Mickael2:


so the deadliest trio will take the ball from defence to attack and then score too and also come and defend their post? They scored the first goal and should have scored 2 more atleast then that lack of control in midfield led to the second one and the third. With Iniesta in the game, that 3rd goal would not have happened, Messi is hardly the last man in midfield before Busquets, but in that sequence of play, Rafinha moved into the box leaving Messi exposed and we all know that Messi plays a high risk football

tbaba1234:
While some are using us to play Ludo. This was an interview with Otigba last year.

My heart beats for Nigeria - Otigba
by Calvin Emeka Onwuka 24 March 2015, 09:47


Kenneth Otigba declared his wish to play for Nigeria despite playing for Hungary at youth level and he exclusively tells supersport.com why his heart beats for Nigeria as Calvin Emeka Onwuka caught up with him in Heerenveen, Holland.

Last year, as the Nigerian Super Eagles prepared for the world cup in Brazil l or actually just after the qualification was ensured I was at a press conference where a few names were reeled out to coach Stephen Keshi and asked if these players could break into his squad for Brazil. Amongst those names were Leon Balogun then of Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany and Kenneth Otigba at Heerenveen in Holland. Balogun did eventually get a call up but injury denied him a place in the final squad for South America.

Otigba on the other hand remained elusive and had even played for Hungary at various youth levels many attempts by this reporter to get an interview never yielded results. So most surprising, last week I got text from Otigba asking that I ring him when I could. I did and we set up a meeting at his club in Heerenveen 2 hours outside Amsterdam by train.

We met just after training exchanged greetings but he had to have lunch with the rest of the team while I got myself comfortable. He looked a proper centre-back in his very imposing physique but a boyish smile that was quite welcoming. <\p>

Otigba was born in Kaduna, northern Nigeria to Clara and Patrick

"my mum had lived in Nigeria for 17 years before I was born but when I was about 4 and half years she took me to Hungary as she was leaving Nigeria" He informed on his return as we sat down for the interview. So when did he know he will be a professional footballer I asked Otigba. "From when I was around 7 years old I was only after football; I was always playing football and when not playing I will be watching. One day I said to my mother that I have to be a professional footballer, that my dream is to have that career"<\p>

To be able to make this career would require a lot of sacrifice so at the age of 14 Otigba left Hungary for Holland to join Heerenveen snubbing Liverpool in the process. Liverpool?

"Yes, I was at the club for two weeks during Rafa Benitez reign as manager, then also another two weeks at Heerenveen at the end I had a choice to make between both clubs. My agent and I spoke and we decided that I will progress more as a footballer playing in Holland. It was not even a hard decision and one I have never regretted". He says this with that comfortable smile and twinkle in his eyes to confirm that he means it.

How did you cope leaving the comfort of your mum's protection and cooking at such a young age "it was very difficult. I was home sick a lot and I missed my mum and my friends and also I had to start learning a new language. It helped that I still spoke english and quite a lot of people spoke the language too but I still called home a lot. Living alone that first year was difficult but after I learnt the language things got better and better"

It takes determination and a fierce will to succeed to get young boys to get through those first few years away from and make a success of their careers.

"As soon as I arrived at Heerenveen I was prepared to succeed. My agent - who is like a big brother to me - assured me that as long I am able to get through those hard few months I will be fine. It also panned out that way".

What was very clear as I interacted with Otigba was that he was clearly unaware of the clamour for him to play for Nigeria. Would he like to play for Nigeria I asked him. He laughed very loud and had the look of "what a stupid question" on his face.

"In my career I always have goals that I set myself: I planned to play in the Heerenveen first team, I hope to play in the English Premier League one day and I will do anything to wear even for one match the green jersey of the Super Eagles". He says these with such determination, such sincerity that I asked but you played for the age group teams of Hungary? "Yes but at that time it was just about playing a different level of football"

Otigba had to make this decision now and make it quickly.

"I got a letter of invitation for a full cap for Hungary but I knew within my heart that I was not going to be happy playing for Hungary. I spoke to my mum, my other family members and my agent about this. All of them told me to follow my heart. My heart is for the Super Eagles of Nigeria".

Last year, Otigba's team mate then Uche Nwofor played for Nigeria and was even at the World Cup so why did he not drag you along "he used to tell me a lot about the fun of playing for Nigeria and how great it will be if I came along but as a young player in the Super Eagles he could not influence anything".

Otigba recaps the feelings of seeing his team mate against Argentina at the World Cup "I was so excited watching John playing against Argentina. It was like wow there is my team mate out there. It was great. When he got back after the tournament he gave me Super Eagles kit which I wore and still wear now"

Some Hungarians will not like this I put it to him. "Frankly those who don't like it I understand. I also know they are not important to me. Those people important to me have advised me to follow my heart and am fine with that"

Otigba names Man City of England skipper Vincent Kompany as his hero "I love watching Kompany. He is a determined defender and seems to enjoy defending so I watch him a lot. He wins his personal duels, gets the ball and then releases it to the midfielders to make the play. Those are the things I like to do".

