7 Things We Learnt As Nigeria Beat Zambia

Eagles Celebrate in Dressing Room

As the Super Eagles fly past the Chipolopolo of Zambia in their first Qualifier for the 2018 World cup courtesy of goals from EPL Wonder kids Iwobi and Iheanacho the celebrations are in full swing.
However while its with good reason, (this is the first victory we’ve had away from home since 2014) its not yet uhuru for Rohr and his boys.

Here are 7 observations from our crew


1. Gernot Rohr is not afraid to make the big calls
For quite some times now football pundits have been screaming to the various Super Eagles Coaches that Ahmed Musa isn’t effective as a winger and if he must be used there he cant be 1st choice. Gernot Rohr is the 1st to make that bold move showing he is not afraid to make big calls in the team. All players will now be on their toes


2. We don’t need Enyeama back
Give it up for Carl Ikeme. The Super Eagles Man of the Match versus Zambia. There had been doubts to his ability and Numerous calls for the return of Self-exiled eagles Net-minder Vincent Enyeama even from the Eagles Coach. Ikeme Single handedly kept the Eagles in the Game with save after save showing his quality and maybe finally putting the Lurking ghost of Enyeama to rest for good


3. The Onyinbo connection still our best option at centre back
Kenneth Omeruo filling in for the Injured Balogun and trying to lay claim to a regular spot in defence spoiled an otherwise perfect outing from him with an unforgivable error leading to Zambias goal. Unfortunately that is what he will be remembered for and it does his chances of being a regular no good as Troost-Ekong beside him was absolutely solid


4. Eagles need a solid right back ASAP
We’ve known we lack a quality right back in the Eagles but now our search must turn to one of desperation. Rohr stuck with the obviously inactive Musa Muhammed somehow not impressed with the option of stop gap Olympic right back Shehu who is actually a very decent defensive midfielder. But then Rohr too surprisingly dropped Muhammed and his own stop gap Ndidi didn’t fare any better. Back to square one


5. And left back too
The ease at which the Zambians terrorized and flew past Echiejile is a major cause for worry as we approach the game against the fast and slick Algerians. This is also one area we don’t have quality on the bench. Perhaps we might need to revisit Olympic bronze medalist Amuzie ?


6. Eagles beginning to have a quality bench
Most often than not the quality that can come on from the bench to influence the game is at times more important than the 11 players that start. Against Zambia Rohr had Options and was able to call on Esiti, Shehu and Ahmed Musa. With the (hopeful) return of Victor Moses, Isaac Success, Odion Ighalo and Oghenekaro Etebo we have quality that can turn the game in an instant


7. There is Still Much to Do before we meet the Algerians
We must not get carried away with the victory against Zambia. The Algerians are a better attacking force and our team is far from Perfect. Iwobi is class but must get a little more physical for the African game. Esiti’s cameo brought physical balance to the team, Maybe the coaching crew could have brought him on earlier and we might not have conceeded.

Our attackers must take their chances and our defenders cut out silly mistakes. The Algerians are coming
http://www.soccerassembly.com/7-things-we-learnt-as-nigeria-beat-zambia/

Kog45:
pls let stop this praises of iwobi and iheanacho coz it can led to hatred from other eagles player,though they are fantastic players which everybody adore and remember 11 players make a team.When i look at d build up to iheanacho goal i say whao!Mikel is a baller and Ideye an intelligent player.

Your statement shows that you do not follow up page by page on this thread. My statement was with regards to an earlier post by the SuperNerd.................

"TheSuperNerd:
Abeg... I just gotta post the news one of us cited... Looolllll... It's kinda hilarious and uhmm... Maybe they have "a point" or do they? Loolllll....
.....................................................................

ZAMBIANS THROW SHADE ON NIGERIANS:
YOU ARE OVER RELIANT ON KIDS (IWOBI &
IHEANACHO)"


The Zambians underrated our super kids that's just the truth.


even if we are to praise no qualms about that.

justiz5:

Your statement shows that you do not follow up page by page on this thread. My statement was with regards to an earlier post by the SuperNerd.................

"TheSuperNerd:
Abeg... I just gotta post the news one of us cited... Looolllll... It's kinda hilarious and uhmm... Maybe they have "a point" or do they? Loolllll....
.....................................................................

ZAMBIANS THROW SHADE ON NIGERIANS:
YOU ARE OVER RELIANT ON KIDS (IWOBI &
IHEANACHO)"


The Zambians underrated our super kids that's just the truth.


even if we are to praise no qualms about that.

sorry my guy

mikron:
our game is going as planned.

Get a win against Zambia away in the first match as this will force them to tighten up in subsequent games at home, hence, helping us beat both Cameroun and Algerian at Ndola.

