Martins with a beautiful goal


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxkJdC02hhY

Iwobi Starts As Arsenal Edge Out Burnley With Late Penalty



History repeated itself at Turf Moor on Sunday as Alexis Sanchez scored a stoppage time penalty for Arsenal who defeated Burnley 1-0 in their Premier League clash.


James Tarkowski was punished for what the referee ruled as a push on Aaron Ramsey in the box in added time and Sanchez stepped up to score the winner.


It was the third time Arsenal recorded a victory over Burnley courtesy of a last minute goal.


Arsenal had won both meetings with the Clarets last season courtesy of 90th-minute winners.


Alex Iwobi made his sixth English Premier League start for Arsenal who were stifled for the better part of the game at Turf Moor.


The Super Eagles star started in place of the ill Mesut Ozil.
The Nigerian winger, who has appeared eight times for the Gunners this season in the EPL, was replaced in the 66th minute by Jack Wilshere. Iwobi has not scored in his last six appearances for the club.


Both teams made a bright start to the game and Burnley had a chance in the 15th minute when Jóhann Berg Gudmundsson collected a pass from Jeffrey Hendrick and he skipped past Nacho Monreal before firing a thunderous strike which crashed the post.


In the second half, Arsenal began with more purpose with Sanchez and Iwobi linking up well to create opening for Alexandre Lacazette but Burnley were solid in breaking their attack.


In the 51st minute, Lacazette turned his marker well to his first attempt on goal but his strike was straight at Nick Pope in the Burnley goal, who made a comfortable save.


Gunners kept up the pressure and began to boss the game but Arsene Wenger’s men lacked the final final ball until the last-gasp drama.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/iwobi-starts-arsenal-edge-burnley-late-penalty/

Martins Fires Shanghai Shenhua To Chinese FA Cup Triumph



By James Agberebi:

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins was on target in the second leg of the Chinese FA Cup final as his club Shanghai Shenhua were crowned champions.Despite losing the second leg 3-2 to 10-man Shanghai SIPG FC, Shanghai Shenhua won on away goals rule after winning the first leg 1-0 to end the tie 3-3 on aggregate.


Martins scored the only goal in the first leg 1-0 win for Shanghai Shenhua last weekend.
Wenjun Lue gave Shanghai SIPG the lead in the 16th minute on Sunday before Yunding Cao drew Shanghai Shenhua level on the stroke of half-time.


Martins scored to make it 2-1 to Shanghai Shenhua in the 68th minute but Brazilian forward Hulk made it 2-2 after converting a 72nd minute penalty.


An own goal by Giovanni Andres Moreno in the 76th minute gave Shanghai SIPG a 3-2 lead.
In the 90th minute, Shanghai SIPG were reduced to 10 men following Huan Fu’s sending off.


Shanghai Shenhua have now won their first Chinese FA Cup title since 1998 and have now won it for the fourth time.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/martins-fires-shanghai-shenhua-chinese-fa-cup-triumph/

Mujtahida:

I still don't understand ooo. Are you suggesting bias against our players? Is that the reason we've not had players in the ilk of the greatest?

I hope I will not be read as denigrating the long stellar army of excellent players we have produced over the years.

Another variant of the question I posed earlier is: why can't we win the World Cup? Would it answer such a question if someone were to say 'Because we are Nigeria'?
Undisputable excellence is what I am looking at here. My initial question was prompted in my heart just now as I watched Neymar.
I could as well watch Germany celebrating their WC win in 2014 and ask if Germany, why not Nigeria?

A lot of things are embedded in the Nigerian factor. No bias at all.

If there was a player of late that would have launched himself into the class of Neymar, Ronaldo, Messi or something close to that, it would have been Kelechi Iheanacho.

But it is not just looking like that is going to happen. Some may say it is too early to conclude on that but ask your self what those great players were already doing at Iheanacho's current age.

Expectations on Iheanacho was so exceptionally high but I chose to go conservative on my expectations. Why? He is a Nigerian. If it was a Brazilian or Argentine player that had the kind of Iheanacho's performance at U17 I could have put my neck on the line that he would been a "world beater" by now.

