Amuneke: Rohr Must Invite Only Players Who Fit His World Cup Plan

Peter Oriaku

By Johnny Edward:
Former Super Eagles assistant Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has called on Gernot Rohr to call up players who only can adapt to his football philosophy to boost his squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.‎com reports.


Several players who didn’t feature during the World Cup qualifiers have been rumoured to make a return, but Amuneke advises that the new players must offer more than what the players in the current squad have.


“Anybody can play for the Super Eagles, but the players coming in must be able to adapt,” Amuneke told Completesportsnigeria.com.


Amuneke who will attend the FIFA football awards in London next week praises Rohr for the success of qualifying for the Mundial but charges that his team must be ready to take on the World next summer.


“The most important thing is that Nigeria won,”he told Completesportsnigeria.com shortly after his arrival from India where he was on a FIFA assignment.


“I saw the game and I think they did well. In a game like that, you just need to win, and that was why the aesthetic of the game was obviously missing.


“Now that they have qualified, the team must be ready to take on the World. The likes of Italy could not qualify automatically, that shows you the gap between the small teams and the big ones is closing gradually.”

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/amuneke-rohr-must-invite-players-fit/amp

Mujtahida:

I posted before how a Zambian with one deft touch put Echiejile behind him. I was wrong. It was Balogun and he couldn't catch up with the guy. But this emphasises why we need a very good left back cos where that guy beat Balogun was where Echiejile was supposed to be. Since he lacks pace then the left back has to be excellent. So that Balogun will be rarely drawn out. He's quite good with making interceptions and anticipating danger. Notice we ain't saying the same thing to Ekong(except his pssses) and the reason is because Abdullahi is posting peak performances. Echiejile did good but at the World Cup we want and should have the best.

Let dem Odegbami talk to Ojokojo to release that his son Jordan Torunarigha.

Thank you for this piece... You will watch very well... The Zambian overload echijiele knowing that Balogun will surely Come out to help and he's not that pace.. When ever Balogun cover for Elderson.. Zambian outrun him... No thanks to onazi injury that would have help Balogun a bit not to be caught unaware...

With a good left bank less work for Balogun...

Icon4s:


That is world average.

Balogun at 29+ you know wasn't born in Nigeria (you know what I mean) may be at his peak.

But Other defenders like Ambrose, Echiejile, Obaobona, Omeruo, Egweke, who are even younger (officially) have long past their peak.

But I am sure you agree Balogun's lack of pace was really exposed in that game. I am not one of the Eagles physios but I can tell you it could be age related.
Defenders typically slow down as they age but that doesn't mean they declining. Experience and positional ability can make of for loss of pace. It is normal.

Balogun has never been fast. CBs do not have to be too fast.

He got too tight to his man and was turned. That is why centre backs give some gap so that they have a head start. He played fast guys against Cameroon and was fine.

In the second half, he adjusted and was better.

soetanoreoluwa:


Thank you for this piece... You will watch very well... The Zambian overload echijiele knowing that Balogun will surely Come out to help and he's not that pace.. When ever Balogun cover for Elderson.. Zambian outrun him... No thanks to onazi injury that would have help Balogun a bit not to be caught unaware...

With a good left bank less work for Balogun...

That was the strategy cos Fashion Sakala on the right couldn't do much.
Yes, a left back who can do on the left what Shehu does on the right.

tbaba1234:


No doubt, Tammy is ahead of him at the moment but we are not really sure of his allegiances. The time to make the decision is now if he wants to be in the world cup party.

Osimhen is a young boy and has great potential. Wolfsburg's new coach recently made very flattering comments about him. I believe he will get many games this season. He is not yet national team level but you never know how the season will progress.

Manager come Manager go people have very short memories in football. Sometimes, with good reason a player is on fire one season next season he becomes ice water.

Currently all Osimhen has to offer is speculative potential.

BascoVanVeli:


That was probably one of the best dummies anyone has seen in a while, it is just sad that u are even trying to understate that moment. U said Iheanacho was not ready but u have been known to have scathing attacks on Ighalo. He didn't have a good game by any stretch of the imagination but he also helped us get the goal by blocking Zambia's keepers sight.

Nice one...

Wow... I dunno you see it too... The blocking confused Kennedy.... Playing as a team..

tbaba1234:


Balogun has never been fast. CBs do not have to be too fast.

He got too tight to his man and was turned. That is why centre backs give some gap so that they have a head start. He played fast guys against Cameroon and was fine.

In the second half, he adjusted and was better.

That is the positional abilities I am talking about.

