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Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup (12261390 Views)
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 5:02pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Everton Rave Of The Moment Ademola Lookman Talks Up Proud Nigerian Root & Culture image Ademola Lookman has spoken out about his Nigerian root as the battle to win his international future intensify between Nigeria and England. Lookman spoke about his Nigerian roots in an interview with international magazine FourFourTwo, while discussing his rise from non league football to the Premier League. Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, the 19-year-old reveals his dream to play at the highest level was tough, but was determined to achieve his goal following the death of a team-mate when he was playing non-league football at Waterloo FC. The teenage forward joined Everton in a deal worth in excess of £10m in January from League One side Charlton Athletic after being spotted playing in amateur leagues in South London. But Lookman says his career could have easily gone in a different direction. “My parents are from Nigeria and in our culture they want you to be an accountant or a lawyer,” Lookman said. “I told them I was going to be an accountant but I was lying. “I only ever wanted to be a footballer http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/874765052?-21310:8643:0 |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 5:05pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Nigerians To Wait Up Until 11PM To Monitor Nigeria Vs Senegal Friendly ![]() Nigerians will have to stay awake until 2300 hours to monitor the Super Eagles two friendly matches with Senegal and Burkina Faso in March. The Nigeria Football Federation, Eurodata Sport the NFF’s Official FIFA Match Agent and Barnet FC have confirmed that both games against the West African opponents will start 2000 hours local time which is 2100 hours in Nigeria. Tickets for the games will cost £10 (equivalent of N5,300) for adults and £5 (2,650) for juniors. The Super Eagles take on Senegal at the Hive Stadium on March 23 before wrapping up their schedule against Burkina Faso four days later. Nigeria coach Rohr has named seven English-based players among a 25-man roster for the friendly matches. Ifeanyi Emmanuel www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22246 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 5:16pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
FC Porto Congratulates Awaziem On Super Eagles Invitation, Buy-Out Clause Revisited ![]() Super Eagles invitee Chidozie Awaziem has received congratulatory message from his Portuguese team FC Porto following his invitation to the senior Nigeria national team. Awaziem was named in the squad released by coach Gernot Rohr for the upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in London later this month. Although it is not the first time he is being invited to the senior national team of Nigeria, Porto however congratulated him with a message to the defender to this time around make sure he makes his debut. The 20 year old central defender who is also comfortable as a defensive midfielder made 12 appearances for the first team of FC Porto last season, 18 months after his transfer from El-Kanemi Juniors of Jos. This season he is yet to play for the main team but he has been ever present for the B team who are playing in the second division in Portugal, with over 25 league appearances to his name this season. Contracted to FC Porto till the summer of 2021, his buyout clause is pegged at €30m by the Portuguese side. A sign of how high he is rated by the upper ends of the club. owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/03/fc-porto-congratulates-awaziem-on-super-eagles-invitation-buy-out-clause-revisited/ 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 5:18pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Revealed – Why Rohr Snubbed China Based Super Eagles Including Captain Mikel ![]() Facts has emerged as to why coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr snubbed players based in China for the upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso. The three Nigerian players who recently moved to China lead by captain John Obi Mikel, and the duo of Brown Ideye and Odion Ighalo were originally in the list of players called up for the friendly game. However Mikel set the ball rolling for the other players by requesting to be left out of the game as reported by Owngoalnigeria.com last week. A request which was granted by coach Gernot Rohr. His excuse was also the same reason why Ighalo was left out, as he also told the manager that he will need time to settle at his Chineses side Changchun Yatai following his move from Watford. Ideye’s exclusion was also for the same reason as his move was completed few days ago, hence the need for him to settle down properly in his new environment before leaving for national assignment. However their future with the national team is still under doubt as Rohr is reportedly looking for options in their positions from players based in Europe. owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/03/revealed-why-rohr-snubbed-china-based-super-eagles-including-captain-mikel/ |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 5:19pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Ex Nigeria International Goalkepper Questions Rohr’s Selection of Goalkeppers For Friendly Tie ![]() Former Nigeria international goalkepper Emmanuel Babayaro has taken a swipe at Gernot Rohr over his choice of goalkeppers for the upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso. Rohr selected three goalkeppers in Carl Ikeme, Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa but Babayaro questions the rationale behind their selection. ” I understand Carl Ikeme is the undisputed first choice of