See what is happening to Isaac Success. What happened to those Mercurial skills of Yahaya? The way Yahaya played at U17 you'll think by now 4 years later he would have replaced Iniesta at Barcelona.

Bro it is a complex mixture of organization/system, individual abilities of the players, players attitude and it is as if Village people too dey follow many of our players.

AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Nigeria
Nigeria not afraid of anyone, Echiejile warns Brazil and co.

Monaco's Nigeria full-back Elderson (left)

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Nigerian international Elderson Echiejile has fired a warning to the world's best football national teams ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals which will be hosted by Russia.


World champions Germany, European giants Spain, France, South American giants Brazil and Argentina will be amongst the favourites to win next year's tournament.


Echiejile, who plays for Turkish side Sivasspor, believes that the Super Eagles can beat anyone with the draw for the global tournament set to take place on the 1st of December 2017.


“We are not afraid of anyone, any team," Echiejile told brila.net.
"We just want to keep our preparation in top form, play quality friendly games and we will be ready for anyone in our group.


“This could be our time, Right now we have things going well with the team, so we are not afraid of anyone” he continued.


Nigeria came back to stun Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly match earlier this month and Echiejile stated that it is just a tip of what the Super Eagles will do in Russia.


"The win is enough motivation for everyone in the team that we can actually dispose any team at the World Cup without fear or jittery," he added.

africanfootball.com//news/735571/Nigeria-not-afraid-of-anyone-Echiejile-warns-Brazil-and-co

Don’t add more players to Eagles, Adelabu tells Rohr

Idris Adesina

Former Shooting Stars attacker, Adegoke Adelabu, has said Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, should be careful in adding new players to the team ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup.


Nigeria qualified for the World Cup unbeaten and recently beat South American giants Argentina 4-2 in a friendly affair.


Rohr has reportedly been scouting for a few more players to strengthen the team ahead of the World Cup. The German said there were no guaranteed shirts for players in the team and that there was room for new players to compete for roles.


Adelabu, who praised the Eagles for qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten, said, “The coach should be commended for leading the team to qualify for the World Cup with an unblemished record but he needs to be careful in his preparations for the competition.


“To run all over the world looking for players to add to the team may affect the balance of the team. It may also send a wrong message to the players who fought to get the country the qualification that their places in the team are not secured.


“Also, running after players that Nigeria contributed nothing to their careers is not good enough.


Such players who refuse to play for Nigeria would be seen as unpatriotic. When some of these players offer to play for the country, they are mostly not followed up.


“I believe that except there is a serious development such as an injury to any of the current players, who played the qualifiers, there should not be any addition to the squad. These players only need more game time to build their confidence and unity to perform well at the World Cup.


“The present squad may not be perfect, but I believe they will take their chances against any team who are not extra careful.”

punchng.com/dont-add-more-players-to-eagles-adelabu-tells-rohr/

Uzoho good enough to be Eagles’ number 1 –Shorunmu

Idris Adesina

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu believes Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has the qualities to become the Super Eagles’ first choice at the Russia 2018 World Cup.


Uzoho is the third choice at the struggling Spanish side. He made the headlines in October after he became the youngest foreign player in the history of La Liga.


The former Golden Eaglets keeper made his La Liga debut at 18 years and 352 days. He however returned to the bench after two matches.


Eagles coach Gernot Rohr handed Uzoho a national team call up for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine and the friendly against Argentina in Krasnodar, Russia.


The two matches were played earlier this month. The invitation was Uzoho’s first since he won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.


Uzoho made his full international debut on November 14, as a 46th minute replacement for Daniel Akpeyi in the friendly against Argentina, which the Eagles won 4-2. Uzoho kept a clean sheet in the match.


And Shorunmu, who represented Nigeria at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, told our correspondent during the week that Uzoho has the qualities to be Eagles first choice despite his age.


The former Basel keeper said Uzoho has a good command of his goal area and positioned himself well to make some good saves as was seen in the Argentina match.


He however called for more matches for the young keeper to build and test his confidence ahead of the World Cup.


“With what I saw him do against Argentina, I believe Uzoho is good enough to be Eagles number one at the World Cup if the coaches find him fit for the role,” he said.