Win all our home games, and get another win or draw in Yaounde or Blida since the first match against Cameron and Algeria ended in a draw, then we are as good as qualified.

That’s the plan and it is working out. Up Eagles

Hey this is plagiarism. U copied my comment on *Zambiafootballco.zm* under the topic *kalaba apologizes to fans*, without making reference. Worst of it all, u even copied it verbatim else u would have noticed the mistake I made, where I wrote *Algerian* instead of Algeria. Fear God nah.

Lol, by the way, did u notice the comment beneath?? Lol after reading the game plan, the Zambian fan gave up.

Wots ur moniker on zamfoot anyways??

ChrisKels:


Hey this is plagiarism. U copied my comment on *Zambiafootballco.zm* under the topic *kalaba apologizes to fans*, without making reference. Worst of it all, u even copied it verbatim else u would have noticed the mistake I made, where I wrote *Algerian* instead of Algeria. Fear God nah.

Lol, by the way, did u notice the comment beneath?? Lol after reading the game plan, the Zambian fan gave up.

Wots ur moniker on zamfoot anyways??

Cosafa cup..lol

I just realized something about Rohr's WCQ line-up that could cause the Algerians to be jittery.

While Algeria started their game with their best XI, our team just had a weird mix. Normally, coached study the weakness of the defense for ways to exploit it which is the vital aspect of winning a game, but with Leon Balogun not present, Rajevac can't use Omeruo's weakness as a standard to judge Leon, and even worse, Rohr played a DM as an RB the entire 90 minutes, the chances of him starting against Algeria are low if any. So, who does the coach mark? Musa Mohammed? Could Shehu start? Will there be shuffling?

The defense for now, is largely unjniwn ti them, then you have the fact that the only forward you may see against Algeria is Iheanacho, they banked on seeing Musa, but Rohr waited till the last few minutes to slot in a normally present Musa. Moses wasn't there, no Ighalo and no Success, and Rohr has shown by starting an inexperienced player in RB, that he's not scared of starting an unknown in a big game, so, we may actually see Success starting

That's what I like best of thus coach, his unpredictability. I actually don't think we have as much a replacement issue as sone think.

Icon4s:


Bros this thread is an assembly of some of Nigeria's finest football encyclopedia. Be sure of your points next time. No wrong information goes unnoticed here.

Sir I just dey read ur quotes from page 38 and I must confess I can't hold it anymore. Dem born u born comedy? Ur quotes dey make me embarrass myself with laughter here. The most hilarious na *whether zuchylink saw his formation for dream... *, as if that wasn't enough, u took on sirforgiveness, mocking life outta him with Ajagun remarks. Pending when sirforgiveness mentions dem, i'm still waiting to read ur verdicts on *Asorock and majek fashek*.

Lol lastly i was proudly Nigerian while reading those SA/Zambian comments on kickoff.com.

But sir try to understand the rationale to Sirgoodjoe supporting the idea of trying Nwobodo as a RW to complete that passing synergy. I don't think he is vouching for it to be tried on the Algerians.

I would rather Omeruo as RFB and Balogun as CB than the reverse. I would pick Amuzie and Madu ahead of Echiejile to check Mahrez.

safarigirl:
I just realized something about Rohr's WCQ line-up that could cause the Algerians to be jittery.

While Algeria started their game with their best XI, our team just had a weird mix. Normally, coached study the weakness of the defense for ways to exploit it which is the vital aspect of winning a game, but with Leon Balogun not present, Rajevac can't use Omeruo's weakness as a standard to judge Leon, and even worse, Rohr played a DM as an RB the entire 90 minutes, the chances of him starting against Algeria are low if any. So, who does the coach mark? Musa Mohammed? Could Shehu start? Will there be shuffling?

The defense for now, is largely unjniwn ti them, then you have the fact that the only forward you may see against Algeria is Iheanacho, they banked on seeing Musa, but Rohr waited till the last few minutes to slot in a normally present Musa. Moses wasn't there, no Ighalo and no Success, and Rohr has shown by starting an inexperienced player in RB, that he's not scared of starting an unknown in a big game, so, we may actually see Success starting

That's what I like best of thus coach, his unpredictability. I actually don't think we have as much a replacement issue as sone think.

They can still exploit that RB knowing fully well that it is our major weakness and we'll likely field a make-shift player there. Who ever plays that RB may nt matter to them cos it will still likely be a weak link.

There attack will be more on that side. Rohr may as well instruct the RWF to do enough to provide first cover for the RB when under attack.

