tbaba1234:


Ezenwa has not been tested. Do you know how many times he misjudged crosses already. His defense is saving him from been exposed.

If you are really expecting him to be tested so much, the oppositions we have in our group are not the type that can give him such.

I don't even see any team in this tournament that can give him the type of tests he received in the double header against Cameroon, and the games against Zambia and Algeria all of which he didn't concede from open play.

He could be a major factor for the team to progress far in this tournament.

One major thing this tournament can do to him is to rebuild his confidence and give him opportunity to make amends to some of his errors.

BascoVanVeli:


It never is a crime but if u don't care about what I have to say then what's the point?

I cannot always see things the way you are seeing it.

Do you also care about what I have to say? But I am not bordered about that.

It is a two way thing. So don't take it personal. We are only debating.

tbaba1234:


It is not the case of a a goalie making the occasional mistake. It is time and time again.

Ezenwa had no save to make in both games, he was shielded by the defense.

In a game, where several shots are raining in and we are under pressure, i am not convinced that Ezenwa is the man to save us.

Ezenwa is more comfortable with crosses than Akpeyi but i am not convinced that he is world cup level.

In the first half against Libya, they had 3 shots on target and Ezenwa coolly saved all.

I am not saying Ezenwa is world class or is the best thing since after bread and butter, but the the point is he getting an unfair criticism.

He is not my first choice for the WC of course, Enyeama is. We just need to see him back in action and the rift between him and the NFF settled ASAP.

But as for this CHAN tourney, Ezenwa has done well thus far.

Tbaba is not like that

Petrobros:


Misjudging crosses happens to every goalie.

Today, Petre Czech took some wrong decisions in punching some balls rather than holding it.
But that does not take the credit away from Ezenwa in keeping yet another clean sheet.
He deserves the credit please.

If it were Afelokhai or Ajiboye that hard the kind of performance Ezenwa has had thus far I know you will pay a blind eye to some of the misjudgments and claim they are better than Ezenwa.

Icon4s:


I cannot always see things the way you are seeing it.

Do you also care about what I have to say? But I am not bordered about that.

It is a two way thing. So don't take it personal. We are only debating.

I never said we must agree but what I notice is that u spend most of the time sending cheap shots instead of discussing the topic at hand. My player this my player that, when u get proven wrong u act like nothing ever happened.

BascoVanVeli:


I never said we must agree but what I notice is that u spend most of the time sending cheap shots instead of discussing the topic at hand. My player this my player that, when u get proven wrong u act like nothing ever happened.

Please, pardon me but I don't know what you are talking about.

tbaba1234:


It is not the case of a a goalie making the occasional mistake. It is time and time again.

Ezenwa had no save to make in both games, he was shielded by the defense.

In a game, where several shots are raining in and we are under pressure, i am not convinced that Ezenwa is the man to save us.

Ezenwa is more comfortable with crosses than Akpeyi but i am not convinced that he is world cup level.

Go watch the two matches again, but this time with an open mind.

Joebie:
Tbaba is not like that

I am telling you. Its not just him, if it was Ajiboye and Afelokhai that have had the kind of performance Ezenwa has had thus far they would not be singing the same song.

BascoVanVeli:


I never said we must agree but what I notice is that u spend most of the time sending cheap shots instead of discussing the topic at hand. My player this my player that, when u get proven wrong u act like nothing ever happened.

Oga you are too emotional jare.

You take things too personal.

One cannot dispute your points again?

Are your points law?

Ndidi has 102 tackles and 32 interceptions.
Highest in the whole of Europe, it's no more he will soon be world class, he's already world class at least without the ball.
And with it, he's improving every game.
I'm sure If he was on liecester bench he would have received some brutal lashing from "you know yourselfs", but now the boy is doing well I don't even see a single praise from critics.

Petrobros:


Go watch the two matches again, but this time with an open mind.

I always have an open mind.

tbaba1234:

I always have an open mind.

Sorry but not in this Ezenwa's case.

tbaba1234:

I always have an open mind.

Sorry but not in this Ezenwa's case.

Petrobros:


Oga you are too emotional jare.

You take things too personal.

One cannot dispute your points again?

Are your points law?