“As a former keeper, I saw the qualities of a good keeper in him. He has a good command of his area and communicates well with his defenders. He also positioned himself well so that he could make some good saves. He is a young keeper and has many more years ahead of him, so he will learn with more matches and improve as he gets the playing time.”


Shorunmu said Uzoho’s presence in the team will keep the other keepers – Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi – on their toes ahead of the World Cup.


He said, “That Akpeyi made some mistakes does not mean he is totally a bad goalkeeper likewise the fact that Ezenwa was not impressive against Algeria doesn’t mean he should be dropped from the team.


“The two have their areas of strength but with the way Uzoho performed against Argentina, they will have to work on their own areas of weaknesses to ensure that they stay ahead of him. This gives a healthy rivalry in the team.


“The goalkeeper is a very sensitive member of the team. If all the other members do well and he doesn’t do well, the team will suffer for it. A keeper can ensure that a team wins a match if he is determined to do so. The best keepers have to make it to the World Cup for the team to succeed.


“Currently, the three keepers need to be tested more in matches to ensure that the best one of them gets the starting shirt.”


The former Shooting Stars number one also said the calls for the return of Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, were unnecessary.


Shorunmu, who Enyeama deputised at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, said the 2013 African Cup of Nations winner should be allowed to make his decision to either return to the national team or stay out of it.


He said, “Enyeama should be allowed to make a public decision on his intention to either return to the Eagles, where he left of his own will, or to remain out of it.


The team have been on a good run in his absence so, if he stays out, it will not affect their performance.


“If he is forced by the coaches and fans to return to the team – against his own free will – it may spell doom for the team. The keepers in the team are battling to do well and I believe they will get better with more matches before the World Cup.”

punchng.com/uzoho-good-enough-to-be-eagles-number-1-shorunmu/

Mujtahida:

The question is do we even produce players with that superlative level of potential? As in pure football geniuses before talking of the opportunity to reach the maxim limits of their potentials?
See Argentina produced a Maradona and now a Messi, Brazil produced Pele, Ronaldo de Lima Ronaldinho, Neymar. France produced Zidane. I am thinking why can't we produce a player that can win the best footballer in the world. Is it as simple as saying it boils down to the 'Nigerian factor'?

Icon4s said we are Nigeria,truly we have Nigeria factor but also individual factor on the part of the players.

Hope you have hear name like Haruna Ilerika,Segun Odegbami,Tarilla Okoronwanta,Etim Esin and Austin Okocha,i will not mention KANU cos he did not belong to this class.These are complete players with every potentials to be the world beater but some couldn't make it cos of Nigeria factor and some personal factor.

Haruna Ilerika was a complete footballer who should be running shoulder with elites of footballers in his days but Nigeria factor did not help his career,he came out when Nigeria was finding it difficult to go to WC then just two slots and professional football was not in vogue.Haruna Ilerika did not know how good he was,just playing the game for fun but highly talented player.

Segun Odegbami should have been one of the world greatest if he find his way to Europe early but then they are satisfied with playing in local league.This was a player am always likened to CR7 cos their play pattern is similar.Odegbami was a very solid all round player,23 goals for Eagles as a winger should tell you how good he was as a player and till today he remain 2nd all time highest goal scorer.Nigeria factor was the bane of Odegbami he retired unceremoniously when his is team was disbanded for losing Africa cup in the final,he say bye bye to football that night.

Tarila Okoronwanta remain one of the players that his potential was cut short coz of indiscipline.This was a player that paint Nigeria league red with his amazing skills,full of energy and pace,very good player to watch but highly indiscipline.He was one of the players that absconded when his club went to Europe.

Etim Esin was one of the great thing to happen to Nigeria football named Etim Esin maradona cos of his style,too much of skill,powerful,very fast but highly erratic.This was a player that would have shake the world of football in a special way but personal factor rub him the glory.He was shot by armed robber and dispossess of his car after sneaking out of camp and later ran away from Belgium cos of rape.Etim never fulfilled his potential as a player.