Since he is not naturally a fast defender , (though I never noticed that, even for ones until the Zambia game), he should work on his positioning.

Morocco 3 vs South Korea 1. These guys are serious o.

Icon4s:


That is the positional abilities I am talking about.

Since he is not naturally a fast defender , (though I never noticed that, even for ones until the Zambia game), he should work on his positioning.

You never noticed because his positioning has been spot on, so far in the qualifiers.

He just had a bad half.

Icon4s:


That is world average.

Balogun at 29+ you know wasn't born in Nigeria (you know what I mean) may be at his peak.

But Other defenders like Ambrose, Echiejile, Obaobona, Omeruo, Egweke, who are even younger (officially) have long past their peak.

But I am sure you agree Balogun's lack of pace was really exposed in that game. I am not one of the Eagles physios but I can tell you it could be age related.
Defenders typically slow down as they age but that doesn't mean they declining. Experience and positional ability can make of for loss of pace. It is normal.

Leon has never been the fastest his game has always been about decisive tackling and smart positional play. Like you rightly said as defenders age they rely more on experience and reading the game expertly

GERNOT Rohr contract expires next year...

Renewal or ....

NFF is not talking about it maybe later...

Hmmm... Having read comments on who is better as a top 9 between Ighalo and K. Iheanacho.

I've come to pitch my tent with the pro Ighalos to continue spare heading our attack in a one man front man(4-5-1...) till we get a better 9 who has excellent finishing. Ighalo offers more than KI as a 9 in these area
1. Dribbling
2. Hold up play
3. Physicality
4. Build up play
5. Uses both feet
the above attributes portrays Ighalo as a team player which will be hard for any opponents to isolate him unlike KI who plays on the last man shoulder.

On the other hand, KI possesses.
1. Excellent finishing ability(he is clinical)
2. Great Passes
3. Positioning(he is a better space explorer)
4. Great Composure second to none in the Green White Green.

Having highlighted their abilities. KI will thrive more if played behind a striker or deployed as a false 9.

Eagles Players Reveal Teams They Will Love To Face In Russia – Rohr Wants Germany
October 10, 2017086

A cross section of players of the Super Eagles of Nigeria including coach Gernot Rohr have revealed the teams they will love to face at the World Cup in Russia next year.

Franco-German coach of the team Rohr says he will love to play against his country of birth, that is the defending World Cup champions Germany ‎who are also through to the World Cup.

Shortly before Nigeria defeated Zambia 1-0 to seal qualification Rohr revealed his dream will be to play and beat Germany in the World Cup as coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

“Yes, I am happy I had the chance to coach players like Zidane, Dugarry and Lizarazu in Bordeaux we went to the final of the European Cup. So we had wonderful thing already but the most beautiful thing, and I will go there is to go to the World Cup, and then beat my home country Germany “. He concluded.

DONT MISS ==> Victor Anichebe Joins Chinese Side Beijing Enterprises, Becomes Strike Partner To Leke James
Here are the reactions from some players.

Moses Simon – We are not scared of any team but if you ask me, I want us to face Belgium at the World Cup. It will be a wonderful experience.

Chidozie Awaziem – Playing in the World Cup is no doubt a big step in the career of any player. To me I honestly would love us to face Portugal. I hope I’m not offending anybody.

Daniel Akpeyi – The World Cup is something you want to enjoy till maybe the final game, so avoiding the strong teams won’t be bad, but I will love us to face Argentina, we need to avenge the pain they have inflicted on us in the past.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa – My job is to guard my post against strikers, so that makes my case a bit different but playing against Brazil at the World Cup won’t be a bad experience ‎for me.

Ade Emmanuel

Mujtahida:

That's against Tanzania. Not in the WCQ. I am talking WCQ

The point is someone can score from outside the box.

Dr

daveP:
Morocco 3 vs South Korea 1. These guys are serious o.

I would actually fancy Morocco in Russia to Ivory Coast.. The latter is just a bunch of average team... My Africa reps: 1. Nigeria 2. Egypt 3.Tunisia 4. Senegal 5. Morocco. These North Africans are very serious and they play refined football, not the kick, follow and muscle style typical of most West African Nations.

safarigirl:
nope. Iheanacho has two of the eleven...the first against Zambia was right next to the goal post and the second against Cameroon was a header directly in front of the goal post

The only goal he has scored from outside the box was in a friendly

He said nobody can score from outside the box but the @bolded also confirmed he did.

