CLT123:
When was the last time a Nigeria CF has scored a goal?

bossto:
Iheanacho scored against Togo in friendly...Oga!!!

CLT123:
I thought it was from a penalty. My mistake.

ChrisKels:


I doubt u read through previous arguments before u dabbled... Without trynna straggle from the main point, we (Joebie and I) specifically stated that our youngsters should choose the Belgian league ahead of leagues like Turkey for proper development but when u are gone past ur youthful age, u can try a better league though to me, turkey ain't one of those better leagues.


Bia nwoke m, how u take know Ojoko, u grow up for Achara layout?

bossto:
Hmmm....I.SUCCESS should up his game this time around under the new manager else that brazilian of a guy would displace him...

BascoVanVeli:


England just gets on my nerves sometimes. U have a gem like Adalberto Peñaranda still waiting on a work permit and this guy can just walk straight on the field because he is Brazilian.

bossto:
Is that the guy's name....??

terzurum5:
Iheanacho behind Kayode is the ideal deal

BascoVanVeli:


Yea he played for Venezuela at the U20 wc, he was also Isaac's teammate at Granada.

goldfish80:


My problem is how some of us are quick to judge people who transfer to Turkey like it is a given that everyone who went to Belgium will hit the big leagues from there. At the drop of the hat, I can name 10 players who went to Belgium and played really well but they never pushed beyond that level, still money they no make.
It's a wrong mindset you're making by believing Belgium is the passport for greatness.
By the way, I grow up for new heaven

bossto:
Hmmm....I.SUCCESS should up his game this time around under the new manager else that brazilian of a guy would displace him...

Joebie:
Those Brazilians show more hunger as they age.

Joebie:
Those Brazilians show more hunger as they age.

AndreTAyodeji:
I think i am in support of this,we need to hit this cameroon boys with everything we have at our disposal.Kayode`s speed and counter pressing will be an added advantage for us in the game plus it offers us a fluid attacking frontline as kayode can also play on any of the two wings and he can beat his marker on the dribble and with pace which even makes it easier for nacho as vardy who is kelechi`s strike partner at club level also posses some of this qualities.We can also be rest assured about kayode`s finishing as he has scored more than 30 goals and 15 assists in the past two seasons plus also being voted the best player in the whole league after just two seasons in the league.Also consindering the Senegal game where he came on and play alongside with nacho upfront, he played a very big part in nigeria`s equaliser as his excellent reading of the game enabled him to be able to intercept the ball and lay it off to nacho before the senegalese keeper fouled nacho which led to the penalty which nacho scored.This is just a highlight of what to expect from that patnership.With Victor Moses and Isaac Success on the flanks and a patnership of Mikel and Ndidi in the middle of the park with Mikel playing more like the box 2 box though he doesn`t have the pace for the role but trust him to make up for that with his excellent positioning.So, with incisive throughballs and excellent passing from Mikel and Ndidi,Moses and Success direct running from the flanks,Kayode`s speed on the counter,Nacho`s finishing.I think say Cameroon go hear am that day for Uyo.

tbaba1234:
The attraction to Turkey is simply based on their tax system and pecuniary benefits. Why stay in Belgium or Portugal with more visibility when you can earn more tax free in Turkey...

Until, our players start thinking of the best moves for their careers instead of money first, we will continue to get situations like Omeruo training with kids at Chelsea.

Money is important but if you make the right career moves, money will eventually come.

goldfish80:
I think people should get used to seeing Akpeyi in goal in the foreseeable. Another legendary goalkeeper backs him to start against Cameroon.

