it's just the way most Nigerians are. We hardly respect ourselves

Icon4s:


It was only Okocha and Kanu that I know got the farewell they deserved. Others even Keshi were almost pushed and booed out of the team. They were tagged 'old tired legs'. Keshi as a big boss just retired jeje. Finidi and Oliseh were disgraced out. Yakubu, even with all the good times he had with our national was shamed out due to that miss against Korea Rep. U saw how Oliseh treated Enyeama, our all time best goalie. The list continues.

Icon4s:


May what befell you, Chrisantus, not befall Osimhen.

So na because dem change coach for ur club 3 times na him make u lose form?

Some coaches believe in youngsters, others don't. If there is managerial change and the next coach is not willing to give you a look-in, you are done. Youngsters can be very vulnerable to coach changes because they are not established.

Mickael2:


Yes, Chisom did not subtract a year(well maybe he subtracted just one but I doubt), a cousin of mine actually had his facebook contacts a long long time ago and she alluded to the fact that he didn't change his age, as a matter of fact the said facebook contact is still active. He is an honest lad, hopefully the change in weather won't affect him at Hacken

am not doubting his age, I just brought it up because I know of some football fans who never believe a Nigeria player can play with his real age.

I read the earlier warning from Chistantus.
But how are we sure he he said something again? it's too premature. Osihmen is just recovering from injury. owngoal likes making up stories to follow concrete stories. doesnt make it real news

tbaba1234:


This is not the first time that Christantus has complained about this..

terzurum5:
Everton Fc signed Ademola Lookman for £11m


While Onyekuru was the subject of a £1million bid from Celtic in the January transfer window.

Hmmmmmm are your thinking what am thinking

The question is who is better ?

Actually, on current form, Onyekuru is much better. But Lookman is playing in the EPL plus he's a Junior English international.
That's what makes the difference.


O pari

Joebie:
I read the earlier warning from Chistantus.
But how are we sure he he said something again? it's too premature. Osihmen is just recovering from injury. owngoal likes making up stories to follow concrete stories. doesnt make it real news

He has said it several times before about how the changing of coaches affected his opportunities so i am inclined to think, he could have said it again. Owngoal is not always false news.

Icon4s:


It was only Okocha and Kanu that I know got the farewell they deserved. Others even Keshi were almost pushed and booed out of the team. They were tagged 'old tired legs'. Keshi as a big boss just retired jeje. Finidi and Oliseh were disgraced out. Yakubu, even with all the good times he had with our national was shamed out due to that miss against Korea Rep. U saw how Oliseh treated Enyeama, our all time best goalie. The list continues.

Keshi testimonial match remained d best till today,played at d magnificent National stadium.

Olishe and Finidi had unceremonious exit coz of indiscipline,this happened at Afcon 2002 where they led a revolt against late Ishaya Maku then sport minister.This episode led to d ban of d team and a new team needed to be formed with the likes of Austin Okocha,Kanu Nwankwo,Taribo,Ike,Yobo escaped d ban.

It should be noted that it's not compulsory for all players to have a testimonial match.Yakubu not having was not due to Korean missed coz we have player like Amuneke and Ikpeba who are Africa best but till today no farewell match.

My point is Osihmen has not had playing opportunities due to injury since officially signing for Wolfsburg (which happened recently).
It's too premature for anyone to talk about managerial changes already affecting him.

tbaba1234:


He has said it several times before about how the changing of coaches affected his opportunities so i am inclined to think, he could have said it again. Owngoal is not always false news.

terzurum5:
Everton Fc signed Ademola Lookman for £11m


While Onyekuru was the subject of a £1million bid from Celtic in the January transfer window.

Hmmmmmm are your thinking what am thinking

The question is who is better ?

Forget who is better but d same Onyekuru wanted to force his way to Celtic with €1m.

