Words of a Zambian football fan ahead of the Nigeria-Zambia Cracker in Uyo

Courtesy of Zamfoot.con

Musonda says:

September 8, 2017 at 9:51 am

Beat Nigeria in Nigeria? Why do we like deceiving ourselves? Is it because they lost against South Africa? It was clear they underrated Bafana Bafana. More than five of their key players were absent in that match. Did anyone watch Nigeria against Cameroon over the two legs? They are currently unplayable at home with Moses, Mikel, Balogun, Simeon, Ighalo, Ndidi, Iheanacho, Musa and Iwobi. They are so dangerous when going forward and comfortable defending.

That Balogun is the best centre half in Africa right now. And no player in the Chipolopolo can stop Victor Moses and Ighalo. I don’t want to raise my hope. We are meeting Nigeria at a wrong time. I don’t see us winning that match, period.

Copied from http://www.zamfoot.com

Words Of A Nigerian Fan On the Zambian Journalist's Number five way to stop Super Eagles


No. 5 is "Tactically designate a marker for Victor Moses"


Djeniko says:

5... Is it possible to stop Moses!? Remember he is a defender in Chelsea and an attacker for the Eagles. So how do you stop such a person? …

Copied from https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/zambia-list-13-things-overcome-nigeria-uyo/






My Reaction:

IS IT 'MAKE OR BREAK' FOR AHMED MUSA AGAINST LIVERPOOL?
By Seye Omidiora, Correspondent





The forward has been a peripheral figure for the Foxes, but will a good performance against Liverpool put him back in favour with Craig Shakespeare?


A certain level of pressure usually follows a big-money move. After all, it’s only normal to expect a certain level of return on an investment...particularly considering the fees flying around football these days.

For Ahmed Musa and Leicester City , though, nothing it seems has gone right for the pair since the forward signed in the summer of 2016.

For a period right after the attacker was acquired from CSKA Moscow, he was the then-champions' record signing (before Islam Slimani’s deadline-day purchase from Sporting Lisbon) and was meant to push them to the next level.

The impressive start to his career at the East Midlands prompted suggestions it’d be money well spent by Claudio Ranieri, yet, while he performed admirably against Barcelona and Manchester United in the International Champions Cup and Community Shield respectively, he failed to kick on and build on those performances.

In fact, those games – most especially the performance against Barca – were the highlight of his first season in England. It seemed to go downhill for the former CSKA hitman from there as the attacker seemed out of place in the side.



Perhaps things could have turned out differently had Jamie Vardy not rejected Arsenal’s advances in the same summer and elected to stay at the club.

The Nigeria international was brought in as a replacement for the Englishman in anticipation of him moving to the North London club, but with that transfer breaking down and Ranieri then going on to purchase Slimani from Sporting, there seemed to be no method to Leicester’s transfer window madness.

Consequently pushed to the wings to compete with starters Mark Albrighton and Riyad Mahrez on either flank, the wideman struggled to get into the side as Ranieri’s men toiled.

The Italian was axed in late February and was replaced by Craig Shakespeare. However, Musa fortunes didn’t change and he only saw 55 minutes of football under the new gaffer. Two goals, no assists and barely any impact in 21 appearances; surely not what the doctor ordered.



Linked with a plethora of clubs all summer, nothing seemed to materialize for the Nigeria international and he’s stayed at Leicester.

Having had an indifferent pre-season, he was left out of completely of the season opener against Arsenal and yet again against Brighton & Hove Albion a week later.

He returned in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup and had a storming game which was capped with a goal at the death in the Foxes' 4-1 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Was that performance proof of Musa’s unwavering ability, or perhaps, nothing needed to be made out from it due to the strength of the opposition?

Shakespeare seemed to think it was the latter, though, evidenced by him leaving out the rapid forward in the three subsequent games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Huddersfield Town, even though he'd just ended his 22-match goal drought.



With the attacker seemingly unable to get anything but cup games for the East Midlanders, he’ll surely be gearing up for Leicester’s third-round fixture against a Liverpool side there for the taking following their recent run of results which has seen their defence falter time and again.

The forward’s pace and directness can definitely cause a few nernous moments for the Reds, and considering Shakespeare's decision not to give him gametime in the league, he’ll need no extra motivation going into this encounter.

