Onazi Could Lose Eagles Spot As Rohr Confirms Midfield Role For Ndidi



In-form Trabzonspor of Turkey midfielder Eddy Onazi is in danger of losing his spot in the national team to Leicester City man Wilfred Ndidi.


Onazi has formed a strong partnership in the midfield with captain John Obi Mikel over the years but the emergence of Ndidi could change all of that.


The impressive Ndidi has five senior caps to his name but mostly as a substitute either in the midfield or defence, and his last start for Nigeria was from an usual position as a right back.


However his form for Belgian side Genk, where he excelled as a midfielder before heading to Leicester City has prompt a change of mind from coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr.


” Ndidi has the potential to do more for our team if he plays in the midfield. He has the energy most teams like to see in a defensive midfielder. We have players in his position but our job is to pick the best for every position and for now he is among our best options”, Rohr said.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/13/onazi-could-lose-eagles-spot-as-rohr-confirms-midfield-role-for-ndidi/

komekn:


How can you ask that question I expect that you know how things run in Nigeria.

Well one good thing one of the low down arrangement makers is out and coaching in some obscure Nordic team.

But he wasn't alone if you know what goes in the scouting process with our official and agents, you will not laugh but cry.

My brother I had to ask. Wasn't so sure how he gatecrashed to the team. When I heard someone mention Daniel Amokachi invited him, I understood perfectly what happened.
A guy who collects gratification from players for as little as a wrist watch. I mean.....

There was this friendly Nigeria played against Romania in Bucharest. We couldn't produce up to 11 players for the friendly. I think our officials asked the stunned Romanians if they had any Nigerian in the country to come make up the team.
There was another incident where some guy playing Street football in Germany somehow ended up on the super Eagles be honor a friendly game some years ago. He was playing in the German 7th division!!!

I thought the Ukoh guy gatecrashed into the team with that kind of hastily arrangee game. Am quite stunned the guy has 4 caps for us. Unbelievable.

Former Chelsea Player & Manager Slams Victor Moses Over Burnley’s Freekick Goal



Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has slammed Victor Moses for turning his back in the wall for the free kick goal scored by Burnley in their 1-1 draw over the weekend.


Former Chelsea Player-turned-pundit Gullit focused on Moses’ role in the goal as he turned his back in the Chelsea wall.


“This free-kick is perfect,” Gullit told BBC’s Match of the Day 2.


“In the wall, Moses. Look the ugliest players go into the wall, so the only thing is you put your face there.


“What is Moses doing here? He turns his face away. The free-kick is perfect anyway, but I hate when players turn their backs away.”

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/13/former-chelsea-player-manager-slams-victor-moses-over-burnleys-freekick-goal/

Revealed: Kelechi Iheanacho Vs Pep Guardiola – Here Is What We Know



The non listing of Kelechi Iheanacho by manager of Manchester City Pep Guardiola in his matchday squad for City’s last four games has generated a whole lot of talks both in the Nigeria media and the world at large.


However despite reports of a row over agent between the duo, with some suggesting that Guardiola wants his brother Pere Guardiola to represent the 20 year old forward, Owngoalnigeria.com can authoritatively reveal that isn’t the case.


Iheanacho, according to what we gathered first angered Guardiola when the Spaniard discovered during negotiations for a new deal, that he has two agents claiming to be his representative.


Guardiola managed the situation and Iheanacho signed a new deal at the Etihad, but their relationship was strained again when the gaffer discovered that the agent issue is still lingering.


The issue affected Iheanacho’s focus on the pitch, which lead to a confidence crisis as the Nigerian clearly wasn’t at his best even in training, where he usually come top in goal scoring drills.


Already he has lost out on a multi-million pounds deal with a foot wear company due to the issue surrounding who is his bonafide representative, and a court case has also been lined up to settle the issue.


He is presently been left out of the team due to off pitch distractions and not because Guardiola wants his brother to represent him as speculated by some media outlet in Nigeria.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/13/revealedkelechi-iheanacho-vs-pep-guardiola-here-is-what-we-know/

Sevilla Director Sound Out Eupen Over Celtic Target Henry Onyekuru



According to reports in the Spanish press European giants Sevilla have joined the race to sign highly-rated Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru.


Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo claim that the 19-year-old is being lined up by the Sevilla’s sporting director and head of recruitment Monchi as one of a number of targets to improve the first-team squad in the summer.


Onyekuru has 13 goals to his name this season for modest side Eupen despite playing as a left winger, his latest coming in their 1-0 success over Gent last weekend.


Scottish league champions are reportedly leading the race for his signature in the summer, after failing with a bid to land the 19 year old during the recently concluded January transfer window.


Celtic reportedly fell short of Eupen’s £4m valuation of the Nigerian, as they refused to up their initial £1m bid, reports indicate that Sevilla are willing to meet the asking price for Onyekuru.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/sevilla-director-sound-out-eupen-over-celtic-target-henry-onyekuru/

Extra-Time: Juju Alert: Iheanacho Is Behind Gabriel Jesus’s Injury, Nigerians On Twitter Suggest



Gabriel Jesus unfortunate injury in Manchester City 2-0 win over Bournemouth has lead to a twitter take over by Nigerians.


A cross section of comments from Nigerians monitored by Owngoalnigeria.com reveal their joy at his injury as it potentially opens the door for out of favour Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho.


Rated as one of most important player for the senior Nigeria national team, his lack of game time at the Etihad has given Nigerians lot of reasons to be worried.


Iheanacho failed to make the matchday squad of Manchester City in their last five games in all competitions, a situation which many linked to the speed at which Gabriel Jesus has settled down to life in England.


Jesus’s injury got some Nigerians suggesting that the 19 year old, who is from the Eastern part of Nigeria might be behind the injury, although they said so jokingly.