Football has gone beyond who is better but now revolve around who is representing a player and d way player is packaged now determines his market value.

goldfish80:

Funny enough you have been having a go at Onazi for exactly same reasons you have used to defend Ndidi.
If Onazi's stats weren't so good, he wouldn't have won 3 back to back man of the match awards.
http://africanfootball.com/news/690045/Onazi-full-of-praise-after-third-Man-of-the-Match-Award-in-Turkey

I doubt any Nigeria player have picked up 3 straight man of the match awards this seaon. I stand to be corrected. Please give honour to whom honour is due. It takes nothing away to acknowledge something good if you see one.

80% is good, very good but when you are in a group where 85% is the average it becomes relatively bad. I am not saying that Onazi is entirely useless, I am just saying that Ndidi is better

Icon4s:


I get the point.
But that is what will turn a golden boot and silver boot winner into a complete flop?

different environment plus confidence is a factor, it doesn't mean wether he is a golden ball or silver ball, wat Mata id
s the eite atmosphere to blossom, with enuf confidence insipirw by the coach , who see something in him and see him as an integral part of his plan,

but changing coaches lik a ladies undies is not an idea for a young aspiring player from africa

Mickael2:


80% is good, very good but when you are in a group where 85% is the average it becomes relatively bad. I am not saying that Onazi is entirely useless, I am just saying that Ndidi is better

Honestly I rated Onazi very high even till this moment but watching Ndidi of recent it w be a difficult task for Rohr to decide.

Remember this is not d first time of having two good player vie for same position,Finidi and Tijani,Siasia and Amokacie,Amuneke and Ikpeba,Okocha and Oruma,Olishe and Mutiu.

It is left for Rohr to utilize d two talented midfielder but am not seeing Onazi sitting out unless Ndidi has something better to offer,good Mikel has Opted out of d friendly,let see Rohr tactical approach for Senegal match.

I still have hope that nathan oduwa will bounce back

Mickael2:


80% is good, very good but when you are in a group where 85% is the average it becomes relatively bad. I am not saying that Onazi is entirely useless, I am just saying that Ndidi is better

You have every right to have a favourite but it's really hypocritical to bash Onazi for being cut out of position (which is exaggerated) but draw positives for Ndidi's poor positioning,praising him for his mobility.
Don't be selective in judgement.
I don't get what you mean by 80% and 85%.

zicky:
Wow! hearing these for the first time, seems you know him very well. Komekn should have something to say

The problem we have in Nigeria is that it's almost impossible to officially substantiat anybody's true age.

Age cheating is inherent in our society from police, Army, to Judges to Customs to School. When I was in secondary school in Warri, I was close to being the oldest in my class officially but the youngest unofficially. Even amongst full bearded men.

So it's possible that Chisom has given his true age butt even the person who knows expresses the notion that he only took off 1 year. As If there is nothing wrong with that.

Finally Onyekuru is same age as Ademola with one looking so obviously much younger than the other.

I have had some association with some local academies in Nigeria. And the question was not how old the player was but how old did I want him to be. Now that there is money to be made in youth football the concept of age creation is starting even earlier.

Finally, has any one noticed the proliferation of non traceable and somewhat odd names amongst our young older footballers.

Kog45:
Honestly I rated Onazi very high even till this moment but watching Ndidi of recent it w be a difficult task for Rohr to decide.

Remember this is not d first time of having two good player vie for same position,Finidi and Tijani,Siasia and Amokacie,Amuneke and Ikpeba,Okocha and Oruma,Olishe and Mutiu.

It is left for Rohr to utilize d two talented midfielder but am not seeing Onazi sitting out unless Ndidi has something better to offer,good Mikel has Opted out of d friendly,let see Rohr tactical approach for Senegal match.

It depends on the game the system and your opponents. You can have both Ndidi and Onazi. However, against a very tall side that likes the ball in the air Ndidi could be preferred. On the other hand I feel Onazi is more tactically and technically astute so he would be preferred against more European opposition in the World cup. The choice rests with Rohr.

Kog45:
Forget who is better but d same Onyekuru wanted to force his way to Celtic with €1m.

Football has gone beyond who is better but now revolve around who is representing a player and d way player is packaged now determines his market value.

This is a very key issue, marketing and packaging, if Onyekuru was playing in a better club with less exploits his price would be over £10 million.

