Icon4s:


Better replacement for each position?

As if you replace players as easily as you replace bed sheets on your bed.

You think if we have players better than Iheanacho, Moses, Iwobi, Ndidi, Mikel, Echiejile, Etebo, Balogun, Omeruo, Ekong any where in the world we will not field them?

You think the coaching crew are not interested in improving the standards of the team?

What do you think team building is all about?
You wake up and overhaul a whole team when you have crucial matches all because you are searching for better players?

As far as I am concerned I will give this current coaching crew Excellent in terms of scouting for players for the national team. We had crucial games against Zambia and Algeria that could not be toiled with. With the little time he had after his appointment he maximised the established potentials in the team and came out tops.

We organized a friendly against Senegal of which a couple of players had their debutes.

We organized a France camp and so many untested players were featured in the two friendlies.
I am sure from the 3 games we have played this year the coaching crew has assessed a lot of these players and know which ones are ready for the Super Eagles.

Forgiveness I dare you to mention any player or players playing in any league(s) in this Universe that are better than the ones Rohr is likely to start against South Africa.

can I help him Sir?

Abduljelil Ajagun,
Mickael Olaitan,
Babatunde Michael,
Rahmon Azeez,
Sammy Ameobi,
Dominic Solanke(if not for the ongoing u-20WC). Make I stop here... He'll come to point out the rest.

Follow the thread you will see my reason.

Icon4s:


So the write up is not connected to the argument on ground? So why did you post it?

Joebie:
Introduction

This guide is going to look in your central defensive set-ups, and how to achieve a cohesive backline. I will discuss your common central defensive pairing.

Central Pair

You have 3 central defensive roles and 3 central defensive duties to choose from. The roles are as follows:

1. Central Defender
2. Limited Defender
3. Ball Playing Defender

and the duties are as follows:

1. Defend
2. Stopper
3. Cover

The roles are fairly similar in most respects, and defensive distribution is the most significant difference in the roles.

The Limited Defender tends to simply clear the ball as far away from goal as he can - ensures you do not get caught in possession at the back, but it does turn over possession to your opponents quicker and can leave you under sustained pressure. A good idea if your team does not possess the skill to keep hold of the ball in the backline.

The Central Defender will distribute the ball to nearby teammates, helping you keep possession in the backline, and to calmly distribute the ball to the midfield. There is the risk of getting caught in possession at the backline, however it can alleviate pressure on your backline by keeping the ball, and building attacks and distributing the ball to players in the midfield capable of influencing the game in the middle and final thirds.

The Ball Playing Defender will look to influence counter-attacking opportunities by playing through-balls in to players wide of, or in front of himself. He can also help the team maintain possession with his superior passing skills and licence, although he must me fairly creative and a good passer, otherwise you can turn over possession if your player tries overly ambitious passes he is not capable of.

PAIR COMBINATIONS:
1. Central Defender & Central Defender
2. Central Defender & Limited Defender
3. Limited Defender & Limited Defender
4. Ball Playing Defender & Central Defender

You can pair Limited Defenders as they do not affect the balance or overall passing structure as they simply play direct, same with a pair of Central Defenders who simply play a short passing game. The Ball Playing Defender however plays through balls, and due to the increased creativity should generally only be paired with just a simple Central Defender - this is because the Central Defender can help maintain possession at the back, passing to his more creative partner instead of hoofing the ball clear like a Limited Defender and his "safety-first" approach. Having 2 Ball Playing Defenders can see your defenders playing with too much creativity, and attempting too many risky passes.

The duties provide the variation in defensive approach, and these can significantly change the way your defence balances.

The Defend duty is the standard approach, aiming to defend merely as guided by team instructions on marking and pressing, holding the defensive line and winning the ball when appropriate. It is a balance of the 2 "extremes" offered by the Stopper and Cover duties.

The Stopper duty aims to step up early to engage the opposition and quickly win the ball back. This can expose your team and open up space for your opposition, stepping ahead of your defensive line.

