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Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup (12289025 Views)
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by daveP(m): 2:10pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
hmm, 60pages of to and fro starting XI!! All i know is let iwobi&nacho get midfield roles against cmr and see result. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by bossto(m): 2:10pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
i can't wait to watch iheanacho against iwobi tomorrow!!!.. Good to know iheanacho has been performing well in training after the knock during their final preseason match. 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by bossto(m): 2:13pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Icon4s: 1 Like
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 2:16pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Thierry Henry speaks on Iheanacho’s move to Leicester City By Ifreke Inyang on August 9, 2017@dailypostngr Former Arsenal striker, Thierry Henry, has given his verdict on Kelechi Iheanacho’s transfer from Manchester City to Leicester City. Iheanacho completed a 25 million move last week and has already featured for the Foxes, in their 2-1 win over Borussia Mochengladbach. Henry described the move as “an amazing opportunity” for the Super Eagles forward. He told Sky Sports: “It’s an amazing opportunity for him. I think back to Manuel Pellegrini’s last season at Manchester City. He wasn’t the only one but he was the spark in the team, fighting everywhere, scoring goals, trying his hardest. So I think it’s a good buy for Leicester. Why men must stop sucking their wives’ breasts – Commissioner “It will be interesting to see how he interacts with Jamie Vardy. Is he going to do the job of Shinji Okazaki? Is Okazaki going to keep his place? Are they going to be more adventurous? I don’t know whether Craig Shakespeare will play a 4-4-1-1 or a proper 4-4-2, but it’s a good signing. “Whenever he had to do something at Manchester City, even when things were not great for the team, he delivered. People might say he had better players around him but let’s not forget that Leicester won the league two years ago. They have some good players too.” 6 Likes 1 Share |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 2:22pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 2:26pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Alex Iwobi, Mohamed Elneny giving Arsene Wenger pause for thought TwitterTweet Facebook Messenger PinterestPinterest @EmailEmail £comment The expectation among Arsenal fans is that manager Arsene Wenger will still make some major additions in the current transfer window. However, the performances of Alex Iwobi and Mohamed Elneny in the Community Shield on Sunday -- and, in fact, through the entire preseason -- have given the Gunners' boss plenty to consider before making his next swoop. Thus far, Arsenal have acquired only Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac, and although the former cost a club-record fee, it's believed the Gunners still have plenty left in the budget. The transfer market is relatively quiet on the eve of the Premier League season but is expected to burst into life in the final few weeks of the window in August. Having kept some powder dry, Wenger has the potential to be part of the forthcoming frenzy. A deep-lying midfield player and a creative force are the two positions seemingly on his agenda, and the Ligue 1 pair of Jean Seri and Thomas Lemar have been the names most commonly linked with those berths. However, Elneny and Iwobi have both performed so well throughout the summer that Wenger must be wondering if he needs those signings after all. The case of Elneny is an interesting one. Prior to the clash with Chelsea at Wembley, he spent most of the season as an emergency centre-half. Wenger has admitted he does not see Elneny's long-term future in central defence. Perhaps, besides simply making up the numbers, the idea was to try to toughen the Egyptian up. While defensively diligent, he has previously lacked aerial ability and aggression in the challenge. Both those attributes seemed markedly improved against Chelsea in the season's Community Shield curtain raiser, which Arsenal won on penalty kicks. Elneny was everywhere, his tireless running a neat complement to Granit Xhaka's more measured approach. Elneny is the very definition of a box-to-box midfielder -- he regularly covers more ground than any other Arsenal player. It's also telling that, perhaps as a consequence of their respective time with Basel, Elneny and Xhaka seem to have struck up a good relationship both on and off the pitch. If Arsenal were able to persuade Monaco to sell Lemar -- and this summer's activity suggests the principality club will sell pretty much anyone for the right price -- he presumably would find himself in direct competition with Iwobi. Some have suggested that Wenger could look to convert Lemar into a box-to-box midfielder, but that process would take time