If Super eagles beat Cameroon on Monday, and Algeria v Zambia ends in a draw (highly likely), the SE would punch their ticket to Russia.

The key for the SE on Monday would be to play a counter-attacking game. After all, we have talents that can function effectively in such a game plan. Cameroon will surely have to play an all attacking game cos of their current position on the table, leaving ample space for the likes of V. Moses, Simon Moses and Ighalo to punish them on the break.

But if the Super Eagles fail to book the WC ticket after Tuesday, I believe a draw/win over Zambia next month will seal the deal, regardless of what happens in the other group game.

Joebie:
That's our prayer. But we need to beat Camroon again o

We are still 5points clear.
Yes we need to beat Cameroon just in case Zambia beats Algeria again. If Algeria wins and we lose to Cameroon we are still 4points clear of our nearest rivals with 2 games to go.

We have just done ourselves the mighty favor by beating Cameroon.

If we beat Cameroon and Algeria beats Zambia we have qualified with 2 games to spare.

Meanwhile Mexico have already qualified for the world cup with THREE matches to spare. Chai!

Team USA just bleeped up yesterday, losing 0-2 to Costa Rica

Bassogog – Super Eagles Style Of Play Took Us By Surprise




The star man of the senior national team of Cameroon Christian Bassogog says the Super Eagles of Nigeria approach to yesterday’s game took them by surprise.

Bassogog who was on for the entire duration of the game won 4-0 by Nigeria hailed the Super Eagles for the win before conceding that the scoreline could have been different if Nigeria had stuck by their old style of playing.

”We know how they use to play and we were set up to frustrate them but they changed their formation and before we could adjust we were two goals down”, Bassogog said.

”The second goal scored by Nigeria killed the game as a contest especially the time it came, plus our failure to hit back immediately after the half time break.

”We also didn’t do well in some areas but we will correct the obvious mistakes noticed in the game before the return leg in Yaounde “.


**Daniel Martins

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/09/02/bassogog-super-eagles-style-of-play-took-us-by-surprise/

Sivasspor Congratulate Echiejile Over Super Eagles Win Vs Cameroon In Uyo
By James Agberebi





Turkish Super league club Sivasspor have congratulated Elderson Echiejile following the Super Eagles 4-0 thrashing of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Friday.Echiejile is on a season-long loan to Sivasspor from French Ligue 1 champions AS Monaco.

Two first half goals from China-based duo Odion Ighalo and skipper John Mikel Obi, gave the Eagles a 2-0 lead. Two more goals in the second half from Victor Moses and substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, secured the outstanding win for Nigeria.

Reacting to the win, Sivasspor also expressed delight that Echiejile featured for 90 minutes in the win.

“World Cup Africa qualifying group matches, Nigeria defeated Cameroon 4-0. Elderson played 90 minutes. Congratulations,” the club was quoted on their verified Twitter handle.

Echiejile is set be for action in the Eagles’ second leg match in Yaoundé on Monday.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/sivasspor-congratulate-echiejile-super-eagles-win-vs-cameroon-uyo/

Eagles earn N75-million for Cameroon victory
By Colin Udoh, KweséESPN Regional Editor


Money may not have been as much a motivation as a desire to play at the FIFA World Cup, but Nigeria's Super Eagles will have no shortage of cash after their comprehensive win over Cameroon.

At the last count, the Gernot Rohr-coached team will earn a total of about N75-million (about $202 000) in gifts, outside of their usual match bonuses, for the 4-0 win over Cameroon.

Emmanuel Udom, governor of Akwa Ibom State where the team played this World Cup qualifier, visited the squad on the eve of the match and promised them $10 000 for every goal they scored.

That was followed by NFF sponsors Aiteo, who promised them N10-million each for every goal in a meeting on the morning of the match at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Sports Minister Solomon Dalung rounded up with a Federal Government promise to gift the team N5-million for every goal.