Musa will surely be desperate for his manager to give him the chance to make an impression, as considering Leicester's wealth of attacking options, and Liverpool's defensive struggles, opportunities to reaffirm his qualities may continue to be few and far between.


Source: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/could-it-be-make-or-break-for-ahmed-musa-against-liverpool/7jtczzh3vnuu11l9ey5gzp3kl

TheSuperNerd:
Words of a Zambian football fan ahead of the Nigeria-Zambia Cracker in Uyo

Courtesy of Zamfoot.con

Musonda says:

September 8, 2017 at 9:51 am

Beat Nigeria in Nigeria? Why do we like deceiving ourselves? Is it because they lost against South Africa? It was clear they underrated Bafana Bafana. More than five of their key players were absent in that match. Did anyone watch Nigeria against Cameroon over the two legs? They are currently unplayable at home with Moses, Mikel, Balogun, Simeon, Ighalo, Ndidi, Iheanacho, Musa and Iwobi. They are so dangerous when going forward and comfortable defending.

That Balogun is the best centre half in Africa right now. And no player in the Chipolopolo can stop Victor Moses and Ighalo. I don’t want to raise my hope. We are meeting Nigeria at a wrong time. I don’t see us winning that match, period.

Copied from http://www.zamfoot.com

This reminds me of the words of a South African journalist before the South African Match.

Sunnypa11:
http://www.nigfooty.com/2017/09/observations-ghana-0-2-nigeria.html?m=1
Observations: Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
After the emphatic 2-0 victory over the Black Stars of Ghana, these are observations from Olamide Oyetunji.

●Aremu is a beast,He totally put Ghana midfield to his pockets, Ali joined Okpotu in attack most times.

●Ezenwa nearly commit another penalty and all the goals he has conceded are from the spots. He must watch it.

●Adeleye Olamilekan is ripe to partner any of Ekong and Balogun in the main Super Eagles, all his tackles are well timed but he has brain.
My man of the match even though he sustained a head injury.

●Peter Eneji is also exciting to watch.

●Ghana coach made a change from his regular starting eleven.

They lost 3players to injury/fatigue in the match against Nigeria.

●Ghana were just never winning the game, we started the match well playing the ball on the ground creating multiple chances but we switched off midway in the first half playing long balls to only Okpotu in the midst of five Ghanaians.
We played the ball on the ground in the second half and completely overpowered the Ghanaians thanks to Aremu who was cutting the Ghanaians like cake.

■Match Ratings
Ikechukwu Ezenwa- 6
Chima Akas- 7
Osas Okoro- 7
Stephen Eze-8
Olamilekan Adeleye-9
Afeez Aremu- 7
Ifeanyi Ifeanyi- 6
Rabiu Ali-6
Ubong Friday- 7
Anthony Okpotu- 7
Peter Eneji- 8
●Substitutes
Samuel Matthias- 5
Gabriel Okechukwu- 6

I totally disagree with the third bullet point. You also need to consider the strength of your opposition when making comparisons. If the author had said he deserves a call up to the Super Eagles fine but to say he is ripe to partner with any of Balogun or Ekong is a hype to me.

Besides also, let us not over celebrate. Ghana had already qualified and their top spot was certain no matter the result.

Third group matches for teams that have sealed qualification and top spot are always like that.

They don't typically put in too much because of suspension and injuries.
Their coach also may have rested key players and those at risk of missing the semis if they get a second yellow.

If we meet with them again in the final be sure it will be a different ball game.

Kudos to the boys all the same.

Icon4s:


I totally disagree with the third bullet point. You also need to consider the strength of your opposition when making comparisons. If the author had said he deserves a call up to the Super Eagles fine but to say he is ripe to partner with any of Balogun or Ekong is a hype to me.

Besides also, let us not over celebrate. Ghana had already qualified and their top spot was certain no matter the result.

Third group matches for teams that have sealed qualification and top spot are always like that.

They don't typically put in too much because of suspension and injuries.
Their coach also may have rested key players and those at risk of missing the semis if they get a second yellow.

If we meet with them again in the final be sure it will be a different ball game.

Kudos to the boys all the same.