and holds few guarantees. For the time being, he is a wide creative player who can occasionally be repurposed in the centre. That's exactly the same slot Iwobi fills in the Arsenal squad. The pursuit of Lemar seems to be a nod to the fact that Arsenal could lose two of their creators-in-chief, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, in just 12 months' time. Signing Lemar now would afford him a year to adapt before taking up the reigns as Arsenal's primary playmaker for 2018-19. However, it's possible that a new signing -- especially one with such a big price tag -- could stunt Iwobi's progress. Both players are the same age, and Iwobi's preseason performances suggest he could be on the verge of a major breakthrough. There is so much to admire about the way he plays the game. His touch is immaculate, and his vision remarkable for one so young. The greatest compliment to Iwobi is the frequency with which the likes of Ozil and Alexis trust him with the ball. Arsenal's best players recognise the youngster's quality. Right now, Arsenal simply have too many players to contemplate bringing anyone else in. Only once the likes of Kieran Gibbs, Lucas Perez and Carl Jenkinson have been shipped out will there be room for additions. When Arsenal have completed the requisite sales, Wenger's mind will once again turn to recruitment. Before plunging into the market, he must consider the cases Elneny and Iwobi have mounted for first-team involvement. Are they destined to remain "nearly men" or could this be the year they step up and become key men at the Emirates Stadium? Arsenal fans would doubtless like to see the squad strengthened, but knowing Wenger, and his preference for "international solutions," it's possible he may soon be declaring the chequebook closed for good. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 2:32pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Arsenal: Alex Iwobi should take Thomas Lemar pursuit personally Arsenal’s pursuit of Thomas Lemar has been heralded by everyone as a fantastic idea, but if anyone should take it as an insult, it is Alex Iwobi. Two years ago, when Alex Iwobi made his Arsenal debut, he rocketed up the charts of not just their team sheet, but the list of the best young players in the footballing world. He was such a unique talent because of his combination of strength and intelligence with more than his fair share of speed And with mentors like Mesut Ozil to cultivate his creativity and Alexis Sanchez to see to his effort and footwork, well, there weren’t many ways it could go wrong. But it did. With a solid half-season behind him, Iwobi went into the 2016/17 season with the world on a silver platter and he nabbed three assists very early on. And then it collapsed and after far too many opportunities, he was finally benched. No one needs a rejuvenating season quite like the young Nigerian. Which is why he should be perhaps the only Arsenal-related person in the world looking at this Thomas Lemar speculation with a hint of trepidation, if not irritation. You see, between Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, there isn’t a lot of game time to go around behind them at those attacking midfield positions. Not for anyone, not even Thomas Lemar. But with both of their contracts pushing towards the end, we don’t know what the future holds. However, Iwobi was surely hoping that he would be the heir apparent to one of those positions (likely the Alexis one as he is more likely to leave). That is going to be tough to do if Thomas Lemar is there. Lemar is just as young and just as creative and he will have a massive price tag attached to him, something Iwobi doesn’t have. He will be competing against a huge signing on talent alone. This is how superstars are made. Through competition and signings like this, they either maximize their own abilities and rise to the occasion or they fade away and end up at a mid-table club with memories of when they could have risen to the occasion, but failed. If Iwobi sees this Lemar pursuit as a direct result of his inability to clamp onto a position, then his mind is in the right place and he can start growing and maturing and improving. And then, when (not if) that happens, we have even less cause to be concerned about the potential departure of Alexis and Ozil. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon79(m): 2:32pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Thank you, Kenny. I have said the same thing myself. We should ignore any player who has once expressed ambivalence about representing Nigeria. We need players are eager to represent us...players who bleed green and white. We can't be anyone's fallback option. O pari kennysville: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon79(m): 2:37pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
