Icon4s:
As far as the current crop of players are concerned, we have no replacement for Mikel. We only have players we can jst manage to cope with and pray our opponents dnt capitilise on the weekness.

Top on my "interim" replacement for Mikel if injured is Oghenekaro Etebo. He showed he could cope with the demands from a CMF in the Egypt double header.He also played that role occassionally at the 2015 CAF U23 tourney.

Another player we can consider is Raheem Lawal.

Our permament replacement for John Obi Mikel is still in the bakery of Arsene Wenger , though currently on loan to a Dutch second division side: KELECHI (CARZOLA) NWAKALI


JUST A LITTLE FROM MY HISTORY BOOK OF NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

I have been following different generations of our CMF starting from the 1980s:From Henry Nwosu to Thompson Oliha to Austine Okocha to Obi Mikel.

Quality CMF emerge once in a decade.

Henry Nwosu was the master that emerged in the 1980s. Young Nwosu started playing that role enrout qualification for 1982 WC. He was just 18years old! He scored Nigeria's only goal in the semifinal of that qualification against Guinea. 1-0 aggregate win. I dnt watch that game but i saw the clips some time in the late 80s. Nwosu was the CMF marshal from then on. 20yrs old Etim Esim emerged during qualifiers for the 1986 AFCON. We didnt qualify. He kept Nwosu on his toes. Etim again was in the squad for qualifiers for 1988 AFCON. By then he was playing with Gent of Belgium while Nwosu was at ACB of Lagos. Etim could have easily walked into that CMF role.However, he had a rape case and ran away from Europe to his village in the then Cross Rivers state . Nwosu went ahead to win the Golden Ball award at Maroc '88.

Westerhof came in with a 21yrs old Thompson Oliha at Algiers '90 AFCON. Oliha marshalled the position even up to 1994 AFCON and WC. Okocha was a sub to Oliha in both tourneys. 20yrs old Okocha debuted against Algeria enroute qualification for 1994 WC. He scored from a free -kick.

Okocha's final break through came after his performance in that Second round game against Italy. Where he was sending the Italian players to "go buy akara at Dugbe market" . Ekpo never came back to the team.

Okocha's legendary held sway even up to the mid 2000s. At a point we never believed Okocha would retire one day. We suddenly woke up to realise that we needed a replacement for him. Christian Obodo, aka bundle of skills, a product of the 2001 Flying Eagles, was performing magic with his skills at Peruggia of Italy.
A 21 yrs old Obodo was invited but.. Okocha had widened the shoe.

We managed with Okocha until John Obi Mikel, a product of 2003 Eaglets & 2005 Flying Eagles emerged. 19yrs old Mikel's Debute game was a gainst Zimbabwe at the 2006 AFCON. He scored few minutes after being introduced. That was the begining of the end of Okocha's reign.

Mikel we still have today, but at 29 there is need to once again introduce a youngster to carry us further. Introducing Kelechi (Carzola) Nwakali, an 18yrs old product of the all conquering 2015 Eaglets. He currently stands out, in terms of talent and skills, among his generation. We expect Rohr to gradually introduce him into the team. I dnt see Mikel post 2018 WC. Hope Kelechi Nwakali would have matured enough to step into that shoe.

Note the age at which Nwosu, Okocha and Mikel were introduced into the team. Our greatest CMF were those introduced at a very young age and allowed to grow in the team. Food for thought for our coaches.

I wan make small corrections. Please, pardon me.

No 1, Henry Nwosu never won golden ball award at Morocco 88 AFCON

No 2 Henry Nwosu was not the main CMF in the 80s. In short he was alternating btw midfield and right midfield or rw.

No 3, If Thompson Oliha was the one at the 90 AFCON then where do we place Moses Kparko?

No 4, Austin Okocha was not part of 90 AFCON. so, how was he a deputy in a competition he never went?

He plenty but make I stop for here.

Seriously, I will never agree that Mikel Obi never had playing time in Chelsea.

How do I know? I am a Chelsea fan because of Babayaro and now Mikel.

Prior to the 2013 Nations cup, Mikel dey play wella for em club.

Prior to the Olympics he dey play wella.

Although, he was not playing at the beginning of the season then but as soon as Mourinho left, he was regular.


In fact, I stopped watching Chelsea matches as soon as I noticed Mourinho's intention last season. That is how fanatic I am towards Mikel.

So, I do not agree that Mikel was an ordinary bench warmer or practicing material at Chelsea. Mbanu!

However, he has been sidelined from the main team this season and that is not good for him and the National team.


He needs playing time. Maybe if one player get injury dem go remember am.

forgiveness:



I wan make small corrections. Please, pardon me.

No 1, Henry Nwosu never won golden ball award at Morocco 88 AFCON

No 2 Henry Nwosu was not the main CMF in the 80s. In short he was alternating btw midfield and right midfield or rw.