Any match between Nigeria and Ghana is a final. Ghana made only one change, they wanted us out of the tournament and our backs were against the wall. So pls give the guys a lot more credit. U guys always say they can't win on the road but now they go and win in Ghana they should be praised.

BascoVanVeli:


Any match between Nigeria and Ghana is a final. Ghana made only one change, they wanted us out of the tournament and our backs were against the wall. So pls give the guys a lot more credit. U guys always say they can't win on the road but now they go and win in Ghana they should be praised.

There was nothing at stake for Ghana.

We had all at stake.
Forget the rivalry, we needed the win more. That alone was enough to psych up our boys.

I have already given them kudos.

But if we play Ghana again in the final. Don't expect an easy ride.

TheSuperNerd:
Not Dele Adeleye of 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2005 U-20s.... this is a new Adeleye... Olamilekan Adeleye. Just saw the game on YouTube... the lad is pretty solid and combined well with Eze Stephen. He is still raw though... but the potential is there.

Okay... Good. Thanks so much.. I was just wondering... Just hope he keep it up and keep working hard. And he doesn't have greedy agent...

mostob:
u mean Adeleye Olamilekan?

Yes

Icon4s:


There was nothing at stake for Ghana.

We had all at stake.
Forget the rivalry, we needed the win more. That alone was enough to psych up our boys.

I have already given them kudos.

But if we play Ghana again in the final. Don't expect an easy ride.

not to think of what the lines man will even do to favour them

soetanoreoluwa:


Yes

me too, I was thinking, if its Same ADELEYE, of siasia guy?

do4luv14:



me too, I was thinking, if its Same ADELEYE, of siasia guy?

Is not the one... Sir Supernerd just confirmed for us

Dele Aiyenugba's Son Inspires Kwara State To Win NFF Future Eagles U13 Championship



Super Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba, seems to have inspired his 10-year-old son, Daniel Aiyenugba to follow in his footsteps.

Dele has 17 caps for the Super Eagles and helped Enyimba FC of Aba win the CAF champions league in 2003 and 2004.

His son, Daniel Aiyenugba, over the weekend in Abuja, helped Kwara state win the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Future Eagles U-13 championship (North Central Zone).

Daniel says his father, who now plays for Hapoel Ashkelon of Israel, is his role model.

''My father is my role model and he has been encouraging me to play football.

''He corrects my mistakes and also buys me kits.

''I’m happy we won this competition and I’m hoping to be a better goalkeeper, so that I can play outside the country,'' the Stephen Fountain Primary School, Ilorin, Kwara State, student said.


**Bunmi Blair

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24684

NFF sha... Can't they just get things straight?



Barely five months after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) celebrated two sponsorship deals with AITEO Group, an energy company, the oil and gas outfit is considering its options following alleged poor derivatives from the agreements.
The NFF and Aiteo Group in April signed a N2.5 billion Federation Cup sponsorship deal that will see the competition run without hitches for the next five years.
The deal conferred on AITEO Group the right as titleholder for the competition, which was promptly renamed AITEO Cup.
The parties had earlier reached an agreement that placed the responsibility of payment of national team coaches’ salaries on Aiteo Group, a move celebrated by Nigerian football enthusiasts because it was seen as the permanent solution to the NFF’s perennial inability to pay its coaches.
The FA Cup deal ensures that Aiteo underwrites the costs of the organisation of the competition, which encompasses the costs of organising the competition from the round of 64 to the men and women’s finals, solidarity support to Football Associations of the 36 States and the FCT, expenses and indemnities of match officials, support to participating clubs, media, branding/activation and prize money to winners.
On its part, the NFF is expected to provide, through different activations, visibility for the Aiteo Group, especially during the Federation Cup competition and matches of the national teams.
But the oil and gas outfit allege that the NFF has not lived up to the agreements. A senior AITEO Group official told journalists last week that the company was reviewing its partnership with the NFF because it is not satisfied by the way the federation is ‘handling things.’
Pleading anonymity, the Aiteo official said: “They told us that the Aiteo Cup will be a media event, which means the competition will be widely publicized. But it is almost coming to an end and the newspapers and broadcast media seem not to know what is happening.
“We have not seen the programme for the competition. In fact, the NFF only informed us of the quarterfinals’ draws a few hours before the event. There is no plan for anything … things are not done that way.
We are talking of more than N5 billion sponsorship that has been made so difficult for us to leverage on.
If this NFF continues this way, we will be forced to review our relationship with them.”