William Troost-Ekong Development ‘Surprises’ Efe Ambrose – He Is Way Better Now
October 10, 2017067

Out of favour Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose says he is surprised at how quick Bursaspor William Troost-Ekong has developed into a better defender in such a short time.

Ambrose was among the senior players of the Super Eagles when Ekong made his international debut for Nigeria three years ago in a Nations Cup Qualifiers tie against Chad in Kaduna.

” Ekong has grown into a very good defender in such a short time, he is way better now than when he played his first game for Nigeria few years ago”, Ambrose told Owngoalnigeria.com in an exclusive chat.

” I have watched him in the last few games of the Super Eagles and although there are still some areas of his game that need improvement, but overall he has improved.

” He (Ekong) use to be very uncomfortable with the ball at his feet, he still need to work on that but in other areas especially in making tackles and giving coverage I must confess he has improved tremendously “.


Osas Mahawi

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/10/william-troost-ekong-development-surprises-efe-ambrose-he-is-way-better-now/

DrKlever:
Dr I would actually fancy Morocco in Russia to Ivory Coast.. The latter is just a bunch of average team... My Africa reps: 1. Nigeria 2. Egypt 3[b]Tunisia[/b] 4. Senegal 5. Morocco. These North Africans are very serious and they play refined football, not the kick, follow and muscle style typical of most West African Nations.

Tunisia rarely do well in tournaments though. They almost always seem to find a way to qualify but rarely make any impact.

Finid gets the under 17 job... But Paul Aigbogun for under 20...what happened to manu and amunike?


Exclusive: Names Of New Coaches, Assistant Coaches, GK Trainers For Nigeria National Teams

Published: October 10, 2017


Exclusive: Names Of New Coaches, Assistant Coaches, GK Trainers For Nigeria National Teams


Alnigeriasoccer.com understands that the Nigeria Football Federation are set to announce the appointments of new coaches, assistant coaches, goalkeeper trainers for the various national teams except the Super Eagles.

The Nigerian Federation received 300 applications and shortlisted 68 candidates for national team jobs, and interviews were held in August.

The interview questions were based on technical, managerial and administrative capabilities.

A meeting attended by Barrister Christoper Green, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Mr Paul, Barrister Isaac Danladi, Garba Lawal, Victor Ikpeba, Bitrus Bewarang and Abdul Rafiu Yusuf was held at the Boardroom of the Federation and the Technical and Development Committee has recommended the appointment of the following coaches:

Nigeria U23/Dream Team

Head Coach : Kennedy Boboye
First Assistant Coach : Monday Odigie
Second Assistant Coach : Baba Ganaru Mohammed
Goalkeeper Trainer : Etta Egbe

Nigeria U20/Flying Eagles

Head Coach : Paul Aigbogun
First Assistant Coach : Hassan Abdullahi Sheriff
Second Assistant Coach : Abdulahi Biffo
Goalkeeper Trainer : Sulaiman Shuaibu

Nigeria U17/ Golden Eaglets

Head Coach : Finidi George
First Assistant Coach : Bala Abubakar
Second Assistant Coach : Mbwas Magnut
Goalkeeper Trainer : Baruwa Olatunji

Nigeria U13 & U15 Male

Head Coach : Nasidi Danladi Alala
First Assistant Coach : Haruna Usman
Second Assistant Coach : Bunmi Haruna

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24962

KevinDein:


Tunisia rarely do well in tournaments though. They almost always seem to find a way to qualify but rarely make any impact.

Yes, you are very correct and i feel the reason is because they lack tactical approach to games. It's crazy going all attack to a better team like Germany, you would pay darely for it. Let's hope they have learnt a thing or two from their previous outings and rep africa well, because as it stands they would eventually qualify and there is nothing anyone can do about that.

NWAKALI’S STYLE MEANS HE IS NOT THE NEW OKOCHA



Nwakali’s style means he is not the new Okocha
African Football, International, NewsNow, Opinion
By O-Posts Team
Oct 10, 2017



During and after the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2015, not a few Nigerian fans were excited with their no. 10, Kelechi Nwakali, with a handful of them more excited with the prospect of finally finding a replacement for Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.

His range of passes and ability on set-pieces endeared him to the fans, who thought ‘the new Okocha’ had been born.



Hardly any similarities between the two

However, asides his impressive range of passes, Nwakali and Okocha hardly have any other similarities in terms of style. But then, it wasn’t too much of a surprise.

John Obi Mikel and Rabiu Ibrahim are just two of the players who have been likened to Okocha, having also worn the jersey no. 10 for Nigeria at youth levels at different times.