It's like trying to sell Armani jeans from Keke in Lagos dem no go price am well. Now drive your Range Rover Sport open boot sell your Armani Jeans for Lekki, Ah price go different.

Player representation this is a real life Mafia world of dealing and under handed dealing.

Icon79:


Actually, on current form, Onyekuru is much better. But Lookman is playing in the EPL plus he's a Junior English international.
That's what makes the difference.


O pari

Lookman Agents BASE are very influential they are able to cut some serious deals, all with insider involvement.

Onyekuru is better, however even if there were no work permit issues. The gate keepers will deny him entry because his presence jeopardises the deal. And many hands go chop inside that one big deal.

komekn:


The problem we have in Nigeria is that it's almost impossible to officially substantiat anybody's true age.

Age cheating is inherent in our society from police, Army, to Judges to Customs to School. When I was in secondary school in Warri, I was close to being the oldest in my class officially but the youngest unofficially. Even amongst full bearded men.

So it's possible that Chisom has given his true age butt even the person who knows expresses the notion that he only took off 1 year. As If there is nothing wrong with that.

Finally Onyekuru is same age as Ademola with one looking so obviously much younger than the other.

I have had some association with some local academies in Nigeria. And the question was not how old the player was but how old did I want him to be. Now that there is money to be made in youth football the concept of age creation is starting even earlier.

Finally, has any one noticed the proliferation of non traceable and somewhat odd names amongst our young older footballers.

I do not know how you reached the conclusion for the bolded. It is not as if you can tell someone's age from his face. They both look pretty young, anyway.

If Ekpolo or Iwobi grew up in Nigeria, everyone will be doubting his age because of their Size and face.

Yes, there are age cheats but in the last few years, we have had genuinely young players. Many of our last set of under 17 were still in secondary school or just finished before the tournament. Amuneke's first choice keeper was in SS2. Yet, people will still claim that they are overaged.

Onyekuru getting a lot of attention.

whizola:
I see u are one of those Nigeria dat underate any thing local breed because of their obsession of foreign lads. Do u mean lookman has more potential than henry?

I was only telling you what the Europeans feel.

Was I the one who placed the price tags on Lookman and Onyekuru?

Chrismario:


Bro u know it's all about future potential,,,,
Larger percentage of Nigeria and African youngsters in past 10 yearz had not lived up to expectations so Foreign clubs are trading wit care,,,,

This is exactly the point that peeps here have refused to accept.

Lookman is English
Onyekuru is Nigerian.

Icon79:


Actually, on current form, Onyekuru is much better. But Lookman is playing in the EPL plus he's a Junior English international.
That's what makes the difference.


O pari

Another correct post.

One of the reasons Gabriel Jesus was rated higher than Iheanacho even before Jesus kicked a ball in the EPL:
Jesus is a Brazilian while Iheanacho is a Nigerian.

tbaba1234:


I do not know how you reached the conclusion for the bolded. It is not as if you can tell someone's age from his face. They both look pretty young, anyway.

If Ekpolo or Iwobi grew up in Nigeria, everyone will be doubting his age because of their Size and face.

Yes, there are age cheats but in the last few years, we have had genuinely young players. Many of our last set of under 17 were still in secondary school or just finished before the tournament. Amuneke's first choice keeper was in SS2. Yet, people will still claim that they are overaged.

You made an assumption with the bolded that is accusatory towards me. I purposely did not say who I felt was younger. I left that to anyone to make up there mind. I do have an opinion but I did not state it so you err in that regard by your presumption.

We talk about Change in Nigeria from our leaders, when we as a people are not prepared to change. Corruption pervades every facet if life including our so called religious institutions. Age cheating is just one of the very minuscule aspects of corruption.

Unfortunately because our birth data systems are not systemically recorded and substantiated it is almost impossible to verify age in Nigeria. This is a simple fact, you then have to rely on people's integrity. Integrity is not part of the menu on our everyday meals.