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/aiteo-group-threatens-review-deal-nff-poor-derivatives/

Icon4s:


There was nothing at stake for Ghana.

We had all at stake.
Forget the rivalry, we needed the win more. That alone was enough to psych up our boys.

I have already given them kudos.

But if we play Ghana again in the final. Don't expect an easy ride.

There is always something at stake when these countries meet. Pride and bragging rights at least. U always want to beat ur rival.

BascoVanVeli:


There is always something at stake when these countries meet. Pride and bragging rights at least. U always want to beat ur rival.

Yes but for this case the team that more needed the win carried the day.

do4luv14:



me too, I was thinking, if its Same ADELEYE, of siasia guy?

Someone said he's the younger brother of Dele.

Modified: Another person said:His real name is Olamilekan Aniyikaye. He named himself after Adeleye coz their style of play is the same.

Rabiu Ali though beefed with some skills but I don't think he is the best we can offer. I am not impressed for a no 10. He loses ball easily and that disorganizes our play.

That guy call John should never wear green white green again.....Very, very poor player. Ball control ZERO,pass ZERO....Where the he'll is Edwo?

kennysville:
Sirs Komekn and SuperNerd, please sheath the swords. Let us be civil when addressing issues "passionately".
I beseech you all.
On this Iheanacho matter, let us understand onr fact that he is just coming out of a bad season, an injury to the toe and more importantly, new team mates with whom he is yet to bond, or even have understanding of the workings of the team. Last weekend's match was his first start and I want to believe he gave a good account of himself. As much as I like to disagree with super enthusiasts like sir GoodJoe, truth is he is right in some sense as per the team Iheanacho now finds himself. This team is set up with a primary focus of not comceding goals as against scoring. Scoring seems to be a bonus to their setup.

With that in mind, how do we expect Iheanacho to find his footing so quick when he hasn't even gotten the right vibe from other players? There has to be a level of understanding between himself and the other team mates with different attitude and need to win. This is what is lacking in the leicester team. The coach wants to play it safe, hence the "find Jamie Vardie " football pholosophy, whether you are clearing the ball from inside your penalty area, or throw in or any. Seems all shots at goal has to be by Vardy.

When Iheanacho gets going, he will also need the cooperation of Vardy (who I would deem pretty selfish) and Mahrez who is increasingly becoming Leicester's version of Mesuit Ozil. We all want what is best for our boy, hence the noise we make about hime getting game time. Iheanacho is quality, no doubt! Allow him at least 15 starts and then we can come and reassess. Afterall he is not gonna take the ball from the goal keeper and dribble his way all the way to the opponents goalpost and score a hat trick each time.

An example of what is happening can be seen in everton. That team makes Wayne Rooney look like a mediocre. Let us hope for a formidable partnership between Vardy, Iheanacho and Mahrez. Otherwise, all Iheanacho will be doing is passing the final balls to Vardy to tuck home. Final word, its too early to castigate Iheanacho, Our Iheanacho and label him a flop. One day at a time peeps, .... one day at a time.

Firstly, I always remain civil and challenge you to name once I have insulted any one irrespective of the temptation or provocation. It's simply not in my diction to be abusive and or character.


Constructive criticism is about how to adapt, change. improve and regain competitive advantage. That's what has been put forward in this instance. Hard analytical truths are not meant to keep you in your comfort zone but challenge you to improve.

I am very familiar with Leicester City football club this is not just a fans perspective I am giving. Unfortunately, a lot of the time some of us give a Nigerian emotional fans view. You need to consider the more pertinent view. Which is the club ethos, mentality, culture and how that converges into player expectation.

Wayne Rooney is an Everton Icon. He will be given a lot of time. And the fans and club will give him a lot of slack and yes he is a white scouser.

Nobody forced KC to go there he wasn't blind and neither were his agents. You go to a club and you must have done your homework prior, to know how you will fit in the club. The club will not change for KC, he must change and adapt for the club. The idea that they are not playing good passing attack minded football to suit KC as an excuse. Is actually childish naivety.