Each player still gets $5000 as match bonus for the win.

Prior to the game, NFF second Vice-President Shehu Dikko told KweséESPN that the federation was no longer in debt to the players

"They have been paid all their outstanding bonuses up until the last game. We are not owing them anything anymore."


Source: http://kwese.espn.com/football/nigeria/story/3194704/eagles-earn-n75-million-for-cameroon-victory?device=featurephone

Mainz Hail Impressive Balogun Over Super Eagles’ Demolition of Cameroon In Uyo
By James Agberebi



German Bundesliga club, Mainz have praised their defender
Leon Balogun for helping the Super Eagles secure an emphatic 4-0 win against Cameroon in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Friday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports..

Balogun put up a five-star performance in the heart of the Eagles’ defence as he and his defensive partner William Troost-Ekong shot out the Cameroonian attack.

And following Balogun’s standout display, Mainz took to their verified Twitter handle to express their delight.

“Nice job, @LeonBalogun! Our man helped power Nigeria to a 4-0 victory over Cameroon yesterday, ” the club was quoted on their Twitter handle.

Up next for the Eagles is the return leg in Yaoundé on Monday, September 4 with Balogun expected to be in action.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mainz-hail-impressive-balogun-super-eagles-demolition-cameroon-uyo/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-dwY5wbceI

Jordan is naturally left footed.... and stands at about 1.89m (about 6ft 2in) which is why he can play both LB and CB (the left side of CB). He is a very lovely candidate and one we must seek for our team. Also he recognises his roots.


About Seyi Ojo... well yeah... he is left footed too. Tall, strong and skillful. But his development has always been as a winger... how about his defensive side? How is Seyi's defensive game?

I was impressed with Echiejile against Cameroun but I don't deny that he has flaws to his game. The Likes of Ndidi and Balogun covered for him and even Moses helped out by tracking back to help Echiejile double up on Bassogog... Echiejile have weaknesses no doubt. I don't deny it and this is why I seek not really a replacement but an upgrade on Echiejile.

But thing is.. he will come under the disguise of the word "replacement" and that way Echiejile can be gradually phased out of the first XI... it has to be gradual because as it stands he is our first choice left back with lots of experience. But we need an upgrade still.

komekn:


I really do not know much about Jordan so I cannot comment with any depth, is he naturally left footed ?

However, Seyi yes, when looking at top flight left wing backs you discover they are naturally left footed. Are any of these players naturally left footed Ebuehi is not neither is Shehu or Aina.

That puts Seyi at a distinct advantage. Then we can consider the level they are playing at, Seyi is an England youth international his pathway is restricted by multi million pound players ahead of him at Liverpool FC, none the less he has played 13 times for the first team and 30 plus games in the championship on loan.

Shehu, I think is an excellent player cannot understand why he plays in Cyprus, he needs to be tested at a higher level. Ebuehi has played 50 games in the Eredivisie in lower rate club Den Haag, its not on the same level as the EPL or even some companionship clubs. However, none of these players are naturally left footed that is the pertinent question.

Seyi is not a conversion he is already playing as a left sided winger, so he is only dropping back to be more defensive as a wing back.

Watching Echiejele struggle with pacy wingers, although he used his experience and tenacity to compensate, nonetheless, he exposes a weak link in the SE left side defensive set up .

komekn:


I really do not know much about Jordan so I cannot comment with any depth, is he naturally left footed ?

However, Seyi yes, when looking at top flight left wing backs you discover they are naturally left footed. Are any of these players naturally left footed Ebuehi is not neither is Shehu or Aina.

That puts Seyi at a distinct advantage. Then we can consider the level they are playing at, Seyi is an England youth international his pathway is restricted by multi million pound players ahead of him at Liverpool FC, none the less he has played 13 times for the first team and 30 plus games in the championship on loan.