See Tweets:





owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/extra-time-juju-alert-iheanacho-is-behind-gabriel-jesuss-injury-nigerians-on-twitter-suggest/

Exclusive – Rohr List Five New Players For Senegal Friendly



As many as five players who have never been called up to the senior Nigeria national team will be in the squad for the friendly game against Senegal and possibly Ghana.


Owngoalnigeria.com can authoritatively confirm that coach Gernot Rohr has started the process of drawing up the list of call ups, with at least five new players under consideration for the March 23 friendly.


Although our source refused to reveal the names of the players already penciled down, the five players could be a combination of both local and foreign base players.


” Presently as many as five new players are under consideration comprising of players from the local league and those abroad for the friendly tie against Senegal”, a source close to the coach told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” The friendly are meant to test new players and Rohr is not keen on the results but that doesn’t mean he will fill a weak team. We have our reputation to protect as a team”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/exclusive-rohr-list-five-new-players-for-senegal-friendly/

Rohr Assures Musa Mohammed Of Super Eagles Spot Following Move To Bosnia



Coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr has confirmed his happiness with the recent transfer of Musa Mohammed to Bosnian side FK Zeljeznicar Saravejo.


The Super Eagles full back joined the Bosnian side on loan from Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, where he failed to make a single league appearance for the team in 18 months.


He was reduced to playing cup games for the team, a situation which Gernot Rohr frown at and subsequently axed the former Nigeria U-17 and 20 captain from his starting line up.


Rohr played Kenneth Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi ahead of Musa Mohammed despite the fact that they are not natural full backs by trade, and warned Musa to sort out his club form.


However following Musa’s move to Bosnia, and Rohr confirmed his happiness over the move in an interview with NFF.com.


” We understand how the transfer window works, and some players like Musa Mohammed who were not playing at their clubs made moves to team where they are going to get games”, Rohr said.


” We hope Musa get to play games in Bosnia because that will work in our favour as well in the national team”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/rohr-assures-musa-mohammed-of-super-eagles-spot-following-move-to-bosnia/

Ex Bayern Munich Star Advises Wenger To Drop Giroud And Play Iwobi & Ozil Behind Sanchez Against Bayern



Former Germany and Bayern Munich captain Lothar Matthaus has advised manager of Arsenal Arsene Wenger on how best to use Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi against Bayern Munich.


Arsenal will take on Bayern in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, and Matthaus who now writes for the Sun says proper usage of Iwobi and Ozil could help the Gunners shock their host in tomorrow’s encounter.


Matthaus played over 300 games for Bayern Munich in two different spell and also lead Germany to victory as captain at the World Cup in 1990, his view was picked up by Owngoalnigeria.com online editor.


“Arsenal have high quality. You only have to look at Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud to see that, while I also like Alex Iwobi.


“In Munich, I think Arsenal have to leave Giroud on the bench and play Sanchez through the middle.


“Giroud is really just a box player but Munich will play on the front foot and have the ball most of the time.


“That means Arsenal must play on the counter and that is where Sanchez can do a much more vital and valuable job than Giroud.


“He can use his pace, popping up all over the pitch to take advantage of the space Bayern leave, allowing Iwobi and Ozil to get on the ball.”

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/ex-bayern-munich-star-advises-wenger-to-drop-giroud-and-play-iwobi-ozil-behind-sanchez-against-bayern/

Marcos Alonso Explains Why Victor Moses Has Been The Surprise Of The Season At Chelsea



The rise of Victor Moses as a right wingback at English Premier League leaders Chelsea has generated a response from his teammate on the opposite flank.


Marcos Alonso who mans the left wingback position for Chelsea rates Moses as the surprise of the season, judging by the speed at which he has settled into a new role as a wingback.


While Alonso has played at wing-back before, he told Sky Sports he has been seriously impressed with the way Moses has adapted to a new position.


‘You have to run a lot more because you have to attack like a winger and defend like a full-back’ the Spaniard said.


‘You have to pick the best time to go up and maybe have a rest at some point during the game to be the first to defend when the team is not having full control of the game.’


‘Some days when I see that he is attacking more, I will stay more to cover and sometimes when I push more, he covers at the back,’ Alonso added of his partner.


‘He is doing an amazing job, because I think for me, it is easier that I used to play in this position before but for him it is something new and he is doing a fantastic job there.’

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/marcos-alonso-explains-why-victor-moses-has-been-the-surprise-of-the-season-at-chelsea/

Rwanda FA Shortlist Samson Siasia In Final List For National Team Coaching Job



Football Federation (FERWAFA) has shortlisted eight coaches from the list of 52 applicants for the Men’s Senior National Team Head Coach Position.


After the pre-selection process held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at FERWAFA headquarters, the candidates who made it to the shortlist include;

1. Antoine Hey (Germany)
2. Georges Leekens (Belgium)
3. Jose Rui Lopes Aguas (Portugal)
4. Paul Put (Belgium)
5. Peter James Butler (England)
6. Winfried ‘Winni’ Schafer (Germany)
7. Raoul Savoy (Switzerland)
8. Samson Siasia (Nigeria)


The shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Source: Ferwafa.rw

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/rwanda-fa-shortlist-samson-siasia-in-final-list-for-national-team-coaching-job/

otezu5:
Sevilla Director Sound Out Eupen Over Celtic Target Henry Onyekuru



According to reports in the Spanish press European giants Sevilla have joined the race to sign highly-rated Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru.


Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo claim that the 19-year-old is being lined up by the Sevilla’s sporting director and head of recruitment Monchi as one of a number of targets to improve the first-team squad in the summer.


