tbaba1234:


I am talking about the Super Eagles (what the thread is about). Onyekuru, kalu, Bonaventure, Olayinka etc can't get a look-in. A crowded position.

Mikel was one of the most highly coveted youngsters after the under 20 world cup in 2005. He did not have to play for a big club to be spotted. Mikel also had trials with big teams after the under 17 world cup. Several teams already knew about his potential.

So the Mikel comparison doesn't work.

I saw Adegbenro play a few times last year. I am not knocking against his talent.

Mikel actually went to South Africa after the U17 world cup before joining a modest Lynn Oslo. His quality while playing for Lynn Oslo alerted Man Utd before WYC 2005.
My point is that when someone is doing well, he's doing well. For me, a footballer's talent shouldn't be judged by where he plays.
Who says Adegbenro would not have done better than Iwobi against South Africa?

SuperSport United unveil physically monstrous Nigerian centreback Azubuike Egwuekwe


By Marc Strydom |

The day after beating 10-man Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night for their first win of the 2017-18 season‚ and new coach Eric Tinkler’s first victory‚ SuperSport United paraded the huge‚ muscular central defender at their training base in Sunninghill‚ Johannesburg on Thursday.

Signed from Finnish side KuPS‚ Egwuekwe brings an impressive international pedigree with 34 caps for Nigeria.

The 28-year-old centreback was in the squad of Steven Keshi’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Super Eagles in South Africa‚ though did not play.

He made two substitutes’ appearances later that year in the Fifa Confederations Cup in Spain.

The one-time target of West Ham has experience playing in World Cup qualifiers for Nigeria.

“He’s a player who we obviously scouted. We saw quite a few videos and obviously also spoke to a few people in Nigeria just to make sure that he’s been playing‚” Tinkler said.

“And it’s always hard when you sign some of the foreign players‚ to do it off videos and opinion alone.

“But all the information we got regarding him was all very positive. So he was basically one who we signed without a trial.”

Egwuekwe towered over Tinkler being presented to the media. SuperSport’s coach said he expects the defender to chip in with goals‚ as he did in his one season in Finland last year.

“Yes‚ of course‚ when you see how big he is you would expect that. Today I got my first opportunity to really see him and where his level of fitness is‚” the coach said.

“Although he has been playing. In fact he was supposed to have joined us last week but the club (KuPS) requested that he play one more match – they needed him.

“So we granted that‚ and now he’s joined us. So his fitness levels should be OK and once we get the work done with him‚ he’ll join straight in.”

Before his move to Finland Egwuekwe played in Nigeria‚ mostly for Warri Wolves.

“We wanted to bring someone in who has that experience and create that proper competition that we need in the centre of defence‚” Tinkler said.

“And obviously somebody who’s going to be here long-term.”

Egwuekwe is unlikely to be available for SuperSport’s MTN8 semifinal first leg match against Maritzburg United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. - SowetanLIVE

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2017/08/24/supersport-united-unveil-physically-monstrous-nigerian-centreback-azubuike-egwuekwe

I believe Friday Ekpo was referring to Osas Okoro, who I still maintain is better than any of the available options we have at right back. Rohr choosing not to invite him because he plays in the NPFL shows weaknesses.


°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Ekpo, Bosso fault Rohr’s list against Lions

Former Nigeria midfielder, Friday Ekpo , and former Flying Eagles coach , Ladan Bosso, have disagreed with Nigeria coach , Gernot Rohr , over his 23 - man list for the 2018 World Cup qualifying double - header against Cameroon on September 1 and 4 .
The German on Tuesday released his list , which was dominated with known names , except for Israel- based Anthony Nwakaeme and Hull City defender Ola Aina .
The Super Eagles host the Indomitable Lions in Uyo on September 1 before embarking on the trip to Yaounde on September 4 for the reverse fixture .
Nigeria top Group B with six points while Cameroon are second with two points .
Ekpo and Bosso told our correspondent that the coach should have called up players based on current form .
Ekpo said , “ The European leagues are just starting and most of these players have yet to show their current form . Apart from Mikel ( Obi ) and ( Odion ) Ighalo , who have been playing in the Chinese league, some of the other players in the list may struggle for form before the game .
“(Kelechi ) Iheanacho has not really impressed for Leicester because he is injured . He may find it difficult to replicate the form we have known him for in past games . I am not saying he should call up only home - based players for the ties but the left and right - back positions have been problematic since he ( Rohr ) took charge of that team . The solution may lie in the domestic league players , who did well against Benin recently . ”
Bosso said there were better goalkeeping choices in the domestic league, who should have been considered by the German ahead of Portugal- based Dele Alampasu .
“ The list is good given that Rohr called up players he is used to . But I believe that some of those players , especially in the defence , could be replaced by one or two - home based defenders .
“ Also, there are active goalkeepers in the NPFL , who need to be given chances rather than Alampasu , who hasn ’ t featured this season for his club . ”

http://punchng.com/ekpo-bosso-fault-rohrs-list-against-lions/

Bro, change Akpeyi with Ezenwa and I would say that you've probably nailed out starting line up next Friday.