Shehu, I think is an excellent player cannot understand why he plays in Cyprus, he needs to be tested at a higher level. Ebuehi has played 50 games in the Eredivisie in lower rate club Den Haag, its not on the same level as the EPL or even some companionship clubs. However, none of these players are naturally left footed that is the pertinent question.

Seyi is not a conversion he is already playing as a left sided winger, so he is only dropping back to be more defensive as a wing back.

Watching Echiejele struggle with pacy wingers, although he used his experience and tenacity to compensate, nonetheless, he exposes a weak link in the SE left side defensive set up .

getting Jordan play for us...Will be more easier...than getting sheyi...

moreover bro...try to get used to other Nigeria players outside the shores of England..



I understand we can't fully separate "values" from our analysis or preference....

TheSuperNerd:
Nigeria 4-0 Cameroon: Five Hot Talking Points
By Colin Udoh, KweséESPN


Nigeria's 4-0 World Cup qualifying win was as comprehensive as it was self satisfying for the Super Eagles, while potentially soul-destroying for Africa's champions Cameroon.

Not only were the Indomitable Lions soundly beaten, the loss also saw them their hopes of reaching the World Cup in Russia next summer hanging by a thread.

Nigeria, by contrast, were purring by the end of the contest and could easily have finished with another three goals.

Here are the five hot talking points to emerge from Friday's showdown in Uyo.


1. Cameroon's deficiencies exposed

Let's start with Cameroon.

The Indomitable Lions, under pressure to get a result, and probably encouraged by Bafana Bafana's win in June, attempted to leave their counter-attacking comfort zone to take the game to the Super Eagles head on. It was a big mistake.

Even in their run to the Nations Cup title, Cameroon still showed deficiencies that Hugo Broos plastered over with his overly defensive, and counter-attacking style.

Not until their penalty kick win over Senegal did even Cameroon themselves begin to believe they could win the tournament.

His centre-backs turn with all the speed and agility of fully-loaded Dangote Cement trucks, and Vincent Aboubakar has not been the most prolific in a Cameroon shirt, especially with next to no service.

Those frailties were shown up at the Confederations Cup, and then cruelly exposed by the Super Eagles, begging the question of why Broos thought it was a good idea in the first place!

His full-backs were pinned down by the marauding raids of Victor Moses and Moses Simon, and his centre-backs had so much on their plate dealing with the threat of an on-fire Odion Ighalo they didn't even dare advance to attack corner kicks like they are known to do.

Upfront, Aboubakar got short shrift from the duo of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong while Christian Bassogog was hunted down all game and neutralised by Ogenyi Onazi.



2. The value of experience

Gernot Rohr made five changes from the team which lost to South Africa, introducing Ighalo for Kelechi Iheanacho, John Obi Mikel for Oghenekaro Etebo, Balogun for Chidozie Awaziem, Moses for Alex Iwobi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa for Daniel Akpeyi.

All five combined for man of the match performances on a day of outstanding showings.

Where the previous team lacked direction, there were no shortage of leaders here, with Mikel as the obvious conductor of the orchestra.

Ighalo talked all game through, Mikel was constantly organizing and directing, and Balogun brooked no nonsense in the final third.

It was no surprise then that the first three goals all came from the experienced returnees, and it was to them that the day belonged.


3. Rohr learning on the job

During the opening months of his tenure, Gernot Rohr appeared to be so focused on the task of lowering the average age of the Super Eagles that he appeared to have lost sight of the immediate and overall objective of winning matches.

He was brought down to earth in the last game and now seems to have learnt the value of both old and new.

"You have to have a good blend of home-based and international players," he said later at the post-match press conference

This is not to suggest that he should give up his investment in young player development, but that he cannot do that without winning games.

More importantly, he is learning from each game, and Nigeria are reaping the rewards.



4. The Eagles' defence continues to improve

Troost-Ekong and Balogun are collectively known as the #OyinboWall because of their light, mixed-race complexions, and both players have gleefully adopted and taken ownership of the moniker.