When he was younger though his hero used to be Arsenal skipper and legend Patrick Vieira. "In the youth teams I was a defensive midfielder and modelled my game along the lines of Vieira. Later my coaches here at Heerenveen decided I was better as a centre-back and I just refocused my game to the position.

Otigba remembers his debut for Heerenveen as a 20 year old against Utrecht and remembers coming on as a sub, made a mistake that led to the concession of a goal.

"I learnt a lot that day. My coach taught me that in the first team, physicality was not as important as using your brain and thinking ahead of the striker. They helped me dwell on that mistake and I have learnt from it". He has come a long way from that day and is one of the rocks in the team's defence. They rate him so highly that while we were getting ready for the interview at the club someone asked him if he was signing for Barcelona. "My relationship with the club is very good and we agreed that should I get a better offer to move they will not stop me at all. I love it here at Heerenveen, playing football and love the city".

He is a very confident young man is Kenneth Otigba. He has been tutored in that way the Dutch seem very good at with young players. He is also a player with a vision of what he wants for his career. It will not surprise to see him playing for Nigeria and playing in the English Premier League.

http://www.supersport.com/football/super-eagles/news/150324/My_heart_beats_for_NigeriaOtigba

forgiveness:


No wahala den. Make we drop Ideye, Ighalo or Iwobi for am, ba?

Na play I dey ooooooo!

forgiveness:


Why wait for an unconcerned country?

TheSuperNerd:
We won’t give up on Ebuehi –NFF






The Nigeria Football Federation has said ADO Den Haag right-back Tyronne Ebuehi will be handed another invitation to the Super Eagles after the 20-year-old on Monday opted out of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo on November 12.


Coach Gernot Rohr on Saturday included Ebuehi in his 24-man squad for the crucial tie but the player said he would prefer to concentrate on his club career at the moment, adding that he might consider future invitations from Nigeria Ebuehi is seen by Rohr as the solution to the team’s problematic right-back position but his withdrawal from the Algeria game caused widespread reactions in the media.




The Chairman, Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Chris Green, on Tuesday said future invitations would be handed to the youngster, insisting that Ebuehi, who is also eligible to represent Holland, having been born in the European country to a Nigerian father, never rejected Nigeria.


“He didn’t reject Nigeria. Did he say he will not
play for Nigeria? We need to exercise patience,”
Green stated.

“We have a squad of 23 players, Ebuehi was the 24th player. We actually invited him to see how he fits into the team; so that he can get used to the players and blend with them.


During the next FIFA window, he will be invited again for our friendly game.


“That hasn’t changed; he will still get an invitation to the team.”

He added that other players, including in-form Austria Wien striker Kayode Olanrewaju, who has notched 13 goals this season, would be invited to the team.

Green said, “There are positions we are looking to strengthen and Ebuehi and Olanrewaju and
others are players we have in mind for the next
FIFA window after the Algeria game.”

Source: http://punchng.com/wont-give-ebuehi-nff/

TheGoodJoe:


Come on, Barr. Green. No more invites for Ebuehi. Give the young man time. If he is ready to play for us, he will declare his interest.

forgiveness:


Na wa ooooooo! And somebody go tell me say make these lads declare before we invite dem when e no sure 4 dem.

safarigirl:
they need an RB, hence the persistence

TheGoodJoe:


Would people clamour for Otigba's invitation if he did not declare his interest? Otigba's heart is green white green and people will do their best to draw the attention of the NFF and the coaching crew to him.

Would tbaba1234 post that wonderful piece of Otigba did not declare his interest?

TheSuperNerd:
We won’t give up on Ebuehi –NFF






The Nigeria Football Federation has said ADO Den Haag right-back Tyronne Ebuehi will be handed another invitation to the Super Eagles after the 20-year-old on Monday opted out of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo on November 12.


Coach Gernot Rohr on Saturday included Ebuehi in his 24-man squad for the crucial tie but the player said he would prefer to concentrate on his club career at the moment, adding that he might consider future invitations from Nigeria Ebuehi is seen by Rohr as the solution to the team’s problematic right-back position but his withdrawal from the Algeria game caused widespread reactions in the media.




The Chairman, Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Chris Green, on Tuesday said future invitations would be handed to the youngster, insisting that Ebuehi, who is also eligible to represent Holland, having been born in the European country to a Nigerian father, never rejected Nigeria.