O pari

Icon4s:
My starting line up:

.................Akpeyi

Shehu.. Ekong.. Balogun.. Echiejile


..........Ndidi.......... Etebo


V. Moses... Mikel... Iwobi


...........Iheanacho

Goalkeeper Dilema: Rohr Keeping His Cards to His Chest http://itsagoal.ng/rohr-to-make-surprise-decision/

goldfish80:

Mikel actually went to South Africa after the U17 world cup before joining a modest Lynn Oslo. His quality while playing for Lynn Oslo alerted Man Utd before WYC 2005.
My point is that when someone is doing well, he's doing well. For me, a footballer's talent shouldn't be judged by where he plays.
Who says Adegbenro would not have done better than Iwobi against South Africa?

Before joining Lyn Oslo, Mikel and Isaac Promise had trials in Chelsea and a few other clubs in England. They were not unknown to the staff of those clubs.

BascoVanVeli:


Ezekiel Bassey was the first to do that.

Ezekiel Bassey did not join a La Liga club. He was signed by and for Barca B, a third division side.

oga, I watched that game live. Benin Republic was a very weak opponent. You can make a case for the invitation of Osas Okoro to compete with the others, but to say he is better than our available options at RB is yet another thing.

Okoro missed out from the list, for the same reason why Kingsley Eduwo missed out. They have to prove that they can meet up to a high standard of competition.

Let's not forget Stanley Amuzie who was highly rated by Siasia during Rio qualification. However, he didn't look good in Rio. The level of competition matters a big deal.

goldfish80:
I believe Friday Ekpo was referring to Osas Okoro, who I still maintain is better than any of the available options we have at right back. Rohr choosing not to invite him because he plays in the NPFL shows weaknesses.


°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Ekpo, Bosso fault Rohr’s list against Lions

Former Nigeria midfielder, Friday Ekpo , and former Flying Eagles coach , Ladan Bosso, have disagreed with Nigeria coach , Gernot Rohr , over his 23 - man list for the 2018 World Cup qualifying double - header against Cameroon on September 1 and 4 .
The German on Tuesday released his list , which was dominated with known names , except for Israel- based Anthony Nwakaeme and Hull City defender Ola Aina .
The Super Eagles host the Indomitable Lions in Uyo on September 1 before embarking on the trip to Yaounde on September 4 for the reverse fixture .
Nigeria top Group B with six points while Cameroon are second with two points .
Ekpo and Bosso told our correspondent that the coach should have called up players based on current form .
Ekpo said , “ The European leagues are just starting and most of these players have yet to show their current form . Apart from Mikel ( Obi ) and ( Odion ) Ighalo , who have been playing in the Chinese league, some of the other players in the list may struggle for form before the game .
“(Kelechi ) Iheanacho has not really impressed for Leicester because he is injured . He may find it difficult to replicate the form we have known him for in past games . I am not saying he should call up only home - based players for the ties but the left and right - back positions have been problematic since he ( Rohr ) took charge of that team . The solution may lie in the domestic league players , who did well against Benin recently . ”
Bosso said there were better goalkeeping choices in the domestic league, who should have been considered by the German ahead of Portugal- based Dele Alampasu .
“ The list is good given that Rohr called up players he is used to . But I believe that some of those players , especially in the defence , could be replaced by one or two - home based defenders .
“ Also, there are active goalkeepers in the NPFL , who need to be given chances rather than Alampasu , who hasn ’ t featured this season for his club . ”

http://punchng.com/ekpo-bosso-fault-rohrs-list-against-lions/

Joebie:
Adegbenro comes from the bench to fire a brace to help Rosenborg knock out Ajax from Europa League.

Two well taken goals. The second was a delight.. I must say he is a SE material. I'm now sold.

Modified
Dude single handedly wrecked Ajax. He scored the only goal when they beat Ajax in the first leg

Just watched d 2nd goal he scored against Ajax.It has been compared with d goal Okocha scored against Oliver Khan years ago.

