Mujtahida:

Mind you Agali never said that. It's owngoalnigeria.com putting their own spin on things. By the way I think Agali is suddenly talking too much.

SupremeBeast:
this current Nigerian team has no problem with goal scoring so I don't see the reason for the calls that the coach should bring back Martins. what really is he gonna add to the team?

Joebie:

Did you mean OPA is actually an acronym?
how about RI?

I beg make una leave forgiveness oh

forgiveness:


@bolded confirmed he has declared for Nigeria. Oh ha!

Kog45:
Bros not necessary to be on the same page with respect from both sides.

Joebie:
But it was the way out for our first goal..
Who even coined that "jam body" again? lol

Mujtahida:

It's no argument at all, this Martins matter. It's best one doesn't even get into it.

Icon4s:


More of sentiments than reason.

I knew it wouldn't be long before insults will start flying.

Martins is a person I have known since when he played with the U10s in my neighborhood. He is also a benefactor of Emma Amuneke's inspirational leap in football. Martins was one of the ball boys when I played football at the white Sand pitches at Orile in Lagos.

I know I have shared this story before.

I have every reason to want to "die put" on this Martins debate but I choose not to cos we have seen the better days of Martins and time for us to move on.

somehow:


70 minutes? I doubt that.

Until he's given another chance, won't judge him based on that lone incident.

A player doing well in Israel and Europa can't be that bad all of a sudden. (Not like I prefer him to any better forwards, just trying to play the devil's advocate here).

somehow:


70 minutes? I doubt that.

Until he's given another chance, won't judge him based on that lone incident.

A player doing well in Israel and Europa can't be that bad all of a sudden. (Not like I prefer him to any better forwards, just trying to play the devil's advocate here).

safarigirl:
he was subbed at the 75th minute. Onyekuru had a 25 minutes appearance

The only reason I'm staying away from the Nwakaeme argument is simply because like many had opined after that Algerian match, that pitch was too bad for anyone to show their real mettle and nay have hindered him.

We can say Ogu scored a 25-yard screamer on same pitch, but that is Ogu with longer legs and without the pressure of being tgw point man.

If Nwakaeme had been given a few minutes against Argentina and we saw him on a better pitch, I would have better argued his case.

I think sadly, that luck is really not on his side, if we had more time, maybe his situation would have been better, but it is too late to hold faith with anyone that is yet to prove himself to some extent

As it stands the battle for the last Forward spot is between:

Nwakaeme
Onyekuru
Kayode

And I think based on performance, Onyekuru is taking the lead, but Rohr may think differently.

PS: Rohr doesn't like Kayode. Those five minute cameos he gives him in virtually every match are testament to that.

Mujtahida:

He was subbed at the 70-75 minute mark for Onyekuru. I am telling you what I know.

Some players, no matter how good they are in their leagues are not SE Material. Those who have followed SE for long know this. But like you said and I have also said in times past:let him be given another opportunity.

somehow:
Not bad, well there is enough time for the coach to decide, alot can happen between now and then and none of the 3 might even make it to Russia. That's the power of time and chance.

mank1234:


The last paragraph suggest that football is more an individual sport than team sport.

He didn't turn the other cheek in the face off with Oliseh so let's not whip religious sentiments there. Does it mean that civil servants should not serve the public again because they're being owed their wages? Or which injustice are you referring to?

I specifically pointed out how we missed 2006 world cup in subsequent post. That's what indiscipline and arrogance can do to a team. Talent is not enough.

Learn to argue your points without personal attack.

forgiveness:
I watched Onyekuru played on the LW in the first half yesterday and he didn't disappoint but when he was moved to the CF position for almost 40 minutes in second half, I realized what his coach said was true. He can't play the CF position because he lacks the instinct and ability of a CF. But people here thinks otherwise hence the clamour to add him as the third CF. Smh

We want to go WC with Iheanacho who is impotence as a CF, Ighalo who could only score one goal after 5 games, and to to add more salt to injury, we want Henry the prolific LW but impotent and ineffective as a cf, as the 3rd option for the Cf slot. Ok na.