How Eagles can subdue Cameroon – Rufai


Peter Rufai insists the Super Eagles will only triumph in their Group B Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying double - header against Cameroon ’ s Indomitable Lions if Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr features players who are ready to fight on the pitch.
The Eagles host their fierce rivals in Uyo on August 31 and travel to Yaounde for the reverse fixture on September 4 .
Nigeria sit atop the group on six points , followed by African champions Cameroon on two points . Zambia and Algeria who are other teams in the group have one point each.
Rohr has been hit by a goalkeeping crisis in the run- up to the double - header after his first choice keeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia last month .
And Rufai , who expressed concern over the goalkeeping crisis facing the Eagles , warns Rohr not to gamble on team selection over the two legs .
“ Any match between Nigeria and Cameroon is always explosive and I don ’ t expect these World Cup qualifiers to be different , ” the former Portuguese outfit Farense custodian told our correspondent in Lagos on Tuesday .
“ The two matches ( in Uyo and Yaounde ) will be very tough for us, we must be ready for them . ”
Rufai , who represented Nigeria at the USA ’ 94 and France ’ 98 World Cups , says Rohr should feature good quality and experienced players to enable the Eagles to survive the highly physical Cameroonian players .
He said , “ Cameroon believes in experienced players . Many Cameroonian players play for their national team for years , unlike us .
“ We must play our experienced players against them . We shouldn ’ t gamble on playing inexperienced players against them .”
“ Our players must be ready to fight the opponents throughout the game . ”
The former Stationery Stores shot - stopper believed Rohr and his charges had learnt some lessons from their 2 - 0 defeat by South Africa ’s Bafana Bafana in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on June 10 . ”
Former Gabon manager Rohr started youngster Chidozie Awaziem in the heart of the Eagles’ defence , dropping South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner Kenneth Omeruo to the bench .
Bafana exploited the weaknesses in the Nigerian defence to beat them for the first time in a competitive affair.
“ They ( Eagles) shouldn ’ t make the mistakes they made against South Africa against Cameroon , ” Rufai said .
On the goalkeeping crisis facing the Eagles ahead of the World Cup qualifiers , the former Lokeren keeper said the Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee would help Rohr as the German searches for Ikeme ’s replacement.
“ Nigeria is so big that finding a good keeper should not be a problem , ” he said .
However , Rufai said he would support Rohr if he chooses the much vilified Chippa United keeper Daniel Akpeyi as the man between the sticks for the Eagles versus Cameroon .
He said , “ Akpeyi shouldn ’ t be blamed for the defeat against South Africa . He did his best in the game .

“ The entire team should be blamed for the defeat . After all the ball went past the attackers, midfielders and defenders before getting to his position .
“ The Eagles should come together as a collective unit against Cameroon . ”


http://punchng.com/how-eagles-can-subdue-cameroon-rufai/

BascoVanVeli:
John Obi Mikel: How to play the holding midfield role
Nick Moore @nick_moore
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel reveals the secret to playing the holding midfield role, his toughest opponent and how to keep a no.10 at bay


You’ve spent your whole career playing in front of the back four - which players do you believe are the masters of this position?

It’s called the Makelele role for a reason. Claude was just so good in that position and made it his own - he brought it to everyone’s attention how important it could be. It wasn’t the position I wanted to play growing up, but when I came to Chelsea, [Jose] Mourinho saw me playing there, and it worked. I changed my position and he saw that I could be good there. I’ve done it for 11 years now. But Claude was my role model, and I was young when I started, so he was the one I admired. I’m very honoured and happy to have played a season with him, I learned so much in that year before he retired.

Defensive midfielders rarely get the headlines - do you think you need to have a selfless personality to be able to play that role?

I do think you have to be selfless. It’s a position that you play where you are open to a lot of criticism from fans, who maybe don’t see all the work you do. They come to the stadium to see the ball go into the back of the net. But we don’t do that. It’s a position that you can play well without actually touching the ball, because it’s all about positioning and coverage. You cover for the back four, the midfield, everyone. You keep the balance of the team. I did initially want to play further forward, and getting forward is something I love to do, but I think defensive midfield worked out suiting me very well.

How important is positional sense for a defensive midfielder?[/b]

It’s all about positioning and coverage, that is the key to playing it well. The manager can see the job that you do even when you don’t touch the ball, because the way you play it keeps the side in shape. That’s the good thing – your manager and your team-mates acknowledge what you do, even if not everyone can see it.