The Cover duty will drop off to try and catch any players breaching the defensive line. This can leave your opponents more time and space just in front of your defence unopposed, but it can also prevent your opponents from breaking through without a player to cover and track their runs, reducing their chances of getting a clean shot away in behind.

DUTIES COMBINATIONS:
1. Defend & Defend
2. Stopper & Cover
3. Stopper & Defend
4. Defend & Cover

You can play most combinations of duties in the backline, however most importantly you CANNOT play a pair of Stoppers or a pair of Covering Defenders. The Stoppers will expose too much space in behind, and the Covers will gift too much room in front of the defence, and fail to challenge for the ball often enough. Both pairings can badly expose your Offside Trap too, by either allowing room behind the full back's or behind the centre backs, played onside by the full backs. The Defend-Defend pairing tend to stay in line better and are significantly better for shape retention, and playing an Offside Trap. The Stopper-Cover pairing tends to exaggerate the best qualities of each individual, with an aggressive defender to attack the ball early, reducing room for the opposition forwards, and the covering defender can make up for the aggressiveness of the Stopper with his excellent positioning and pace. The Stopper can make up for the Covering Defender's deeper positioning and sometimes lack of aggression by closing down the space in front of the defence. This pairing can cause problems maintaining the Offside Trap with the Defenders in line, allowing gaps for your opponents to exploit.

I will choose 4-4.

I will like to have a Ball Playing Defender in the mix especially if my opponent is not very potent in attack.

forgiveness:


I will choose 4-4.

One thing I'm loving about this team is that: they've been taking their chances early into the matches they've played so far. It's unlike before when we will be waiting for the magical feet who wil come-in in the second half to bail us out. Most job have always been done and dusted in the 1st half.

Good job once again Coach Rohr. Thanks for this paradigm shift in our national team...

I will like to have a Ball Playing Defender in the mix especially if my opponent is not very potent in attack.

MODIFIED.

Mikel Agu will do very well as a Ball Playing Defender if he is molded to a CB. Just me thinking.

forgiveness:


I will choose 4-4.

Yes and we have demonstrated we can fight back as well.

AIG07:
One thing I'm loving about this team is that: they've been taking their chances early into the matches they've played so far. It's unlike before when we will be waiting for the magical feet who wil come-in in the second half to bail us out. Most job have always been done and dusted in the 1st half.

Good job once again Coach Rohr. Thanks for this paradigm shift in our national team...

AIG07:
can I help him Sir?

Abduljelil Ajagun,
Mickael Olaitan,
Babatunde Michael,
Rahmon Azeez,
Sammy Ameobi,
Dominic Solanke(if not for the ongoing u-20WC). Make I stop here... He'll come to point out the rest.

These ones will make our starting 11 against SA?

Hahaha but I caught the sarcasm in your post.

You are right. Spot on bro. You sabi the problem.

Joebie:
Follow the thread you will see my reason.

I should follow the thread.

Guyz, abeg, Highlights of yesterday never show?

Are you being sarcastic?

Every player untested have to be tested regardless of how good they are at club level. Their ability to imbibe the coach's playing philosophy and ease at which they can blend into the team is paramount. Hence we have friendlies and training camps. However, sometimes you have to start from somewhere like Rohr did. I remember Bryan Efe of spotkik mentioned luck as one of the reasons for Rohr's success. yes every coach need some amount of luck. Bryan Efe said our early opponents failed to exploit our weaknesses at the full back positions. That's one area if we dont fix well before Cameroon, we will be made to pay dearly. I've studied Cameroon, and noticed they like wing play and they come with power. The likes of Ebuehi have no business in that tie.

AIG07:
can I help him Sir?

Abduljelil Ajagun,
Mickael Olaitan,
Babatunde Michael,
Rahmon Azeez,
Sammy Ameobi,
Dominic Solanke(if not for the ongoing u-20WC). Make I stop here... He'll come to point out the rest.