Austin Okocha has everything at his s disposal to become a great player worldwide,he has the opportunity his predecessors were lacking,he was able to escape Nigeria factor and he was highly discipline but still remain strange how Okocha couldn't fulfilled his full potential as a player,funny enough he couldn't win African best despite his talent.I can attribute Okocha shortcomings as not ambitious as a player to become extra legend of the game.Honestly he was the real diamond of Nigeria football but the glory belong to KANU who was far behind Okocha when we talk of talent.If Jayjay managed his career like KANU,Okocha would have won the best player in the world

Generally i w say Nigeria factor as Icon4s said cos we have the talents but how do we manage the talents,sometimes i see Neymer as over hype but of recent i realized he was not cos Brazil project Neymer as rival to Messi and Ronaldo but can we have the same in Nigeria,i doubt it cos we have not reach that level and poverty has been the major issues,well talented Nigeria players are ready to sign for any club even in Vietnam

Kog45:
Icon4s said we are Nigeria,truly we have Nigeria factor but also individual factor on the part of the players.

Hope you have hear name like Haruna Ilerika,Segun Odegbami,Tarilla Okoronwanta,Etim Esin and Austin Okocha,i will not mention KANU cos he did not belong to this class.These are complete player who have every potential to be the world beater but some couldn't make it cos of Nigeria factor and personal factor.

Haruna Ilerika was a complete footballer who should be running shoulder with elites of footballers in his days but Nigeria factor did not help his career,he came out when Nigeria was finding it difficult to go to WC then just two slots and professional football was not in vogue.Haruna Ilerika did not know how good he was,just playing the game for fun but highly talented player.

Segun Odegbami should have been one of the world greatest if he find his way to Europe early but then they are satisfied with playing in local league.This was a player am always likened to CR7 cos their play pattern is similar.Odegbami was a very solid all round player,23 goals for Eagles as a winger should tell you how good he was as a player and till today he remain 2nd all time highest goal scorer.Nigeria factor was the bane of Odegbami he retired unceremoniously when his is team was disbanded for losing Africa cup in the final,he say bye bye to football that night.

Tarila Okoronwanta remain one of the players that his potential was cut short coz of indiscipline.This was a player that paint Nigeria league red with his amazing skills,full of energy and pace,very good player to watch but highly indiscipline.He was one of the players that absconded when his club went to Europe.

Etim Esin was one of the great thing to happen to Nigeria football named Etim Esin maradona cos of his style,too much of skill,powerful,very fast but highly erratic.This was a player that would have shake the world of football in a special way but personal factor rub him the glory.He was shot by armed robber and dispossess of his car after sneaking out of camp and later ran away from Belgium cos of rape.Etim never fulfilled his potential as a player.

Austin Okocha has everything at his s disposal to become a great player worldwide,he has the opportunity his predecessors were lacking,he was able to escape Nigeria factor and he was highly discipline but still remain strange how Okocha couldn't fulfilled his full potential as a player,funny enough he couldn't win African best despite his talent.I can attribute Okocha shortcomings as not ambitious as a player to become extra legend of the game.Honestly he was the real diamond of Nigeria football but the glory belong to KANU who was far behind Okocha when we talk of talent.If Jayjay managed his career like KANU,Okocha would have won the best player in the world

Generally i w say Nigeria factor as Icon4s said cos we have the talents but how do we manage the talents,sometimes i see Neymer as over hype but of recent i realized he was not cos Brazil project Neymer as rival to Messi and Ronaldo but can we have the same in Nigeria,i doubt it cos we have not reach that level and poverty has been the major issues,well talented Nigeria players are ready to sign for any club even in Vietnam

You have spoken well like an elder you are.

If you have followed Nigerian football long and well enough you'll understand where that "Nigerian factor" has taken us.

Thanks for your wonderful inputs @Kog45, Icon4s and tbaba1234. Much respect Sirs

Icon4s:


You have spoken well like an elder you are.

If you have followed Nigerian football long and well enough you'll understand where that "Nigerian factor" has taken us.

Honestly Nigeria factor.A friend who went to Ajax for tria from Nigeria league in 1997 courtesy Chris Eseaka but couldn't make it.Later went to Finland for some years,after finished his contract in Finlsnd,this pal went to Iran and i asked why Iran he said my friend you know my background i need to make money.This was a fantastic footballer now retired with cool money but potentially he is a failure as a footballer.