Dispute the point not the man.

Very cute but my point remains don't tell me I am just saying something to seem relevant or prove a point.
I am an adult not a child I will never do such a thing and I feel that kind of talk is uncalled for unless the person has proof of what they are saying. Call it emotional but I have drawn my lines and as adults u should respect it.

Icon4s:


In the first half against Libya, they had 3 shots on target and Ezenwa coolly saved all.

I am not saying Ezenwa is world class or is the best thing since after bread and butter, but the the point is he getting an unfair criticism.

He is not my first choice for the WC of course, Enyeama is. We just need to see him back in action and the rift between him and the NFF settled ASAP.

But as for this CHAN tourney, Ezenwa has done well thus far.

I am not criticizing him unfairly but he has been really tested in any game so far in my opinion. If i had the time, i would have made screenshots of particular instances where he was out of position in the Libyan game.

I am deliberately watching him because he could be our WC keeper.

CHAN 2018: Five things we saw against Libya

January 20, 2018 Jide Alaka

A flick on and a jab – that was all it took for Super Eagles’ Sunday Faleye to get the desired goal against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Friday at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier.

With that goal, the Eagles went top of Group C and should go through when they confront a naïve Equatorial side next Tuesday. These might not be needed against the Islanders but they will clearly be needed in the quarter-finals and beyond when they will meet the winner or runner-up from Group D.

Commit more players to attack the opponent’s box

One stark reality from the two matches – lack of goals encapsulates quite rightly the local league where the average number of goals per match is two, and one of them most often would come from the penalty spot. Teams that score goals commit players to the opponent’s box. But apart from set pieces, the Eagles normally had just two players in the Libyan box – if they continue like this, they will continue to struggle to get goals.

Relegate Okpotu to the bench

When Anthony Okpotu was pulled out in the 61st minute, he looked less than satisfied though he did not throw any tantrums. His work in Morocco has been a dismal 140 minutes, in which he had not had a shot on target. For a player who scored 19 goals in the NPFL, his showing for the CHAN Eagles begs some of us to ask how he scored those 19 goals.

The best thing for the team going forward would be to give him some rest on the bench. In a team that struggles to create goal-scoring chances, it is better to go with attackers who can create with their energy and doggedness.

Cut out long passes from the back

It looks like all the defenders and midfielders want to do is collect the ball and launch it towards the forwards and see what will or can happen. We all know Yusuf’s coaching to be better than that. The team needs to construct their forward forays from intelligent triangles. The players must be given the confidence to pass the ball not launch it at every suspect opportunity.

Ali needs a rest

It was very surprising that Rabiu Ali played all 90 minutes against Libya. He was virtually a passenger in the match and his malaise did not help Okpotu in any way because the Pillars’ man was supposed to be his chief supplier. He had one shot smacked against the crossbar against Rwanda but it would be hard to see anything else the 34-year-old has done in Morocco.

Yusuf clearly needs to help Ogbuh

Clearly, Emmanuel Ogbuh is the most technical forward in the CHAN team – able to see and exploit opportunities, especially on breakaways but he has been backing himself into cul-de-sacs in the two matches. The coaching staff led by Yusuf must sit down with the Rivers United forward on how he should deploy his technical ability and help the team create more genuine goal scoring chances and to score himself.

The team can obviously improve in all aspects, though the defensive foundation of Stephen Eze and Orji Okagbue in central defence is already in place. He has to tinker with his midfield and attack to get the best out of this set of players.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/256117-chan-2018-five-things-saw-libya.html

I guess the writer of this piece also wants me to look good as a supporter of homebase?

Will Yusuf’s Walcott syndrome cost Nigeria at the CHAN?

Back in 2006, Sven Goran Eriksson was forced to defend his sanity to the British media after his decision to include Theo Walcott in England’s World Cup squad.

The Swedish coach opted to plump for Walcott—then aged 17 years and 53 days—ahead of Jermain Defoe, a decision that prompted ridicule in the press.

Not only had Walcott never been capped by the Three Lions before receiving a call-up, but he’d never before made a Premier League appearance for Arsenal, and Erkisson sheepishly admitted that he’d never before seen the forward play.