I meant I stated the reason on this thread. I just mentioned you on my modified reply

Icon4s:


I should follow the thread.

AIG07:
can I help him Sir?

Abduljelil Ajagun,
Mickael Olaitan,
Babatunde Michael,
Rahmon Azeez,
Sammy Ameobi,
Dominic Solanke(if not for the ongoing u-20WC). Make I stop here... He'll come to point out the rest.

Are you being mischievous or what?

Where on this thread did I clamour for Ramon Azeez, Babatunde Michael, Sammy Ameobi and Michael Olaitan?

Maybe when Ramon Azeez was still in the La Liga and Olaitan playing for Olympicus in the Champions League which was reasonable as at then.

I remembered I clamored for them in the Olympic thread.

I never fancied Michael Babatunde because I knew Keshi brought him through the back door, d magogo way.

Sammy Ameobi, what? When did I clamor for this one? Maybe when he was playing with Newcastle in the Premier League.

Yes! Ajagun Abdul, Raheem Lawal and Solanke were/are regularly mentioned by me here. Why? Because I believe they deserve to be called.

I am not even done with the role call, they are many, based on their current form.

I know where you are going but... Make I no talk.

Joebie:
No I don't carry a badge. But I love to study the science of football.

hmmm. football has science..I guess it has art as well. looking at how pundits analyse and what you just wrote up there. pls, can you give me an example of such defenders...I love identifying definitions with pictures

Joebie:
I will like to have a Ball Playing Defender in the mix especially if my opponent is not very potent in attack.

MODIFIED.

Mikel Agu will do very well as a Ball Playing Defender if he is molded to a CB. Just me thinking.

Mikel Agu should be left alone in his preferred role.

forgiveness:



Are you being mischievous or what?

Where on this thread did I clamour for Ramon Azeez, Babatunde Michael, Sammy Ameobi and Michael Olaitan?

Maybe when Ramon Azeez was still in the La Liga and Olaitan playing for Olympicus in the Champions League which was reasonable as at then.

I remembered I clamored for them in the Olympic thread.

I never fancied Michael Babatunde because I knew Keshi brought him through the back door, d magogo way.

Sammy Ameobi, what? When did I clamor for this one? Maybe when he was playing with Newcastle in the Premier League.

Yes! Ajagun Abdul, Raheem Lawal and Solanke were/are regularly mentioned by me here. Why? Because I believe they deserve to be called.

I am not even done with the role call, they are many, based on their current form.

I know where you are going but... Make I no talk.

Oga you nova answer my own question.

Who says?
It won't kill him. It didn't kill Mikel. Playing Omeruo as a defensive midfielder didn't kill him..

I'm just saying as a coach I will experiment him there in training to see if he excels. I may want to start the trio of Onazi, Agu and Ndidi. Also, prepare for situations in future when players get injured in a tournament for example, and you don't have great options.

forgiveness:


Mikel Agu should be left alone in his preferred role.

You will have to pay to be in my classroom if that's what you are asking.

But if you are trying to be sarcastic, pretend you never read the post. Somebody is learning

vickylincon:
hmmm. football has science..I guess it has art as well. looking at how pundits analyse and what you just wrote up there. pls, can you give me an example of such defenders...I love identifying definitions with pictures

Icon4s:


Better replacement for each position?

As if you replace players as easily as you replace bed sheets on your bed.

You think if we have players better than Iheanacho, Moses, Iwobi, Ndidi, Mikel, Echiejile, Etebo, Balogun, Omeruo, Ekong any where in the world we will not field them?

You think the coaching crew are not interested in improving the standards of the team?

What do you think team building is all about?
You wake up and overhaul a whole team when you have crucial matches all because you are searching for better players?