There have been huge steps taken to address the problem but it doesn't mean it's gone away. Just like saying cause we have Buhari or the EFCC corruption has died.

tbaba1234:
Onyekuru getting a lot of attention.

if he was from france or england you would have had THE MOST SORT AFTER TEEN IN THE WORLD and price tag would have been around 40£ to 70£ thats why they are bence because they did not spent big on him

Meanwhile, Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho could be in line for a recall for the game against Huddersfield. The 20-year-old hasn't featured for Guardiola's side since Jan. 15 following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus.

The City boss admits it has been tough for Iheanacho but has praised his attitude in training.

"Kelechi now isn't playing for the last games. It's a pity for him because he's another guy -- all the African guys I train in my life always they are amazing how they are like professionals in the training sessions," Guardiola said.

"But I like normally one striker, not two. Of course, when Sergio [Aguero] was injured, players play the game. But then Gabriel came and Sergio didn't play, so the space is what it is. But it is going to happen this situation with Gabriel so Sergio can't play all the games and, of course, he [Iheanacho] is going to help us.

"I know his quality. I know, of course, he's young and has a lot of things to improve -- especially in winning duels and be strong in some positions.

"But he's a guy who, in the boxes, is really good. He likes to come a little bit out of the box to play, but arriving at the right tempo and attacking the first post is amazing. So, as a guy, he doesn't need many, many chances to score a goal."

Jonathan is ESPN FC's Manchester City correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @jonnysmiffy.

INTERVIEW: Only few players in our generation spend foolishly, says Onazi

Ogenyi Onazi has enjoyed a steady career since his teenage days as a silver medal-winning member of the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

After winning the African Cup of Nations in 2013 and partaking in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Onazi says he would have joined Liverpool but for an injury sustained at the tournament.

The midfielder has since grown to become an integral part of the Super Eagles and will be relied upon to help Nigeria qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Onazi believes that the Eagles, under the tutelage of Gernot Rohr, now have the “zeal” to excel and are “ready for all tournaments”

In an interview with TheCable on the Football Africa Arena (FAA) platform, the Trabzonspor FC of Turkey star talked about his career thus far, Gernot Rohr and the future of the Super Eagles.

How did it feel to miss two AFCON competitions back to back?

As at that time, we had lots of issues on ground that I don’t want to even remember but I am happy everything is clear now, we are focused.

How serious was your injury against France at the 2014 World Cup?

It was very serious. I was scared. It actually denied me the opportunity of going to the English league when Liverpool came for me.

What are the challenges stopping African teams from winning the FIFA World Cup?

Well, as we all know Africa always go to the World Cup with a lot of distractions which I can’t mention now. If the federations can solve all issues to let the players concentrate, I think we can make it.

Relationship with local and foreign coaches

For club and country, I have met lots of coaches and I have never had any problems with any, only one of the coaches I would say maybe he was having issues with me for no reason but I really enjoy and appreciate all of them.

On players wasting earnings and going broke after retirement

It is very few players in our generation that are spending foolishly, the others have learnt from others so I have no doubt they will invest well.

What’s your favourite position?

For me any position in the midfield I can play comfortably well but defensive is my favourite.

Will you join the China adventure?

I don’t think so because I have my football plans in Europe. Hopefully, much later.

Should Rohr invite players playing in China to Super Eagles?

For me, Chinese League is growing really fast and strong. A player who plays in China, I will invite him as far as he is having playing time and doing well the only problem is when he is invited and can’t meet up, then they can find other options.

Can Gernot Rohr qualify Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup?

Yes, since he has taken the job and he has shown he knows what he is doing and we are ready to support him to any length.

What principles does he instill in Super Eagles players?

He, first of all, makes us understand that we will not live by the past. That we need to forget about what we have achieved and what we have not. Now, we have to create another history and change the mindset of Nigerians. I have learned a lot from him tactically that is why I know he will take us places.

What’s your best ever game in a Super Eagles jersey?

Well, so many games I have played from day one are great games but since you asked for one I would say the game against Ivory Coast because I played against the best in the middle with Yaya Touré and the rest.