Onyekuru has 13 goals to his name this season for modest side Eupen despite playing as a left winger, his latest coming in their 1-0 success over Gent last weekend.


Scottish league champions are reportedly leading the race for his signature in the summer, after failing with a bid to land the 19 year old during the recently concluded January transfer window.


Celtic reportedly fell short of Eupen’s £4m valuation of the Nigerian, as they refused to up their initial £1m bid, reports indicate that Sevilla are willing to meet the asking price for Onyekuru.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/sevilla-director-sound-out-eupen-over-celtic-target-henry-onyekuru/

Monchi is on Henry Onyekuru's case? Interesting.. . Monchi seems to have the contact of every good young player in Europe. The man is a guru...
Himself and Hans-Joachim Watzke of Dortmund are the best sporting directors in Europe.

goldfish80:

I think Sone Aluko's dad has mad connect being a senator. Settlement couldn't have been his problem.

What is working against Aluko is the level which he plays. Nigerians don't regard players who play in the Championship and second divisions.
He has always been invited whenever he plays in the top division.

Playing in the lower division is affecting Hope's chances too. Can't these guys seek née adventures in other countries like France, Italy and Spain? The pay in these countries can't be that lower than what they get in the championship.

Let's talk money championship midfielders are getting transferred for sums in excess of £10 million. Strikers are going for much more at the top of thier game.

Many championship top players are hitting in excess of £25k a week. Compare that to other European leagues. And you can see players outside of the 6 top teams in thier individual European leagues coming to the championship.

It's a great way to get to the Premiership.

Aluko could have gone to quite a few premiership teams but he wants to play regularly and in a good team.

I don't believe the NFF is that ignorant, because Championship still has good quality. Comparatively to a number of minor European top Leagues for instance it's superior bto to all the Nordic top leagues. Is probably on par with German leagues outside of the top 6 Bundesliga 1 teams.

His team and being in the championship is not the problem, AT ALL.

If we can have players playing in Turkey, Bosnia, Sweden, Belgium, etc under consideration then there are other issues at play here.

Please, can anyone critically analyze how Barcelona fell in Paris?

safarigirl:
Please, can anyone critically analyze how Barcelona fell in Paris?

It was really an eye sore , the Barcelona team didn't come with their legs to paris .the midfield was shut off by Matuidi and Di Maria . infact Iniesta went for sight seeing in paris , i believed he enjoyed his short stay .Was Messing on the pitch ? i think i need to watch the match again to find out .The PSG defence was excellent ,theY caged Neymar and Suarez completely . why was Rakitic on the bench?


that Barcelona team has lost the flame , age is really telling on them ....or do you think TIKI -TAKA has gone for good?

komekn:


Let's talk money championship midfielders are getting transferred for sums in excess of £10 million. Strikers are going for much more at the top of thier game.

Many championship top players are hitting in excess of £25k a week. Compare that to other European leagues. And you can see players outside of the 6 top teams in thier individual European leagues coming to the championship.

It's a great way to get to the Premiership.

Aluko could have gone to quite a few premiership teams but he wants to play regularly and in a good team.

I don't believe the NFF is that ignorant, because Championship still has good quality. Comparatively to a number of minor European top Leagues for instance it's superior bto to all the Nordic top leagues. Is probably on par with German leagues outside of the top 6 Bundesliga 1 teams.

His team and being in the championship is not the problem, AT ALL.

If we can have players playing in Turkey, Bosnia, Sweden, Belgium, etc under consideration then there are other issues at play here.

Bro, 25k a week in the championship is very rare oh. Apart from the relegated teams with the benefit of parachute payments. The rest of the clubs pay an average of about 10k a week.
I understand Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank was on an annual salary of 40k as manager of Burton.

The championship is an interesting league but it's not exactly so rewarding financially especially if you are playing for the likes of Rotherham, Burton, Preston etc...

AIG07:
I de o bro. it's been a while.
How your side?

bro i gallant o

safarigirl:
Please, can anyone critically analyze how Barcelona fell in Paris?

hahaha bad girl

You know the way
Man must chop in Naija. But that's bad they'd do a player like that. The way France has Senegal, Malian and Ivorien players is what's happening to England and Germany with regards to dual nationality Nigerians. I'd be glad if we can get all. But I know we can't cos our NFF too like ready made. Thing is when these guys are nobody, u stand a good chance. But once they make it even at mid table clubs, a certain hope illuminates on their int'l chances with England. Gone are the days England picked players from the top 4 clubs. Now they pick from all clubs in their top flight and this gives these boys the hope that they may make it with England regardless of their EPL club.

komekn:


I have met quite a few Nigerian internationals who are British born and or came to England at a very early age.

All have shown undying loyalty to Nigeria without any questions what so ever. However, they cannot tell you in the public domain what actually goes on behind the scenes.

I remember a 4* hotel (on recognition) was booked for the National team in London only for officials to say money no dey to pay. Mikel and Yobo were amongst those that settled the bill to avoid international embarrassment.

I know a member national coaching team (not there now) who insisted that unless this already established premier league player signed with his agent his place in the team would be jeopardised. It eventually led to him being frozen out.

Players have found the plane booked to fly them looked like a flying coach. On one occasion Enyeama (very very vereeeeee good honourable guy) even offered with tears to charter another plane at his expense.

The problem they British Nigerian origin players have is they have been largely been brought up on. Integrity, Fair-Play, Transparency and best practice these are meals that are not served regularly at the NFF dining table.

We are Nigerians, how shocking must it be coming from England and officials begging shamelessly for settlement and money at every twist and turn.

If you have not lived in Nigeria before you could easily think you are in a Zoo. For me I am use to it from airport to Office to Road you will get bros find me sumtin. To us it may seem normal but coming from England it's like Wow which planet, I deh.

