tbaba1234:
Whoscored.com on Ndidi

TheGoodJoe:


There is always room at the top. We must continue an aggressive search for better players in every role and not replacements or second fiddle.

TheSuperNerd:
Looooollll.... and if Oga Forgiveness come reject am nko....?

Na em be say ... at all at all.... hope no dey for the guy sef.... looollllllll....

TheGoodJoe:



Fiacking Fiack. Yara Yara, this is frightening.

Joebie:
Be like say na manage manage SE you go like make Rohr build oh. Though it may be too early, I'm already thinking Brazil. Not playing Brazil but i'm talking about standard wise. I'm sorry Echiejile is not good enough. We are not looking for a back up, but a better option. This is also applicable to the RB and Central Defense.

That reminds me. Rohr said he has a good feeling, he wants to raise a team than can beat any team in the world.

TheSuperNerd:
Exclusive – Swedish-Nigerian Defender Kyle Konwea Opt For Nigeria Ahead Of Sweden






The defensive options available to coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has been boosted following Kyle Konwea decision to opt for Nigeria ahead of Sweden.


Comfortable as a central defender, the over six feet tall defender who moved to Swedish side Brommapojkarna in January,has also played as a right back or as a defensive midfielder.

Konwea told Owngoalnigeria.com in an exclusive chat that he is eager to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria instead of Sweden, due to his love for the land of his father.

Born to a Nigerian father and a Swedish mother, the 28 year old confirmed he has been contacted by Nigeria in the past, but no contact has been made since Rohr took over as coach.



See full interview below.


OGN : Kyle we will be glad to know if you are interested in
playing for Nigeria, and if you think you have what it takes to improve the team.


Kyle : It would really be a blessing to play for the Super Eagles. It has always been a dream for me even though my mum is Swedish and I’m born and raised here. I do know that the competition is hard but i do believe in myself and my qualities, which i would say is strenght and energy, and to represent your country where you have your roots would make you reach the highest of your standard.


OGN: We will also be happy to know if you have had any contact with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)?


Kyle: No i havent but when I was at BK Häcken in Sweden, I got some calls from representatives from Nigeria and they wanted me to go down there but at that time i didnt take things seriously. Now Im older, more matured and take things more seriously , and if i would get the chance to go down there i would take it without any question.


OGN : What is your favourite position on the pitch and what are your main attributes as a defender.

Kyle: My best position is in central defence, but during the years I have played all over the field but I’m primarily a central defender even though i manage to play other positions as well. I’m a tall guy 195cm, but I’m fast and strong and got a decent foot. So my strength i would say is power and strength.


*Osas Mahawi


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/04/exclusive-swedish-nigerian-defender-kyle-konwea-opt-for-nigeria-ahead-of-sweden/

Danycrusoe:
I saw someone asking about the whereabouts of some players from the 2013 u17 and u20 teams some pages back, I have to say that the narrow and shallow coverage that our leagues get (NPFL n NNl) is the reason y we don't know that this guys are still playing active football.

For example, CHIGOZIE OBASI is currently playing in the first team of Osun united in the NNL, although I may not know about Lazarus, the last I can recall of him is that he was being courted by a North African team.

However, there are many other former U20 and U17 players in the NPFl n even NNL just that the lack of coverage won't expose them.

KING OSANGA from 2005 u20 still plays for FC Ifeanyi Ubah, DELE AJIBOYE has been with some NPFl teams in the past and is currently playing for plateau united, AMBROSE VANZEKIN was with Warri Wolves I think before their relegation.

Many of them are scattered across teams in the league just like that.

not all players from other countries' underage teams plays abroad, many of them are absorbed by their local leagues and due to the good coverage their leagues get we still hear about them.

The Nigerian mass media and broadcasters especially the sports writers need to have a better level of nationalism as far as our local leagues are concerned.

Now the federation cup in the 36 states draws av been made yet I m sure only like 5% of football lovers n followers know about it because our radio n tv stations dont see a need for it until the federation cup proper starts.

TheSuperNerd:
Sir Goodjoe....... It is much more than Frightening.... it is galaxy-shaking in fact.... because I sense that Ndidi will be the first of his generation of this Young Vibrant Super Eagles squad who will become labelled as World-class within the next two years....