Keeping with our thread's best practices, how about you just paste the contents of that link on here next time.

ToluOlDavies:
Goalkeeper Dilema: Rohr Keeping His Cards to His Chest http://itsagoal.ng/rohr-to-make-surprise-decision/

Oga that second goal!!!.. Let's not talk about Okocha. Okocha's goal was kind of playful and doing to much than necessary.

It looks like something Messi does on a regular. I will try to find it on youtube and post here


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_f5PbZuNYI

Daninya11:


Just watched d 2nd goal he scored against Ajax.It has been compared with d goal Okocha scored against Oliver Khan years ago.

CONFIRMED! AFCON 2017 Player Of The Tournament Christian Bassagog, Aboubakar top Cameroon's 23-man WCQ list http://itsagoal.ng/confirmed-afcon-2017-player-tournament-christian-bassagog-aboubakar-top-cameroons-23-man-wcq-list/

VIDEO: Amaju Pinnick, Tinubu star in novelty game http://itsagoal.ng/video-amaju-pinnick-tinubu-star-novelty-game/

VIDEO: Samuel Adegbenro's treble knocks out Ajax http://itsagoal.ng/samuel-adegbenros-treble-knocks-ajax/

Joebie:
Nice one!!! I can disagree with a FEW omissions/additions, but like you said it's strictly your opinion. All the same, great contribution!!!

Thumb up for this but not see Samson Siasia on d list of 1990-1999 call for little debates coz Siasia still remained d best partnership of Yekini,though Amokachie came into d scene and when Siasia was made a scape goat for our lost against cote d voire but nonetheless I w pick Siasia over Amokachie anytime any day.

Pls go and watch Nigeria vs South Africa and see d great combo of Yekini and Siasia,also Senegal 92 and Nigeria qualifying matches to Seoul 88.Their striking partner still remained best and till today we haven't got one except few glimpses of KANU and Agali in 2001 world cup qualifying and afcon.

Samson Siasia deserves to be in your squad,despite d knock he received against cote d voire for not giving Yekini a pass,Westerhoff still find it difficult to bench him at US 94,pls check his goal against Argentina,d goal remained one of d most intelligent goal score in d history of world cup.

I always rate Siasia along KANU when it comes to intelligence,and this was d reason he remained most shinning light of 1985 under 20 squad he rose to become integral part of late 80s and 90s super eagles,ask Monday Odiaka and he w tell u most strikers prefers Siasia behind them coz he does it well.

Sorry jobie for mix up,this is for icon4s .

Cc:icon4s

WCQ Update: Odion Ighalo arrives, Ogu and Nwakaeme to arrive Uyo, Tuesday. http://itsagoal.ng/update-odion-ighalo-arrives-ogu-nwakaeme-arrive-uyo-tuesday/

Joebie:
oga, I watched that game live. Benin Republic was a very weak opponent. You can make a case for the invitation of Osas Okoro to compete with the others, but to say he is better than our available options at RB is yet another thing.

Okoro missed out from the list, for the same reason why Kingsley Eduwo missed out. They have to prove that they can meet up to a high standard of competition.

Let's not forget Stanley Amuzie who was highly rated by Siasia during Rio qualification. However, he didn't look good in Rio. The level of competition matters a big deal.

It's not about just the Benin game. I mean, Some of us actually watch these NPFL game game, you know. The form he has shown during the season have been breathtaking.
Why do I think he's better than Rb we have? Well, Osas have been a winger throughout his career, a very explosive winger for that matter. Spare a thought and imagine such an explosive player converted as a RWB, you have for yourself something mimicking a Victor Moses.

Eduwo as a striker is playing in a competitive position against player from big clubs and reputation. Tyronne and Shehu are basically our RBs. A guy playing in Cyprus and Ado Den Hag. Osas can actually rob shoulders with these guys and own that spot. That's what we are talking about.

tbaba1234:


Before joining Lyn Oslo, Mikel and Isaac Promise had trials in Chelsea and a few other clubs in England. They were not unknown to the staff of those clubs.

That was right after they featured in the U17 world cup in 2003. You're saying Mikel was signed by Man Utd because of what they saw of him do in training back in 2003? Decision to sign him had nothing to do with his progress in Norway?

