BascoVanVeli:
5 Players Nigeria' Super Eagles need back against Cameroon

Colin Udoh, KweséESPN

As was to be expected, the slipstream trailing Nigeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying loss to South Africa continues to flow days later, and shows no signs of abating.

At least, not until the next game ...

Crisis meetings have been called by both the NFF and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung in a bid to decipher what went wrong against Bafana Bafana in Uyo on the weekend.

In the meantime, here are five players that Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr needs to have back for the 2018 World Cup qualifier double-header against Cameroon in August and September.

LEON 'TERMINATOR' BALOGUN
A beast in defence, Balogun not only has the intelligence to read plays, but the legs and lungs to hunt things down and terminate them either before they start, or at the point of danger. With him in the game, the probability is high that Nigeria would not have conceded the first of two goals against Bafana Bafana, and it is doubtful the Super Eagles would have suffered the breakdown that led to the second.

Here is why: either William Troost-Ekong or Balogun is normally designated to attack set-pieces in the opposition box, while the other stays home. In Saturday's game, the defensive midfielder (Ogenyi Onazi) and one other defender (Shehu on this occasion) stayed back to defend against breakaways and somehow lost their man. If Balogun was in the team, either he or Ekong would have remained, and Percy Tau would not have had the time and space he got to race away and score.

If Balogun gets fit, and stays fit till that Cameroon game, that defence will perk up considerably.

JOHN OBI MIKEL
Many have spent much of Mikel's international career defending his immense importance to the Nigeria team when many were questioning what value he adds. Now it is obvious for all to see.

Mikel is no flashy Austin Okocha-style number 10. What he gives is a world-class ability to control the midfield with calm efficiency and direct play at his own pace, forcing both his teammates and opponents to play the game his way. More like an Andrea Pirlo, Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes combo in one.

His reading of the game and the way he breaks up play is second to none, and his passing (in range and accuracy) is almost peerless in Africa. Deployed in a free, albeit advanced role, for Nigeria he has recently added the odd goal to his toolkit, as he showed against Algeria.

With him in the team, Nigeria would have found the solution to open up the narrow Bafana tactics, Iheanacho would have had chances, and every single player on the team would have a calm, controlled and available outlet under pressure.

Mikel's rehabilitation is going swimmingly and he should be ready for Cameroon.

VICTOR MOSES
The Chelsea star has the ability to open up the tightest of defences, especially from wide, or to arrive at the right time inside the box for a simple finish. With him out wide, the Super Eagles could probably have scored one of those first half chances they created.

Victor Moses is always a dangerous attacking winger for Nigeria and is also great at tracking back to support his fullback, a lapse that cost the Eagles the first goal, when both the left-back and wide forward pinched in, leaving defensive midfielder Onazi as the man to try to stop the cross that led to the goal.

Hopefully Moses recovers on time from his toe surgery to bring the cutting edge back in September.

ODION IGHALO/BROWN IDEYE
Now this is a choice that Rohr will not like because he is all about building a team of young players. But looking at Saturday's game, Nigeria needed an old-fashioned centre-forward who could have given the South African centre-backs more than enough to think about.

They needed someone who could have knocked down balls and held up play for arriving midfielders or wide forwards. It is hard to recall Iheanacho winning one aerial battle, even though his hold-up play was of a generally decent level. At least one of these two are desperately needed in the team at any point in time.

Rohr, who does not appear to rate players playing in China - except for Mikel - would do well to get one of these in when he names his squad for Cameroon.

VINCENT ENYEAMA
This chap needs to come back ASAP. Rohr has spoken to him, communicates with him regularly, and is hoping he will change his mind about not playing for the Super Eagles. KweséESPN understands from sources close to the player that he is mulling over the situation.

His presence, organization and stability he brings to the back - not to mention his quality goalkeeping in one-vs-one situations - will greatly help an inexperienced backline. In the absence of Balogun or a competent defender, Enyeama would have attacked that ball before Tokelo Rantie got to it and that first goal could have been avoided.

For the second, Enyeama would have called Shehu and Onazi to watch Tau on that breakaway and would have been quick off his line to meet him halfway to stop the ball. In any case, whenever the Super Eagles attack, Enyeama is always outside his box. He probably would have got to that ball before Tau.

The Lille goalkeeper is still in great form, and only missed two games of the French Ligue 1 season with injury. His return would not only provide a confidence boost for the squad, but would mean that Carl Ikeme's injuries would not be cause for hair-tearing. Until he decides whether he wants to return or not, Nigeria will just have to hope that Ikeme is fit for Cameroon.