As far as I am concerned I will give this current coaching crew Excellent in terms of scouting for players for the national team. We had crucial games against Zambia and Algeria that could not be toiled with. With the little time he had after his appointment he maximised the established potentials in the team and came out tops.

We organized a friendly against Senegal of which a couple of players had their debutes.

We organized a France camp and so many untested players were featured in the two friendlies.
I am sure from the 3 games we have played this year the coaching crew has assessed a lot of these players and know which ones are ready for the Super Eagles.

Forgiveness I dare you to mention any player or players playing in any league(s) in this Universe that are better than the ones Rohr is likely to start against South Africa.

From you post, you still focused on the first eleven but I am basically interested in who replaces dem 'should incase'.


Of course, we have witnessed many cases a Barcelona, a champions League starter and goal poachers were denied the opportunity to play for their father's land.

That one no be new thing. And I am beginning to suspect and question the rational behind the selection of some players nowadays based on Osimhen, Shehu Abdullahi.

Remove Omeruo from that list, he has past it for.

Like I said, who to replace them and not who better. Comprehend the thing, abeg.

Onyekuru Confirms Interest From Arsenal, Club Legend Henry Is His Idol

Newly capped Nigeria national-teamer Henry Onyekuru has confirmed that Arsenal are among the teams interested in his signature in the summer transfer window, and is hopeful of making a decision on his next step after the African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.

The Eupen frontman has professed his love for the Gunners, adding that club legend Thierry Henry is his idol.

''Thierry Henry has always been my idol since I was a kid. I was watching him play, watching Arsenal and going to YouTube to watch most of his games,'' Onyekuru told thenff.com.

''I remember saying if I had to move to the Premier League I want to be like Thierry Henry, so it's likely to come true and I'm looking towards it at the moment.

''It is a good feeling a club like Arsenal are coming, it shows the hard work I did at Eupen. I am waiting and working towards it and we'll see how it goes after the qualifiers.''

Born and brought up in Lagos but from Imo State, Onyekuru joined Aspire Academy in 2011 after he was scouted, before moving to Eupen two years ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=23276

TheSuperNerd:
Nigeria 3-0 Togo; Five Things We Learned – Iwobi, Ndidi, Musa & Iheanacho In Review



The Super Eagles thrashed the Hawks of Togo 3-0 on Thursday in an international friendly in Paris and has set tongues wagging ahead of their AFCON 2019 qualifier against South Africa on the 10th.

Ahmed Musa scored a brace before Kelechi Iheanacho made it three all in the first half, as the Eagles showed their superiority over the Hawks in a game billed to prepare them for the clash against the South Africans.

And it was an impressive evening as the Super Eagles took their Togolese counterparts to the cleaners, but here are the five things we learnt from the match.


1. Ahmed Musa looks settled…marriage must be good

He scored twice within the first 20 minutes to equal the number of goals he had scored for the Super Eagles over the last two years. Overall, he looked sharp despite not playing often at Leicester and was a constant threat against the Togolese. We guess his new marriage has something to do with his new improved state of mind.

2. Iwobi is a star

The young attacker may not have scored in this match, but he was responsible for Nigeria’s first two. He was just too much for the Togolese, who had no response to his trickery and pace. He just needs to add goals to his game and if he continues like this…well, we can only guess how good he will become.


3. Iheanacho is a goal banger

The 20-year old may not be a proper number 9, but he keeps showing how good he is in front of goal. He has now scored seven goals in 10 games for the Super Eagles and if he continues at this rate, he will surely become Nigeria’s top scorer of all time.

4. Ndidi is future captain

The boy is pure class. For someone so young, the way he reads and interprets the game is mind-blowing. He always seem in control and calm in possession and is already looking like a future Super Eagles captain.

5. The Eagles are in the right direction

Not so many people knew the pedigree of Gernot Rohr when he took charge of the team and as a result, there were a lot of doubts as to his ability. But so far so good. Yet to lose a game, and the Eagles are now playing with so much confidence that had been lacking in the team for years. The future surely looks bright and if they keep at it, then they will land in Russia next year and possibly win the AFCON in two years’ time.


