the other. If a team wins a game, then we're the best ever and we are going to win the world cup. But once the team struggles, no matter the circumstances, it's panic button all over the place ... we gotta invite player A-B-C ... blah blah blah!!!

It seems that we're incapable of putting things in good perspectives. The Tuesday game was a friendly, that's all it is. It's time for the coach to tryout new players and new formations, and discard the ones that doesn't work out. There's no need for panic. I can name 4 or 5 players who started the Tuesday game but won't start in Russia.

And in addition, our opponents are not fairing any better either. Croatia played their A team but still lost to a 10 man Peru team. And they relied on a penalty to beat Mexico on Tuesday night! Iceland lost. Argentina lost. But you can't see this level of panic amongst their fans, because they know better! Anyway, I have stopped reading most of the comments on here because they are baseless. The people I am most interested in hearing their opinions are the players and the technical crew. I would like to understand the total lack of cohesion and why we couldn't string 3 passes together, even after nearly 1 week of being in the camp.


O pari

Thank you for your analysis.

forgiveness:


MetalJigsaw are you seeing what I am sawing?

Joel Obi is an asset because he is versatile. Kphom

escuses upon escuses is what am saw

Truidstar:


Are we building for the future or we just want immediate gains today? Even if we go to the world cup and get humiliated at least we gained valuable experience. Germany started a project in 2006 and it came to fruition in 2014. Rohr knows what he is doing.

Don't worry. I will post a link to a very insightful video of Westerhoff's interview on this thread

Joebie:
May I ask, when last did we play a 4-3-3 before the last friendlies? How many times hve we tried it under Rohr?

Bro when I saw that 4-3-3 b4 The game, i was like Hmmmm but let me wait to see how it pans out, I don't see us executing a 4-3-3 well even with a Mikel on the pitch.

The only Nigerian team i have seen play with 4-3-3 to great effect was the manu garba u17 team.
Going forward we can play salisu YUSUF's favourite formation 4-4-2 without wingers (diamond midfield setup)

REALLY? hahaha.. Echiejile was poor for the most part.. I remember always sounding here it was due to lack of competition. I think Rohr's statement of late buttresses this.

BascoVanVeli:


Lets get this clear. Uwa Echiejile was convincing in almost every single game he played under Rohr his problem is that he now plays in Belgium second division.

hahaha bat guy.. I go catch for Warri.. home is always home

komekn:


Oga on top.

I will be in Lagos before you come

Lol