the team for now. He truly deserve it, no doubt about that as he is a cultured goalkepper with tremendous abilities”, Babayaro told Owngoalnigeria.com. ” However I have a problem with his choice of back ups. Akpeyi is same age as Ikeme, they are both 30 years old, let us even excuse that, but Ezenwa who is third choice is 28. ” You can’t have three goalkeppers who are almost of same age bracket as first, second and third choice, It’s so normal to have a much younger shot stopper as third choice. Am disappointed Rohr didn’t think about the future in his selection”. owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/03/ex-nigeria-international-goalkepper-questions-rohrs-selection-of-goalkeppers-for-friendly-tie/ 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 5:23pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Everton Rave Of The Moment Ademola Lookman Talks Up Proud Nigerian Root & Culture ![]() Ademola Lookman has spoken out about his Nigerian root as the battle to win his international future intensify between Nigeria and England. Lookman spoke about his Nigerian roots in an interview with international magazine FourFourTwo, while discussing his rise from non league football to the Premier League. Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, the 19-year-old reveals his dream to play at the highest level was tough, but was determined to achieve his goal following the death of a team-mate when he was playing non-league football at Waterloo FC. The teenage forward joined Everton in a deal worth in excess of £10m in January from League One side Charlton Athletic after being spotted playing in amateur leagues in South London. But Lookman says his career could have easily gone in a different direction. “My parents are from Nigeria and in our culture they want you to be an accountant or a lawyer,” Lookman said. “I told them I was going to be an accountant but I was lying. “I only ever wanted to be a footballer.” owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/03/everton-rave-of-the-moment-ademola-lookman-talks-up-proud-nigerian-root-culture/ |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 5:24pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Exclusive – Roma Blocked Rising Star Nura Abdullahi From Super Eagles Friendly Games Against Senegal & Burkina Faso ![]() Nura Abdullahi missed out on a chance to play for Nigeria in their upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso on the insistence of his Italian side AS Roma. Owngoalnigeria.com gathered that Roma stopped him from honouring the call to represent Nigeria as they believe his recuperation process is not yet complete. The highly rated full back only recently returned to action after a four months injury lay off. The second time his career has been halted by issues regarding his health. Nura was initially treated for a minor heart defect which required surgery and kept him out of action for six months before damaging his cruciate on his return after the surgery. Although he is yet to represent Roma at first team level, he is widely regarded as one of the best prospect in the Primavera side of the Rome based outfit. His return to the pitch was talked about by coach Luciano Spalleti of the first team in one of his pre match conference, a sign of how high he rates the 19 year old who was once upon a time on the radar of Barcelona. owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/03/exclusive-roma-blocked-rising-star-nura-abdullahi-from-super-eagles-friendly-games-against-senegal-burkina-faso/ 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon79(m): 5:36pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Great news! That means the game would come up in the early evening here in the US; so I will be home to watch it LIVE ![]() O pari terzurum5: 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheGoodJoe(m): 6:04pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
joseph1013: CR7 and Messi would have been among the top players but would never have dominated as they did in this era. They would have played more on the wings with two strikers in front of them. That was the challenge the likes of Figo, Overmars, Amunike, Finidi, Ronald de Boer faced. Despite their exceptional talents, CR7 and Messi will not rake the kind of goals they did to win the Ballon D'Or repeatedly. As for comparing Ronaldo de Lima with Zlatan, no way are they even close. Ronaldo de Lima was just too complete. From his speed, to his power. His skills are comparable to some of the best in the history of the game. Zlatan is one of the football greats, his consistency is commendable but talent wise, he is no way close to Ronaldo de Lima. 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheGoodJoe(m): 6:28pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
forgiveness: Rohr already trained Awaziem and he seemed impressed with the young man. Unfortunately, Rohr was not ready to risk him in top games. After seeing Awaziem close and judging him as quality, I see giving Awaziem a chance during a friendly game, even as a sub is ideal. As for Success, the technical crew always stated they had interest in him. He was someone on Rohr's watch list. I also see this as a good opportunity for Rohr to have a close look at him. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by tglobal(m): 6:43pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
TheGoodJoe: My thoughts exactly. Let's remember that you could be a top goalscorer only if you were an all out centre forward. Messi and Ronaldo would have been confined to the wings in that age with two more centrally positioned forwards scoring the goals. The current systems give them an opportunity to outscore the lone forwards and the reduced emphasis on the creative number 10 in favour athleticism in the modern game makes comparison with Zidane and co difficult 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 7:06pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