For me, I actually enjoy all the bros how far, anything for d boys it's like welcome home music to my ears. I Love it.

goldfish80:


Bro, 25k a week in the championship is very rare oh. Apart from the relegated teams with the benefit of parachute payments. The rest of the clubs pay an average of about 10k a week.
I understand Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank was on an annual salary of 40k as manager of Burton.

The championship is an interesting league but it's not exactly so rewarding financially especially if you are playing for the likes of Rotherham, Burton, Preston etc...

That may be true to some degree.

However, what is your comparison the premiership? Compare that pay to lower level clubs in top leagues of Europe then compare it thier equivalent of the championship and the gap is very wide.

Do you know some players are collected a couple of thousand euros a month.

.

I can see that I didn't add some players on my list. However, this writer forgot to add Raheem Lawal and other players.

Where are these players? John Ogu, Sheyi Ojo, Sone Aluko, Sanusi Ryan, David Nwokolor, Jordan Torunarigha, Moses Odubanjo, Joel Noel, Sammy Abraham, Sammy Ameobi etc on the list? Abi dem no be naija again?

#SuperEagles Radar: Onyekuru, Eduok score. Moses bag assist. Iheanacho missing again


Samuel Emem Eduok

KicKed by Bryan Efe


Before we review the perfomances of Nigerians in most of the top-tier leagues in Europe, we present our SpotKiK Nigeria Team-of-the-Week. There are few changes from the team we had last week. Fred Friday made way for Emem Eduok in the top 9 position. Moses Simon is replaced with Henry Onyekuru. Eddy Onazi’s impressive performance meant he knocked out Ndidi this week. Ndubuisi Mikel Agu however made the team again in defensive midfield position. There is little or no competition at the wings in the rear. The central defense has just one change — Omeruo making the team in lieu of Agbo.

TEAM OF THE WEEK (FEB ’17 WEEK 2)



AUSTRIA (ROUND 21)

The Austrian Bundesliga resumed in the weekend, after a long break.

Austria Vienna 1-1 Rapid Vienna
Olarenwanju Kayode, started for Austria Vienna against Rapid Vienna, but made way in the 82nd minute. However, it was teammate Lucas Rotpuller who scored in the dying minutes to force their local Vienna rivals to a logjam.

BELGIUM (ROUND 26)

Anderlecht 4-2 Waregem
Kingsley Madu was an 83rd minute sub for Waregem in their away loss to Anderlecht.

Gent 0-1 Eupen
Gent remained probably the club with the most Nigerians in their matchday squad during the weekend. However their Jay Jay Okocha play-alike, Rabiu Ibrahim was again missing when Eupen came knocking. Ironically, less established Super Eagles players, Anderson Esiti and Samuel Kalu started and lasted the entire encounter for The Buffaloes ahead of more nationally fancied Moses Simon (who was brought in on the 46th) and William Troost-Ekong (who left on the bench). Only Kalu was prominent in Gent’s game statistics, but for the wrong reasons as he was cautioned in the 44th minute. Gent fell to Eupen, thanks to Henry Onyekuru’s additional time strike, which brought Eupen’s bad run of defeats to an end. Eupen’s other Nigerians, Jamabo George, and Anthony Bassey, remained in the dugout throughout the encounter.

Mouscron 1-2 Oostende
Joseph Akpala was left out of action as opposed to his cameo performance in the last round, as he watched his teammates win on the road to Mouscron.

Kortrijk 0-2 K.V. Mechelen
Mechelen’s center forward, Ighodaro Osaguona was handed his first start out of 3 appearances so far, and lasted 71 minutes. But it was Serbian 24 year old defender, Uros Vitas, who secured the away win for Mechelen over Kortrijk, with a brace.

CROATIA (ROUND 20)

The Cary 17th weekend. Meanwhile here is the latest as regards Nigerians plying their trade there as at Round 20.

Rijeka 1-0 Istra 1961
Ex Flying Eagles trainee, and Istra Number 9, Theophilus Solomon clocked 90 minutes, but failed to score in their away loss to Goodness Ajayi’s Rijeka. Ajayi was subbed in on the 74th minute. Theophilus has 5 goals credited to him so far this season, whereas, Ajayi has none.

ENGLAND (ROUND 25)

Middlesbrough 0-0 Everton
Everton’s new acquisition, England-born Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman was handed another start and lasted 72 minutes. He was denied by Boro’s impressive goalie, Victor Valdes on the 41st minute when he fired in a shot towards the bottom left corner from a rebound, much to the disappointment of the away fans. Both sides were forced to settle for a point apiece.

Burnley 1-1 Chelsea
Super Eagles rave of the moment forward, Victor Moses was one of the top performers on matchday in the Blues’ difficult away fixture at Burnley. He provided the assist for Chelsea’s only goal, scored by Pedro. Turf Moor proved to be a tough turf for yet another visitor, as the the table toppers were lucky to escape with a point — many thanks to the impressive Thibaut Curtois (Chelsea), who could only manage to get the tip of his fingers on Robbie Brady’s splendid free-kick equalizer. Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte replaced Moses with William in the 72nd minute in an unsuccessful bid to stretch his team’s lead to 12 points clear on the table.

Arsenal 2-0 Hull City
Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League as Alexis Sanchez handed a Arsenal the win over Hull City in a tale of two handball incidents at Emirates Stadium — one which went punished, and the other controversially ignored. Alex Iwobi, however, was not involved in the controversy, but was not in his usual fine form as he uncharacteristically did not link well with his passes, and was unsurprisingly the first casualty in Arsene Wenger’s substitution decision in the 69th minute.