No 3, If Thompson Oliha was the one at the 90 AFCON then where do we place Moses Kparko?

No 4, Austin Okocha was not part of 90 AFCON. so, how was he a deputy in a competition he never went?

He plenty but make I stop for here.

1. Noted Nwosu i think was second to Bouderbala of Morocco.

2. Henry Nwosu played mostly as the number 10/AM. Number 10 those days were CMF. Nwosu reigned from 1980 AFCON(though a sub) to 1989 as our "Maradona" This is jst like the way Mikel of today play DMF, CMF & AMF

3. Yes Oliha deputised for Kparko at Algiers 90 but Oliha took over and reigned up till the 1994 WC when Okocha had come of age. Kparko was a one off player.Oliha played 3 AFCON as the CMF.

4. Pls quote the paragraph where I mentioned that Okocha played 1990 AFCON


Those things i wrote from my memory not from google or youtube videos. So if you think there is any information I miss-represented and u are sure, then feel free to call it up. No one is an island of knowledge or infornation.

I feel like throwing jabs at Mikel but this doesn't seem like the right thread. *just kidding*
Safarigirl, howfar. I'll like to watch a Super eagles match with you. Since you say you shy, e be like say you go shy pass me.

recently noticed dis bovi and A.musa resemble a little also ideye hairstyle made him look like sterling in dat zambian game

Napoleon55:
that's right but u can't be as good as Aguero or Sanches n b playing in Scandinavian and expect ur national team coaches to invite u ahead of players playing in EPL or La Liga,or is Obinna Nwobodo not a good player?

I think it is possible but such players don't last long before they are snatched by a bigger team.

Icon4s:


Wilson Oruma lived under the shadow of Okocha. Just like Friday Ekpo lived under the shadow of Oliha, And all them Joel Obi, Raheem Lawal, Rabiu Ibrahim, Nosa Igiebor, are living under the shadow of Mikel.

And yes i recall that Oruma's penalty miss against Senegal. Unforgiveable.

It was a well taken penalty, sent the keeper(forgotten that guy name) the wrong way but the ball hit the bar, I can still remember the shock in his eyes that day.

zicky:
It was a well taken penalty, sent the keeper(forgotten that guy name) the wrong way but the ball hit the bar, I can still remember the shock in his eyes that day.

Tony Silva was the goalie.

I still remember that shock. He opened his eyes wide like he just lost a Billion dollar bet.

Imagine having an opportunity to draw ur team level in the second half of extra time of the AFCON semi final. And hu jst blew it away.

Icon4s:


That formation is a no-no for a national team. Especially African teams who we know typically lack discipline.

Bros experiment am for PS first and see the outcome

Speak 4 urself Italy used a 3-5-2 in the Euro's. The problem won't be discipline because that is just a myth, the only issue would be finding personal but we already have players who are part of this system.
Btw if it was up to my PS skills Nigeria would win every world cup.

BascoVanVeli:


Speak 4 urself Italy used a 3-5-2 in the Euro's. The problem won't be discipline because that is just a myth, the only issue would be finding personal but we already have players who are part of this system.
Btw if it was up to my PS skills Nigeria would win every world cup.

Wales also used it.

It will not work for Nigeria vs Algeria.

The teams that adopted it in Euros would habe tried it in less important games and against weaker oppositions.

You want to play against the highest ranked team in Africa(and deservedly so) & u go experimenting a thing like that?

Icon4s:


Wales also used it.

It will not work for Nigeria vs Algeria.

The teams that adopted it in Euros would habe tried it in less important games and against weaker oppositions.

You want to play against the highest ranked team in Africa(and deservedly so) & u go experimenting a thing like that?

U were the one who brought up Algeria, i just threw up an idea and before landing u were bashing it. We have almost a year after this match so that gives us the time that u are asking for. Algeria is only the best African team on paper, to me they have not shown they can beat the big boys.

BascoVanVeli:


U were the one who brought up Algeria, i just threw up an idea and before landing u were bashing it. We have almost a year after this match so that gives us the time that u are asking for. Algeria is only the best African team on paper, to me they have not shown they can beat the big boys.

The initial proposal u guys made for that 3-5-2 was against Algeria. Or was it not?

Icon4s:


Wales also used it.

It will not work for Nigeria vs Algeria.

The teams that adopted it in Euros would habe tried it in less important games and against weaker oppositions.

You want to play against the highest ranked team in Africa(and deservedly so) & u go experimenting a thing like that?

currently 2nd actually

IyanuFanoro:
currently 2nd actually

Ok. Thanks.

AKPEYI RETURNS TO SUPER EAGLES FOR
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Daniel Akpeyi

South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is set to be recalled by Nigeria for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

“Akpeyi will return for the Algeria match as he has been playing well and regularly in South Africa,” a team official disclosed.


