Further good news for @NGSuperEagles. Heard earlier that Ola Aina's clearance has come through from FIFA. Additional depth in squad

From Colin Udoh's twitter handle

I think it's okay to cap all the foreign-borns "cappable" . Yet Should be no guarantee they will start or make our bench eventually.

Icon4s:


Let him still develop more then. We need players who can face both African and European oppositions.

The way that boy was hyped here. You would think he will just walk into the starting 11.

pyrex23:

one we qualify(if we dont find a natural LB)....ehbeui would b d one to man d position.....
I think elderson still mans d postion because we are facing african opponents



i hope to see
joel obi;
P.olayinka;
C.dessers;
with us in russia....anything can happen b4 then though

as 4 shehu...d return leg could his last game 4 us

I hope they will prove to be better than the crop we have already?

Joebie:
my point is we should build so we can have the capacity to challenge any team in the world.. .

i'm sure that's what most of them are thinking

This team is progressing gradually.

From Rohr's first game against Tazania to our first WCQ match in Ndola tru Algeria, down to Cameroon the team is becoming more potent attacking wise. But there is need for us to re-enforce our defence as it seems to be the weekest part of the team. We need a strong backup for our CBs most especially Balogun(the most underrated Africa's CB) cos he is too fragile and his availability is unreliable.
Get solid full backs with attacking abilities. Then with the addition of Joe Obi in the midfield and hopefully a seasoned and proven 9 will make the team hard to beat.

pyrex23:

one we qualify(if we dont find a natural LB)....ehbeui would b d one to man d position.....
I think elderson still mans d postion because we are facing african opponents



i hope to see
joel obi;
P.olayinka;
C.dessers;
with us in russia....anything can happen b4 then though

as 4 shehu...d return leg could his last game 4 us

You think so? That's the only utility player we got... Why did he kept earning call up? Mind you he's the last player to get to camp... It will shock you if he make it to Russia

Famocious:
Further good news for @NGSuperEagles. Heard earlier that Ola Aina's clearance has come through from FIFA. Additional depth in squad

From Colin Udoh's twitter handle

Good news.

But I think Shehu should still start.

We should maintain the same structure of the team for the Monday game.

Ola Aina is ours already. No going back. We may field him in the October qualifiers.

Joebie:
I think it's okay to cap all the foreign-borns "cappable" . Yet Should be no guarantee they will start or make our bench eventually.

There is no way we are going to cap all the foreign born. We only need those who will add value to the team, those who are better than the crop we have already.

Danielnino00:



Couldn't agree more.. Iwobi really needs to work on his pace and crossing or better still convert to an AMF.. He isn't a winger at all

he might be mikel's replacement

Question for Everybody.
If Leon Balogun and Ekong were to be English players, what do you think their market values should be like? Considering that the likes of John stones and other British CBs went for a whooping £50million a season ago.

Cc: Icon4s, TheGoodJoe, Joebie, Komekn, Mikron, Do4luv, Safarigirl, Certitude, TheSuperNerd, Kog45, Dedebanky85, Samueldo, Joseph1013, Danycrusoe etc

goldfish80:
My ratings going by my personal observations

Ezenwa : a commanding display by the glovesman. Caught everything that came his way with abit of showmanship. A very solid performance by Ezenwa, although he was well protected by the midfield and defense but still did his job.
However, Ezenwa being Ezenwa as usual was too playful. His penchant to play while on duty is one of the reasons why I don't fancy his style. Kudos all the same. 9/10



Shehu: A solid display by the right back. Unlike the previous game against South Africa, he came to the party today. Combined well with Moses Simon and guarded his part of the pitch. I can't recall a cross coming in from his flank.
Solid! 7.5/10

Elderson : Steady performance by the left back. Obviously doesn't have the verve and energy to provide an outlet while the team attacked however, he did his job and totally marked out Bassogog, which was key to shoting down the Lions (cubs) attacks. 7.0/10

Ekong : Did nothing flashy. Was just solid and went about his job. However, he needs to improve on his ball distribution. He sent many passes astray in the first half. 7.5/10

Balogun : Did a yo man's job all day long. What a player. With due respect to Mainz, Balogun deserves to play in a bigger stage. This was his best performance in the GWG Jersey. He was just unplayable today. Top top player. 9.9/10

Ndidi : Really struggled to assert himself in first 10-15 mins. But once he got going, he locked down the midfield. He wasn't going to be bullied into submission. A very brave performance by Wilfred Ndidi.
Rating :8/10

Onazi : As we have come to expect from Onazi, a very robust and highly spirited display. Always within 5yards to any potential danger or flash point. When Mikel was substituted like we saw against Algeria, he had the liberty to press higher up the pitch and this time around his high press earned him an assist.
Rating:8/10