terzurum5: Look at England's squad in the last European U21 and tell me they didn't go to win. England is just poor in international competition when anything is on the line. 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 7:47pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
forgiveness: Our league players have done more than well. This season started with a bang all thanks to the players raising the level. Esiti and Henry is the only eyebrown raisers and if u look we have 4 or 5 players in those positions. Lets give the coach the benefit of the doubt on this one afterall everybody cannot be pleased all the time. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by komekn(m): 8:11pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
I pray that Rohr is not unduly influenced by our local coaches in looking at local league players who will more than likely bring in the usual under hand dealing. I will say it again and again that the pool of available potential talent is far greater in the UK than any other place in the world apart from Nigeria. Someone has suggested that I am only interested in English Nigerian players and therefore biased. No, I am not, I have a experiential familiarity about English football so I talk about what I know. I am also not totally ignorant about German and Dutch football. So my expectations were for Rohr to have done some digging picking and courting players who are excellent but not seen or widely acknowledged as being any good in England not just German and Dutch players. I had the same expectations for the local league in Nigeria. Vardy at Leicester and Antonio at West ham are not the only non league players to be discovered and playing in the EPL. Ngolo Nkante is acknowledged widely as World class and the one setting the pace and redefining the DM role. Three years ago he was effectively playing in the French 3rd division. See http://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/news/forget-zlatan-sanchez-and-diego-costa-kante-is-the-best-player-in-the-premier-league/ar-AAnKeGV?ocid=spartandhp I would like to see exceptional players from the local Nigerian league. Players don't just become good because they are now playing in Europe. 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by komekn(m): 8:21pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
terzurum5: Portuguese football is so neck deep in buy out clauses particularly the top 5 teams in Portuguese football. They also love the TPI, thankfully it was outlawed in 2015. As soon as your signed immediate huge buy out clauses, the very thing almost ended Rabui Ibrahim career. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 8:33pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
terzurum5: We can get this kid i am sure of it. His story is the softcore version of Iheanacho and Awoniyi who were chased with canes to go and read. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Humility017(m): 8:36pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
forgiveness:I know you don't joke with this kind of news. of a truth the young lad stand a better chance of enjoying his international football if he plays for Nigeria 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Humility017(m): 8:39pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
komekn:Sir...the painful truth is even the local players will not be selected on merit... every one of them will like chip in their boys as a marketing channel to obscure leagues in Europe... mtcheww. 3 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Humility017(m): 8:44pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
BascoVanVeli: should England win an under 20 world cup...their media will not allow the world to rest...the world cup they won in the 60s they are still blowing it up till now.... abeg their matter na wan kind 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by komekn(m): 9:02pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Humility017: Lol ha ha ha very correct |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by komekn(m): 9:41pm On Mar 03, 2017 |
Humility017: We have a problem of corruption, favoritism, bribery, etc, etc in our entire country. It's not unique too football so why should football be any different. Can someone tell me why in all our discussions Sunday Mba has not been mentioned. Barely a few years ago he was the man that lighted up AFCON 2013 his refusal to bow to various enforced arrangements by our officials nearly ended his career. An example of a player from Local league to almost immediate international recognition. Unknown to him I knew at least two EPL clubs at the time who were very interested in him. But we're frustrated by various persons in Nigeria. Just like Mba I believe there are still several top quality local players who should be in the initial group selection. I don't know any names. However, I am sure the very informed contributors here can surely name some with thier unique attributes. 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheGoodJoe(m): 4:18am On Mar 04, 2017 |
komekn: Give the coaching crew time before the negativity. Even the English coaching crew were myopic to the quality of Iwobi. Will you call that bribery and corruption? 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 9:25am On Mar 04, 2017 |
TheGoodJoe: Football is tougher now, when u look at the amount of effort it takes to be on CR7's level Maradona did not work as hard. Defenders are faster, stronger and are given more information prior to matches. It is much harder to perform now. With drug testing the game is cleaner now also. 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 11:39am On Mar 04, 2017 |
Humility017: Hehehehe! ![]() |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 11:41am On Mar 04, 2017 |