I just don't understand what Arsene Wenger wants Alex Iwobi to do before he nails down a permanent position at Arsenal. Iwobi always performs each time he's given an opportunity but, for some reasons, he (and to some extents Olivier Giruod) never get 100% trust from Wenger. I hope that another decent club would come for Iwobi so he can leave, then Wenger would understand what a gem he's lost. O pari BascoVanVeli: 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 3:05pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
I think the challenge will stand up to the challenge, whoever brings it. Helooks better than last season. I'm enjoying the way he is developing. Icon79: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 3:05pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
NPFL: LMC, Britain-based coy to launch Africa’s highest-paying lottery On August 9, 20173:45 pm In Sports by OkogbaComments The League Management Company (LMC) in partnership with Britain-based Ofertas365 is set to launch AfroMillionsLotto in support of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs. LMC’s Head of Special Projects Harry Iwuala, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja. He said that AfroMillionsLotto was a brand new lotto with a minimum jackpot close to N1 billion, adding that the lotto was due to be launched later this month. “The lotto, due to be live later this month, has jackpots larger than all the lottery in Nigeria combined and the biggest available anywhere in Africa,’’ Iwuala said in a statement. “All 20 NPFL clubs are to be branded with their own page on AfroMillionsLotto.com where people can buy tickets online for the twice-weekly draws, as well as enjoy a range of Instant Win games offering big-money prizes.’’ The statement explained that the benefit for the clubs was that each would receive a percentage of the revenue raised from their lottery site. “The revenue generated will help the clubs to increase income to fund player development, support stadium and pitch improvements as well as community-based projects.’’ It said the LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko described the lottery as one of the most exciting commercial developments in club football in Nigeria in recent times and suggested that it would positively impact football financing extensively. “The LMC bought into this partnership because of its realistic potential to revolutionise our clubs’ commercial operations, thanks to the money lotto will bring in. “Lotto has proven to be extremely successful with English Premier League clubs and we hope to replicate its success here in Nigeria,’’ it quoted Dikko as saying. Also, James Leppard, CEO of Ofertas365, was quoted as saying that the AfroMillionsLotto was a truly life-changing experience for the players. “We are delighted to work with Africa’s largest and most prestigious football league in launching AfroMillionsLotto, which will offer players, whether they are football fans or not, the ability to win truly life-changing jackpots,’’ it said. Ofertas365 Ltd is a company which helps football clubs and charities in emerging markets raise money through lotto. The UK Company with headquarters in London operates AfroMillionsLotto. Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/npfl-lmc-britain-based-coy-launch-africas-highest-paying-lottery/ |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon79(m): 3:33pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
I think Iwobi needs to add goals to his game in order to nail down a place. Wenger cannot afford to keep him on the bench once he becomes a proficient scorer. O pari Joebie: 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by bossto(m): 3:40pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
daveP:How do you mean??...if both of them get midfield roles,then where does mikel play? |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 3:47pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Blues Sign Onazi from Trabzonspor Add Comment1 min agoby SpotKik Taker91 Views Ogenyi OnaziFotomac Share: FacebookTwitterGoogle Blues have been heavily linked with a move for Super Ealges central midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, according to the press in Turkey. The total deal is speculated to be in the region of 4.5million Euros, as Birmingham City boss Harry Redknapp looks to strengthen his midfield. The Turkish Press, revealed that the move has been finalized. untitled Ogenyi Onazi, who just made a switch to Super Lig side Trabzonspor last summer from Lazio of Italy, instantly became a hit in Turkey. However, speculations became rife that Onazi had severed ties with Trabzonspor when it was said that his agent revealed his client’s contract with Trabzonspor had been terminated due to unpaid wages. Tension persisted between Onazi and Trabzonspor, despite his agent revoking the decision of his client to end the contract. Trabzonspor finished 12th in the Super Lig during the 2015/2016 season which meant there was no European football for the upcoming campaign. They also changed their manager four times and Onazi turned out to be one of the best signings of coach Ersun Yanal. ogenyi-onazi-ps_17yyiogvqwg1n1w622s15wz4sm The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner settled well after moving from Lazio, and became a vital cog in the middle of the park, making 32 league appearances. Onazi’s tackling and intercepting skills helped the six-time Turkish champions finish sixth, six places higher than the year before. Should he take the move to St. Andrew’s with both hands, it would mean the Nigerian international will play in England’s second tier this current 2017/2018 season. http://spotkik.com/2017/08/10/blues-sign-onazi-from-trabzonspor/ |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by tbaba1234: 3:47pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