I fancy Omeruo a lot to play that RB as he is a very good marker and stopper.

tbaba1234:

Cosafa cup..lol

Hahaha Sir u saw it biko

Madu against mahrez na death sentence.. If Echijiele has a good day, he can match mahrez but his lack of game time at club level does not help matters.

Icon4s:


Bros this thread is an assembly of some of Nigeria's finest football encyclopedia. Be sure of your points next time. No wrong information goes unnoticed here.

Ok, well noted.

ChrisKels:


Sir I just dey read ur quotes from page 38 and I must confess I can't hold it anymore. Dem born u born comedy? Ur quotes dey make me embarrass myself with laughter here. The most hilarious na *whether zuchylink saw his formation for dream... *, as if that wasn't enough, u took on sirforgiveness, mocking life outta him with Ajagun remarks. Pending when sirforgiveness mentions dem, i'm still waiting to read ur verdicts on *Asorock and majek fashek*.

Lol lastly i was proudly Nigerian while reading those SA/Zambian comments on kickoff.com.

But sir try to understand the rationale to Sirgoodjoe supporting the idea of trying Nwobodo as a RW to complete that passing synergy. I don't think he is vouching for it to be tried on the Algerians.

I would rather Omeruo as RFB and Balogun as CB than the reverse. I would pick Amuzie and Madu ahead of Echiejile to check Mahrez.

We are here to analyse and also have fun.

Most of us have been here together for close to 2 years. I have come to understand pple's temperaments.

The type of jokes i crack with forgiveness if i try am with some others na insult go follow. U recall that "Asorock and Majek Fashek" call by Forgiveness . That guy go just dey roll out sime names every time. But i love him for his patience and lack of short temper. He is a great guy.

The way i argue with TheGoodJoe if i try am with some others too e fit end for fight.

One basic thing is we should know the limits of every thing. There are certain arguments i dnt involve myself with also.

On the issue of Nwobodo, he is a bright talent but i doubt he can replace any of our Wingers or AM for now. He should focus on his game for now and make the move to Europe.

Jefersoun:
Ok, well noted.

Your opinions are welcomed though. Hope to see more of you here.

Icon4s:


They can still exploit that RB knowing fully well that it is our major weakness and we'll likely field a make-shift player there. Who ever plays that RB may nt matter to them cos it will still likely be a weak link.

There attack will be more on that side. Rohr may as well instruct the RWF to do enough to provide first cover for the RB when under attack.

I fancy Omeruo a lot to play that RB as he is a very good marker and stopper.

Oga m, ur second paragraph is the reason I wanna see V. Moses start our next match, recall he won TMTM in Chelsea's last match when he was deployed as a right wing back and his attacking instinct wasn't affected, rather it provided him with his much cherished duels (the Ono on one duels) against the opposition's left full back. He would help omerou capsize the threat mahrez poses whilst running at their full back to carve them out and open.

Kog45:
sorry my guy

No hard feelings Sir.

All of us are here just for one purpose.

ChrisKels:


Oga m, ur second paragraph is the reason I wanna see V. Moses start our next match, reckon he won TMTM in Chelsea's last match when he was deployed as a right wing back and his attacking instinct wasn't affected, rather it provided him with his much cherished duels (the Ono on one duels) against the opposition's left full back. He would help omerou capsize the threat mahrez poses whilst running at their full back to carve them out and open.

Yeah. I thought so too.

I just hope he is fit for that match.
It is a win or win game for Nigeria

Icon4s:


They can still exploit that RB knowing fully well that it is our major weakness and we'll likely field a make-shift player there. Who ever plays that RB may nt matter to them cos it will still likely be a weak link.

There attack will be more on that side. Rohr may as well instruct the RWF to do enough to provide first cover for the RB when under attack.

I fancy Omeruo a lot to play that RB as he is a very good marker and stopper.

...ot he could field Mysq M.

You never know how good a player is till you field him, and I don't think Rohr thinks like most of us here that are scared to take a risk against certain teams.

Like I said, he's unpredictable

Icon4s:


Your opinions are welcomed though. Hope to see more of you here.

Certainly, i find this thread so fun and educating.

tbaba1234:
Madu against mahrez na death sentence.. If Echijiele has a good day, he can match mahrez but his lack of game time at club level does not help matters.

Not when he gives him a *chingum* marking. Dey would wanna do a Leicester on us where by mahrez supplies slimani with the crosses to score. Luke Shaw went the *chingum* way to sniff out that threat against ManU. U don't dribble Madu as easily as u do Echiejile.

Icon4s:




We are here to analyse and also have fun.

Most of us have been here together for close to 2 years. I have come to understand pple's temperaments.

The type of jokes i crack with forgiveness if i try am with some others na insult go follow. U recall that "Asorock and Majek Fashek" call by Forgiveness . That guy go just dey roll out sime names every time. But i love him for his patience and lack of short temper. He is a great guy.