TheGoodJoe:


Some people bash players even when they are not as fault as if they are prosecuting attorneys.

forgiveness:

Aluko's response says it all. from Rangers to Hull only 6 caps with 2 goals. Smh where is the unity in diversity?


Ex-England Youth Int'l Urges Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs Talents To Play For Nigeria Not Three Lions

Published: June 15, 2017

Ex-England Youth Int'l Urges Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs Talents To Play For Nigeria Not Three Lions
Former England U19 international Sone Aluko has urged Chelsea duo Dominic Solanke and Fikayo Tomori, Liverpool midfielders Sheyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria, Tottenham Hotspur's Josh Onomah and Everton teen sensation Ademola Lookman to switch their international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

The Fulham winger admitted that it would be difficult for the Nigerian Federation to convince the six players, who starred for England U20s at the World Cup, to represent the Super Eagles because they learnt their craft and were raised in England.

''The onus is on Nigeria and not the players. Nigeria have to make it attractive for these players to leave the path they've known,'' Aluko said to Complete Sports.

''After being in the English system, and Nigeria who have never invested in their career invite them, it would be difficult.''

He added : ''Even me that can be described as a success story, I only have six caps, I haven't started in a competitive game for Super Eagles but I have scored two goals and people said I have done well.

''So it is the responsibility for Nigeria to make it attractive for them which I think is what they are trying to do now in getting these players. ''

This website understands the Nigeria Football Federation have attempted to persuade Ojo, Ejaria, Onomah and Lookman to switch allegiance to play for Nigeria as opposed to their country of birth, while Solanke and Tomori wish to continue playing for England.

Chelsea defender Ola Aina, a former England U19 captain, could make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles when they tackle Cameroon in August if the NFF sort out his paperwork in time.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : thefa.com



http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=23422

do4luv14:



superb, jst crazily superb, jst what we need, is a vis positional play,

who ever comply dis list for UDO to write up, should be in NFF technical committee,

furthermore, we need a competent and technically, tactically minded assist for ROHR, and a good goalkeeper trainer, not AGU

TheGoodJoe:


Please, Aluko should chill. It is not easy here. It is as simple as that. The likes of Keshi, Okocha, Kanu, Oliseh, Amunike and co. made lots of sacrifices to stay with the Super Eagles and keep the flag flying. That is why we need those who are ready to make sacrifices to play for the Super Eagles. Those who will go through challenges but keep turning up to play for the team.

That is why someone like Anichebe took off. It is not easy down here.

We need those who understand the sacrifice to shine in the green white green jerseys. Ask Mikel.

TheGoodJoe:


Come on Collin. The old Center forward. Really? We have seen teams do well without the old center forward style of play and maybe you are yet to notice that playing an old center forward requires a team reducing building from the back and relying on long balls.

That is defending deep and lounging the ball to a huge man to hold and distribute it.

This is more of a call in change of style and the question is that, are you sure the Ideye and Ighalo can offer more than we have at our disposal?

If that is the case, bring them to camp, screen and drill. If they come up tops, they have my nod but if they do not beat Osimhen in camp, it is a disservice to ourselves dropping a promising youngster with huge talent and better quality for old legs.

The press have destroyed a lot of progress in Nigerian football with their rigorous calls for old legs and shortsightedness. Rohr has moved the team forward in a short time. Give the man time to work before tearing down his structure.

TheGoodJoe:


Please, Aluko should chill. It is not easy here. It is as simple as that. The likes of Keshi, Okocha, Kanu, Oliseh, Amunike and co. made lots of sacrifices to stay with the Super Eagles and keep the flag flying. That is why we need those who are ready to make sacrifices to play for the Super Eagles. Those who will go through challenges but keep turning up to play for the team.

That is why someone like Anichebe took off. It is not easy down here.

We need those who understand the sacrifice to shine in the green white green jerseys. Ask Mikel.

TheGoodJoe:


Ighalo and Ideye. I know. Technical committee levels. No forward thinking but backwards ever. If Enyeama says no, the coach can not think forward. Ha.

Dedebanky85:
The old center forward is very needed. Last I heard they are still active in club football. I bet when a new player comes up next year, you'd clamor for Iheanacho to retire as you'd classify him as "the old center forward". Only in Nigeria you see this kinda quick discard of players

forgiveness:



Which sacrifice?

E be like say you just wan talk.

Icon4s:


I personally do not see any need for the recall of these two.

With Mikel And V. Moses back in that line up we are back to business.

forgiveness:



Which sacrifice?