Twitter reacts to Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru's performance

Dan Coombs @hitcdancoombs12 hours ago
1 1
Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru helped Anderlecht to a 1-0 away win.

Henry Onyekuru of Anderlecht in action during the UEFA Champions League group B match between RSC Anderlecht and Bayern Muenchen at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on November 22, 2017 in...



Henry Onyekuru made a positive impression as Anderlecht beat Celtic to record their first Champions League win of the season.

Onyekuru was signed by Everton in the summer from Eupen, amid competition from several clubs including Celtic.

Everton loaned Onyekuru out for work permit reasons, and he is picking up valuable experience at Anderlecht.

#gratewin #amazinatmosphere #uefachampionsleague #thankful pic.twitter.com/utyRia3rIu

— Henry Onyekuru (@henryconyekuru) December 5, 2017
Oneyekuru's Anderlecht earned a 1-0 win, although it was not enough to help them earn a Europa League spot.

The forward's pace caused problems for Celtic all night, and although his one shot landed off target, he managed to create one goalscoring opportunity.

Anderlecht's Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru (L) vies for the ball with Paris Saint-Germain's French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match...

He was played on the left of a three man attack, where he has frequently been dangerous this season in the Jupiler Pro League.

Onyekuru has eight goals in 16 league games, 12 of which has been starts.

He could prove to be Everton's best summer signing of the bunch, and his recent call up to the Nigeria national team enhances his opportunity of playing in the Premier League next season.

Here is a look at how Twitter reacted to Onyekuru's performance, including comments from Everton and Celtic fans...

Onyekuru, Nigerian Neymar

— J. (@futboljosh_) December 5, 2017
Onyekuru woulda been some signing for us btw

— Kieran (@kmccluskey67) December 5, 2017
Excited for Onyekuru to start for us next season!

— William (@dvnwllm) December 5, 2017
Onyekuru > Ronaldo#CELAND

— Thot Patroller (@Brecht_Guill) December 5, 2017
Watching the Celtic v Anderlecht game. Why on earth have @Everton not recalled Onyekuru. The guy is brilliant. Pacy and strong.

— Sean (@BfastSean) December 5, 2017
Watching Celtic game. Henry Onyekuru looks great, get him over in January in time for the derby cup match.

— PedroHassett (@SopranoJunior) December 5, 2017
Henry Onyekuru is gonna be an amazing player, you can tell! Lucky we got him when we did.

— Samuel Allardycio (@Asablueboy2) December 5, 2017
Only early in the game but can’t quite fathom why Everton loaned out Onyekuru. He’s got the pace they’ve been crying out for all season.

— Kyle (@KyleMcGowan_) December 5, 2017
Can we get that Henry Onyekuru back to Everton because he looks a class player and speed to burn aswell. #efc #Everton

— neil (@neil2012brown) December 5, 2017


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/914007036?-21310:11479:1

forgiveness:
I watched Onyekuru played on the LW in the first half yesterday and he didn't disappoint but when he was moved to the CF position for almost 40 minutes in second half, I realized what his coach said was true. He can't play the CF position because he lacks the instinct and ability of a CF. But people here thinks otherwise hence the clamour to add him as the third CF. Smh

We want to go o with Iheanacho who is impotence as a CF, Ighalo who could only score one goal after 5 games, and to to add more salt to injury, we want Henry the prolific LW but impotent and ineffective as a cf, as the 3rd option for the Cf slot. Ok na.


Twitter reacts to Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru's performance

Dan Coombs @hitcdancoombs12 hours ago
1 1
Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru helped Anderlecht to a 1-0 away win.

Henry Onyekuru of Anderlecht in action during the UEFA Champions League group B match between RSC Anderlecht and Bayern Muenchen at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on November 22, 2017 in...



Henry Onyekuru made a positive impression as Anderlecht beat Celtic to record their first Champions League win of the season.