BascoVanVeli: Ighalo had played in Spain for a while so it was easier. Same with Isaac Success. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by AndreTAyodeji(m): 3:56pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
junnyjake:Excerpt from a recent Ola Aina interview: “I’m comfortable at right-back,” he added. “That’s where I learned my trade. “But because I’m so versatile, I feel equally comfortable at left-back. I don’t really mind the flank I play on, it’s just the same for me. I’ve been doing it since I was young.” Another thing he did since he was young was play for England. From under-16s to under-20s, Aina made a total of 37 appearances in the various age groups. That stopped, unexpectedly for England, in March when Aina opted to pledge his allegiances to Nigeria. The youngster is relaxed about his decision but will know a starring role for City could yet see him make another breakthrough in 2017-18. “I’m not thinking much about international football right now,” he said. “I’m just focused on club football. “In the summer just gone I went to a training camp with Nigeria. They had one in London and invited me down. I really enjoyed it but as of now I haven’t played a competitive game. “I hadn’t played for England for quite a while. Probably say about two years. It went a bit quiet so then Nigeria came in and asked if I wanted to play for them. I thought ‘why not?’ I hadn’t been asked to play for England for a while so it felt right to take this opportunity.” |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 3:59pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
I agree. I think all these competition will keep him in his toes. He is a talented kid, no doubt. Icon79: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 4:07pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Haha.. before.. You think if the 3 Lions were considering him, he would opt for Nigeria? Maybe.. but usually it takes them a lot to choose Nigeria. Even this our country where we dey, if you dey play for Naija, after a while your heart fit leave Naija.. Leave that one.. our system is highly flawed. There isn't anything to be proud of. If not for the love of our football history, even our home-bred players will not be that patriotic. Our heroes today are not even celebrated. Why didn't England give up when Iwobi decided to play for Nigeria? if it's all about where your heart is. White man go dey decieve us. If friendlies were good enough to win those players England for don cap dem sharp sharp since. AndreTAyodeji: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by daveP(m): 4:09pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
bossto:behind them. ndidi, onazi@2nd half. kayode as cf |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 4:16pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Even our ONLY defenders at the moment won't have played for Nigeria had their country of birth given them a chance. Abi who una for play instead? Balogun is our best defender right now. Ekong comes next. The rest of our defenders are just okay.. If i dey lie mention any of our home grown defenders that are better than the aforementioned. And someone says they have to want to play for Nigeria and only Nigeria before they can put in their best. Truth is Balogun and co still give their 110% for Nigeria when on the pitch. Leave all that sentiments. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by daveP(m): 4:20pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Flair at the center, usual physical at the flanks. A pk or 2 would do. But defence mustnt cross the centre half. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 4:25pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