What they have also done is take charge of the Nigeria centre-back position.

The budding partnership between the duo on the pitch is enhanced by their great friendship off it.

Balogun plays bad, uncompromising cop to Troost-Ekong's not so good, uncompromising cop.

Between them, they allowed Cameroon just two shots on target over 90 minutes, and none were exactly threatening.

If one or both stay fit, the Super Eagles can shift their worries to full-back where issues continue to remain.



5. Nigeria still have work to do to reach Russia

This is something Nigerians may not want to hear, but it's the truth. As Rohr said at his post-match conference: "it is not finished yet."

Many Nigerians don't get that, with many already claiming the Super Eagles are in Russia already.

However, should Algeria win both of their matches against Zambia, while Nigeria get complacent in their upcoming fixtures against Cameroon and the Chipolopolo, it's not impossible that the final matchday in North Africa could yet be a winner-takes-all match.

Nigeria should enjoy Friday's triumph fully...but must not get carried away.


Source: http://kwese.espn.com/football/blog-football-africa/story/3194816/nigeria-4-0-cameroon-five-hot-talking-points?device=featurephone

Hmm... Mikel the conductor of the Orchestra. Colin must pay me for copy right jooor. Haha haha.

My share dey inside shaa... I also used words that came close....

Icon4s:


Hmm... Mikel the conductor of the Orchestra. Colin must pay me for copy right jooor. Haha haha.

TheSuperNerd:
Jordan is naturally left footed.... and stands at about 1.89m (about 6ft 2in) which is why he can play both LB and CB (the left side of CB). He is very lovely candidate and one we must seek for our team. Also he recognises his roots.


About Seyi Ojo... well yeah... he is left footed too. Tall, strong and skillful. But his development has always been as a winger... how about his defensive side? How is Seyi's defensive game?

I was impressed with Echiejile against Cameroun but I don't deny that he has flaws to his game. The Likes of Ndidi and Balogun covered for him and even Moses helped out by tracking back to help Echiejile double up on Bassogog... Echiejile have weaknesses no doubt. I don't deny it and this is why I seek not really a replacement but an upgrade on Echiejile.

But thing is.. he will come under the disguise of the word "replacement" and that way Echiejile can be gradually phased out of the first XI... it has to be gradual because as it stands he is our first choice left back with lots of experience. But we need an upgrade still.

It is comment like this that will always make me hail you. You know why naa.

*feeling shy* *covers face* Ohhhh Chief!

Icon4s:


It is comment like this that will always make me hail you. You know why naa.

TheSuperNerd:


My share dey inside shaa... I also used words that came close....

No mind Colin. He don come here come borrow word finish come dey use am without making a reference.

Plagia....... *lips sealed*

Icon4s:


No mind Colin. He don come here come borrow word finish come dey use am without making a reference.

TheSuperNerd:

*feeling shy* *covers face* Ohhhh Chief!

You now understand why I have always opined that transition in the national team should be gradual.

Humility017:

getting Jordan play for us...Will be more easier...than getting sheyi...

moreover bro...try to get used to other Nigeria players outside the shores of England..



I understand we can't fully separate "values" from our analysis or preference....

I was at a premiership team this morning to watch a youth game U18 and at least 7 players were of Nigeria origin.

Possibly i visit Germany 2/3 times a year maybe more cant really remember, i don't see a lot of games but i notice that there are not many black boys compared to UK. But apart from that i don't want to comment by hearsay, i have first hand experience of the English game at all levels.

June or thereabouts i watched Chelsea U18 beat Liverpool U18, 2-1 at one stage every Chelsea player apart from the goal keeper was black, that can never happen in Germany. Within both teams up to 9 players of Nigerian origin at my estimation, and that's just one game. A much, much, much bigger pool of talent available in the UK of Nigerian origin players.

With regards to Seyi

Mickael2:
I may be in the minority but I totally agree with Colin Udoh. This win was more about quality players than quality tactics.