We have many of them out there,go to UAE you see them out there and you w keep on asking yourself why such talents in this league,look at it critically Shehu Abdullahi in Cyprus doing what.He should thank God for national team if not he would have been another wasted talent in obscure league.

Joebie:
and he scored today. GREAT -- own-goal though

you mean he scored an own goal?

people should know these,TALENT,PERFORMANCE,GOOD FORM,etc are not the only things that determines your invitation to the national team.
u may be performing better than some of the players being invited yet u might not merit d invitation.

before clamouring for invitation of some players especially those that have reached their peak or possibly passed their primes,i'm talking about specifically for those players that have been tested and trusted,and have played to the highest level in the past,and are still doing well till date,
those that have done the GWG in the pasted and have given their all,now they have left the national team for so long.
before calling back such players,there are so many vital things we should consider,which without those things,i would b impossible to achieve anything with such players.
apart from their talents and their current performances,
(1)do we still GUARANTEE THEIR 100% COMMITMENTS?
(2) DO THEY STILL HAVE THE ZEAL FOR THIS GAME?
(3) ARE THEY STILL AMBITIOUS ENOUGH IN THE GAME,having done all that there is to do?
(4) DO THEY STILL HAVE THE HUNGER STRONG ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING TO WIN A GAME.
(5) DO THEY STILL HAVE THE PASSION TO GIVE HIS BEST FOR THIS COUNTRY?

the players in questions are:
MARTINS,TAIWO,OSAZE,J.OBI,
etc

it's not just enough to play well week in week out but,
my questions are
(1)can we guarantee that these players still have the hunger and above mentioned qualities to win us championships?
(2) is it proper for us to invite those players that have left national team longer than 3yrs that r still doing well?
irrespective of their hunger,zeal,passion,commitment,obstruction of team team chemistry and the rest,

@KOMEKN
cc: Ion4s,TheGoogJoe,Kog45,Forgiveness,Safarigirl,Mujtahida,thaba123,etc

terzurum5:
AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Nigeria
Nigeria not afraid of anyone, Echiejile warns Brazil and co.

Monaco's Nigeria full-back Elderson (left)

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Nigerian international Elderson Echiejile has fired a warning to the world's best football national teams ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals which will be hosted by Russia.


World champions Germany, European giants Spain, France, South American giants Brazil and Argentina will be amongst the favourites to win next year's tournament.


Echiejile, who plays for Turkish side Sivasspor, believes that the Super Eagles can beat anyone with the draw for the global tournament set to take place on the 1st of December 2017.


“We are not afraid of anyone, any team," Echiejile told brila.net.
"We just want to keep our preparation in top form, play quality friendly games and we will be ready for anyone in our group.


“This could be our time, Right now we have things going well with the team, so we are not afraid of anyone” he continued.


Nigeria came back to stun Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly match earlier this month and Echiejile stated that it is just a tip of what the Super Eagles will do in Russia.


"The win is enough motivation for everyone in the team that we can actually dispose any team at the World Cup without fear or jittery," he added.

africanfootball.com//news/735571/Nigeria-not-afraid-of-anyone-Echiejile-warns-Brazil-and-co

almost every player can say we r not afraid of any team,so is not new

I think u guys should ignore that guy ranting about
super eagle defence how can any sensible person suggest we should overhaul a defence that let in only two legit goals in a group of death without giving any sensible reason ...we have the best defence in afrika right now morroco will concede nothing less than 3 goals if they play zambia

Chidiebere nwakali got a goal

Napoleon55:
people should know these,TALENT,PERFORMANCE,GOOD FORM,etc are not the only things that determines your invitation to the national team.
u may be performing better than some of the players being invited yet u might not merit d invitation.