CHAN: Odey, Ex-Eaglets Keeper Named In Home Eagles Squad For Benin Clash 10 AUG 2017 HEADLINES, TOP STORIES Home-based Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf selected Nigeria Professional Football League top scorer MFM’S Stephen Odey, FC IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Orji Kalu and Osas Okoro, midfielders Alhassan Ibrahim and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, and Ifeanyi George among the 19 players for Sunday’s 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Benin Republic in Cotonou, the Nigeria Football Federation announced in a press release made available to Completesportsnigeria.com on Thursday. Also included in the squad are 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Dele Ajiboyemail who now plays for NPFL leaders Plateau United, Enyimba defender Chima Akas, Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali and forward Thomas Zenke. Enyimba oalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai and MFM forward Sikiru Olatubosun are also in the squad. The squad will fly from Kano to Lagos on Friday, from where they will travel to Cotonou by road same day. Cotonou is a short trip from Lagos as Benin Republic’s border in Seme is on the outskirts of Nigeria’s commercial capital. The Confederation of African Football has appointed Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal for the match at the Stade de l’Amitie on Sunday, starting from 4pm. He will be assisted by compatriots Mokrane Gourari (Assistant Referee 1), Mohammed Serradj (Assistant Referee 2) and Said Aquina (Reserve Referee). The return leg will be held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Saturday, 19 August, with the winners qualifying for the 5th African Nations Championship scheduled for Kenya early next year. 20 EAGLES FOR COTONOU Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC); Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United) Defenders: Orji Kalu (Rangers International); Stephen Eze (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ariwachukwu Emmanuel (Akwa United); Chima Akas (Enyimba FC); Nasiru Sani (Katsina United); Osas Okoro (Rangers International) Midfielders: Hafiz Aremu (Akwa United); Raphael Ayagwa (Lobi Stars); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Samuel Mathias (El-Kanemi Warriors); Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa United) Forwards: Sikiru Olatubosun (MFM FC); Thomas Zenke (Nasarawa United); Stephen Odey (MFM FC); Kingsley Eduwo (Lobi Stars); Ifeanyi George (Rangers International) Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/chan-odey-ex-eaglets-keeper-named-home-eagles-squad-benin-clash/#KUdB50FqY5X6PchU.99 |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 4:29pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Truth no sweet at all oh. My people this girl only moved from Nigeria 3 years ago. Bahrain’s Nigerian-Born Worlds Silver Medallist Naser: I’ve No Business With AFN 10 AUG 2017 HEADLINES, OTHER SPORTS, TOP STORIES By Johnny Edward: Bahrain’s Nigerian-born Salwa Eid Naser, the 400m women’s silver medallist at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, refused to acknowledge Nigeria while speaking to journalists after her superb feat, Completesportsnigeria.com reports. Naser, born in Nigeria to a Bahraini father and a Nigerian mother, surprised a strong field in Wednesday’s 400m women’s final, posting a new personal best of 50.06 seconds behind the winner Phyllis Francis, who finished with a time of 49.92s. American multiple medallist Allyson Felix came third with a time of 50.08s. When asked if she had any advice for the new Athletic Federation of Nigeria board, Salwa, 19, who moved to Bahrain from Nigeria three years ago, said bluntly in a video posted online by Athletics Africa: “I don’t really have anything to say to them (the new Athletic Federation of Nigeria board.) The past three years have been a great transition for me and I’m glad. I have nothing to say to the AFN.” Play Video She added that she was not scared to compete against the likes Francis and Felix before the final. “No, I wasn’t. But I was training hard and hoping for the best. Coming here I really hoped to do something,” Naser who set new national records to win both her heat (50.57) and semi-final (50.08) at the IAAF World Championship in London told iaaf.org. “I feel so happy. It wasn’t about beating Allyson Felix. It was about getting a personal best and a medal. “I just had to push through and try. I didn’t see anyone in front of me so I didn’t know what position I was at until the results came through.” Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/bahrains-nigerian-born-worlds-silver-medallist-naser-ive-no-business-afn/#6HZBxSYPOBMsPGEJ.99 |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 4:37pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Defender Who Wants To Play For Nigeria [Instead Of Spain] Scores For Bolton Wanderers August 10, 20170104 Former Real Madrid defender Derek Osede scored his first goal for English Championship side Bolton Wanderers in their 2-1 away win against Crewe Alexandra in the first round of the English Football League Cup (EFL Cup). Osede popped up with the winner for Bolton with nine minutes left to play in the game helping his side to a comeback win after Chris Porter put Crewe ahead in the 42nd minutes of the game. Two goals within the space of ten minutes from Adam Armstrong and Osede knocked out Crewe at the Alexandra Stadium much to the disappointment of the home fans who taught their team would at least get a draw. The winner scored by Osede was his first in the colours of Bolton Wanderers since he joined them two seasons ago from the B team of Spanish giants Real Madrid. Born in Spain to Nigerian father and a Spanish mother, the 24 year old represented Spain and helped them to win the 2012 UEFA U19 European Championship , but in 2015 he stated his desire to switch international allegiance to Nigeria. DONT MISS ==> Swiss-Nigerian Shot Stopper Osigwe Eager To Challenge Ikeme For Eagles Number One Spot A call up to the senior national team of Nigeria could be in the offing for the left footed central defender as he can also play as a left full back, one area where Nigeria are currently lacking in options, but it all depends on how he performs for Bolton Wanderers this season. Michael James 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by bossto(m): 4:43pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