Sunderland 0-4 Southampton
Without the services of injured Victor Anichebe, Jermain Defoe and co suffered exactly what they handed Crystal Palace on the road in their previous fixture. After suffering a heavy loss in front of their home fans, it seems Sunderland will not be finding it easy getting out of the relegation zone at least not sooner.

Bournemouth 0-2 Manchester City
Kelechi Iheanacho remained out of Pep Guardiola’s plans as the Citizens beat Bournesmouth away on Monday evening. New Brazilian forward sensation, Gabriel Jesus, started again ahead of Sergio Aguero, but limped off the pitch for the Argentine to come in on the 15th minute. Should Gabriel stay injured, Iheanacho would likely make his way back in the team. Manchester City now move up to second place in the log, eight points behind runaway leaders, Chelsea.

Swansea 2-0 Leicester City
It seemed Wilfried Ndidi got a shoot-at-sight match order from Claudio Raeniri, as Leicester tried desperately to get back into the game after falling behind twice to the Swans in the first half. Ahmed Musa[/b ] was ignored for action, as the Foxes failed yet again to get their first point since their goalless draw away to Middlesbrough on January 2nd.

Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
Liverpool's [b]Oviemuno Ejaria is still out due to injury. But they did not miss his absence — as usual — when they toppled fellow title chasers Tottenham Hotspurs at Antfield. Sadio Mane who was the one Liverpool actually missed during the AFCON in Gabon, served Delle Alli the bitter pill of a brace, reminiscent of how the latter ended Chelsea’s unbeaten run. It was the turn of Spurs to taste defeat after a long while.

Manchester United 2-0 Watford
The Hornets came to Old Trafford with high expectations especially after recording a favorable upset in an away fixture against a big team like Arsenal penultimate round. And after a home win against Burnley in their last fixture, it seemed Watford were in the best position to at least pull an upset here. Nevertheless, the Red Devil’s intent was to prove that they were not in the league of the Gunners although it took them over a half hour to register their first. Watford’s Isaac Success was not brought into the fray until the 83rd minute. Will someone tell coach Mazarazi that Success might just prove to be the key to Watford’s success this season, if he is given more time on the pitch?

FRANCE (ROUND 24)

Lille 1-2 Angers
Lille suffered a second consecutive home loss, this time with retired Super Eagles goal keeper, Victor Enyeama, between the sticks. Anger’s Dickson Nwakaeme’s absence from matchday was not felt as the visitors made sure they remained away from the relegation zone. Lille on the other hand are just one position above the red zone in the Ligue 1 table.

GERMANY (ROUND 20)

FSV Mainz 2-0 Augsburg
Mainz rewarded their fans for keeping faith with them after their humiliating loss away to Hoffenheim in the previous round. They made sure they did not disappoint in Opel Arena (Mainz) this time, but they did so without the duo of Leon Balogun and Karim Onisiwo — both players are are still out due to medical concerns. While Balogun is an established member of the Nigerian national team, Austria-born forward, Onisiwo, has not been capped by Austria competitively. Hence, the 6 feet 2 inches tall forward is still available to don the green and white jersey by virtue of his father’s nationality.

ITALY (ROUND 24)

Sampdoria 3-1 Bologna
Bologna suffered a second consecutive defeat after losing woefully at home to Napoli in the previous round. This time, the Red and Blues could not withstand Sampdoria away, despite taking an early first half lead. Sadiq Umar benefited, as teammate Mattia Destro could not continue due to injury. Bologna’s handler, Roberto Donadoni, therefore sent Umar on the pitch as replacement, as early as 2 minutes into the extra time of the first half. However, the homers stole victory, rallying to score three times in the second half. Bologna’s other Nigerian import, Orji Okonkwo, is still out due to injury.

Torino 5-3 Pescara
Joel Obi suffered another injury setback after he had helped Torino with an assist earlier in the game. The Toros went on to claim victory in the eight-goal thriller versus visiting Pescara.

Crotone 0-2 AS Roma
Simeon ‘Simy’ Tochukwu was an unused substitute, as he fell with Crotone at home to AS Roma.

NETHERLANDS (ROUND 22)

Zwolle 2-0 Nijmegen
Uncapped Holland-born forward Kingsley Ehizibue started for Zwolle and lasted 68 minutes, as they pipped visiting Nijmegen who featured Taiwo Awoniyi right from the 42nd minute of the encounter. Awoniyi has not been able to prove that he deserves the Nijmegen’s Number 9 shirt since his loan move from Liverpool. However, he must be doing something right in training to make manager, P. Hyballa, keep faith in him.

Heracles 2-2 Roda
Abdul Ajagun’s Roda failed to hold on to their two goal advantage on the road to Heracles. Swede forward, Samuel Armenteros (Heracles) ended Roda’s hopes of stealing an away win, with a second half double. Ajagun was in action throughout the encounter. The former Flying Eagles play-maker have been an ever relying force in the Miners’ midfield so far in their current Eredivisie campaign. Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr will have some good advice for Ajagun should he fail to help Roda avoid a drop at the conclusion of the season, as Roda are currently next to bottom-placed Den Haag.

Heerenveen 1-2 AZ Alkmaar
Fred Friday was surprisingly left out of action in the bench, after his season opener — a brace in the previous weekend’s fixture. However, Alkmaar won this one on the road to Heerenveen.

G.A. Eagles 3-1 Den Haag
Tyronne Ebuehi, has been a super regular to a team which will most likely be relegated to the Erste Divisie (Netherland’s second tier) when current season is over. Den Haag has been in poor form home and away. And this weekend’s away fixture against G.A Eagles was no exception. Ebeuhi, as usual, lasted the entire encounter but failed to prevent his team from falling again.