Onyekuru was signed by Everton in the summer from Eupen, amid competition from several clubs including Celtic.

Everton loaned Onyekuru out for work permit reasons, and he is picking up valuable experience at Anderlecht.

#gratewin #amazinatmosphere #uefachampionsleague #thankful pic.twitter.com/utyRia3rIu

— Henry Onyekuru (@henryconyekuru) December 5, 2017
Oneyekuru's Anderlecht earned a 1-0 win, although it was not enough to help them earn a Europa League spot.

The forward's pace caused problems for Celtic all night, and although his one shot landed off target, he managed to create one goalscoring opportunity.

Anderlecht's Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru (L) vies for the ball with Paris Saint-Germain's French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match...

He was played on the left of a three man attack, where he has frequently been dangerous this season in the Jupiler Pro League.

Onyekuru has eight goals in 16 league games, 12 of which has been starts.

He could prove to be Everton's best summer signing of the bunch, and his recent call up to the Nigeria national team enhances his opportunity of playing in the Premier League next season.

Here is a look at how Twitter reacted to Onyekuru's performance, including comments from Everton and Celtic fans...

Onyekuru, Nigerian Neymar

— J. (@futboljosh_) December 5, 2017
Onyekuru woulda been some signing for us btw

— Kieran (@kmccluskey67) December 5, 2017
Excited for Onyekuru to start for us next season!

— William (@dvnwllm) December 5, 2017
Onyekuru > Ronaldo#CELAND

— Thot Patroller (@Brecht_Guill) December 5, 2017
Watching the Celtic v Anderlecht game. Why on earth have @Everton not recalled Onyekuru. The guy is brilliant. Pacy and strong.

— Sean (@BfastSean) December 5, 2017
Watching Celtic game. Henry Onyekuru looks great, get him over in January in time for the derby cup match.

— PedroHassett (@SopranoJunior) December 5, 2017
Henry Onyekuru is gonna be an amazing player, you can tell! Lucky we got him when we did.

— Samuel Allardycio (@Asablueboy2) December 5, 2017
Only early in the game but can’t quite fathom why Everton loaned out Onyekuru. He’s got the pace they’ve been crying out for all season.

— Kyle (@KyleMcGowan_) December 5, 2017
Can we get that Henry Onyekuru back to Everton because he looks a class player and speed to burn aswell. #efc #Everton

— neil (@neil2012brown) December 5, 2017


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/914007036?-21310:11479:1

ChrisKels:



Lol finally u believe Onyekuru is the real deal but on the LW.

He also seem to be the winger the Evertonians are so dying to have, not Ademola Lukman the tweets suggest that

safarigirl:
how many CFs did Spain use on their road to the World Cup in 2010?

I think the problem most people insisting on two CFs are having is that they have not left football of the 90's and they still think football teams need CFs.

They are called Forwards these days...and the term is all encompassing for whoever is in front. So, whether it's a winger, a striker or a false 9....they are forwards and their job is to score goals.

We have Iwobi, Iheanacho, Moses x2, Ighalo, Musa in that role already. We have one CF and he does not even have the goal scoring records of the none CFs, so, what is all this noise about?

Even the Croatian coach in that news article stated clearly that our attack is VERY VERY dangerous....without the CFs you people are insisting on. Is that not what we need?

What will ANOTHER CF bring that we don't already have?

Mujtahida:

He was subbed at the 70-75 minute mark for Onyekuru. I am telling you what I know.

Some players, no matter how good they are in their leagues are not SE Material. Those who have followed SE for long know this. But like you said and I have also said in times past:let him be given another opportunity.

forgiveness:


I have always known that Onyekuru is good but I do not see him as a CF.

Do you want me to show you how the Everton's fans are dying for Ademola Lukeman?