before clamouring for invitation of some players especially those that have reached their peak or possibly passed their primes,i'm talking about specifically for those players that have been tested and trusted,and have played to the highest level in the past,and are still doing well till date,
those that have done the GWG in the pasted and have given their all,now they have left the national team for so long.
before calling back such players,there are so many vital things we should consider,which without those things,i would b impossible to achieve anything with such players.
apart from their talents and their current performances,
(1)do we still GUARANTEE THEIR 100% COMMITMENTS?
(2) DO THEY STILL HAVE THE ZEAL FOR THIS GAME?
(3) ARE THEY STILL AMBITIOUS ENOUGH IN THE GAME,having done all that there is to do?
(4) DO THEY STILL HAVE THE HUNGER STRONG ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING TO WIN A GAME.
(5) DO THEY STILL HAVE THE PASSION TO GIVE HIS BEST FOR THIS COUNTRY?

the players in questions are:
MARTINS,TAIWO,OSAZE,J.OBI,
etc

it's not just enough to play well week in week out but,
my questions are
(1)can we guarantee that these players still have the hunger and above mentioned qualities to win us championships?
(2) is it proper for us to invite those players that have left national team longer than 3yrs that r still doing well?
irrespective of their hunger,zeal,passion,commitment,obstruction of team team chemistry and the rest,

@KOMEKN
cc: Ion4s,TheGoogJoe,Kog45,Forgiveness,Safarigirl,Mujtahida,thaba123,etc

I have said it time without number: I look forward in respect of our choice of players except for Enyeama and Joel Obi. I see also that it is the unofficial policy of Rohr to reduce the average age of the team so that we can dominate for long.
If however the coach feels he needs the 'proven and tested' legs of those who didn't win so much as an Afcon for us when they were in their prime, then good and fine. But left for me we are better this way with Iwobi, Ekong dem and Mikel, Onazi and Moses to guide the team with their experiences.

Icon4s:


Pep saw more future in Gabriel Jesus with City ahead of Iheanacho even before Jesus kicked a ball for City. Why? Jesus is a BRAZILIAN while Iheanacho is a NIGERIAN.

That's not the objective way to approach the issue.

To remove sentimental bias born out of misguided patriotism. And compare them side by side and ask yourself who is better

Nationality has nothing to do with it.

Chidiebere Nwakali scored

zuchyblink:
Chidiebere nwakali got a goal

Forgiveness, Chidi scored a goal oo

Rohr Scouts For Reliable Players As Back-up To Mikel, Echiejile, Ighalo
48 November 26, 2017 10:18 am
[img]http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-contentuploads201706IMG_20170509_145901_351.jpg
[/img]
Exclusive By Johnny Edward: Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, is looking for ‘special ball players’ who can hold the ball in tight match situations to play backup roles in his World Cup squad, Completesportsnigeria.com has learnt.
According to a close source, the German still has some backup positions in some key areas to fill ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Those positions are that of Elderson Echiejile, Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo, according to the source.
“Against Algeria, away, the team could not hold the ball well and always ceded possession too easily. A good team would have punished the Eagles for that,” an impeccable source told
Completesportsnigeria.com.
“He (Gernot) admits he has a lot of work to do, but I believe he will succeed due to his good approach.
“Firstly, he hopes for a good draw that won’t necessarily seal our fate before the kickoff of the World Cup itself, a good preparation for the World Cup and some luck.”
“Some positions are covered, but he still needs options for other key positions and those areas are very vital.
“In those positions, he is looking out for players with the quality who can play the ball comfortably with their feet when under pressure by the opponents.”
Nigeria have been put in pot 4 ahead of the FIFA World Cup draw in Kremelin, Russia on the 2st of December.
Source:Completesportsnigeria.com

terzurum5:
Don’t add more players to Eagles, Adelabu tells Rohr

Idris Adesina

Former Shooting Stars attacker, Adegoke Adelabu, has said Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, should be careful in adding new players to the team ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup.


Nigeria qualified for the World Cup unbeaten and recently beat South American giants Argentina 4-2 in a friendly affair.


Rohr has reportedly been scouting for a few more players to strengthen the team ahead of the World Cup. The German said there were no guaranteed shirts for players in the team and that there was room for new players to compete for roles.


Adelabu, who praised the Eagles for qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten, said, “The coach should be commended for leading the team to qualify for the World Cup with an unblemished record but he needs to be careful in his preparations for the competition.


“To run all over the world looking for players to add to the team may affect the balance of the team. It may also send a wrong message to the players who fought to get the country the qualification that their places in the team are not secured.