Akpeyi has been playing regularly for his South
African club Chippa United after he featured for
Nigeria as one of the over-aged players at the
recent Rio Olympics.

Chippa are seventh on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) table with seven points from four matches. The former Warri Wolves shot stopper last appeared for the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria in March.


He will now be expected to be a cover for top
choice Carl Ikeme for the home game against
Algeria on November 12 in Uyo.

His international experience dates far back to
2005, when he was on the squad for the FIFA
U20 World Cup in the Netherlands.




Source: http://africanfootball.com/news/656513/Akpeyi-returns-to-Super-Eagles-for-World-Cup-qualifier

IFEANYI MATTHEW PLAYER OF THE WEEK IN
NORWAY, LILLESTROM CLUB OF WEEK

Ifeanyi Matthew (left) has continued to shine for Norwegian club Lillestrom

Ex-Kano Pillars midfield star Ifeanyi Matthew is
now the new shining star in Norway after he was
named Player of the Week in the country’s top
league and his club Lillestrom scooped the Team
of the Week.

Matthew set the tone for an unlikely Lillestrom
win at title chasers Brann with his opportunistic
goal, but his overall performance earned him the man of the match award.


After his opener after half an hour, he was denied a second goal by the brilliant Brann goalkeeper, he also conjured a through ball for a dangerous attack in a five-star display for Lillestrom to win 2-1 away from home.


On the back of this unlikely win, Lillestrom are
now in the relegation play-off bracket and they
will steer clear of the dreaded drop with a home
win over IK Start on Sunday.



Source: http://africanfootball.com/news/656495/Ifeanyi-Matthew-Player-of-the-Week-in-Norway-Lillestrom-Club-of-Week

princesuko:


Dominic Solanke Stats
National team‡ Apps Goals
2012–2013 England U16 6 (1)
2013–2014 England U17 14 (11)
2014–2015 England U18 7 (3)
2015–2016 England U19 10 (3)
2016 England U20 2 (1)
2015– England U21 3 (0)

Club Team
2013-2014 Chelsea u18 25 (20)
2014-2015 Chelsea u21 45 (41)
2015-2016 Vitesse 25 (7)

Kelechi Iheancaho
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015– Manchester City 30 (10)

National team‡
2013 Nigeria U17 7 (
2015– Nigeria U20 2 (0)
2015– Nigeria 6 (4)

Alex Iwobi
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015– Arsenal 19 (2)

National team‡
2011–2012 England U16 7 (1)
2013 England U17 3 (0)
2013 England U18 1 (0)
2015– Nigeria 7 (1)


Etebo
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2015 Warri Wolves 64 (23)
2016– Feirense 4 (3)

National team‡
2015 Nigeria U-23 17 (11)
2013– Nigeria 7 (5)

Isaac Success

Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2014 BJ Foundation
2014–2015 Granada B 20 (9)
2014–2016 Granada 49 (7)
2016– Watford 2 (1)

National team‡
2013 Nigeria U17 7 (7)
2015– Nigeria U20 4 (2)

Kelechi Iheanacho scored over 50 goals 4 Nig. u-17,scored about 20 goals since his senior debut 4 both club n country,
scored few goals for Man city ED B4 his senior debut.
Get ur facts correct b4 someone here starts celebrating Solanke as the more prolific one.
Success has also cored over 40 goals 4 Nig. u-17 not just 7 goals as ur statistics shows.

Looollll... Relax Sir Napoleon.... Relax I have stats for Success and Nacho at U-17 level. There's a reason why even I didn't wanna comment just yet on that post. Let's wait for the Solanke "fan boys" to start the "bragging" drums...


I rate Solanke highly but I'm no "biased fanboy"

Napoleon55:
Kelechi Iheanacho scored over 50 goals 4 Nig. u-17,scored about 20 goals since his senior debut 4 both club n country,
scored few goals for Man city ED B4 his senior debut.
Get ur facts correct b4 someone here starts celebrating Solanke as the more prolific one.
Success has also cored over 40 goals 4 Nig. u-17 not just 7 goals as ur statistics shows.

TheSuperNerd:
AKPEYI RETURNS TO SUPER EAGLES FOR
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER




South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is set to be recalled by Nigeria for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

“Akpeyi will return for the Algeria match as he has been playing well and regularly in South Africa,” a team official disclosed.


Akpeyi has been playing regularly for his South
African club Chippa United after he featured for
Nigeria as one of the over-aged players at the
recent Rio Olympics.

Chippa are seventh on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) table with seven points from four matches. The former Warri Wolves shot stopper last appeared for the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria in March.


He will now be expected to be a cover for top
choice Carl Ikeme for the home game against
Algeria on November 12 in Uyo.

His international experience dates far back to
2005, when he was on the squad for the FIFA
U20 World Cup in the Netherlands.