**Chris Oguguo


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/06/02/nigeria-3-0-togo-five-things-we-learned-iwobi-ndidi-musa-iheanacho-in-review/

Good observation anyway.

I can bet with my last Kobo that a good number of Sports Journalists always follow some of our arguments in here.

Joebie:
Are you being sarcastic?

Every player untested have to be tested regardless of how good they are at club level. Their ability to imbibe the coach's playing philosophy and ease at which they can blend into the team is paramount. Hence we have friendlies and training camps. However, sometimes you have to start from somewhere like Rohr did. I remember Bryan Efe of spotkik mentioned luck as one of the reasons for Rohr's success. yes every coach need some amount of luck. Bryan Efe said our early opponents failed to exploit our weaknesses at the full back positions. That's one area if we dont fix well before Cameroon, we will be made to pay dearly. I've studied Cameroon, and noticed they like wing play and they come with power. The likes of Ebuehi have no business in that tie.

Sir Icon4s and other few must have caught the sarcasm intended!

I'm just trying to help a friend out. I only clamour for the 'best' which I only do once in a bluemoon cos the best are always scarce.

forgiveness:



Are you being mischievous or what?

Where on this thread did I clamour for Ramon Azeez, Babatunde Michael, Sammy Ameobi and Michael Olaitan?

Maybe when Ramon Azeez was still in the La Liga and Olaitan playing for Olympicus in the Champions League which was reasonable as at then.

I remembered I clamored for them in the Olympic thread.

I never fancied Michael Babatunde because I knew Keshi brought him through the back door, d magogo way.

Sammy Ameobi, what? When did I clamor for this one? Maybe when he was playing with Newcastle in the Premier League.

Yes! Ajagun Abdul, Raheem Lawal and Solanke were/are regularly mentioned by me here. Why? Because I believe they deserve to be called.

I am not even done with the role call, they are many, based on their current form.

I know where you are going but... Make I no talk.

Mischievous? NO sarcastic? YES.

thank God you too don sabi where I de drive at.

*winks*

Oya make you answer Sir. Icon4s. He is waiting...

*walks outta thread*

forgiveness:


From you post, you still focused on the first eleven but I am basically interested in who replaces dem 'should incase'.


Of course, we have witnessed many cases a Barcelona, a champions League starter and goal poachers were denied the opportunity to play for their father's land.

That one no be new thing. And I am beginning to suspect and question the rational behind the selection of some players nowadays based on Osimhen, Shehu Abdullahi.

Remove Omeruo from that list, he has past it for.

Like I said, who to replace them and not who better. Comprehend the thing, abeg.

Kai! but you said better replacements.
Abi I no understand grammar again?


If you are talking about backups that is exactly what the coaches have been arranging even with the French camp.

This Omeruo you guys are condemning is a serious back bone of that defense.

I am telling you that he is highly favored to start against SA hate him or love him. Awaziem has only recently proven that he is a good back up in the absence of our regular CBs.

Abdullahi Shehu is our best RB currently in the team. Take that to Aso Rock.

Victor Osimhen, Rohr has said is being groomed for the future. I respect that decision even though I don't completely buy it.

GoodBuhari:

Good observation anyway.

I can bet with my last Kobo that a good number of Sports Journalists always follow some of our arguments in here.

you might be right... Someone has pointed this out sometimes back. Thanks.

But wait, hmmm... This your moniker-GOODBUHARI, does dat mean there is a bad one?

Joebie:

Who says?
It won't kill him. It didn't kill Mikel. Playing Omeruo as a defensive midfielder didn't kill him..

I'm just saying as a coach I will experiment him there in training to see if he excels. I may want to start the trio of Onazi, Agu and Ndidi. Also, prepare for situations in future when players get injured in a tournament for example, and you don't have great options.