Ndidi is improving at astronomical pace.... and he doesn't look like getting complacent. His mental attitude and Enthusiasm to continue giving his very best and beating his past achievements stands him in great stead to lead other DMs or more like CDMs in world football soon enough as the elite CDM of his generation.

Well, let us not jump the gun shall we? In due time, it shall come to pass.

forgiveness:


Aayaaa! At this time of the night, you wan play for Nigeria.

Wetin happen when dem call you for early mo-mo? You say you were not serious.

Solanke, Ojo and co, una dey learn, ba?

Danycrusoe:
I saw someone asking about the whereabouts of some players from the 2013 u17 and u20 teams some pages back, I have to say that the narrow and shallow coverage that our leagues get (NPFL n NNl) is the reason y we don't know that this guys are still playing active football.

For example, CHIGOZIE OBASI is currently playing in the first team of Osun united in the NNL, although I may not know about Lazarus, the last I can recall of him is that he was being courted by a North African team.

However, there are many other former U20 and U17 players in the NPFl n even NNL just that the lack of coverage won't expose them.

KING OSANGA from 2005 u20 still plays for FC Ifeanyi Ubah, DELE AJIBOYE has been with some NPFl teams in the past and is currently playing for plateau united, AMBROSE VANZEKIN was with Warri Wolves I think before their relegation.

Many of them are scattered across teams in the league just like that.

not all players from other countries' underage teams plays abroad, many of them are absorbed by their local leagues and due to the good coverage their leagues get we still hear about them.

The Nigerian mass media and broadcasters especially the sports writers need to have a better level of nationalism as far as our local leagues are concerned.

Now the federation cup in the 36 states draws av been made yet I m sure only like 5% of football lovers n followers know about it because our radio n tv stations dont see a need for it until the federation cup proper starts.

TheSuperNerd:
I trust you My Man.... I know say you go reject this one....


Chief Icon4s, I no tell you say Oga Forgiveness go reject am sharp sharp?

Who no like beta tin? Pesin wey like beta tin go know which one no beta naa... no be so?

Chief Icon4s... Oga Forgiveness even ask the brother why na this time of the night he wan play for us??


Looollll.... laugh wan kill me here oooo....

TheSuperNerd:
I trust you My Man.... I know say you go reject this one....


Chief Icon4s, I no tell you say Oga Forgiveness go reject am sharp sharp?

Who no like beta tin? Pesin wey like beta tin go know which one no beta naa... no be so?

Chief Icon4s... Oga Forgiveness even ask the brother why na this time of the night he wan play for us??


Looollll.... laugh wan kill me here oooo....

tbaba1234:
Kyle: No i havent but when I was at BK Häcken in Sweden, I got some calls from representatives from Nigeria and they wanted me to go down there but at that time i didnt take things seriously. Now Im older, more matured and take things more seriously , and if i would get the chance to go down there i would take it without any question.

This guy is 28 years old... He was approached when he was younger and refused but now the hope for a Swedish cap has dwindled, he is now saying this... Gerrara here men...

OwngoalNigeria should take time with the promotion of these guys.

Icon4s:


A good write up.

But let me jst correct a little error. OSANGA KING played with the 2007 Eaglets and not 2005 U20.

Talking about press coverage. I tow in ur line. It is a pitty majority of our sports writers of today are more interested in what happens at The emirates, Camp nou, Old Trafford, and the likes. They have so much neglected the local scene.
Not completely their fault though.

I give kudos some guys on these nairaland threads. I personally have benefited more from them than all those daily football magazines u buy at newspaper stands.

Danycrusoe:


Seriously as a budding sport writer I v lost appetite for foreign football, I crave for the Nigerian league to be shown on TV , i av passion for the local league and any team or thing Nigerian and also i have been the brain behind some NPFL articles that have been posted on NL recently (one of them was cited here by u) that's y I am happy startimes is coming in for the NNL coverage. Supersport is trying with the NPFL but I believe we should consistently have more than 1 game per week on TV. I am still wondering y NTA can't take NPFL and NNl as a responsibility in terms of coverage.
Truly the media set the agenda but in terms of sports especially football, the Nigerian media has goofed and is goofing by promoting the western leagues, next thing they will start looking into the "effects of this and that of the foreign world on the Nigerian youth", forgetting that they are the major cause. just so sad.

if the British media did not set the agenda for their own league we won't follow them. I remember back in the 2003 to 2006 when Galaxy tv used to show matches of Brazilian leaguesof flamengo, Sao Paolo, corinthians etc with ease but now a days it is a taboo for them to show 3sc play at the lekan salami stadium in ibadan.