Source: http://africanfootball.com/news/656513/Akpeyi-returns-to-Super-Eagles-for-World-Cup-qualifier

So Emmanuel Daniel drops.

TheSuperNerd:
AKPEYI RETURNS TO SUPER EAGLES FOR
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER




South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is set to be recalled by Nigeria for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

“Akpeyi will return for the Algeria match as he has been playing well and regularly in South Africa,” a team official disclosed.


Akpeyi has been playing regularly for his South
African club Chippa United after he featured for
Nigeria as one of the over-aged players at the
recent Rio Olympics.

Chippa are seventh on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) table with seven points from four matches. The former Warri Wolves shot stopper last appeared for the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria in March.


He will now be expected to be a cover for top
choice Carl Ikeme for the home game against
Algeria on November 12 in Uyo.

His international experience dates far back to
2005, when he was on the squad for the FIFA
U20 World Cup in the Netherlands.




Source: http://africanfootball.com/news/656513/Akpeyi-returns-to-Super-Eagles-for-World-Cup-qualifier

I don't see this Akpeyi as a good keeper, no exceptional quality, just there as in average abi below average

Ike Ugbo scores 2 for Chelsea U23 against Exeter city

Icon4s:


The initial proposal u guys made for that 3-5-2 was against Algeria. Or was it not?

No the 3-4-3 was just something i kind of threw out there after watching both watford and chelsea. I never made demands i just feel it makes sense considering that our strenght is in CB's and we already have a wingback and striker playing the system.

zicky:
I don't see this Akpeyi as a good keeper, no exceptional quality, just there as in average abi below average

He is an above average keeper playing in wat i consider to be the best league in Africa.

BascoVanVeli:


He is an above average keeper playing in wat i consider to be the best league in Africa.

what make the league the best, is it the quality of players that comes out of the league? Daniel Emmanuel a Npfl player(not even the 1st choice at rangers) kept him on the bench. Akpeyi is a basket

zicky:
what make the league the best, is it the quality of players that comes out of the league? Daniel Emmanuel a Npfl player(not even the 1st choice at rangers) kept him on the bench. Akpeyi is a basket

It's the quality of the league. He is the best choice as backup because our season is out.

I think the reason for considering Akpeyi is because the season is over and Emmanuel Daniel will not be training. It must have come from the suggestion of the local coaches. I don't rate Akpeyi.

Napoleon55:
Kelechi Iheanacho scored over 50 goals 4 Nig. u-17,scored about 20 goals since his senior debut 4 both club n country,
scored few goals for Man city ED B4 his senior debut.
Get ur facts correct b4 someone here starts celebrating Solanke as the more prolific one.
Success has also cored over 40 goals 4 Nig. u-17 not just 7 goals as ur statistics shows.

That's why Its called stats not estimation. I gave you all his recorded goals in competitive games. You should provide your sources before disproving mine. Cheers

TheSuperNerd:
Looollll... Relax Sir Napoleon.... Relax I have stats for Success and Nacho at U-17 level. There's a reason why even I didn't wanna comment just yet on that post. Let's wait for the Solanke "fan boys" to start the "bragging" drums...


I rate Solanke highly but I'm no "biased fanboy"

I see the Jabs . But how many Goals did He score in competitive games during his stay in the U17s?

Success scored 5 goals during the U-17 qualifiers. Almost Same goals count with Alhassan MuaZam (6goals).

During the U-17 championship proper, he scored 7 goals in 5matches.

During UAE 2013, he scored 2 goals and had 2 assists in 2games (due to injury).

During friendlies prior to morocco 2013 (the CAF U-17 championship proper), Success scored about 31 goals+, with Alhassan MuAZam on 18 and Iheanacho on 18.

That's just U-17. With Success as the top striker (no.9).

My sources?? Quite diverse: newspaper articles from Sun's soccer star prior to Maroc 2013 and also some internet sources like fifa.com, Cafonline and more prior to UAE 2013 and afterwards....

princesuko:


I see the Jabs . But how many Goals did He score in competitive games during his stay in the U17s?

BascoVanVeli:


No the 3-4-3 was just something i kind of threw out there after watching both watford and chelsea. I never made demands i just feel it makes sense considering that our strenght is in CB's and we already have a wingback and striker playing the system.

Hmmm 3-4-3. After watching Watford and Chelsea. Ok o.

zicky:
what make the league the best, is it the quality of players that comes out of the league? Daniel Emmanuel a Npfl player(not even the 1st choice at rangers) kept him on the bench. Akpeyi is a basket

The first choice at Rangers is a Ghanaian. He won the goalie of the season and is being considered for Ghana national team callup.

Akpeyi may be better exposed than Daniel but why i prefer Daniel is because of his age. Training with the other goalies will make him develop faster as age is not on the side of Ikeme, Akpeyi and Ezenwa.

But i still think Daniel is better than Akpeyi.