Vitesse 0-2 Willem II
Forgotten Super Eagles forward, Bartholomew Ogbeche was unlisted by Willem II in their away win at GelreDome (Arnhem).

PORTUGAL (ROUND 21)

Tondela 0-1 Feirense
Nigeria owned Feirense, ironically did not list any of the Nigerians on their payroll — the most prominent, being Super Eagles support striker, Oghenekaro Etebo, who is still recuperating after an injury lay off. Feirense seem to have found their bearing after successive bad results, as they stole a slim-away victory at Tondela.

Vitoria Setubal 0-0 Chavas
Mikel Ndubuisi Agu started for Setubal and lasted the entire encounter and their goal-less draw to visitors, Chavas.

RUSSIA (ROUND 17)

The Russian Premier League will resume on the weekend of March 3rd. The league has been on recess since December last year. Here is an update as of December 5th, 2016

UFA 1-0 Tomsk
Kehinde Fatai returned to UFA’s lineup as a reserve player in their home game versus Tomsk. He was given the nod to play in the 64th minute. Teammate, Sylvester “Sly” Igbonu, worked a full shift, as they both helped UFA beat visiting Tomsk.

Amkar 3-0 Orenburg
Fegor Ogude was in action to help Amkar trash visiting Orenburg 3-nil. But it was Brian Idowu who put himself in the scoresheet to vindicate Nigerian national team coach, Gernot Rohr, who recently named him as one of his next prospect for the Super Eagles troubled Right-Back position. Idowu scored Amkar’s second in the 35th minute. Both Nigerians lasted the entire encounter. Nigerian decent, and Norwegian-born, Chuma Anene was introduced in the 68th minute by Amkar Perm. Anene is still eligible to play for Nigeria, as he has only featured for Norway in the underaged categories.

SPAIN (ROUND 22)

Elber 4-0 Granada
Uche Agbo suffered a heavy loss with Granada, after a respite at home to Las Palmas in the previous fixture. Granada will continue their fight to escape relegation, as they are now in the last but one position, just 3 points ahead of bottom team Osasuna in the La Liga log.

Leganes 0-2 Gijon
Elderson Echiejile began his loan spell with Sporting Gijon on the bench but on a bright note as they beat Leganes on the road.

TURKEY (ROUND 20)

The Super Lig resumed last weekend after a break the previous weekend to allow for Turkish Cup fixtures. Here is this week’s review of Nigerian exploits in the Turkish top-tier.

Osmanlispor 0-1 Trabzonspor
Aminu Umar did not come face to face with compatriot Eddy Onazi, as he was not listed by Osmanlispor. Onazi, however, imposed his presence in the visitors’ defensive midfield position throughout the encounter, playing a very important role in Trabzonspor’s away win at Osmanlı Stadyumu (Ankara).

Alanyaspor 3-0 Genclerbirligi
Keneth Omeruo returned to his familiar central defense role for Alanyaspor, as they welcomed Genclerbirligi. Omeruo was on fire from start to finish and he played his own part in guaranteeing that the visitors did not get on the scoresheet. However, Genglerbirligi still remain just ahead of Alanyaspor in the Super Lig log. The two teams are placed 13th and 14th, respectively, in the 18-team Super Lig table.

Akhisar 1-0 Rizespor
Rizespor could not let the three Nigerians they paraded away to Akhisar Genclik Spor count, as they fell to a lone goal, which they conceded as early as the 6th minute. Godfrey Oboabona started in central defense and clocked 90 minutes plus extra time. The duo of Nosa Igiebor and Bright Edomwonyi were given tactical orders from the bench prior to their introduction in the 56th and 77th minute respectively, but to no avail.

Kasimpasa 4-0 Basaksehir
Kenny Otigba and Sam Eduok put their previous round loss to Adanaspor behind them by helping Kasimpasa record a resounding victory at home to title chasers, Istanbul Basaksehir. The Istanbul outfit, which is a parent club to Musa Muhammad, suffered their worst defeat since their promotion to the Super Lig and fairy tale run so far. In fact, it was Eduok who stole the day with an assist for Adem Buyuk in the 13th minute. He went on to crown his earlier effort with a goal for himself in the 82nd, but was subbed out immediately after celebrating it. Eduok has now scored 3 goals and bagged 2 assists in the current campaign. Kenny Otigba, however, was left to cheer his teammates from the bench.

Bursaspor 1-1 Fernabahce
Fernabahce forced a draw at Bursaspor without retired Super Eagles striker [b], Emmanuel Emenike [/b]on thier matchday squad.

http://spotkik.com/2017/02/13/supereagles-radar-onyekuru-eduok-score-moses-assist-iheanacho-missing/

See the team of the week below.

joseph1013:
Super Eagles Coach Rohr Roars – I Want To Oversee Nigeria Youth & Female Teams



The dwindling fortunes of Nigeria in age group competitions and female football is giving coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr, a lot to worry about.

Rohr whose main job is to steer the Super Eagles back to the top of Africa Football has so far succeeded in turning around the fortunes of the Super Eagles, with three wins from their first three games under the German.

However, it was not only with the senior side that work needed to be done. Recent results at age-group level had also not been as successful as the past.

“This is something that I wanted to help change,” Rohr said. “I also offered to accompany the local selection, even if I was not in charge of it directly. I also said I would keep an eye out for the national women’s team. These are some of the things I said I wanted to do when I started in August last year.”

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/super-eagles-coach-rohr-roars-i-want-to-oversee-nigeria-youth-female-teams/

#Passion&Dedication#

We may have had gold in our hands already, What!!!

Fanendo Adi's goal rescues Portland Timbers


Fanen Adi of Portland Timbers (left)

Tolu Olasoji

The Nigerian came from the bench to score his club's leveler in a friendly game against Adrian Heath's men

Fanendo Adi’s goal helped Portland Timbers to a 2-2 draw against Minnesota United in a pre-season friendly at the Providence Park on Monday.