It didn't kill Mikel nd Omeruo because that was at club level. They have got all the time in the world to experiment. But trying it at national team level would be suicidal when you have about 5 days to prepare for matches
I support Awaziem nd Ekong against SA. Omeruo gets me scared

forgiveness:



This is one of the reasons I always cry out for better replacement for each position but many are satisfied with the first eleven.

By now, Rohr ought to have know who should replace who. Abi we never learn reach from 1994 world cup to 2014 world cup. Commot one player and the team go fall yakata.

Now, back to the discussion. Why then did you mentioned 2013/2014 AFCON and wc if you point is the second paragraph?

Performance in training is very important though other factors may be considered.

How many times has Omeruo partnered Ekong?

This is Super Eagles, the players currently inform should be considered ahead of any expired legs.

..better replacement for each position. Abi what were you not trying to say in that first paragraph.

AIG07:
you might be right... Someone has pointed this out sometimes back. Thanks.

But wait, hmmm... This your moniker-GOODBUHARI, does dat mean there is a bad one?

The answer to this question dey my mind but I no go talk am. You can go find out

oga. Omeruo is my tribesmen. I'm far from being a tribalist. And I've never hated on any player, Nigerian or not.

The truth is Balogun and Ekong are relatively new to the team compared to Omeruo. Today, he has been displaced from the Center back role. TRUE OR FALSE.. so what is your claim? That Rohr have been looking for back ups for Omeruo in the Right Back abi center back, since you call him the backbone of our defense line.. Abi is it because Balogun is injured?

Let's say it as it is oh, don't let the devil dance..lol

Icon4s:


Kai! but you said better replacements.
Abi I no understand grammar again?


If you are talking about backups that is exactly what the coaches have been arranging even with the French camp.

This Omeruo you guys are condemning is a serious back bone of that defense.

I am telling you that he is highly favored to start against SA hate him or love him. Awaziem has only recently proven that he is a good back up in the absence of our regular CBs.

Abdullahi Shehu is our best RB currently in the team. Take that to Aso Rock.

Victor Osimhen, Rohr has said is being groomed for the future. I respect that decision even though I don't completely buy it.

AIG07:
One thing I'm loving about this team is that: they've been taking their chances early into the matches they've played so far. It's unlike before when we will be waiting for the magical feet who wil come-in in the second half to bail us out. Most job have always been done and dusted in the 1st half.

Good job once again Coach Rohr. Thanks for this paradigm shift in our national team...

If only they don't take their feet off the gear as they often do in the second half. And they should learn to be ruthless, like continue hitting your opponent even when he's down.

I'm not saying I will do that for these matches coming up. I'm just speaking generally as a coach that's what I will do -- test my players in some positions if they have certain qualities. Of course timing is always the essence. But I have already stated my reasons.

Clementoke:



It didn't kill Mikel nd Omeruo because that was at club level. They have got all the time in the world to experiment. But trying it at national team level would be suicidal when you have about 5 days to prepare for matches
I support Awaziem nd Ekong against SA. Omeruo gets me scared

forgiveness:



Are you being mischievous or what?

Where on this thread did I clamour for Ramon Azeez, Babatunde Michael, Sammy Ameobi and Michael Olaitan?

Maybe when Ramon Azeez was still in the La Liga and Olaitan playing for Olympicus in the Champions League which was reasonable as at then.

I remembered I clamored for them in the Olympic thread.

I never fancied Michael Babatunde because I knew Keshi brought him through the back door, d magogo way.

Sammy Ameobi, what? When did I clamor for this one? Maybe when he was playing with Newcastle in the Premier League.

Yes! Ajagun Abdul, Raheem Lawal and Solanke were/are regularly mentioned by me here. Why? Because I believe they deserve to be called.

I am not even done with the role call, they are many, based on their current form.

I know where you are going but... Make I no talk.

Them set better trap for you and you fall inside. Chinkom!