daveP:Behind them?.....as in... a DM or what?? You are confusing me here...Can you enlighten me? |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon79(m): 4:52pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Good news. These are the type of players we need in green and white. Guys who are ready to forgive a top euro country for the honor or putting on the green and white, not those useless mugus who only turn to Nigeria after being overlooked by everyone else. And by the way, does anyone has any info on this Osigwe Eager dude? Is he any good? Please do share! O pari Joebie: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 5:16pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Lol that's what you like to believe. If Spain wanted him, he won't blink an eye. Like he even stands a chance... Who is Osigwe? Modified Old news. will look him up Icon79: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon79(m): 5:25pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
True. But I appreciate the fact that he's willing to pitch his lot with us, without waiting for Spain. He's only 24 years old, remember? If he's like your average EPL chap, he would keep waiting for Spain until he's a few years to retirement before he does an about turn. O pari Joebie: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon79(m): 5:30pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
It's looks like he plays for a Swiss 3rd division side. He's definitely not the solution, if you ask me. O pari Joebie: |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by soetanoreoluwa(m): 5:40pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Do you agree with Collins Udoh on this write up? Can Kelechi Iheanacho stand alone as Leicester's main man? Front and centre is where Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho suddenly finds himself after completing his long-anticipated move to Leicester City last week. It was a short debut for the 20-year-old, ended by a knock within 20 minutes against Borussia Monchengladbach, but it was enough for Iheanacho to prove to both the Leicester fans and manager that they will have reason to preen about their latest acquisition. Played through by Riyad Mahrez, Iheanacho had every opportunity to have a go at goal, but chose to unselfishly square the ball to an unmarked Jamie Vardy in the box. The England striker swept home, Leicester took the lead, and held on for the win. That assist was the highlight of Iheanacho's 17-minute cameo. It also showed the good and not-so-good parts of the young striker's game. Raised as an offensive midfielder in his cadet days with Nigeria, and from where he won MVP honous at the U-17 World Cup with Nigeria, Iheanacho has since transitioned to a very advanced forward role. Kelechi Iheanacho Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola stuck him upfront as a direct replacement for Sergio Aguero, and Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has continued in that vein since taking over, letting Iheanacho take point in his three-man frontline. His six goals and seven assists at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013 must have had a role in that decision, not to mention his six goals in 10 international games. That assist to Vardy speaks volumes about the striker. Everything about the goal, from the pass to open the space, his diagonal drifting running, and the square ball to Vardy, showed his potential. A more single-mindedly ruthless finisher, especially one on his first day at work, would've gone for goal to open his account early. Not the Nigerian. Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City & Thorgan Hazard of Borussia Monchengladbach Michael Regan/Getty Images He had the awareness to see Vardy all alone in he box, and the selflessness to find him with a simple, weighted touch. That selflessness, it could be said, is both a quality and a curse. A striker should, ideally, have only one thing on his mind when he gets into positions like that, even if he misses. All the greatest strikers in the world would have gone for goal, but the midfielder in Iheanacho chose to pass. It's also a major asset; having played in midfield for so long and so well, Iheanacho still has the spatial awareness to keep track of his teammates' movements in and around the box. That said, Iheanacho must understand that