The first 12minutes was so poor that a top team would be a few goals up by then, and at the end we started looking for VicMo and Mikel anyhow, just get the ball to them, against a top team we cannot use that tactic at all.

Anyways as always I have a few stuffs to say. First I don't think Moses Simon was just okay. I can't remember where I saw the stats but he completed zero take-ons on the day, missed a sitter and people repeatedly mistaked him for Ndidi,after watching the match again I saw that it was Ndidi that was helping out Shehu not Moses Simon, and Onazi put in a nice shift too, but I don't think Moses Simon is the best we have there, the sitter he missed there showed that his decision making is still average but the guy provides a lot of width and a passing outlet so I can concur.

Then I come to Onazi, relax he impressed even me, but not as the DMF on the day. The guy is that kind of little defenders that will never go away, perfect for a fullback role honestly. There was a time one player like that skinned him totally but he kept on chasing him, a normal defender would give up and start convering. There was another time they dribbled him to the ground but the next second he was up and chasing the ball. Brilliant commitment from the guy but he can't give what he doesn't have. In this game his positioning increased but I don't understand who the fault was from, he was not covering the entire backline, he was more concerned with covering the right side, maybe that was the coach directing him however I think the guy can do a solid job at LB, against a top team does spaces he kept on leaving all match long will be punished, as simple as that.

Shehu was the one that impressed me most. His ball control is perfect, marking isnt so bad and most important of all he is never caught out of position, yet he did attack well. To be honest I don't see Aina walking straight into the team, Shehu was very well balanced yesterday that was why VicMo had to switch wings so he can go and help out Echejile when they saw that Shehu is complete, I think the boy deserves more respect here, big ups to Icon4s for having faith in him.

Leon understand perfectly well what it means to be a sweeper. You can go and check, Omeruo's stats(tackles won) last season was better than his own but what makes Leon better is that he understands what it means to be the last man. You don't commit at all, you don't have any business going one-on-one with a player, all you do is you position well so that when your own player is beaten you will be right there that instance to clear the ball. I think he was confronted only once the whole match but you could see him clearing the ball more than once, he was always a step ahead of the attacker whenever he gets past the fullback, brilliant brilliant football brain and it came with age.

I also have to pay due respect to goldfish, he did mention that our slow start could be a problem and it happened again. He did mention that Ighalo would be perfect and he delivered. He was not among those calling for Iheanacho's do or die inclusion and it paid, theGoodjoe you can learn a thing or two from him.

If we could rest our top players in the return leg it would be better, those guys are angry, someone will get injured

You didn't say much about Mikel. And why am I not surprised.

That's what I'm saying.. Zambia beating Algeria again is not impossible. Which is why I like to think mathematically. I really want us to experiment with the last two games. If we beat Cameroon again and Zambia beats Algeria again, Zambia will have 7 points. And can still qualify mathematically. Like I said let's get this thing done on Monday. We need Algeria to pull at least a draw, then we are in Russia.

Icon4s:


We are still 5points clear.
Yes we need to beat Cameroon just in case Zambia beats Algeria again. If Algeria wins and we lose to Cameroon we are still 4points clear of our nearest rivals with 2 games to go.

We have just done ourselves the mighty favor by beating Cameroon.

If we beat Cameroon and Algeria beats Zambia we have qualified with 2 games to spare.

I feel like I am getting a huge pat on the back saying....


"Son you are really growing up... You are understanding some deep secrets now... I am proud of you".... looolll

Chief... thanks for the compliments shaa. National team football no beans abeg. You don't just change things anyhow and radically. Wisdom must rule.

Icon4s:


You now understand why I have always opined that transition in the national team should be gradual.

TheSuperNerd:
Jordan is naturally left footed.... and stands at about 1.89m (about 6ft 2in) which is why he can play both LB and CB (the left side of CB). He is a very lovely candidate and one we must seek for our team. Also he recognises his roots.