Don't forget Ademola Lukeman is more valuable than Henry Onyekuru.

safarigirl:
he was subbed at the 75th minute. Onyekuru had a 25 minutes appearance

The only reason I'm staying away from the Nwakaeme argument is simply because like many had opined after that Algerian match, that pitch was too bad for anyone to show their real mettle and nay have hindered him.

We can say Ogu scored a 25-yard screamer on same pitch, but that is Ogu with longer legs and without the pressure of being tgw point man.

If Nwakaeme had been given a few minutes against Argentina and we saw him on a better pitch, I would have better argued his case.

I think sadly, that luck is really not on his side, if we had more time, maybe his situation would have been better, but it is too late to hold faith with anyone that is yet to prove himself to some extent

As it stands the battle for the last Forward spot is between:

Nwakaeme
Onyekuru
Kayode

And I think based on performance, Onyekuru is taking the lead, but Rohr may think differently.

PS: Rohr doesn't like Kayode. Those five minute cameos he gives him in virtually every match are testament to that.

Loogan:
Written By: Patrick He

Manager
Ante Cacic

Ante Cacic, the current manager of the Croatian national team, was then appointed head coach on September 21, 2015 (“Ante Cacic” 1). Cacic was born on September 29, 1953 in Zagreb. Unlike many other coaches, Cacic did not play professionally, and in fact, he attended the University of Zagreb, where he received his UEFA Pro License and began his career at Prigorje Markusevec. For much of his career, he coached in the lower leagues of the Croatian leagues, though he did lead both Inter Zapresic and Dubrava to the Croatian First Football League. Cacic’s greatest coaching success to date has been leading Dinamo Zagreb to the domestic double in 2012 and qualifying for the Champions League group stage. However, his career did not last long at Dinamo Zagreb, and Cacic was sacked in November 2012 (“Ante Cacic” 1). Cacic’s appointment as manager of Croatia was controversial, as he has had little experience at such a high level, but the choice seems to have paid off so far, as Croatia won the final two games of qualification, moving from third in its group to second, securing an automatic spot in the Group Stage.

Style of Play

Under Cacic, the Croatian team has played with both a 4-2-3-1 formation and a 4-1-4-1 formation. The two are similar in that they both have one center forward, three central midfielders, and two wide players. Both formations rely on having a midfield triangle, which can keep possession by passing among itself. When attacking, up to seven players can comfortably press up the pitch. The fullbacks can support the wide midfielders by pushing up, leaving one defensive midfielder and the two center backs to remain on defense. However, the wide players have to be cognizant of the threat of a counterattack, which can happen if they press too high. In addition, it is important that the wide midfielders support their fullbacks on defense.

The 4-2-3-1 tends to play with a central attacking midfielder. The two deeper midfielders can both be holding midfielders, or they can more complementary, with one being a deep-lying playmaker. To maintain a midfield triangle, a holding midfielder can push forward into a more advanced role. The CAM often wears the number 10 shirt, and is the creative attacker of the team. He is responsible for making passes and through balls in order to supply the striker with opportunities. Good dribbling and vision are also key in the role, and the ability to take shots from long range is useful as well. 4-2-3-1 formation
The 4-1-4-1 looks similar to the 4-3-3 formation, except that the wide players sit deeper. This formation is versatile and flexible, because it can quickly swap into a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or even a 4-4-2. Moreover, there is a lot of flexibility in the types of midfielders that can be used. While a defensive holding midfielder is necessary in virtually every formation, the two more advanced central midfielders can range from box-to-box midfielders to more attacking-minded number 10s. Moreover, with just one substitution, the team can switch formations; taking off one of the central midfielders in exchange for a CAM can change the formation to a 4-2-3-1, and pushing the wingers further up and putting on a passing-minded midfielder can create a 4-3-3. 4-1-4-1 formation.