The way i argue with TheGoodJoe if i try am with some others too e fit end for fight.

One basic thing is we should know the limits of every thing. There are certain arguments i dnt involve myself with also.

On the issue of Nwobodo, he is a bright talent but i doubt he can replace any of our Wingers or AM for now. He should focus on his game for now and make the move to Europe.

I think Nwobodo can give a similar performance. If he was Brazilan we would be talking 20 million for him to leave the country.

BascoVanVeli:


I think Nwobodo can give a similar performance. If he was Brazilan we would be talking 20 million for him to leave the country.

You cant compare the Brazilian league with the NPFL.

Icon4s:

You cant compare the Brazilian league with the NPFL.

Why are the players so much better?

ChrisKels:


Not when he gives him a *chingum* marking. Dey would wanna do a Leicester on us where by mahrez supplies slimani with the crosses to score. Luke Shaw went the *chingum* way to sniff out that threat against ManU. U don't dribble Madu as easily as u do Echiejile.

Madu is good going forward, not so good defensively.

tbaba1234:

Madu is good going forward, not so good defensively.

Anybody but Echiejile.
Madu is faster by the way. He falls back quickly after going forward

Jefersoun:
Okay i get.

No worries.

safarigirl:
...ot he could field Mysq M.

You never know how good a player is till you field him, and I don't think Rohr thinks like most of us here that are scared to take a risk against certain teams.

Like I said, he's unpredictable

You are very right. Rohr does not think like most of us here. If he thinks like most of us here Musa Mohammed would have started that game in Ndola.

Majority of peeps have already given musa mohammed the nod after his performance against Tanzania.
I recall i was one of the few that first raised concerns about Mohammed playing the Ndola game.

U think Rohr is a risk taker. On the contrary i think he is not. He goes for already tested big game players. No room for wild experiments. More risk taking coaches like Siasia, Oliseh or Keshi would have fielded Mohammed at RB and Amuzie at LB.

Rohr is very predictable in terms teams selection.

Some peeps say no one is sure of a starting place in the Algeria match but i can list players that if they are fit will surely start against Algeria.
They are Carl Ikeme, Echiejile, Balogun, Ekong, Onazi, Mikel, Iheanacho, Iwobi, V. Moses, Ighalo. Save for the RB position we almost have a starting 11 already.

BascoVanVeli:


Why are the players so much better?

Where is Nigeria compared to Brazil as a power house of world football?

I know the answer u were expecting me to give. Facilities abi?

Nops just facilities are not enough if not South Africa should be among the top ten footballing nations of the world.

ChrisKels:


Anybody but Echiejile.

Madu is faster by the way. He falls back quickly after going forward

Take ur mind back to Madu's performance in that Colombia game at the Rio Olympics. I now rate Amuzie ahead of Madu.

As for Oshaninwa, i dnt know the current state of his game.

Icon4s:


Where is Nigeria compared to Brazil as a power house of world football?

I know the answer u were expecting me to give. Facilities abi?

Nops just facilities are not enough if not South Africa should be among the top ten footballing nations of the world.

U can't judge a league by it's national team if that were the case England would at least make a final once in a while. We have good players the problem they make horrible moves. I would like to see Nwobodo go to France, Spain or Italy and not Norway, Finland, Morroco, etc.

Algerian press reporting that coach Milovan Rajevac is on the verge of being sacked following a draw against Cameroon at home.

Source: @mezahimehar

Icon4s:


We need to take this qualifiers a game at a time.
Is inviting Idowu and Ebuehi the most important elements to our victory against Algeria? No,,cos even if they are invited they are not likely to start.

A more important issue now is which of Omeruo, Balogun, Shehu or Mohammed would play that RB as these are the top 4 choices at RB for that game against Algeria.

I don't think Mohammed deserves a call up to the National team. He should solve his club issues. I heard he has been staying in Kano after the Tanzania game.

We don't need that kind of player hence one of those boys can fill that slot..

Even if they don't start we are guaranteed of a credible replacement in case of any eventuality.

Shehu Abdullahi also doesn't deserve to be in the National team because he plays in Cyprus for ANORTHOSIS. He has only managed 2 matches out of 6. So, he doesn't deserve to wear Super Eagles Jersey when we have better options.

We can replace him with either Raheem Lawal or John Ogu. But if we think we need a player that can play at the RB and defensive midfield then Brain Idowu can do that.


Afterall, Ezekiel Imoh was dropped.

More info on the algerian coach:

If it does happen, it should reportedly be done by Wednesday.

It's being said that this has come from the players...


@mezahimehar