Low moments playing for Super Eagles

We have a lot of them; losing some very important games, not being able to qualify for some major tournaments.

How can one succeed in football?

It takes discipline, dedication, hard work and most especially, prayers.

Follow us on twitter @thecableng

Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners and Blues Chase Henry Onyekuru, Top Rumours

Rob Blanchette

Featured Columnist

‎February‎ ‎28‎, ‎2017

Arsenal and Chelsea will battle for Nigerian teenager Henry Onyekuru, with Belgian side KAS Eupen prepared to let the attacker leave for £6 million.

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reported a number of clubs across Europe will contest for the youngster with the London giants, including Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and Lille OSC.

Celtic offered £1 million for Onyekuru in January, per Jones, but it appears he could now move for an inflated fee to either the Gunners or the Blues. The Nigerian has been in dispute with his team after they failed to agree a deal with the Scottish champions.

According to Belgian newspaper L'Avenir (h/t the Daily Record), the 19-year-old confirmed he wants an exit from his side when the time is right for him.




Onyekuru said: "Hmm, I cannot yet answer now. I still have to talk to my representatives and we will make a decision this summer. Sure, I’m going to leave this summer. I have an agreement with the Eupen club."


I bet he is happy he didn't go to celtic. His club was right he needed a new agent.

komekn:


You made an assumption with the bolded that is accusatory towards me. I purposely did not say who I felt was younger. I left that to anyone to make up there mind. I do have an opinion but I did not state it so you err in that regard by your presumption.

We talk about Change in Nigeria from our leaders, when we as a people are not prepared to change. Corruption pervades every facet if life including our so called religious institutions. Age cheating is just one of the very minuscule aspects of corruption.

Unfortunately because our birth data systems are not systemically recorded and substantiated it is almost impossible to verify age in Nigeria. This is a simple fact, you then have to rely on people's integrity. Integrity is not part of the menu on our everyday meals.

There have been huge steps taken to address the problem but it doesn't mean it's gone away. Just like saying cause we have Buhari or the EFCC corruption has died.

Komekn, where in the world is Integrity is a part of the menu on their everyday meals?

BascoVanVeli:

Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners and Blues Chase Henry Onyekuru, Top Rumours

Rob Blanchette

Featured Columnist

‎February‎ ‎28‎, ‎2017

Arsenal and Chelsea will battle for Nigerian teenager Henry Onyekuru, with Belgian side KAS Eupen prepared to let the attacker leave for £6 million.

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reported a number of clubs across Europe will contest for the youngster with the London giants, including Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and Lille OSC.

Celtic offered £1 million for Onyekuru in January, per Jones, but it appears he could now move for an inflated fee to either the Gunners or the Blues. The Nigerian has been in dispute with his team after they failed to agree a deal with the Scottish champions.

According to Belgian newspaper L'Avenir (h/t the Daily Record), the 19-year-old confirmed he wants an exit from his side when the time is right for him.




Onyekuru said: "Hmm, I cannot yet answer now. I still have to talk to my representatives and we will make a decision this summer. Sure, I’m going to leave this summer. I have an agreement with the Eupen club."


I bet he is happy he didn't go to celtic. His club was right he needed a new agent.

Chelsea is a no go area

goldfish80:

You have every right to have a favourite but it's really hypocritical to bash Onazi for being cut out of position (which is exaggerated) but draw positives for Ndidi's poor positioning,praising him for his mobility.
Don't be selective in judgement.
I don't get what you mean by 80% and 85%.

I pointed out clearly my point. Ok let me ask, how many times has Ndidi's positional indiscipline led to a goal against his team? The answer is zero. That's because he understands how to work with his DMF partner but Onazi's positional indiscipline is exposed time and time again! This simply points out one fact, Ndidi's 'perceived' positional indiscipline is as a matter of fact the strategy of the coach which is actually a good thing but Onazi's own is bad, hope you get the push?

Meanwhile I mean Onazi might be getting 85% as a DMF but the average of Mikel Agu and Ndidi is actually more than that, it doesn't make Onazi bad, it means they are better