Strengths
With lineup that includes Rakitic, Modric, Perisic, and youngsters Halilovic, Kovacic, and Brozovic, Croatia boasts one of the strongest midfields at the Euros. Assuming they are fit, Rakitic and Modric are near-guarantees to make the starting lineup, and while the opposing team will know what they are capable of, it does mean they will be able to do anything to actually stop them. Both players are creative playmakers, able to make key passes and dribbles to break down opposing defenses. Moreover, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic are both effective attackers. Perisic is strong at cutting in for a shot on goal, while Mandzukic is a poacher inside the box and is particularly effective in the air.

On the defensive end, veterans Darijo Srna, Danijel Pranjic, and Vedran Corluka should be able to shut down opposing attacks effectively. Meanwhile, younger talents like Tin Jedvaj are likely to have an opportunity to shine. Croatia’s fullbacks (Srna and Pranjic) are both attacking-minded players, meaning they will be able to support the wingers and play crosses into the box for Mandzukic.

Overall, Croatia have an abundance of experienced players that have played in previous World Cups and European Championships. Many of them, like Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic and Perisic, are in their prime, and this is likely to be their last best chance to showcase their skills internationally.

Weaknesses
While Croatia’s midfield does not lack creative talent, the team lacks a physical, defensive-minded presence. In its qualifying match against Malta, Josip Pivaric played in the holding role in a 4-1-4-1. However, he is a fullback and is not a long-term solution to the problem. Against Bulgaria, Croatia played in a 4-2-3-1 with Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic sitting deeper and Ivan Rakitic serving as the CAM. However, this lineup lacks balance, and against opposition of the highest class, Croatia’s center backs will not have sufficient support. One option that Croatia could explore more is the use of Milan Badelj, who plays for Fiorentina. He served in the holding midfield role against Azerbaijan and is probably one of the better options for Croatia, though he is still far from ideal. Ultimately, Croatia lacks a natural holding midfielder, because when the fullbacks attack, the center backs need to push farther wide to cover the space, leaving a spot in the middle that is crucial for a holding midfielder to occupy.
Croatia’s other weaknesses is that it does not have many wingers. While Perisic plays on the left wing, he operates more like a center forward, cutting in to shoot. This is reflected in his club statistics, where he scores twice as often as he assists Ivan perisic. players that Croatia has used recently include Nikola Kalinic, who is a natural center forward, and Marko Pjaca, who naturally plays on the wing but lacks experience. This is a significant problem because Croatia’s key striker, Mandzukic, requires good crosses into the box to realize his full potential. Thus, the fullbacks will be forced to assist with crossing, meaning Croatia could be exposed to counterattacks.

edi287:
JOEL OBI RESURGENCE: ANOTHER FALSE DAWN?

Joel Obi
The Torino man is undoubtedly everyone's favourite midfielder Nigeria never had. Could he hold together long enough to fulfil his promise in Russia?
Article continues below
COMMENT By Solace Chukwu

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The year 2010 was an undeniable point of inflexion, and more than just in the sense of bringing the previous decade to an end.

It called time on a generation of Nigerian footballers; the retirement of Kanu sounding the call to finally rebuild the national team after the disappointment of that year's World Cup.

The line of succession was, however, compromised by failure and, to a lesser degree, misfortune. The inability of the Samson Siasia-led Super Eagles to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations was a rude shock, and consigned the likes of Dele Adeleye, Taye Taiwo, Promise Isaac, the crop from the Under-20 World Cup in 2005, to the compost heap.

Where misfortune struck was in sweeping up behind, doing reconnaissance, as it were, on those who managed to emerge from that debacle with their reputations intact: the promising Olubayo Adefemi was killed in a car crash, while both Onyekachi Apam and Chinedu Obasi remain the great what-ifs of Nigerian football in the 21st century.

Chinedu Obasi

Another in the latter category, and an even bigger regret in all likelihood, is Torino midfielder Joel Obi.

To borrow (and slightly paraphrase) a Yoruba saying, a dead child is better than a missing one. It is the hope that blocks the process of healing and cloture, you see. While we know that Obasi will never don the green and white again, and so can 'grieve', Obi presents a hope so real as to be tangible, and yet so tantalizing in it elusiveness.