If I was KC'S agent to tell him that story you are presenting is to place him in a "fools paradise" that would be very unprofessional.

Football has a very short memory and very little patience irrespective of circumstance. Football is tough and very unforgiving.

HE HAS NO CHOICE, But to knuckle down and produce or loose your place and position.

Finally, please don't add pepper NOBODY CALLED HIM A FLOP. You should withdraw that untrue proposition that could mislead.

Icon4s:


Yes but for this case the team that more needed the win carried the day.

Yea sure we had extra incentives but we still had to win the match. The point is that they beat Ghana in Ghana. When last has Nigeria done that?

Sunnypa11:


Someone said he's the younger brother of Dele.

Modified: Another person said:His real name is Olamilekan Aniyikaye. He named himself after Adeleye coz their style of play is the same.

Hmmm that's cool.. Everybody gets role model... I'm happy for him

I keep losing my comments.
I have posted 2 comments about the WAFU cup but none is here.

Rabiu Ali hasn't impressed me a bit in this tournament. Though a skillful player but dude give away passes like an amateur.

John is below average. Dude has no confidence,no skill and very poor passes. Where is Edwo ?

Tony Okpotu is still struggling to establish his presence in this competition. A very physical player but yet to prove himself...Maybe he is fatigued.

Ifeanyi Ifeanyi lost his hold on the CM to the technically superior Ghanaians. His deft touches went missing ,though he regained some authority in the second half.

TheSuperNerd:
Have fun reading this.... the Zambians are funny and also serious.... enjoy

Zambia List 13 Things To Do To Overcome Nigeria In Uyo




It’s less than three weeks to the all-important 2018 World Cup qualifying game between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on october 7, 2017.

The Zambians are not leaving any stone unturned in a bid to win the game and thus avenge the 2-1 home loss they suffered on Matchday 1 while also nicking the sole ticket to Russia.

A Zambian journalist, simply identified by the initials RW and writing in the Zambian Observer , has therefore made a checklist of the 13 things Zambia must do to defeat Nigeria in October.




See if you agree with him…


1. We should respect Nigeria more than we did in the first half, but not fear them, no surrender, no retreat, no defeat.

2. Use attack-minded 4-5-1 or 4-4-2, remember Nigeria can sit back if they wish, winning is our only option.

3. Don’t allow them to shoot, we should close in and frustrate. They can score from range, place goals that outstretch the keepers, hit volleys and score from set pieces, we know that.

4. Long searching balls will be less effective, the Nigerian centre backs are physical and solid.

5. Tactically designate a marker for Victor Moses.




6. Recall Fwayo Tembo, he can beat the Nigerian defenders, he gave Nigeria problems in our home fixture.

7. Exploit the flanks with options of Fashion Sakala, Augustine Mulenga or Fwayo Tembo.

8. Enoch Mwepu and Kondwani Mtonga should solidify their partnership, that’s our engine against Nigeria.

9. Through balls will work well for Patson Daka’s speed better than high balls.

10. When we manage to kill the game, Lungu Chisamba can come in to hold the ball and invite fouls.

11. Get a better jersey for the boys, they are toiling and sacrificing and deserve a better jersey than that 4th grade stripe.

12. Wedson Nyirenda should continue wearing the light blue jacket and running in the opposite direction when we score, it’s or new “luck white shirt”.

13. Last but most importantly, Pray.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/zambia-list-13-things-overcome-nigeria-uyo/

the only thing that make sense among the 13 list is ''recall Tembo'' the rest are just wishfull thinking

Aremu is a real baller all day...tackles,aerial battle and what have you....Him with Adeleye and Eze saved us from getting raped by the domineering Ghanaians in the second half. Aremu needs to go PRO....Real talent and I am hoping he is not 30yrs.

Chima Akas has lost him mojo. He used to be a terrific left back packed with some rockets on his left foot. His overlapping instincts are dead and he can barely defend well. I guess old age is kicking in. Most of these guys are in their 30s.

Adeleye is a great prospect. He showed great promises hope. Great tackles , strong aerial technique and a ball player. I will have to see more of him.

Apart from the free kick Okoro scored against Siera Leone I have seen much of him...Nothing spectacular.