“He didn’t reject Nigeria. Did he say he will not
play for Nigeria? We need to exercise patience,”
Green stated.

“We have a squad of 23 players, Ebuehi was the 24th player. We actually invited him to see how he fits into the team; so that he can get used to the players and blend with them.


During the next FIFA window, he will be invited again for our friendly game.


“That hasn’t changed; he will still get an invitation to the team.”

He added that other players, including in-form Austria Wien striker Kayode Olanrewaju, who has notched 13 goals this season, would be invited to the team.

Green said, “There are positions we are looking to strengthen and Ebuehi and Olanrewaju and
others are players we have in mind for the next
FIFA window after the Algeria game.”

Source: http://punchng.com/wont-give-ebuehi-nff/

tbaba1234:


Otigba's situation is the reason why players do not declare.. He rejected an invitation because of Nigeria and up till today has not gotten a friendly call-up.

It is always safer for a player to leave their options open.

TheGoodJoe:


I do not think it is right forcing a player to play for the team. It is a personal decision. Ebuehi needs time and does not want to jeopardize his career at this moment.

It is best the NFF lets him know the door is open to him. When he wants to play for us, he should let us know.

Time to look within the country to hunt for a young promising left-back. The NFF needs to support Musa Mohammed to settle in the right club.

Wait a minute, can't Chidebere Nwakali play right-back?

Onazi is also very good at the right-back position. Rohr can play him there and play Ndidi in defensive midfield.

goldfish80:


I totally agree with you. We should be looking at internal solutions at the moment.
Onazi can tuck in at right back, also Omeruo.

I just checked Omeruo's data since after the game against Zambia. He is indeed the most inform /improved Nigerian defender currently.....
His all round defensive stats have almost doubled.... From tackles to interseption. His passing improved from 74% to 81%. The Zambian game have served as a spring board for Omeruo of old to re-emerge.. .

Omeruo must be starting the game against Algeria in whatever capacity, in my opinion.

TheGoodJoe:


Unconcerned? That is your opinion. Not Alaba's. The Austrians already knew Alaba because he played in their local League. It was easier for them to assess and invite him.

When he broke into the Bayern side, Nigeria would have called him.

I really wish Alaba an amazing career because he is a wonderful Nigerian. A man with a good heart.

forgiveness:


Alaba already broke into the Bayern side before Austria called him.

I remembered people advocated for his invitation on kickoffnigeria but we know how it rolls den na.

TheGoodJoe:


Would people clamour for Otigba's invitation if he did not declare his interest? Otigba's heart is green white green and people will do their best to draw the attention of the NFF and the coaching crew to him.

Would tbaba1234 post that wonderful piece of Otigba did not declare his interest?

forgiveness:


'would' for how long, kwa?

goldfish80:


I totally agree with you. We should be looking at internal solutions at the moment.
Onazi can tuck in at right back, also Omeruo.

I just checked Omeruo's data since after the game against Zambia. He is indeed the most inform /improved Nigerian defender currently.....
His all round defensive stats have almost doubled.... From tackles to interseption. His passing improved from 74% to 81%. The Zambian game have served as a spring board for Omeruo of old to re-emerge.. .

Omeruo must be starting the game against Algeria in whatever capacity, in my opinion.

TheGoodJoe:


I do not think it is right forcing a player to play for the team. It is a personal decision. Ebuehi needs time and does not want to jeopardize his career at this moment.

It is best the NFF lets him know the door is open to him. When he wants to play for us, he should let us know.

Time to look within the country to hunt for a young promising left-back. The NFF needs to support Musa Mohammed to settle in the right club.

Wait a minute, can't Chidebere Nwakali play right-back?

Onazi is also very good at the right-back position. Rohr can play him there and play Ndidi in defensive midfield.

TheGoodJoe:


We would have invited Alaba. That is an undeniable fact. It was easier for Austria because he was a quality player in their league.

”Happy to be part of this great squad, we fight to the end. #CmonCity @ChampionsLeague” He
posted on twitter with a picture of the team that
played on the night.

Mickael2:


right now, I don't even know why we are looking at that boy at all.

Omeruo right now should be our starting RB, it's not as if the position is new to him, and one thing I love about the lad is that he is NEVER out of position, a vital trait for a RB which Onazi lacks totally. Our defence line is almost already set, Omeruo-Leon-Ekong-and a mystery guy. Seriously that RB option isn't even a problem, Omeruo should have that tied down permanently and then he will free up one of the CBs slot for Otigba and Ebuehi can go to HE....wherever he wants to go to with his agent. I mean what is the essence of using Omeruo as a backup when he can play as a RB perfectly well and when we also have other great back-up options in Agbo, Alimi and Otigba? Ebuehi, Musa and Idowu should be fighting for the second RB option or they might go over to the left wing and fight for that spot, besides Azpilicueta is right footed

forgiveness:



We have many RB players abroad...