The Timbers were at the receiving end of two first half goals from Minnesota’s Kevin Venegas. Six minutes after the interval, Jack McInerney smashed into the roof of the net to reduce the deficit.


Adi, introduced in the 58th minute, had the final say on the encounter with a beauty. With few minutes left of normal time, Sebastián Blanco released Alvas Powell down the right flank, before the wing-back crossed for the lanky striker who finished with a cheeky back heel to level things up for Caleb Porter’s men.


The goal was the former Copenhagen striker's third in the preseason tournament. And they will play the final game of the tourney against Vancouver Whitecaps on February 15.



http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2017/02/13/32642052/fanendo-adis-goal-rescues-portland-timbers?ICID=AR_RS_1

NPFL players deserve Super Eagles chance, says Lawal

www.nairaland.com/attachments/4871781_timothymfmfc_jpegd92cafd21f347e25cafc15b632c0ecb6

Samuel Ahmadu

The ex-international feels the home-based professionals deserve an opportunity in the Super Eagles ahead of Senegal friendly in March


Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal believes the Nigeria Professional Football League boasts of quality players capable of challenging for a place in the country’s senior national team.


The Super Eagles will face Senegal in a friendly on March 23 and the 42-year-old has urged Gernot Rohr to offer more home-based players a chance in coming international matches.

He insists coach Rohr needs to make good use of the abundant talents in the country's domestic league.


"The Nigeria Professional Football League is fantastic. We all came from the local league - I started from the amateur league to the National league.

"In three years, we've established ourselves. From Kaduna, I was taken to Lagos where two to three seasons played with Julius Berger.


"I've watched the NPFL very well and I think there are good players here. The chairman Shehu Dikko and CEO Nduka Irabor are doing a great job with the league. It is improving a lot.''


According to him, the German tactician should discourage the over-reliance on foreign based players at the expense of the home based pros.

"Whenever he [Rohr] sees a player born in Europe, he always wants to go and bring him,'' he continued.

''I think he needs to keep monitoring him gradually before he decides to bring him.

"That's if they want to play, then if they do not want to play for Nigeria - there is nothing he can do.


"He should concentrate on getting some players from the local league and I believe he can get some talents that can fit into his style of game. I believe with that, the sky is going to be the limit.”


Nigeria will face South Africa in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on August 12 before locking horns with African champions, Cameroon in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4055/main/2017/02/14/32675872/npfl-players-deserve-super-eagles-chance-says-lawal?ICID=HP_HN_1

Yakubu debuts for Coventry

www.nairaland.com/attachments/4871833_yakubu_jpeg465004996ce1cd6171dfcd0e74b1f223

Former Nigeria international, Yakubu Aiyegbeni was denied what could have been a dream winning debut on Tuesday night as his team were forced to a late away draw by AFC Wimbledon in their League One clash.


Yakubu who just tied a short deal with the Sky Blues till the end of the season was brought in just after the hour-mark when proceedings was still 0-0.


Barely 10 minutes after Yakubu’s entry into the pitch, Coventry City shot in front through Jodi Jones and they held on for a long while.

However, AFC Wimbledon captain Paul Robinson led by example as his injury-timegoal earned his side a 1-1 draw with bottom club Coventry.

After a goalless first half Coventry looked to be heading to a first win in 15 league matches thanks to Jodi Jones' 71st-minute strike.


But in the third minute of injury time, Robinson pounced on a loose ball in the box to dash the visitors' hopes and ensure Wimbledon remain unbeaten at home in seven league games.

Yakubu who admits he is on a rescue mission of some sort will hope things get better when his new club hosts Gillingham in the next round of League fixtures.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/yakubu-debuts-for-coventry.html

Rohr still searching for new players

[img]https://4.bp..com/-Ep6sW2MaY8Y/WKP--rRrLjI/AAAAAAAADB8/yA7SwjU4AyUmxTiE28mwZ_jnoCGuJ1-4gCLcB/s1600/Gernot-Rohr.jpg[/img]

Super Eagles’ Coach, Gernot Rohr, is still scouting for fresh players to beef up his team ahead the Cameroun 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against South Africa, which comes up in June.


Sources close to the German disclosed that the coach is still not satisfied with the quality of players in the fullback positions and has therefore decided to use the friendlies against Senegal and others to look at some new stars recommended to him by his assistants and some scouts.

Nigeria will meet Senegal in an international friendly in London next month, as well as other teams in games yet to be finalized.


“Right now the full backs in the team don’t have stable club careers and the coach thinks they may not be ready psychologically for the qualifiers, which begin with the AFCON match against South Africa in June.


“So many players have been touted for inclusion in the team, but nobody knows what the coach wants to do until he announces his squad for the upcoming matches,” a source said.


Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Media Director, Ademola Olajire, told The Guardian yesterday that only the friendly against Senegal has been finalized, adding that the federation was negotiating for more tune up games for the Eagles.


Rohr recently told the NFF website that Nigeria will go into their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers with Cameroun in August and September as underdogs following the exploits of the Indomitable Lions at the Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup.

The Eagles are top of Group B on six points after winning their first two games against Zambia and Algeria.


Rohr, who was at the Gabon 2017 AFCON to monitor Nigeria’s opponents in both the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, said “there Were a lot of information for me, especially about Cameroun and Algeria.


“Cameroun have a good mentality, they never give up. They are physically strong; technically, they play good football. And also they have a very good coach because the team that started the tournament was not the one that finished it, which means there was an evolution in the team.