@Icon4s...in my opinion the wingers were more potent than the midfielders in the 94 eagles.Finidi and Amuneke created chances and scored themselves.I never trust the lone striker up front style.I don't think it can work for Nigeria.

from the list that the cameroonians have released it's still likely they will field their first eleven but from the chopping and changing in their list especially in defence and attack they are still looking for reliable backups for their first XI.

i have gone their squad list i think their goalkeepers are better no doubt ondoa stands out. defenders? nothing much stands out between them and us but they have the slight advantage because they have had more time to blend. midfield full of work men not much creative spark here we have an advantage which we should make the best use of. in attack the usual suspects plus the addition of potentially dangerous chuba moting. their attack is better in the sense that they have a better understanding of themselves. however if our attack can gel and build that chemistry we can wreck them

my early impression of their squad is that this is jam body in living colour. they are not coming to play so expect direct play long balls and crosses for their big physical forwards into our box. our defenders better get ready for a battle. that said this cameroon team is here for the taking with good coaching and cleverness on our part

goldfish80:

That was right after they featured in the U17 world cup in 2003. You're saying Mikel was signed by Man Utd because of what they saw of him do in training back in 2003? Decision to sign him had nothing to do with his progress in Norway?

They already knew about him and could easily track his development based on what they had seen. Adegbenro on the other hand does not have that background.

Onuachu in talks with Werder Bremen. The guy has been consistent for a while. Big news.

He can rub shoulders. Fine, so call for his invitation. Don't say he is better than our available options. Besides, Rohr watches some of our NPFL games live. Do you think he is not experienced enough to know a good player when he sees one?

goldfish80:


It's not about just the Benin game. I mean, Some of us actually watch these NPFL game game, you know. The form he has shown during the season have been breathtaking.
Why do I think he's better than Rb we have? Well, Osas have been a winger throughout his career, a very explosive winger for that matter. Spare a thought and imagine such an explosive player converted as a RWB, you have for yourself something mimicking a Victor Moses.

Eduwo as a striker is playing in a competitive position against player from big clubs and reputation. Tyronne and Shehu are basically our RBs. A guy playing in Cyprus and Ado Den Hag. Osas can actually rob shoulders with these guys and own that spot. That's what we are talking about.

Is Matip back?

chrisooblog:
from the list that the cameroonians have released it's still likely they will field their first eleven but from the chopping and changing in their list especially in defence and attack they are still looking for reliable backups for their first XI.

i have gone their squad list i think their goalkeepers are better no doubt ondoa stands out. defenders? nothing much stands out between them and us but they have the slight advantage because they have had more time to blend. midfield full of work men not much creative spark here we have an advantage which we should make the best use of. in attack the usual suspects plus the addition of potentially dangerous chuba moting. their attack is better in the sense that they have a better understanding of themselves. however if our attack can gel and build that chemistry we can wreck them

my early impression of their squad is that this is jam body in living colour. they are not coming to play so expect direct play long balls and crosses for their big physical forwards into our box. our defenders better get ready for a battle. that said this cameroon team is here for the taking with good coaching and cleverness on our part

Exactly

obaaderemi:
@Icon4s...in my opinion the wingers were more potent than the midfielders in the 94 eagles.Finidi and Amuneke created chances and scored themselves.I never trust the lone striker up front style.I don't think it can work for Nigeria.

Breaking
leicester city sign a nigerian fan maidaboi from fc Barcelona on a season loan for an undisclosed fee
source..
His nairaland account

no. only choupo moting is the major new addition to their attack which is their main threat. for their defenders apart from teikeu, ngaleu and fai the rest are a bit inexperienced and light weight. midfield is decent but nothing spectacular aguissa is their main man. attack is where they have enough weapons to hurt us if we are not careful

Joebie:
Is Matip back?

tbaba1234:


Ezekiel Bassey did not join a La Liga club. He was signed by and for Barca B, a third division side.

hw was he not signed by a la liga club? Every la liga side has a B team. Pedro was a barca B player. Both Isaac Success and Uche Agbo had substantial amount of games with the B team at Granada. All i'm saying is that Ezekiel Bassey flagged off the concept.

maidaboi:
Breaking
leicester city sign a nigerian fan maidaboi from fc Barcelona on a season loan for an undisclosed fee
source..
His nairaland account

U better at least stay for this season because we definitely are not sure to have Messi next year.

al hassan Ibrahim signs for Austria Wien from akwa united

fantastic news hopefully his true potential will shine through

PROVERBZ:
al hassan Ibrahim signs for Austria Wien from akwa united

NFF needs to give Akwa United and Lobi star 3 points for having to play on that nonsense field.