“Also, running after players that Nigeria contributed nothing to their careers is not good enough.


Such players who refuse to play for Nigeria would be seen as unpatriotic. When some of these players offer to play for the country, they are mostly not followed up.


“I believe that except there is a serious development such as an injury to any of the current players, who played the qualifiers, there should not be any addition to the squad. These players only need more game time to build their confidence and unity to perform well at the World Cup.


“The present squad may not be perfect, but I believe they will take their chances against any team who are not extra careful.”

punchng.com/dont-add-more-players-to-eagles-adelabu-tells-rohr/

easier said than done. Thank God you aint the coach of the high flying super eagles. Smh @ this advice

tbaba1234:
Martins with a beautiful goal


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxkJdC02hhY

Obagoal babaaaaaaa!

i no talk oooooooo.

terzurum5:
AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Nigeria
Nigeria not afraid of anyone, Echiejile warns Brazil and co.

Monaco's Nigeria full-back Elderson (left)

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Nigerian international Elderson Echiejile has fired a warning to the world's best football national teams ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals which will be hosted by Russia.


World champions Germany, European giants Spain, France, South American giants Brazil and Argentina will be amongst the favourites to win next year's tournament.


Echiejile, who plays for Turkish side Sivasspor, believes that the Super Eagles can beat anyone with the draw for the global tournament set to take place on the 1st of December 2017.


“We are not afraid of anyone, any team," Echiejile told brila.net.
"We just want to keep our preparation in top form, play quality friendly games and we will be ready for anyone in our group.


“This could be our time, Right now we have things going well with the team, so we are not afraid of anyone” he continued.


Nigeria came back to stun Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly match earlier this month and Echiejile stated that it is just a tip of what the Super Eagles will do in Russia.


"The win is enough motivation for everyone in the team that we can actually dispose any team at the World Cup without fear or jittery," he added.

africanfootball.com//news/735571/Nigeria-not-afraid-of-anyone-Echiejile-warns-Brazil-and-co

Echiejile shld shut up dere...u wey no go dey starting line up at d world cup,u re already making troubles for those DT will face d possible big teams

terzurum5:
Uzoho good enough to be Eagles’ number 1 –Shorunmu

Idris Adesina

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu believes Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has the qualities to become the Super Eagles’ first choice at the Russia 2018 World Cup.


Uzoho is the third choice at the struggling Spanish side. He made the headlines in October after he became the youngest foreign player in the history of La Liga.


The former Golden Eaglets keeper made his La Liga debut at 18 years and 352 days. He however returned to the bench after two matches.


Eagles coach Gernot Rohr handed Uzoho a national team call up for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine and the friendly against Argentina in Krasnodar, Russia.


The two matches were played earlier this month. The invitation was Uzoho’s first since he won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.


Uzoho made his full international debut on November 14, as a 46th minute replacement for Daniel Akpeyi in the friendly against Argentina, which the Eagles won 4-2. Uzoho kept a clean sheet in the match.


And Shorunmu, who represented Nigeria at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, told our correspondent during the week that Uzoho has the qualities to be Eagles first choice despite his age.


The former Basel keeper said Uzoho has a good command of his goal area and positioned himself well to make some good saves as was seen in the Argentina match.


He however called for more matches for the young keeper to build and test his confidence ahead of the World Cup.


“With what I saw him do against Argentina, I believe Uzoho is good enough to be Eagles number one at the World Cup if the coaches find him fit for the role,” he said.


“As a former keeper, I saw the qualities of a good keeper in him. He has a good command of his area and communicates well with his defenders. He also positioned himself well so that he could make some good saves. He is a young keeper and has many more years ahead of him, so he will learn with more matches and improve as he gets the playing time.”


Shorunmu said Uzoho’s presence in the team will keep the other keepers – Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi – on their toes ahead of the World Cup.


He said, “That Akpeyi made some mistakes does not mean he is totally a bad goalkeeper likewise the fact that Ezenwa was not impressive against Algeria doesn’t mean he should be dropped from the team.


“The two have their areas of strength but with the way Uzoho performed against Argentina, they will have to work on their own areas of weaknesses to ensure that they stay ahead of him. This gives a healthy rivalry in the team.