Icon4s:


No be matter of manage Super Eagles. The guy was worried abt LB options.

The fact is from the available LB players we have now. Both home and abroad Echiejile is the best option.

Or can u suggest for us a player u would feel comfortable to field as LB against SA and Cameroun.

I am talking in the light of the available players we have presently.

If u think Rohr is gonna field any debutant LB in any of our next 3 games then u are on a long thing.

tbaba1234:


The league Management Company started to improve things but there has been a decline this season. Last season, most of the highlights of league games were on YouTube. That is not the case this season. And the improvement we saw in home results have started to vanish again. The number of penalties to home teams is just ridiculous. There were a couple in the last round of games.

Corporate Organizations are not putting their money in local sports, they would rather sponsor English premier league games. TV stations can not air games for free. We need to devise ways to make them invest locally and disincentivize foreign league sponsorship.

Danycrusoe:


well it seems like the LMC have been compromised, talking about the highlights on YouTube, the LMC has monetized the highlights, as a follower u have to subscribe in order to get links of the highlights posted to u. I subscribed for it and what they do is send u a link to a game's highlight but at the end of the day you can't get to download the video u can only stream it. I find it has a way of getting revenue by the LMC.

The officiating has become bad once again to the level that the NNL has recorded more away wins in the space of five match days compared to the NPFL, when I saw the controversial female referee that was banned for her poor officiating in the opening game of the season between fc ifeanyi ubah and Kano pillars recalled for the match between MFM and remo stars despite being banned then I knew that politics was in play.

I think FC ifeanyi ubah is getting undue favor just because of its owner, they have been awarded the most penalties in this season alongside MFM too. All this things will only make the quality of our club sides poor especially on the continent. it seems we still have a long way to go when it comes to football administration.

I v watched some few games in the NPFL and NNL this season. I was at the Sagamu stadium to see Remo stars and Elkanemi warriors, the officiating was decent in that game but the away team played as if there was nothing at stake, no fight no pressure, they didn't have up to two shots on goal. they were that poor on that day, but recently Rivers united had a goal disallowed in a match against Gombe united in Gombe, the reason for that disallowed goal is still unknown not a foul not an offside just a wish of the ref to disallow the goal, so I think the poor away win ratio is due to the bias of the referee, this makes the players feel the trouble of trying to win away is not worth it because the ref may not be unbiased , fatigue of travelling immediately after a game and playing the next day is also part.

The NNL this season looks well organised, the referees have been decent no controversies yet, I was at the MKO stadium in abeokuta and I saw delta force defeat Ikorodu united 1-0, Ikorodu were the home side and the referee was in control of the game throughout even the teams in the NNL have been commending the referees. This perceived trust in the officials bring up a better performance and fight from the away team cuz they believe that they won't be cheated.

Joebie:
That wasn't my point. I was talking about the long run if that means Russia 2018 proper. For the qualifiers, if Ola Aina can make his way into the team, why not Idowu if he can prove he is better than Echiejile? I think Rohr's mentality is to keep on building.. Not saying any newbie will just displace the regulars. The likes of Echiejile will keep their place for the meantime not because they are the best option but because they have been dependable. You don't change a winning team too soon.

tbaba1234:
Right Backs:

Ehizibue
Ebuehi
Aina
Musa Muhammad
Omeruo
Shehu Abdullah

My verdict:

I think we have probably seen the last of Musa Muhammad as a right back in the national team especially with Ebuehi and Aina. Musa Muhammad's case is made worse by the fact that he is not even playing as a right back in his Bosnian club. He came on as a late sub and played left winger again in the last game. Musa needs a good club move to help him bounce back.