How deep should a holding midfielder operate?

It depends on the team you are playing and the tactic that your manager wants. If you want to play deep, by the edge of the box, you have to be very close to your centre-backs. Otherwise you’ll leave a big hole, with lots of space for the opposition to work in. If you’re playing that deep, you’ll need your midfielders closer as well. This will enable you to stay compact. However, if you’re pressing, then the defenders have to come forward with me, so it’s best for them to be quite close, too. Everyone has to press together – including the midfielder and the strikers - otherwise you’ve got holes.


Are you responsible for covering the full-backs to enable them to attack?

Yes, of course. You have to cover everybody! It’s a huge part of the job. In a way, our job is to cover everyone on the pitch. If the full-back attacks and is out of position, you need to be there. You cover and jump positions. But that requires a midfielder to cover you, too, so it’s a team effort. It’s a difficult and complicated position, and you really do have to learn it and be willing to sacrifice yourself for the team. That’s your job.


As a holding midfielder, do you prefer to play short or long passes?

It depends on the team you are playing. I’m happy to do either, but it depends who is in front of you. Do they want to run? When I get it, are they running? Or do they want the ball at their feet, like most of the players at Chelsea now? You have someone like Eden Hazard, who is quick, but he wants it at his feet. So you have to adapt. If they’re not going to run onto a long pass when you kick it, there is no point. Eden is great for starting attacks, but he wants it to feet. Play according to whoever you have around you. At the moment, we favour short passes, Barcelona style. I’m happy with that.


How do you adapt your game against a no.10 who drops deep and puts you under pressure?

If they come deep, then you know behind you there are two more midfielders, so there’s space for the striker, because the other team won't play with a holding midfielder. That’s where the opposition need defenders to carry the ball and try to bypass me. So you need to be aware of that and try to drag the no.10 out of the way and hope the ball goes straight to your striker or midfielders.


Who are the best No.10s you’ve played against?

I think Alessandro Del Piero was the best. I played against him a couple of times when he was at Juventus. He was close to retirement, but he just was so clever. He was finding space behind me every time to get the ball. I’d think ‘I’ve got him’ but then he’d just do something. I was inexperienced, he was very experienced, and he was just too clever for me. I was trying to beat him with energy, but he could beat me with his head.


You’ve played under Jose Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti – did they all expect different things from you?

There was a massive difference. Scolari wanted me to express myself the most. Under him, and Ancelotti and [Roberto] Di Matteo, I played some of my best football. Jose is all about balance. If I’m in his team, that’s what I’m doing, and that’s fine by me.

Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/john-obi-mikel-how-play-holding-midfield-role#jmxYlIXMBeOjofHH.99

TheGoodJoe:


Why not talk to players at Burnley who worked with Owen Coyle? Go and check history and the wonderful work he did with Burnley or his first season at Bolton.

In March 2006, he was awarded Manager of the Month for the Scottish First Division for his team's performance. Coyle led St Johnstone to a 2–0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox to reach the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. It was their first win over the Glasgow club at Ibrox in 35 years.

Can a clueless person do this?

BascoVanVeli:
Ighalo has scored a brace and the match is still ongoing.

komekn:


You may find this hard to believe but YES.

Why because just like in Blackburn the players came together and decided if we follow this guy we will sink and devised thier own player led team strategy.

I really did not have any involvement with Burnley when Owen Coyle was there, so I have nothing to comment at least from an insider perspective.

do4luv14:



so nah to give dem WP to dey chop abi

Joebie:
which one be WP na?

BascoVanVeli:
John Obi Mikel: How to play the holding midfield role
Nick Moore @nick_moore
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel reveals the secret to playing the holding midfield role, his toughest opponent and how to keep a no.10 at bay


You’ve spent your whole career playing in front of the back four - which players do you believe are the masters of this position?