Brain Idowu, Ehizuhe, Aina, Odubanjo and Daniel Adejo.

goldfish80:


I think Omeruo is better suited at right back than Ndidi. He started out at Ado den Haag as a right back and was excellent...
Judging by his current form, he is statistically Nigerias best defender currently. If he plays RB, I can guarantee you, whoever Algeria field on the left will not have a sniff all night long.
I matched his stats with Eric Bailey's and discovered he is almost on par with Bailey.. infact he edges Eric Bailey in some aspects....
Example, omeruo's pass accuracy is stands at 81% from 54+ passes attempts per game. Bailey attempts just 34 passes with an accuracy of 87%...
In there defensive dashboards, there is nothing in between them, however Bailey edges Omeruo out marginally in interspetions, tackles and clearances with the odd 2% while Omeruo leads in blocks. It must be said Bailey have played 2 more games than Omeruo. This could influence the little +2% he gets over Omeruo in some aspects.

Reason am comparing Omeruo with Bailey is because Bailey is rated Africas best CB. So am matching Omeruo with the very best....

Omeruo must be starting against Algeria as a RB or CB

goldfish80:

Why do you guys rate this Daniel Adejo guy so high? At the WYC in Egypt 09, he was shockingly very very bad. He couldn't even trap a football properly in that tourney. Nurruden Oralesi at left back was the best defender we had at that tourney.
Seriously, why do you guys rate Daniel Adejo? Is there something am missing?

”I know of their exploits. They are very good in their own right, but sometimes you pick players based on where they are playing, and the type of defences they are up against on a regular basis”.. He told Owngoalnigeria.com.


”They will get their chance in the future but if
they are to remain permanent in my team, they
need move to a better league and prove
themselves”.

TheSuperNerd:
Indeed Ozil was saying the truth...

Okocha was indeed his idol as a kid..... What a goal!!!
.......................................................................

Ozil Reminds Iwobi Of Uncle Jay Jay Okocha
With Sublime Goal Against Ludogorets Razgard



If Alex Iwobi needed a reminder as to how good
his uncle Austin Okocha was when it comes to
mesmerising defenders, his teammate Mesut Ozil has served him a timely reminder.


Iwobi’s uncle, Okocha is well known for his
dribbling skills and tricks which usually leaves
defenders in their wake. The highlight of which
was his goal for Eintracht Frankfurt against
Karlsruhe in 1993.


The Arsenal forward was yet to be born with his
uncle sent defenders sprawling and crawling with the ball at his feet 23 years ago making
mincemeat of legendary German goalkepper
Oliver Khan before slotting home.


Ozil’s goal against Ludogorets Razgard in the
UEFA Champions League should give Iwobi an
inkling as to why the goal is much talked about,
years after it was scored and remind him of how
much he needs to do to get to his uncle’s level.


The German midfielder received a pass from
Egyptian midfielder Mohammed Elneny, which
cut open the Ludogorets Razgard backline but
Ozil still has work to do as the onrushing
goalkepper was quick in coming of his line to
close him.


However just like Okocha did 23 years ago, Ozil
chipped the goalkepper, sold a dummy to two
defenders who were covering up before slotting
home what ended as the winner for Arsenal in
style.


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/11/02/ozil-reminds-iwobi-of-uncle-jay-jay-okocha-with-sublime-goal-against-ludogorets-razgard/

TheSuperNerd:
Eric Bailly is indeed rated by many as Africa's best Centreback.

But it's still kinda debatable when Kalidou Koulibaby is thrown into the equation. Anyway, shaa.. I also rate Bailly as Africa's finest centreback right now but plss check the Napoli "beast at the back".

TheSuperNerd:
Move To A More Competitive League- Rohr
Tells Adi, Salami and Kayode




The head coach of the Nigeria senior national
team Gernot Rohr has revealed the reason why he snubbed three Nigerian strikers based in Europe.


Gbolahan Salami, Olarenwaju Kayode and
Fanendo Adi were snubbed by the German coach despite their good form in front of goal for their various European side.


Salami plays for KuPS in Finland, while ex youth
international Kayode plays in Austria for Austria
Wien, with Adi playing in the USA for Portland
Timbers where he has been consistent in front of goal.


The trio have a combined goal tally of 34, with Adi accounting for 16 of the goals, while Salami has 14 and Kayode who is still fresh into the season with Austria Wien has 4 goals to his name.


However Rohr insist that although the players are still very much in his plans, they need to move to a bigger league if they want to be regulars in his squad.




Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/11/02/move-to-a-more-competitive-league-rohr-tells-adi-salami-and-kayode/