Mikel Obi : My Mvp of the game. Mikel was the brains behind the dismantling of the African champions. Made an assist, got a goal and a even a pre assist for the 3rd goal. He totally dismantled the Camerounians. I wouldn't be surprised if he had 100% pass accuracy in this game. Incredible performance by Mikel.
Rating: 9.9/10

Moses Simon : Had fun running down the right flank against the sorry Camerounian left-back. Skinned the poor guy, time and time again.His combinations with Shehu, Ighalo and Ndidi was such a sight to behold. Should have capped off a fine evening performance with a goal.
However, on the back of this performance and the South African game, it's safe to say Ahmed Musa have been eased out of the Super Eagles first 11 by Simon. Kudos Simon! Bravo!
Ratings :9.0/10

Moses Victor : As usual was the teams live wire. Relentless I'm attack and solid when defending. A nightmare to play against. He played like a possessed man.
But for better decision making, he could have easily got himself a hattrick today.
Rating: 9.0/10

Odion Ighalo :Being the first player to hit camp, his hunger wasn't in doubt at all. From the first whistle, he hustled, harassed and hassled the Camerounians all night long. He held the ball up well, imposed himself and dominated Tekei and co in the physical battle. Brought much needed speed, skills and physicality to the front line. Refreshing performance by Mr Ighalo. Opened the floodgates with a well taken goal. I hope the physios stitch him up in time for the return leg.
Rating: 8.8/10

Agu : Recycled the ball well. Nothing spectacular.
Rating :5.0/10

Kelechi : Played the role of a sub well. Nicely linked up with Moses a couple of times. Took his goal well. 8.0/10

Musa: The game was already buried before he came in.
5.0/10

Odion Ighalo should be 9.9,the player never put any foot wrong, he showed great power to outmuscle his opponent and great technique to put the ball in the net. Ighalo actually justified your reason on the big player thingy despite the fact that some didn't give him a chance, some even went to the extent of condemning him because of the league he plays. Great composure from the ajegunle guy.

I actually don't like the showmanship of Ezenwa today, though he did all that for a good course but he should be professional with his gestures to his opponents, it was as if he was disrespecting them by his occasional showmanship when he's with the ball. despite the fact Germany was whipping Brazil in the last World Cup, they were professional with it

soetanoreoluwa:



You think so? That's the only utility player we got... Why did he kept earning call up? Mind you he's the last player to get to camp... It will shock you if he make it to Russia

i didnt say he wont be called but aina would take his startin place

Ikechukwu Ezenwa:

With a game high 16 recoveries... his calm and composure between the sticks and on the couple of occasions he was called upon to challenge for an aerial ball and stop a strike from Anguissa and a "twistingly" curling effort from Fai made Ezenwa have a WC qualifying debut to remember.

His confidence and Composure were his biggest selling point today. He did have a funny moment when he wanted to act Manuel Neuer... lolll... he fooled the Camerounian no.9 striker Aboubakar (In Jersey no.10) and then kicked the ball long and upfield... it was a risk... a risk he was happy and confident enough to take.

Now I am not saying he is the best but I certainly preferred his calm and confidence and handling of aerial duels compared to the Experienced but shaky Akpeyi.... Ezenwa did so well. And he can only get better.

He has come a long way from being first choice of that Enterprising young Ocean Boys FC team that conquered Nigeria in 2008.. a team that had Blessing Okardi. Ezenwa can only get better like fine wine...

Well done Super Eagle Ezenwa....

Morocco 6 Mali 0

How did that happen?

AIG07:
it was a terrific performance!

But e be like se you don pitch your tent for another side on nairaland.

bro i dey, work dey tie me down these days, im back to sports section now, football is what gives me joy the most, football is all i breath, the land is green bro, hw body?

OMANBALA1:
You know ,Vic Moses can be great and all that but he gets a little over excited. He holds the ball a little too long. He need to understand that timing is everything...There was this beautiful pass that Mikel dropped at about 42 minute and he needed to lay it to Ighalo but you can't change an old habit...he over carried.

dont even start....
D guy was almost selfless 2day..
There were times where he was supposed to shoot direct buh opted 4 passes

Only my wishful thinking. Sometimes you have to catch them young even for our U17 teams

Icon4s:


There is no way we are going to cap all the foreign born. We only need those who will add value to the team, those who are better than the crop we have already.

The dude is a baller.

The way he reads the game and the way he marshals the defense line reminds me of the late Stephen Keshi.


O pari

OMANBALA1:


You are not the first to predict that..lol. I did that after the Algerian encounter.

YeahI will give it to him too. Although Mikel had a massive game as well.