I watched Ebuehi this weekend and he was class. What he does not have in physicality, he makes up in pace and technique. Aina is most likely going to take the right back role and Omeruo will be more focused on the CB position. We have certainly missed natural right backs in recent years. awesome.

Shehu Abdullahi can also do a very good job at Right back and at DM.. He even played CB at his club recently. His flexibility makes him an asset.

Ehizibue's capture is cool as well but it is hard to see how much of a role he will play. He might however be considered more physical than Ebuehi.

Ebuehi and Aina can also deputize for Elderson.

Our weakest position at the moment is CB.

Danycrusoe:


well it seems like the LMC have been compromised, talking about the highlights on YouTube, the LMC has monetized the highlights, as a follower u have to subscribe in order to get links of the highlights posted to u. I subscribed for it and what they do is send u a link to a game's highlight but at the end of the day you can't get to download the video u can only stream it. I find it has a way of getting revenue by the LMC.

The officiating has become bad once again to the level that the NNL has recorded more away wins in the space of five match days compared to the NPFL, when I saw the controversial female referee that was banned for her poor officiating in the opening game of the season between fc ifeanyi ubah and Kano pillars recalled for the match between MFM and remo stars despite being banned then I knew that politics was in play.

I think FC ifeanyi ubah is getting undue favor just because of its owner, they have been awarded the most penalties in this season alongside MFM too. All this things will only make the quality of our club sides poor especially on the continent. it seems we still have a long way to go when it comes to football administration.

I v watched some few games in the NPFL and NNL this season. I was at the Sagamu stadium to see Remo stars and Elkanemi warriors, the officiating was decent in that game but the away team played as if there was nothing at stake, no fight no pressure, they didn't have up to two shots on goal. they were that poor on that day, but recently Rivers united had a goal disallowed in a match against Gombe united in Gombe, the reason for that disallowed goal is still unknown not a foul not an offside just a wish of the ref to disallow the goal, so I think the poor away win ratio is due to the bias of the referee, this makes the players feel the trouble of trying to win away is not worth it because the ref may not be unbiased , fatigue of travelling immediately after a game and playing the next day is also part.

The NNL this season looks well organised, the referees have been decent no controversies yet, I was at the MKO stadium in abeokuta and I saw delta force defeat Ikorodu united 1-0, Ikorodu were the home side and the referee was in control of the game throughout even the teams in the NNL have been commending the referees. This perceived trust in the officials bring up a better performance and fight from the away team cuz they believe that they won't be cheated.

Danycrusoe:


well it seems like the LMC have been compromised, talking about the highlights on YouTube, the LMC has monetized the highlights, as a follower u have to subscribe in order to get links of the highlights posted to u. I subscribed for it and what they do is send u a link to a game's highlight but at the end of the day you can't get to download the video u can only stream it. I find it has a way of getting revenue by the LMC.

The officiating has become bad once again to the level that the NNL has recorded more away wins in the space of five match days compared to the NPFL, when I saw the controversial female referee that was banned for her poor officiating in the opening game of the season between fc ifeanyi ubah and Kano pillars recalled for the match between MFM and remo stars despite being banned then I knew that politics was in play.

I think FC ifeanyi ubah is getting undue favor just because of its owner, they have been awarded the most penalties in this season alongside MFM too. All this things will only make the quality of our club sides poor especially on the continent. it seems we still have a long way to go when it comes to football administration.

I v watched some few games in the NPFL and NNL this season. I was at the Sagamu stadium to see Remo stars and Elkanemi warriors, the officiating was decent in that game but the away team played as if there was nothing at stake, no fight no pressure, they didn't have up to two shots on goal. they were that poor on that day, but recently Rivers united had a goal disallowed in a match against Gombe united in Gombe, the reason for that disallowed goal is still unknown not a foul not an offside just a wish of the ref to disallow the goal, so I think the poor away win ratio is due to the bias of the referee, this makes the players feel the trouble of trying to win away is not worth it because the ref may not be unbiased , fatigue of travelling immediately after a game and playing the next day is also part.

The NNL this season looks well organised, the referees have been decent no controversies yet, I was at the MKO stadium in abeokuta and I saw delta force defeat Ikorodu united 1-0, Ikorodu were the home side and the referee was in control of the game throughout even the teams in the NNL have been commending the referees. This perceived trust in the officials bring up a better performance and fight from the away team cuz they believe that they won't be cheated.

forgiveness:


Aayaaa! At this time of the night, you wan play for Nigeria.