Of the two, it was Rabiu, who looked closest to being an Okocha-esque kind of player. But just like Nwakali, and with the exception of his passing ability, Mikel never looked an Okocha-type of player.

While it is pertinent to note that the search for Okocha’s ‘heir apparent’ continues (in the minds of the fans, at least, and I still wonder why), it is also pertinent to warn that Nwakali, just like Mikel, is not an Okocha, and will not be.

Both players have their own distinct qualities which makes them unique, but we will focus on the former today.



The imminent question will be: who then does he play like?

Well, the 19-year old is more of a composed and intelligent midfield-controller than a swashbuckling, attack-oriented midfielder.

Although he played in more advanced midfield roles for MVV Maastricht last season, and has continued to do so for VVV Venlo this term, his future lies at the base of midfield.

He has a combination of power, creativity and elegance on the ball, and more often looks to pick out a pass in difficult situations than go for the dribble. These qualities make him a lot more similar to France and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba than Okocha.

Like Pogba, Nwakali’s physical presence and passing accuracy means he can dominate games in ways Okocha couldn’t.

In only 107 minutes of Eredivisie football this season, Nwakali has a pass completion rate of 86%, even higher than Pogba’s 85% in 360 minutes of Premier League football before his injury.

The Nigerian youngster also notches an average 0.75 key passes per game, similar to Pogba’s 1.75, even though the Frenchman has played more minutes.



No Okocha, but may turn out alright

While he may not be exactly what many Nigerian fans had hoped for, Nwakali may turn out even better than anticipated, but in a different way.



Written by Chris Oguguo
http://www.o-posts.com/international/nwakali-not-okocha/

Mujtahida:

Some dey cry say Ighalo slow you dey mention Sadiq. Sadiq wey na Okro and Ogbono mixed together.

So, if he begins to bench Belotti and scores goals we should ignore, ba?

tbaba1234:


Balogun has never been fast. CBs do not have to be too fast.

He got too tight to his man and was turned. That is why centre backs give some gap so that they have a head start. He played fast guys against Cameroon and was fine.

In the second half, he adjusted and was better.

thank you. I was suprised that Sir Icon4s attributed aging to Balogun's lack of speed.

The truth is he has never had it. I took notice of this in his first match for SEs in a friendly against either scotland/usa prior to 2014 World where Keshi deployed him as a RB he couldn't match the opposing wingers for pace and kept leaving the defence open any time he ventures forward. I wasn't even happy at his inclusion before he picked up an injury that ruled him out of the final squad.

I saw a different player in him as a CB and he has been doing it well. I love his ball playing ability. His passes are even better than our midfield duo of Onazi n Ndidi.

What needs to be done is ensuring that one of our DMFs covers for him anytime he ventures forwards or better still get a good LB to complement him. Though Aina did well when introduced but I'm still not comfortable with him on the left.

PHOTOS: Zambian player, Augustine Mulenga, reportedly loses daughter while playing against Nigeria


Zambian player, Augustine Mulenga, reportedly lost his daughter while playing against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

The Zambian Observer reports that Chipolopolo officials knew that Mulenga’s daughter was dead but did not inform the winger.

Mulenga scored in the 22nd minute of the game but his goal was disallowed by the referee.

Both countries had clashed on Saturday at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match in Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.

http://punchng.com/photos-zambian-player-augustine-mulenga-reportedly-loses-daughter/

Rohr Speaks On World Cup Ticket : Many People Wrote Us Off
Published: October 10, 2017

Rohr Speaks On World Cup Ticket : Many People Wrote Us Off

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has revealed that he was pleased with how things went in the World Cup qualifiers and the players in the squad.

Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup were slim as they were in the same pool as Africa's most successful team in the World Cup Cameroon and North Africa powerhouse Algeria.

But the Super Eagles guaranteed their place at next summer's festival of football with a game to spare following their 1-0 win over Zambia in Uyo last weekend.

''I am very excited to be working with this team: a blend of the experienced and the young and ambitious ones,'' Rohr told thenff.com.

''They are a delight to be with at all times, and I believe we are onto great things.

''At the beginning of the qualifying series, many people said we were going to be chasing it. But we sat down together and we promised ourselves that we would go all out and get the ticket.''

Rohr's only loss since he was appointed coach was against South Africa at the start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June 2017.

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24964

daveP:
Morocco 3 vs South Korea 1. These guys are serious o.

Morocco played WCQ match same day we played Zambia and here they are playing another friendly.
I hope the NFF are seeing this. Make dem organise friendly for November o.

cc. Sir Mujtahida

Question answered about PAPI Rohr contract.