“The goalkeeper is a very sensitive member of the team. If all the other members do well and he doesn’t do well, the team will suffer for it. A keeper can ensure that a team wins a match if he is determined to do so. The best keepers have to make it to the World Cup for the team to succeed.


“Currently, the three keepers need to be tested more in matches to ensure that the best one of them gets the starting shirt.”


The former Shooting Stars number one also said the calls for the return of Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, were unnecessary.


Shorunmu, who Enyeama deputised at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, said the 2013 African Cup of Nations winner should be allowed to make his decision to either return to the national team or stay out of it.


He said, “Enyeama should be allowed to make a public decision on his intention to either return to the Eagles, where he left of his own will, or to remain out of it.


The team have been on a good run in his absence so, if he stays out, it will not affect their performance.


“If he is forced by the coaches and fans to return to the team – against his own free will – it may spell doom for the team. The keepers in the team are battling to do well and I believe they will get better with more matches before the World Cup.”

punchng.com/uzoho-good-enough-to-be-eagles-number-1-shorunmu/

what dah hell is Ike shorunmu problem with Enyeama? Even when it's glaring that the current keepers in eagles,apart from Uzoho, are not world-class materials. Could it be jealousy or something? I see why most of these indigenous coaches fail when they are given a chance to manage the team. They are very sentimental,corrupt and jealous @ the achievements of other players. #pathetic

Mujtahida:

I have said it time without number: I look forward in respect of our choice of players except for Enyeama and Joel Obi. I see also that it is the unofficial policy of Rohr to reduce the average age of the team so that we can dominate for long.
If however the coach feels he needs the 'proven and tested' legs of those who didn't win so much as an Afcon for us when they were in their prime, then good and fine. But left for me we are better this way with Iwobi, Ekong dem and Mikel, Onazi and Moses to guide the team with their experiences.

I feel that ideology is flawed because being young is not synonymous with outstanding ability.

In the second instance we all know that we do not have automatic birth data capture. That means it's almost impossible to substantiate age and if you want to cut your age it's very easy to do.

Yes MRI has reduced the blatant age cheating but it's indicative not absolute. But for those who didn't bother with age grade competitions in Nigeria there is no requirement for MRI.

My view is best players irrespective of age and that's why I am calling for Obagoal and Uche to be considered.

Danielnino00:




Forgiveness, Chidi scored a goal oo

So what does that mean

tbaba1234:


Thank you.

I saw the story on Akpoguma, he will not be missed. He needs Nigeria more than Nigeria needs him.

Is he better than Dominic Iorfa Haven't watched him much at all.

EEGA:
Rohr said the door is still open for Victor Osimhen and other fast forwards.

With Uzoho I think we are okay in the GK department but we need more options.

Our concern now should be "Who is our no.9?"

Rohr is not satisfied with Nacho as his no. 9, which is the reason he played Nwakaeme as his nine and started Nacho on the wings against Algeria, just to see if he can do well on the wings.

If Rohr is not satisfied with Ighalo and Nacho.
Who then,is the right man for the Eagles.

Probably , the search continues.

To win the World cup you will need at least 3/4 World class players complemented by a good number of quality players.

One thing most top teams will have is a top lethal striker. Do we really have one

goldfish80:

I agree. He's been a major talent from day 1. I believe he scored the first goal at the Uyo stadium.
He has some serious technical abilities

he once scored 6 goals in a match, I think that says enough

sontoly:
Its very amazing how no one is mentioning agbo here, dude scored today, i am still amaze how he has never featured in a game for us but rohr keep inviting him, that dude has been a starter from granada even though they were relegated and he is still starting for standard liege.

I know when he breaks into the squad he will be difficult to bench.

Agbo is real quality and a very good passer of the ball, he needs to work more on his discipline, the fact that he has been handed a call up everytime shows he's valuable, remember esiti just entered camp once and was never called, It was at that moment that I realized to break into this SE you have to be serious quality.

elyte89:





Echiejile shld shut up dere...u wey no go dey starting line up at d world cup,u re already making troubles for those DT will face d possible big teams

don't be so certain, anything can happen between now and June bros. I hope men won't have high BP when the final list comes out