“I like this idea of us being the underdogs. And the players now know that it will be difficult because I spoke with some of them, everybody has now seen Cameroon and they all know that they are a big team. It will be a magnificent thing to beat the African champions.”

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/rohr-still-searching-for-new-players.html

Rohr aiming to lead Super Eagles to new heights

15 Feb 2017

Nigeria's new head coach German Gernot Rohr looks on
Many German coaches such as Otto Pfister, Rudi Gutendorf and Burkhard Ziese have led teams throughout Africa with varying degrees of success. But while the trio represent the old guard of coaches, a new generation has found their way to the continent. FIFA.com spoke exclusively to one of the new breed: Gernot Rohr.

When the 63-year-old took over Nigeria in August last year, the Super Eagles had just failed to qualify for a second CAF Africa Cup of Nations in a row. The disappointment was palpable in the football-mad west African country, having come shortly after lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2013 and competing with distinction at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

Rohr was thus given a clear directive: ensure the Super Eagles qualify for Russia 2018. Achieving that feat will mean overcoming the so-called 'Group of Death' with Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia standing in the way. The former defender, who became an iconic figure at Bordeaux during his playing days, got off to a winning start with Nigeria, beating Tanzania 1-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that had already been rendered meaningless after Egypt secured the lone qualifying berth from Group G.

More importantly though, Rohr got the Super Eagles off to a winning start in their World Cup qualifiers, recording a tough 2-1 win in Zambia. Nigeria then collected a confident 3-1 victory at home against Algeria. The six points, coupled with some surprising results in the other games, leaves Nigeria with an early four-point lead.

“Winning our first two matches was a great start, but we will not play again until the end of August and early September, when we face Cameroon,” said Rohr. “They of course are African champions and will be highly motivated to take the form from Gabon into the World Cup qualifiers.

“I do not get carried away. It is a very tough group and nothing has been decided. But I admit that, at the moment, we have a small advantage and if we win our two matches at home against Cameroon and Zambia, we will qualify.”

Blending stars and starlets
Like many of his counterparts throughout Africa, Rohr can call up a host of players plying their trade throughout Europe. But unlike most, Rohr has an array of players who appear regularly in one of the world's toughest leagues: the English Premier League. “As the team and the country had been deeply affected by failing to qualify for the finals in Gabon, I wanted to bring in some younger players into the squad. This, of course, is without closing the door on anyone.”

Rohr handed a first call-up to Isaac Success and also included youngsters like Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho. But the German did not put all his faith into talented youngsters, he included experienced campaigners like Elderson Echiejile, John Ogu and captain John Obi Mikel in his squad.

However, it was not only with the senior side that work needed to be done. Recent results at age-group level had also not been as successful as the past. “This is something that I wanted to help change,” Rohr said. “I also offered to accompany the local selection, even if I was not in charge of it directly. I also said I would keep an eye out for the national women's team. These are some of the things I said I wanted to do when I started in August last year.”

After ending his playing career with Bordeaux in 1989, Rohr moved straight into coaching at the club – first as a youth coach, before taking over the senior side. In 2010, he took his first national team position, leading Gabon into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations two years later. Since then, stints with Burkina Faso and Niger have followed.

Throughout his coaching career, Rohr has worked with a number of great players. He considers Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to be one of the best. “Under Thomas Tuchel he plays a more central role at Borussia Dortmund than he did under Jurgen Klopp. He has gained in efficiency. One feels that he does not need many opportunities to score.

“For a player who loves depth, his speed is a huge advantage. He has grown as a player and could become even better. With a little improvement to his left foot, his in-depth play and concentration, he would become even more effective. Although he is already one of the best strikers in the world and has the qualities to play at any club.

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/872164949?-21310:8643:0&_ga=1.187313832.1289331138.1262306960

Iwobi Set To Gundown Bayern Munich At Emirates

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By Augustine Akhilomen

After beating Hull City 2-0 in the Premier League at the weekend, Arsenal will shift their attention to Wednesday's Champions League round of 16 clash against eternal rivals, Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.


The encounter which will have Super Eagles forward, Alex Iwobi in the starting line up all things been equal, will be hoping to run riot in the heart of the midfield in a bid to give the Gunners a dream first leg lead.


Having featured six times and scored a goal in this season's UCL, the Nigerian international who's favoured ahead of Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain by Gunners manager, Arsene Wenger would be banking on him to cause the Bayern side lots of havoc.

Iwobi made his Champions League debut against Bayern in 2015 which the Gunners lost 5-1 in the group stage.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/iwobi-set-to-gundown-bayern-munich-at.html

Guardiola to consider Iheanacho after Jesus injury

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Manchester City Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Jesus could be out for the rest of the season, with the striker expected to spend the next three months on the sidelines due to injury.


The 19-year-old subbed out after 15 minutes in the Citizens 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Monday night and tests have now revealed that he broke his metatarsal.


Kelechi Iheanacho has been frozen out of City squad since Jesus made his debut, with manager Pep Guardiola preferring the Brazilian ahead of the Nigeria international and Sergio Aguero. It is envisaged that the Super Eagles rising star will be included in the 18-man squad for subsequent matches as the Spanish coach is expected to revert to status quo following the injury-enforced absence of Jesus.

Before Jesus made his bow for Man City, Iheanacho has made all the matchday squads for domestic competitions this season.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/guardiola-to-consider-iheanacho-after.html

BascoVanVeli:


I can't believe i'm about to say this but u are being too tough on Hybe. Yes Klopp allowed him to go but it was for £15 million and there is a clause that allows liverpool to bring him back. Also he has played more than Ojo by far.

Hehehehe!

I am not saying Hybe is not good but he needs to rediscover his talent and form.

Of course, he is older than Ojo but Ojo looks better than Hybe.