---

FOOTBALL NFF extends Gernot Rohr’s contract to 2019 By Austin Oduor
onOctober 10, 2017

The Nigeria football Federation has agreed to extend the contract of coach Gernot Rohr until 2019.

Rohr, signed a two-year contract in 2016 with an option of extending the deal, if Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup. Rohr will now be in charge of the team till the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

He said he was glad Nigeria qualified for the World Cup as they were not given the chance to pick the ticket when the qualification series started with Cameroon and Algeria as bookmakers’ favourite to clinch the ticket.

“I believe Russia 2018 will be a good adventure for us all,” the German, who previously coached Burkina Faso said.

Rohr thanked Nigerians for the feat saying it was a collective effort, “Thank you Nigerians, we won this World Cup ticket together.”

NFF secretary-general, Mohammed Sanusi said the Super Eagles will have the best of preparations for the World Cup.

“We are excited and as this Board has continued to promise, it is not just about qualification. We will ensure the best preparation for the team to set a new record of performance for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup when they go to Russia next year.”

http://www.soka25east.com/nff-extends-gernot-rohrs-contract-2019/

forgiveness:


So, if he begins to bench Belotti and scores goals we should ignore, ba?

S. Umar is not ready for the SEs. Even if he score 30goals I'll pick Awoniyi ahead of him.

DrKlever:
Dr I would actually fancy Morocco in Russia to Ivory Coast.. The latter is just a bunch of average team... My Africa reps: 1. Nigeria 2. Egypt 3.Tunisia 4. Senegal 5. Morocco. These North Africans are very serious and they play refined football, not the kick, follow and muscle style typical of most West African Nations.

Asin i twale 4 dem. we should watch the friendlies other african teams play vs potential group opponent. for this world cup, venue for friendlies MUST NOT be a problem.

soetanoreoluwa:
PHOTOS: Zambian player, Augustine Mulenga, reportedly loses daughter while playing against Nigeria


Zambian player, Augustine Mulenga, reportedly lost his daughter while playing against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

The Zambian Observer reports that Chipolopolo officials knew that Mulenga’s daughter was dead but did not inform the winger.

Mulenga scored in the 22nd minute of the game but his goal was disallowed by the referee.

Both countries had clashed on Saturday at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match in Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.

http://punchng.com/photos-zambian-player-augustine-mulenga-reportedly-loses-daughter/

So sad

AIG07:

Morocco played WCQ match same day we played Zambia and here they are playing another friendly.
I hope the NFF are seeing this. Make dem organise friendly for November o.

cc. Sir Mujtahida

Noted

For women football.

---

Exclusive: NFF Set To Appoint Ex-Houston Dash Boss Randy Waldrum As Super Falcons Coach
Published: October 10, 2017


Exclusive: NFF Set To Appoint Ex-Houston Dash Boss Randy Waldrum As Super Falcons Coach
According to information gathered by allnigeriasoccer.com, the Nigeria Football Federation are set to announce the appointment of former Houston Dash manager Randy Jordan Waldrum as the new Nigeria Women's National Team coach in the coming days.

During the interview for the vacant position, the Nigerian Federation Technical Committee had ten options on the table including two foreigners, and it was unanimously agreed that Waldrum should be Florence Omagbemi's successor because of his maturity and technical competence.

Three local coaches have been selected by the Federation to assist Randy Waldrum in carrying out his duties.

Edwin Okon has been appointed as the first assistant coach, Super Falcons record cap holder Maureen Mmadu is the second assistant coach, while the goalkeeper trainer is Auwal Bashar.

It was also recommended that Justin Madugu should manage the U17 Women's National Team, the Flamingoes, and he'll be assisted by Ajuma Peter Otache and Queen Akpan, while Taiwo Tundun is the goalkeeper trainer.

The 61-year-old Waldrum, who was a midfielder during his playing career, previously managed Pittsburg State University, University of Tulsa, University of Notre Dame and Trinidad and Tobago (women) teams.

Nigeria Women's National Team/Super Falcons

Head Coach : Randy Waldrum
First Assistant Coach : Godwin Okon
Second Assistant Coach : Maureen Madu
Goalkeeper Trainer : Auwal Bashar

U17 Women's Team/Flamingoes

Head Coach : Justin Madugu
First Assistant Coach : Ajuma Otache
Second Assitant Coach : Queen Akpan
Goalkeeper Trainer : Taiwo Tundun

Ifeanyi Emmanuel