Joel Obi | 2017-18 stats

The former Inter man, now 26, is presumably at the peak of his physical powers, and has made nine appearances (eight of those starts) in all competitions for Torino this season, scoring three times and assisting twice. Then again, there has never been any uncertainty over his productivity and ability. What is rather less apparent is how consistently his skills can be harnessed.

This term, Joel Obi has already missed five weeks due to injury. In 2016/17, that number was 13. In 2015/16, it was 20. This is the tragedy at the very core of a wondrous talent, the thorn in his flesh as it were: to be eternally buffeted by muscular injuries.

Joel Obi of Nigeria

Yet so great is his talent and range that, when fit, he is impossible to ignore, and this is true both for club and country. Following that initial stumble, the reboot of the national team did eventually happen under the late Stephen Keshi, and when he had secured a ticket to the 2014 World Cup, it was to Joel Obi he turned to improve the then African champions.

His slaloming brilliance and deft left foot would not have looked out of place in Brazil, the Mecca of the mercurials. Predictably though, just on the eve of the final squad announcement, he suffered yet another injury, drawing a long, plaintive sigh from all and sundry; he has not played for the national team since, withdrawing through injury when turned to for a meeting with Tanzania in September 2015.


This is all the more relevant now, for two reasons. Now that Nigeria know the identities of her three World Cup group-stage opponents, the mapping out of the 23-strong playing delegation will begin, and preparations will kick into gear.

Second of all is that there is so blatantly a need for a player like Obi in the Super Eagles midfield.

Joel Obi Andrea Belotti Torino Cagliari Serie A 10292017

Both Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi are scrappers, John Ogu is a calm distributor, John Obi Mikel plays in the hole and Oghenekaro Etebo is a runner.

What is lacking is someone who can dribble forward and pick a pass, take risks in possession and, in doing so, shift some of the creative burden off Mikel. Far from being simply an option to have in certain eventualities, this is arguably the one variable that could truly elevate this team, the x-factor.

It is easy to see that Gernot Rohr has the same idea – he invited Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali out of the blue last month for the Algeria game, and is surely experienced enough to appreciate the slightly blunt edge his midfield wields in the event that his captain gets marked out of a game.

Chidiebere Nwakali

And so, from now till the end of the season, we shall watch Joel Obi with bated breath and muttered supplication, because the question is not so much whether he ought to be a part of this team (that goes without saying), but whether his promise will crumble to dust in our hands once more.

Then again, perhaps it should suffice that we simply enjoy his progress from a distance, like an elegant fawn grazing, and not rustle the bushes, lest the spell be broken.

It seems that, more than his own explosiveness, the sheer weight of a nation's hope might be too much for those brittle hamstrings.

After all, to expect nothing is never to be disappointed again.

http://www.goal.com/en-ng/amp/news/joel-obi-resurgence-another-false-dawn/1lzmtwsmenyzg1bv5yvjpoop5b?__twitter_impression=true

Humility017:


I don't really agree wit your last paragraph that rohr don't like kayode....
I can remember he played for more minutes against Senegal during the friendly in the UK......

nwakeme goal scoring records this season probably may be the reason for his preference....
though I think rohr has sentiments towards certain players...like oshimen.
but I won't agree he does not like kayode....

I just think kayode need to add goals to his game @club level...that will help a great deal.
Henry and Kayode should both be icluded in the world cup party....both can as well the wings and the CF role.

Humility017:

another opportunity to do what....?
why are you guys like this....how about the likes of ogbeche we shoul give him also another opportunity...
just few weeks to the world cup...coaches are already trying out new tactics and also to blend their players....here we are still advocating for trial and error..
any new players should come in after the world cup....except in the defense and goal keepinh department......

TheGoodJoe:
Kovacic, Modric and Rakitic is sure a deadly combination for us to face due to their intense work rate in the midfield. They might not offer the right defensive balance but their overall work rate is certainly a problem for us to face.