About Seyi Ojo... well yeah... he is left footed too. Tall, strong and skillful. But his development has always been as a winger... how about his defensive side? How is Seyi's defensive game?

I was impressed with Echiejile against Cameroun but I don't deny that he has flaws to his game. The Likes of Ndidi and Balogun covered for him and even Moses helped out by tracking back to help Echiejile double up on Bassogog... Echiejile have weaknesses no doubt. I don't deny it and this is why I seek not really a replacement but an upgrade on Echiejile.

But thing is.. he will come under the disguise of the word "replacement" and that way Echiejile can be gradually phased out of the first XI... it has to be gradual because as it stands he is our first choice left back with lots of experience. But we need an upgrade still.

Agreed.

Where have you been on holiday ?

welcome back

Huh? Agreed? hey come back here.... We are not done yet...

Looollll..... #kidding


And ohhh.... no... Not on holiday... naaah... been occupied with a new phase in my studies/academic programs and also with work.

Thanks for the welcome. Plsssssss reach out to someone who knows someone who knows Solanke. abeg!!!

komekn:


Agreed.

Where have you been on holiday ?

welcome back

TheSuperNerd:
I feel like I am getting a huge pat on the back saying....


"Son you are really growing up... You are understanding some deep secrets now... I am proud of you".... looolll

Chief... thanks for the compliments shaa. National team football no beans abeg. You don't just change things anyhow and radically. Wisdom must rule.

Good you understand.

At least you don't see me as that old man with a negative mind set any more. You now know why I have always been conservative with my expectations and players selections for the national team.

We are all here to learn. If I say I have not learned anything here I am a blatant liar.

Whats happening...When are thwme boys heading to Yaounde

Awwwwwwwwwwwn.... I have understood the bolded for a long while now sef.... have you forgotten when I reeled out reasons in your favor as to why you don't really get excited by any new rising talent in this generation? I do understand really and it has Ben a while now.

Thanks Chief Icon4s.

Icon4s:

Good you understand.

At least you don't see me as that old man with a negative mind set any more. You now know why I have always been conservative with my expectations and players selections for the national team.

We are all here to learn. If I say I have not learned anything here I am a blatant liar.

TheSuperNerd:
Awwwwwwwwwwwn.... I have understood the bolded for a long while now sef.... have you forgotten when I reeled out reasons in your favor as to why you don't really get excited by any new rising talent in this generation? I do understand really and it has Ben a while now.

Thanks Chief Icon4s.

God will Bless you. You are a great man.

mumemma:
Whats happening...When are thwme boys heading to Yaounde

Bros abeg we still Dey celebration mood. But I believe they should leave the country today

komekn:


I was at a premiership team this morning to watch a youth game U18 and at least 7 players were of Nigeria origin.

Possibly i visit Germany 2/3 times a year maybe more cant really remember, i don't see a lot of games but i notice that there are not many black boys compared to UK. But apart from that i don't want to comment by hearsay, i have first hand experience of the English game at all levels.

June or thereabouts i watched Chelsea U18 beat Liverpool U18, 2-1 at one stage every Chelsea player apart from the goal keeper was black, that can never happen in Germany. Within both teams up to 9 players of Nigerian origin at my estimation, and that's just one game. A much, much, much bigger pool of talent available in the UK of Nigerian origin players.

With regards to Seyi

yeah...I understand you perfectly...when you said they're more players of Nigeria origin in UK compared to Germany or they're more blacks in football colleges and teams in England than Germany....

what i want from you...is to be more open and broad in your analysis of players of Nigeria origin...break loose from that parochial perception....

sorry me saying this....it's like you believe the only good players of nigeria origin are in the uk....an undue preference for borough players....

I so much like your analysis and it is an honour having someone of your calibre in our midst....
but still.....know that...good players of Nigeria origin are not only in england but all litered around Europe....