E be like say you just wan talk.

sontoly:
This guy Cyril doesn't have option than to play for Naija, cos there are many better players far ahead of him playing in Belgium.
this is an example of the case with the English Nigeria borns, England will always be their priority but when dey see that they can't make it, then they opt for their second choice.

Humility017:


bro...every player must always consider their career progression....
OK...so I expect rohr to do the needful... keep a red eye on him I will want him or that Norwegian - Nigerian tall guy
with either one of them....we can give Tammy Abraham a break and other English groomed Nigeria blood

forgiveness:



Which sacrifice?

E be like say you just wan talk.

Now, read this one of Agbonlanhor. He wants us to invite them when they are not big to the National team.


Will England cap V. Moses, Shola and Anichebe before they made it?

The likes of Osaze, Uche, Martins and Emenike will not complain after making it in Europe before getting capped by the National team. We need devoted players who will jump at a chance to play for the Super Eagles.

It was after Iheanacho broke into City he got capped by the Super Eagles. Onyekuru is still fighting despite scoring loads but he will still jump at the opportunity to represent us.

BascoVanVeli:


Wow so u mean for ur mind Ndidi and Etebo had a good game?

zicky:
Don't misunderstand me, you said Ndidi and Etebo was poor and I say Onazi was not better, hw will I say any of our player had a good game after losing 2-0 at home to SA, they all had a bad game bt Onazi take more of the blame. To who much is given much is expected.

Joebie:
Okay who played the certified 9 when we were winning? And what did the person do? I agree that all modern forwards can play 9, although they may not be your ideal 9. But you are not a coach.

Modified.
In fact you are just somehow lol

Kog45:
My man but some don't even want Onazi in starting lineup coz they see rookie Agu as a better player but now Onazi is a player much is expected from,i just finished watching d match again,honestly is a match we should forget and move ahead.

zicky:
Yea we can give excuse for ndidi or Agu that they are Rookie or no national team experience bt wat can we say for Onazi.
Guy that match pain me, if we had lose to libya or one other small nation, I won't feel this much pain.

jerryclinton:
My line up against cameroun


success musa

iheanacho mikel ogu moses


Echiejile ekong balogun omeruo


Ikeme

jerryclinton:
My line up against cameroun


success musa

iheanacho mikel ogu moses


Echiejile ekong balogun omeruo


Ikeme




Boss slow down ,the game is scheduled to take place in the last week of August.There is still ample time for so many things to happen.

Our prayers should be that key members of the team be fit and available for the tie.

Kog45:
Una don start with your lineup,no Ndidi or Onazi and Musa and Success upward.

TheGoodJoe:


Please, Aluko should chill. It is not easy here. It is as simple as that. The likes of Keshi, Okocha, Kanu, Oliseh, Amunike and co. made lots of sacrifices to stay with the Super Eagles and keep the flag flying. That is why we need those who are ready to make sacrifices to play for the Super Eagles. Those who will go through challenges but keep turning up to play for the team.

That is why someone like Anichebe took off. It is not easy down here.

We need those who understand the sacrifice to shine in the green white green jerseys. Ask Mikel.

jerryclinton:
My line up against cameroun

success musa
iheanacho mikel ogu moses

Echiejile ekong balogun omeruo

Ikeme

TheGoodJoe:


The solution is simple. He is ready to play for us. The coaching crew should study his tapes and see if there is a possibility he is better than what we already have. If it looks so, invite him to camp and watch him closely. If he is better than what we have, cap him and slowly introduce him to the team.

TheGoodJoe:


Ighalo and Ideye. I know. Technical committee levels. No forward thinking but backwards ever. If Enyeama says no, the coach can not think forward. Ha.

komekn:


Do you understand what you are saying

That to play for Nigeria you must take abuse, denigration, accept nepotism, unprofessionalism, spend your money and if possible loose your career as well as your life.

I recall when Nigeria went to go and play Sudan in Khartoum and the plane chartered was in such obvious visual disrepair. That Enyeama broke down and cried even offered to hire another plane with thier own money. It was construed to be insubordination by the powers that be.

The way Aluko has been treated does not represent a good example and inspiration to attract players to play for the SE.

To accept unwholesome behaviour by officials is not sacrifice but acceptance of wrong. It's like saying because police always ask for bribe it is sacrifice to give it.

Sone Aluko stood up for uncompromising integrity and was penalised and pushed aside as a result. More disturbing is that nobody in position of authority said anything thier silence has been complicit consent.

At one stage I thought you resided here in Manchester but I know I am totally wrong. Your views reflect a warped mindset that accepts corruption as normal and should be accepted as part of national sacrifice.

Well I will not without apology and will rather pay the price for integrity.