Humility017: That is why I am not happy seeing Ikechuckwu getting invitation ahead players doing well. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 11:47am On Mar 04, 2017 |
March Friendlies Pre-Analysis: Rohr’s New Pick in Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee KicKed by Bryan Efe Contrary to reports in various Nigerian football websites, the only player that received a debut invitation among the 25 players picked by Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr to prosecute Nigeria’s international friendlies this month, is Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee. The likes of Victor Osimhen, Tyrone Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem and Isaac Success have all been earlier invited by the Franco-German tactician, but were not capped eventually. Hence, we will start our March Friendlies analysis by focusing on the statistics of the Germany-born player, and consider why he is expected to add some bite and provide options in the Super Eagles attack formation. Noah qualifies to represent Nigeria by virtue of his father’s nationality. He was long rumored to have been courted by Gernot Rohr to switch his allegiance to his fatherland, and this first invitation confirms the story. The 20 year-old forward who is mainly a right winger, can also be deployed as a support striker or left winger. Noah currently plies his trade for Bundesliga II side, Hannover 96. One may be tempted to ask, why did Rohr invite a player who only plays for a second tier side, when we have other options in Olarenwaju Kayode, Henry Onyekuru, to mention a few, who play in the top flight and have been in top form? My answer comes in two reasons: One, we need to cap him early ahead of Germany, because his statistics show a lot of promise. Two, Noah posted promising stats with Hannover 96 before they were relegated in the Bundesliga 2015/2016 season . Here are the statistics: Bazee’s Stats Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee was only promoted from Hannover 96 U19 to the senior team at the later part of last season. He clocked a total of 383 minutes in his debut Bundesliga season, starting 5 times and providing 3 assists, the first coming against Borusia Monchengladbach in the 2-0 home win. Noah also provided the lone assist for Hannover’s consolation goal in their home loss to Shalke 04. He likewise provided the only assist for Hannover in their one-nil victory over TSG Hoffenheim, clocking 90 minutes on the pitch. Those were no mean feats for a promising 20 year old who had scored 16 times and provided 7 assists for the Hannover junior team. Both Onyekuru and Kayode are still yet to compete at that high level considering the relatively higher standard of the Bundesliga. So far this season, since their relegation to the German second division, the right footed forward has been out due to injury for about half of the total number of rounds. After returning from injury, he has featured 11 times, starting 7 times from that total number of appearances. He has scored once and contributed a whopping 7 assists. Most definitely, given more time on the pitch, the almost 6-foot tall player’s statistics signify he has the potential of doing more damages against opposing sides. What will he bring to the national team? A lot of support to the main striker (who is still yet to be determined). Should Rohr deploy Kelechi Iheanacho as the main striker, Iheanacho will likely form a good partnership with the Hannover 96 forward — of course depending on the formation the coach employs. Who is/are his competition? Ahmed Musa’s place in the team may come under threat should Bazee impress, since Leicester man have been deployed more as a right attacker by Rohr. Victor Moses is yet another player who have appeared for Nigeria in that position in the past, however, he seems to be the most indispensable player in the Super Eagles at the moment, going by his versatility and current form with EPL leaders, Chelsea. Kelechi Iheanacho also have been seen in the Super Eagles operating from that wing, but have been largely used as the main striker at club level. Conclusion Should Bazee fail to dislodge any of the familiar names in the national team, his invitation will definitely lay a good foundation for the player to be capped by Nigeria internationally in the nearest future — and that will indeed be our gain, in the expense of Germany, should he ever hit world class form. http://spotkik.com/2017/03/01/the-analysis-rohrs-new-pick-noah-joel-bazee/ |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by maidaboi(m): 11:59am On Mar 04, 2017 |
forgiveness:sorry to ask,can he dribble and do he has some skills? |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 12:04pm On Mar 04, 2017 |
maidaboi: I only saw him on YouTube. So, I don't know. Sorry. ![]() |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by maidaboi(m): 12:06pm On Mar 04, 2017 |
Icon79:he has not turn down nigeria he is even talking about nigeria root*respect* |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by maidaboi(m): 12:11pm On Mar 04, 2017 |
forgiveness:thanks he don't have many videos,the one's i watch on youtube were his team highlights*respect* |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 12:18pm On Mar 04, 2017 |