Wetin happen when dem call you for early mo-mo? You say you were not serious.

Solanke, Ojo and co, una dey learn, ba?

TheSuperNerd:
England Move To Stem The Loss Of Youth Internationals After Recent Capture By Nigeria





The Football Association of England has initiated moves to stop the rise in the loss of youth international, who are eligible for other nations.

Owngoalnigeria.com England based writer Michael James had a chat with a member of the FA, who voiced out the FA unhappiness over the recent loss of around five talented players groomed in their youth set up to other nations.

The issue of losing Wilfred Zaha of Crystal Palace was still dominating discussions in the FA office, when news arrived that around four players educated by the youth set up in England are close to pledging allegiance to Nigeria.

The trio of Ola Aina, Chuba Akpom and Ebere Eze trained with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in London last week, and even took part in a training match among the players organised following the cancellation of the proposed friendly game against Burkina Faso.

”We have initiated moves to curb the menace of losing talented teens to other nations. No doubt we can’t stop them from playing for nations they are qualified to represent but we can control the numbers, because it’s on the rise”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com


”I’m sorry I can’t reveal the steps we have taken, and other plans we have but for now we are deeply concern about the trend, and we know a lot of our nationals are worried as well. It’s a trend we will nip in the bud”.

* Michael James


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/04/england-move-to-stem-the-loss-of-youth-internationals-after-recent-capture-by-nigeria/




Cc Sir Goldfish80, Sir Komekn


Sir Goldfish... you recall our little discussion on the "England someday coming up with measures to halt this dual nationality and country switch palava".

Sir Komekn.... you recall this issue too and in fact you have a strong emotional voice on the issue.


Now I ask... what could England (The FA) be possibly up to as regards halting or controlling this situation?

Anyway.... Time will tell....

tbaba1234:
Right Backs:

Ehizibue
Ebuehi
Aina
Musa Muhammad
Omeruo
Shehu Abdullah

My verdict:

I think we have probably seen the last of Musa Muhammad as a right back in the national team especially with Ebuehi and Aina. Musa Muhammad's case is made worse by the fact that he is not even playing as a right back in his Bosnian club. He came on as a late sub and played left winger again in the last game. Musa needs a good club move to help him bounce back.

I watched Ebuehi this weekend and he was class. What he does not have in physicality, he makes up in pace and technique. Aina is most likely going to take the right back role and Omeruo will be more focused on the CB position. We have certainly missed natural right backs in recent years. awesome.

Shehu Abdullahi can also do a very good job at Right back and at DM.. He even played CB at his club recently. His flexibility makes him an asset.

Ehizibue's capture is cool as well but it is hard to see how much of a role he will play. He might however be considered more physical than Ebuehi.

Ebuehi and Aina can also deputize for Elderson.

Our weakest position at the moment is CB.

tbaba1234:
Right Backs:

Ehizibue
Ebuehi
Aina
Musa Muhammad
Omeruo
Shehu Abdullah

My verdict:

I think we have probably seen the last of Musa Muhammad as a right back in the national team especially with Ebuehi and Aina. Musa Muhammad's case is made worse by the fact that he is not even playing as a right back in his Bosnian club. He came on as a late sub and played left winger again in the last game. Musa needs a good club move to help him bounce back.

I watched Ebuehi this weekend and he was class. What he does not have in physicality, he makes up in pace and technique. Aina is most likely going to take the right back role and Omeruo will be more focused on the CB position. We have certainly missed natural right backs in recent years. awesome.

Shehu Abdullahi can also do a very good job at Right back and at DM.. He even played CB at his club recently. His flexibility makes him an asset.

Ehizibue's capture is cool as well but it is hard to see how much of a role he will play. He might however be considered more physical than Ebuehi.

Ebuehi and Aina can also deputize for Elderson.

Our weakest position at the moment is CB.

forgiveness:



Add Moses Odubajo and Nura Abdulahi.

Moses Odubajo, Kingsley Ehizibue and Nura Abdulahi are world class.