he is now a striker, and goals rather than assists will be the key metric by which he is judged. At Manchester City, he was shielded both by his age and the giant goalscoring image of Kun Aguero. A £25 million outlay for his services means that that shield is now discarded to the ground. Iheanacho has nowhere to hide, but has both an opportunity and a responsibility to stand on his own two feet...and no, he cannot hide behind Jamie Vardy, either. Unquestionably, he has the talent to thrive. Precedent shows he has the numbers in his favour. It is now time for him to step out of the shadows and be his own man. On the basis of his first showing, there seems to be reason for optimism. http://kwese.espn.com/football/leicester-city/story/3176349/can-kelechi-iheanacho-stand-alone-as-leicesters-main-man |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by comodo: 5:47pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Joebie: I think he meant Sebastian Osigwe. A goalkeeper though I think with SC Kriens, Switzerland |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by soetanoreoluwa(m): 6:05pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
Nigeria call-up a 'sweet and sour' moment for Fanendo Adi Francis Okupa, KweséESPN The second half of the 2017 Major League Soccer season has begun and with the race for the playoffs about to kick into high gear, KweséESPN sat down with Portland Timbers and Nigeria striker Fanendo Adi to discuss his thoughts on the league, winning the MLS championship, and getting a call-up to play for Nigeria. KweséESPN: Who were your favorite players while you were growing up in Nigeria? Adi: I was an Arsenal fan, so I loved Kanu and I loved Thierry Henry. Henry was the guy I looked up to. I watched a lot of videos and highlights. I got to play against him and that was an exciting moment as well. KweséESPN: You had a call-up to the Nigeria national team for two qualifiers versus Egypt back in 2016. What was the experience like for you? Adi: To be able to represent your country is always good. To get invited is a good thing. The bad thing is to fly all the way from America, 32 hours to go there and back and not even be on the bench or on the 18/19 (list). It's not a good moment or not a good thing, so for me that was very disappointing. I knew I could contribute but you just have to respect the coaches and do what they want to do, go with the flow. But also it looks bad that I flew all the way for 32 hours without being in the 19-man list. It was a sweet and sour moment. KweséESPN: How was the training experience itself? Training and being in a national team camp with other Nigerian players from around the world? Adi: It was good. Some guys play in the [English] Premiership so It was good to see them play, along with Mikel (Obi). It was a good feeling, a good experience. You learn from everything, the good, the bad. It's just a learning process. It was nice to be there to train with them. KweséESPN: Would you be open to a future call-up by the national team manager or is that door shut? If open to it, what would you provide to the Nigerian team as a centre forward? Adi: We're all different players. I'd just do what I'm known for. I would try to help the team with my physical play, with my ball control, keeping the ball up for the players. And scoring goals for the team, helping the team create and as well score goals. After I experienced the first call up, I said I'm not gonna fly out there [for nothing]. If they invite me, I'm just gonna ask the coach, 'Am I gonna be in the 19 man (list)?' I'm not ready to fly 32 hours and just stay on the trip and watch the game and not play. I'm not ready to go and just sit, that's not what I want; but it's always a great honor to represent your nation and if I'm called up that will be a very good thing for me and I will be very happy to represent my country. Fanendo Adi USA Today KweséESPN: How did your move to MLS come about? Did you know anything about the league before making the move to North America? Adi: I knew nothing about the league. I had never watched the league or highlights but the coach was there to talk to me about it and he explained pretty well how it works and how they wanted me. I was lucky enough to make the right decision. KweséESPN: What were your initial thoughts on the level of play in the league? Adi: I can't say I really had expectations, coming to a league that you know nothing about. Of course, you take whatever you see. I just took it as I saw it. When I first came in it was extremely physical and so much running that I couldn't adjust quickly. The physicality of the league is just unbelievably high and it took me a while to adjust to that with the help of my coaches, so right now I'm just into the system. KweséESPN: Are there any aspects of MLS that you think need some more improvement? Adi: It's a big country, and I don't think my opinion matters to anyone, but if I were the head of the league I'd stop signing old players and giving them millions of dollars, because you have a lot of young good players