FA tell young African footballers 'play for us' after losing out on Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Zaha The FA have hatched a plan to pluck the best African players in academy football England have lost players in the past including Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses Wilfried Zaha earned two England caps but chose to play for Ivory Coast By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail The Football Association have hatched a plan to pluck the best African players in academy football to play for England. England’s top academies are awash with talented players of African origin and FA chiefs want to give themselves the best chance of ensuring those players pursue a career with England. Players are not fully committed to a nation until they have played a competitive fixture for their country, but the FA will provide kids as young as 13 with a clear international pathway in a bid to prevent them from pursuing a career elsewhere. Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi, who moved to England from Nigeria at the age of four, is an example of the scenario the FA want to avoid. There is a belief within the England set-up that Iwobi, despite being only 20, would be in the senior squad now. However, despite playing for England at junior level, Iwobi pledged his international future to Nigeria, and already has 8 caps to his name. Similarly, Chelsea’s Nigerian-born wing back Victor Moses also turned his back on England to play for Nigeria while Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha opted for a career with Ivory Coast despite winning two senior England caps. The FA are also fearful of losing Everton youngster Ademola Lookman, who was born in Wandsworth and has played for England at junior level, to Nigeria. The FA are keen to ensure they stop losing African youngsters they believe have what it takes to make the grade at senior international level. The move has been welcomed by Premier League clubs as it ensures they will not lose players to the Africa Cup of Nations. It is not just players of African origin that the FA have tried to persuade. West Ham Portuguese youngster Domingos Quina is on the FA’s radar but they have missed out on Dutch youngsters Tahith Chong, who plays for Manchester United, and Juan Castillo, who is at Chelsea. The pair were also targeted but have committed their international futures to Holland. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4272884/FA-aim-African-players-losing-Iwobi-Zaha.html#ixzz4aIPeoILx Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 12:26pm On Mar 04, 2017 |
Leicester dynamo Wilfred Ndidi has potential to surpass N'Golo Kante It may have startled people to be told Wilfred Ndidi was better than N'Golo Kante when the former moved to Leicester in January, but such a lofty statement doesn't look so outlandish now. There were many who took exception to such a claim. And considering just how pivotal the Frenchman was to the Foxes' title win last term, and his continued consistency for Chelsea this season, you can understand their position regarding such an elevated opinion on an unknown quantity. And to be honest, that's fine. But it can't be hard to imagine that posse Ndidi doubters are starting to change their view. Not after the Nigeria international's showings this season, and certainly not after Monday night's barnstormer in Leicester's 3-1 thrashing of Liverpool. Ndidi may be some way behind Kante in terms of development and maturity, but he has the talent, the temperament and the willingness to learn and improve. His repertoire was once more on display on Monday night. He won 11 of his 14 tackles, a feat exceeding the entire Liverpool defence combined and bettered only by Kante, the man he replaced and with whom he has been compared. Kante won three more against the same opposition earlier in the season. Ndidi also made five out of five clearances from his penalty area, added another three out of three headed clearances and won three of six aerial duels in a robust, full-bodied performance. For all of that, he was only penalised for one foul. One. What the numbers do not say, however, is the devastating effect his midfield command played in disrupting Liverpool's game to facilitate Leicester's. While it may have been considered a stretch to rate the youngster so highly so early especially with little exposure to top level football, it was most certainly not a claim borne of flippancy. All of the critical markers were already in place. Ndidi only turned 20 last December, but his understanding, interpretation and execution of his role in midfield is one that puts him a position to be among the best in the world within a few years. It would not be a stretch to say that his development is more advanced than Kante was at the same age. At 19, the Frenchman was in the reserves at Boulougne in the French second tier and would not make his senior debut until two years later, dropping down to the third division a season after. He did not get to the top flight until he was 23. By contrast, Ndidi moved straight from a semi-pro team in Nigeria to Genk at 18, and has taken just under a year to step up to one of the biggest and most competitive leagues in the world, where he is now thriving almost effortlessly. He led the Europa League in interceptions while in Belgium, and has now brought the same cultured bulldog style to England. That style is fashioned by his versatility. Starting out as a striker, Ndidi has filled in competently in attacking midfield, full-back and centre-back positions at different times at both club and international level. Here's the scary part: Ndidi is still evolving as a player. For all of his natural abilities, the one thing that points to an outstanding future is his continued humility and willingness to put in an honest training ground shift and improve on a day-by-day basis. It is a trajectory that leads in only one direction: up. The more Leicester continue to improve, the more Ndidi will flourish. It may be early days but should come as no surprise if the suits at the King Power begin to look over their shoulders at potential suitors for Ndidi, or start looking to upgrade the size of their piggy bank to offer him a new deal. Either way, it's a win-win for them, and for Gernot Rohr and his Nigeria Super Eagles. One thing is for certain: Leicester have definitely found the man to fill the Kante-sized hole in their midfield. Colin Udoh is a Nigeria football correspondent for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @ColinUdoh. 2 Likes |
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