O pari

Joebie:
Vic Mo was my MOTM even before the start of the 2nd half. I'm sure every media ratings will give him the highest

What a Perfprmance the lads put up there today!Everyone in the team played its part and contributed to the whitewashing of the ''DOMITABLE CUBS'' today.Leon 'TERMINATOR' Balogun was outstanding,showed his importance and class with his well timed tackles,off and on the ball intelligence and leadership qualities,I am suprised nobody is talking about Ekong's performace,dude nullified the overhyped and in-form Aboubakar's threat by manmarking him out of the match.One reason i like Shehu Abdullahi is the way he keeps it simple,lad knows he cant dribble so he always cut into the midfield passing to Ndidi or Onazi while dragging players with him in the process which frees Moses Simon to run up behind cameroons LB when receiving first time passes from the midfield duo.Elderson is still a suspect in our defence as Cameroons RB ran behind him times without number but Leon was always saving his ass.Midfielders were also oustanding while the attackers just simply to hot for the camerronian backline to contain.Our substitutes were also spot on and came in at the right time.Big Ups to The GOODJOE for the player reviews and ratings,just couldn't agree more with his assesments.Also a Big Hug and Welcome Back to The SuperNerd. KTGWGFFFH!!!.

Not forgetting he manned the post for the NPFL all stars team that played various clubs in Spain. That was valuable experience.. But hey nobody stopped to give the new GK trainer kudos.

TheSuperNerd:
Ikechukwu Ezenwa:

With a game high 16 recoveries... his calm and composure between the sticks and on the couple of occasions he was called upon to challenge for an aerial ball and stop a strike from Anguissa and a "twistingly" curling effort from Fai made Ezenwa have a WC qualifying debut to remember.

His confidence and Composure were his biggest selling point today. He did have a funny moment when he wanted to act Manuel Neuer... lolll... he fooled the Camerounian no.9 striker Aboubakar (In Jersey no.10) and then kicked the ball long and upfield... it was a risk... a risk he was happy and confident enough to take.

Now I am not saying he is the best but I certainly preferred his calm and confidence and handling of aerial duels compared to the Experienced but shaky Akpeyi.... Ezenwa did so well. And he can only get better.

He has come a long way from being first choice of that Enterprising young Ocean Boys FC team that conquered Nigeria in 2008.. a team that had Blessing Okardi. Ezenwa can only get better like fine wine...

Well done Super Eagle Ezenwa....

Shebi I told y'all that Ezenwa is gonna do well. I reached that conclusion after watching him against Benin Republic in CHAN qualifiers. Makes me wonder why Akpeyi was even preferred ahead of him. The only reason I could reach is the technical crew was concerned about Ezenwa's height.


O pari

TheSuperNerd:
Ikechukwu Ezenwa:

With a game high 16 recoveries... his calm and composure between the sticks and on the couple of occasions he was called upon to challenge for an aerial ball and stop a strike from Anguissa and a "twistingly" curling effort from Fai made Ezenwa have a WC qualifying debut to remember.

His confidence and Composure were his biggest selling point today. He did have a funny moment when he wanted to act Manuel Neuer... lolll... he fooled the Camerounian no.9 striker Aboubakar (In Jersey no.10) and then kicked the ball long and upfield... it was a risk... a risk he was happy and confident enough to take.

Now I am not saying he is the best but I certainly preferred his calm and confidence and handling of aerial duels compared to the Experienced but shaky Akpeyi.... Ezenwa did so well. And he can only get better.

He has come a long way from being first choice of that Enterprising young Ocean Boys FC team that conquered Nigeria in 2008.. a team that had Blessing Okardi. Ezenwa can only get better like fine wine...

Well done Super Eagle Ezenwa....

TheSuperNerd:
Big Shout out to Safarigirl again.... Just saw her prediction pages back...

She said 5-1... and that she dreamt it... 5-1 is equivalent to 4-0... spot on lady.


And A special mention to my good witty comrade on this thread... that guy with excellent choice of words... very cerebral fellow... Sir BascoVanVeli.... he predicted 4-1 in Nigeria's favor. He came very close...

I am sure there were monikers who scoffed at such predictions.... well ladies and gentleman... it only shows that BascoVanVeli and Safarigirl are among the few here who genuinely know and understand the super potentials, Trueest Capabilities and strength in-depth of the Present Super Eagles....

If they didn't know... they would not have been so bold in predictions. Kudos To Safarigirl and BascoVanveli... well done and thank you for your genuine belief in this team.

Welcome back buddy.

Enrico pionetti.... That New Goalie trainer must surely know his onions. He deserves plaudits too... plsss forgive my omission of him. Lol... I just wanna focus on the players... but Pionetti gets plaudits and Credits to Rohr for placing Great faith in Ezenwa.