in the league... Extremely good players in the league that need that money. So if you go and bring old players just because of the name and put them in MLS All-Stars, give them in the best contracts, I don't think that's helping the league. I'd rather put the investment in the youth and make it possible for the youth to develop and become something tomorrow, for the States and for the league itself. In terms of travelling, it's a massive place. If we would have chartered flights to the very distant locations that would be better, unlike we having sometimes to get connecting flights to a location (prior to a match). Those are just some areas of improvement. Once everything is put in place I think the league will be improved but it has more to do with the youth. The older guys can help but I don't see how much more after all they've already given of themselves in Europe, but that's just my opinion. KweséESPN: You helped the Timbers win the MLS Championship in 2015. It was your first major trophy. How was that for you? Adi: That was a great feeling. We had ups and downs but to come up at the end of the league, winning the entire championship, was just amazing for everyone. That was my first championship so it was a very good moment for me and exciting for the club. To be with the club at that time and give the club what they had been waiting (to get) for over 45 years... It was just amazing for all the players, the fans, the management and the coaches. We always tell people the story of how we won in 2015. It was a great time. Fanendo Adi Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports KweséESPN: You became the Timbers all-time goalscoring leader, with 46 goals then, back in April. Did you have any plans on getting that record when you signed with the team and is that something you think ever reflect on? Adi: I didn't know anything about the record with the team or who had the record [John Bain]. I was just playing year after year, but when it got closer to breaking the record I heard about it. I'm grateful to God to be able to break that record that has been there for years, and to have a group of guys that really helped me to be in that situation and moment is just amazing. Today I don't remember the record but I have the record ball in my house so every time I'm watching the TV, it's in front of me so when I see the ball I remember that; but outside of my house I don't even know that I'm the record holder. I'm just humbled and privileged to be here and keep doing well for the team. KweséESPN: The Timbers are currently fifth in the Western Conference. What do you, as a team, need to do in order to get back to the playoffs and make another run for the championship? Adi: We just need to defend well, play well, try to score goals and just know that from now on we have to win. If you win you're getting points and if you don't win points are slipping off your foot. It's a case of seeing what we did the last two years, how we managed to come up on top and win nine straight games and go straight to the championship and win it. So we have to go watch the videos, talk to each other, and know that it's defending first, and every other thing comes afterwards, because if we don't concede goals then hopefully we're gonna score goals. If we stay and concede goals then that will be a tough situation for us. So we just need to defend well, play well, play as a team and try to win games. KweséESPN: The MLS All-Star game was held recently. What are your thoughts on the selection process for players to the All-Star game? Adi: The way it's voted, or whoever chooses the player, it's (up) to the league and how they do it but that's not something that really interests me. It's good for the players that get to go there but for the league I don't see any way it helps the league develop. That's just my opinion about it. The league is the league and I just have to respect whatever they put there. KweséESPN: As a player in MLS, do you feel validated or recognized by selection to the All-Star game or is that something you would rather prefer to get from teammates and your home fans? Adi: I'm not a player that fights for recognition or anything of that nature. I don't want to get into the voting or how they choose players to go for that but it can never be 100% correct. For me, it's just something I overlook and I play my game and try to help my team and try to do things to help the club that I'm playing for. Recognition? I'm happy the club and the fans recognize me. KweséESPN: How would you describe your playing style, for fans in Africa who haven't had the opportunity to watch you play? Adi: It's better for coaches and other players to describe, but all I can say is I just try to help the team, try to do what I have to do. I'm a big guy so I can say I'm a target forward. I don't drift much to the left or right, I try to [stay in the] center as much as possible. I'm a player that anyone can play off. I'm a box player, and a player that holds the ball up. |
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