It’s called the Makelele role for a reason. Claude was just so good in that position and made it his own - he brought it to everyone’s attention how important it could be. It wasn’t the position I wanted to play growing up, but when I came to Chelsea, [Jose] Mourinho saw me playing there, and it worked. I changed my position and he saw that I could be good there. I’ve done it for 11 years now. But Claude was my role model, and I was young when I started, so he was the one I admired. I’m very honoured and happy to have played a season with him, I learned so much in that year before he retired.

Defensive midfielders rarely get the headlines - do you think you need to have a selfless personality to be able to play that role?

I do think you have to be selfless. It’s a position that you play where you are open to a lot of criticism from fans, who maybe don’t see all the work you do. They come to the stadium to see the ball go into the back of the net. But we don’t do that. It’s a position that you can play well without actually touching the ball, because it’s all about positioning and coverage. You cover for the back four, the midfield, everyone. You keep the balance of the team. I did initially want to play further forward, and getting forward is something I love to do, but I think defensive midfield worked out suiting me very well.

How important is positional sense for a defensive midfielder?[/b]

It’s all about positioning and coverage, that is the key to playing it well. The manager can see the job that you do even when you don’t touch the ball, because the way you play it keeps the side in shape. That’s the good thing – your manager and your team-mates acknowledge what you do, even if not everyone can see it.



How deep should a holding midfielder operate?

It depends on the team you are playing and the tactic that your manager wants. If you want to play deep, by the edge of the box, you have to be very close to your centre-backs. Otherwise you’ll leave a big hole, with lots of space for the opposition to work in. If you’re playing that deep, you’ll need your midfielders closer as well. This will enable you to stay compact. However, if you’re pressing, then the defenders have to come forward with me, so it’s best for them to be quite close, too. Everyone has to press together – including the midfielder and the strikers - otherwise you’ve got holes.


Are you responsible for covering the full-backs to enable them to attack?

Yes, of course. You have to cover everybody! It’s a huge part of the job. In a way, our job is to cover everyone on the pitch. If the full-back attacks and is out of position, you need to be there. You cover and jump positions. But that requires a midfielder to cover you, too, so it’s a team effort. It’s a difficult and complicated position, and you really do have to learn it and be willing to sacrifice yourself for the team. That’s your job.


As a holding midfielder, do you prefer to play short or long passes?

It depends on the team you are playing. I’m happy to do either, but it depends who is in front of you. Do they want to run? When I get it, are they running? Or do they want the ball at their feet, like most of the players at Chelsea now? You have someone like Eden Hazard, who is quick, but he wants it at his feet. So you have to adapt. If they’re not going to run onto a long pass when you kick it, there is no point. Eden is great for starting attacks, but he wants it to feet. Play according to whoever you have around you. At the moment, we favour short passes, Barcelona style. I’m happy with that.


How do you adapt your game against a no.10 who drops deep and puts you under pressure?

If they come deep, then you know behind you there are two more midfielders, so there’s space for the striker, because the other team won't play with a holding midfielder. That’s where the opposition need defenders to carry the ball and try to bypass me. So you need to be aware of that and try to drag the no.10 out of the way and hope the ball goes straight to your striker or midfielders.


Who are the best No.10s you’ve played against?

I think Alessandro Del Piero was the best. I played against him a couple of times when he was at Juventus. He was close to retirement, but he just was so clever. He was finding space behind me every time to get the ball. I’d think ‘I’ve got him’ but then he’d just do something. I was inexperienced, he was very experienced, and he was just too clever for me. I was trying to beat him with energy, but he could beat me with his head.


You’ve played under Jose Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti – did they all expect different things from you?

There was a massive difference. Scolari wanted me to express myself the most. Under him, and Ancelotti and [Roberto] Di Matteo, I played some of my best football. Jose is all about balance. If I’m in his team, that’s what I’m doing, and that’s fine by me.

Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/john-obi-mikel-how-play-holding-midfield-role#jmxYlIXMBeOjofHH.99

do4luv14:


lolzzz olodo,
nah work permit

Joebie:
Mikel Agu on loan to Bursaspor. Ejike Uzoenyi to Ajax Cape Town