Joebie:
Not forgetting he manned the post for the NPFL all stars team that played various clubs in Spain. That was valuable experience.. But hey nobody stopped to give the new GK trainer kudos.

Hopefully Alloy is learning a thing or two

TheSuperNerd:
Enrico pionetti.... That New Goalie trainer must surely know his onions. He deserves plaudits too... plsss forgive my omission of him. Lol... I just wanna focus on the players... but Pionetti gets plaudits and Credits to Rohr for placing Great faith in Ezenwa.

Mathematically if Zambia and Algeria play draw tomorrow and we beat Cameroon in Yaonde we would qualify for the WC, because both Zambia and Algeria would have two points and the result of their reverse fixture will be irrelevant. We will have a maximum of 12 points. The second placed team will have possibly at most 5 points if either win their reverse fixture. That would mean we could do lots of experimenting with our last two games.

pyrex23:

i didnt say he wont be called but aina would take his startin place

We still have a long way to go... Aina should step up his Game likewise Sheu... But now Rohr might be finding it difficult to change his back four or else injuries set in

Lol... about Ezenwa's height... He is not short... Ezenwa is about 5ft 11 or so... will confirm that later shaa....

I know Goalies are generally expected to be "long" not tall.... with heights of 6ft 2in and above (in basketball, it is generally higher sef... lol)... but as a scientist, I consider tall for anyone who has a height of 5ft 10 and above for guys and 5ft 8 and above for Ladies....

Icon79:
Shebi I told y'all that Ezenwa is gonna do well. I reached that conclusion after watching him against Benin Republic in CHAN qualifiers. Makes me wonder why Akpeyi was even preferred ahead of him. The only reason I could reach is the technical crew was concerned about Ezenwa's height.


O pari

Sir Basco The Vasco....

Thanks man. Chop knuckle....

Your prediction was daring, crazy but ultimately on point. Cheers. I doff my heart for what you see in this team. Amazing insight you have.

BascoVanVeli:


Welcome back buddy.

AndreTAyodeji:
What a Perfprmance the lads put up there today!Everyone in the team played its part and contributed to the whitewashing of the ''DOMITABLE CUBS'' today.Leon 'TERMINATOR' Balogun was outstanding,showed his importance and class with his well timed tackles,off and on the ball intelligence and leadership qualities,I am suprised nobody is talking about Ekong's performace,dude nullified the overhyped and in-form Aboubakar's threat by manmarking him out of the match.One reason i like Shehu Abdullahi is the way he keeps it simple,lad knows he cant dribble so he always cut into the midfield passing to Ndidi or Onazi while dragging players with him in the process which frees Moses Simon to run up behind cameroons LB when receiving first time passes from the midfield duo.Elderson is still a suspect in our defence as Cameroons RB ran behind him times without number but Leon was always saving his ass.Midfielders were also oustanding while the attackers just simply to hot for the camerronian backline to contain.Our substitutes were also spot on and came in at the right time.Big Ups to The GOODJOE for the player reviews and ratings,just couldn't agree more with his assesments.Also a Big Hug and Welcome Back to The SuperNerd. KTGWGFFFH!!!.

Oga,who be "lad" ?

He definitely staked his claims today. He appears calm and confident in the post unlike Akpeyi. And he doesn't flap his crosses like Akpeyi either. I rate him much higher.


O pari

TheSuperNerd:
Lol... about Ezenwa's height... He is not short... Ezenwa is about 5ft 11 or so... will confirm that later shaa....

I know Goalies are generally expected to be "long" not tall.... with heights of 6ft 2in and above (in basketball, it is generally higher sef... lol)... but as a scientist, I consider tall for anyone who has a height of 5ft 10 and above for guys and 5ft 8 and above for Ladies....

Shehu Abdullahi:

The Utility man of the Super Eagles put in a very decent shift today. He was a bit shaky during the first 10-15mins which saw Cameroun get off Two shots off target while we were yet to venture forward much... It was his Wing that leaked most in that short spell of pressure from Cameroun but like a battle hardened soldier, he rallied back and asserted himself winning a game-tying 3 out of 3 tackles... (abeg.. tackles and interceptions na different things ooo ehen...). Only Onazi matched Shehu's tackling stats in the game... he also 3 successful tackles. Both had tackle rates of 100%... Shehu was not flamboyant but he was quietly effective and did his part in keeping Moukandjo The Camerounian no.20 and Moukandjo quiet... and at bay. His industry defensively was commendable and I must say he could Starr against Cameroun in the return leg even with Aina's clearance confirmed.

But that is not up to me to decide... that is up to The Brilliant Rohr.

In all... a very commendable performance from Shehu the Utility man.

Well done Super Eagle Shehu.....