It proved to be a costly decision, particularly as Michael Owen limped out of action during the group stage and an unfit Wayne Rooney saw red against Portugal as England fell in the quarter-finals.

As the Three Lions, impotent in attack, laboured for a goal against the Selecao das Quinas, Eriksson opted not to use Walcott…while Defoe and Darren Bent, who had scored 22 goals for Charlton Athletic in the preceding campaign, watched on from home.

Perhaps Eriksson harboured hopes that Walcott, in time, would become a world-class star and he would receive credit for having the foresight to have placed his faith in him from such a young age.

Almost 12 years on, and you could count Walcott’s truly effective games for England on one hand, while he ended his frustrating spell at Arsenal by moving onto Everton this week.

Ahead of the 2018 African Nations Championship, Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf has largely sidestepped the ridicule aimed at Erkisson back in 2006 despite his, ostensibly, even more baffling decision to include wonderkid Muhammed Nur in his squad.

Nur, only 15 after being born on December 2 2002, was included in Yusuf’s CHAN squad despite never yet making an appearance in the Nigerian Professional Football League.

It’s intriguing that the Nigerian press haven’t come down as hard on Yusuf as the British media did on Eriksson all those years ago, for Nur, two years younger than Walcott was in 2006, represents an even greater gamble.

To date, the starlet’s only experience has come with El-Kanemi Warriors’ feeder side, and while his opening showing against Rwanda—he was handed a seven-minute cameo after replacing Sunday Faleye—was encouraging, does his inclusion risk leaving Nigeria short going forward?

“[Nur] is a young guy, the youngest in the team,” Yusuf told journalists after the match. “ He has great potential, he’s very intelligent and very crafty at times.

“I believe he’ll grow to be a very important player for Nigeria.”

That he may become a star is true, but ultimately irrelevant when it comes to picking a squad to win the African Nations Championship.

Sven-Goran Eriksson

At least when Eriksson picked Walcott in 2006, he did so surely confident in the knowledge that his squad was full of goals.

As well as Owen and Rooney, Peter Crouch was an attacking option, the kind of which many World Cup defences wouldn’t have known how to deal with, while Joe Cole, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard all offered goals from midfield.

For a Super Eagles team where goalscoring may well be a problem, the decision to opt for Muhammed ahead of the likes of Sikiru Olatunbosun or Kingsley Eduwo, or any MFM FC player, represents a major gamble by the coach.

His squad selection has placed significant pressure on the shoulders of Anthony Okpotu, who may offer intelligent movement and fine finishing, but was fairly comfortably negated by Rwanda’s defenders in Nigeria’s opener.

After struggling to make an impression against the Amavubi, how will he fare against Libya, or even the likes of Morocco, Sudan or Zambia in the challenges to come?

Faleye, for all the promise he showed against Rwanda, remains inexperienced and will require time to adapt to life with the CHAN Eagles.

It was intriguing that, when the moment did come for Yusuf to shuffle his pack and introduce fresh legs going forward—as the Amavubi held firm—he turned to Nur and not to Gabriel Okechukwu.

The latter’s inclusion in the Nigeria squad has the potential to mitigate for absentees such as Olatunbosun and Eduwo, with the Akwa United forward demonstrating his undisputed qualities—including finishing and hold-up play—in the Aiteo Cup final.

However, Yusuf opted for Nur, while Okechukwu remained on the bench.

In truth, it was an encouraging cameo for the youngster, who appeared remarkably composed and inventive considering his age.

Like Faleye, however, he’s a new face within this team, and while there were moments that alluded to his creativity and instinct, it’s too much to expect the youngster to hit the ground running in Morocco.

Perhaps, unlikely Walcott, Nur will emerge as a talent worthy of such a gamble one day, but at the time of writing, in a Nigeria side that appeared so toothless against Rwanda, his inclusion represents a high-risk decision by Yusuf…and one that threatens to leave Nigeria short.

http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/will-yusufs-walcott-syndrome-cost-nigeria-at-the-chan/fbbe4328a6fg1i003drvo86fa

Shehu Abdullahi has played his last game in Cyprus.. Moving to Turkey to join Agu and Ekong.

tbaba1234:


I am not criticizing him unfairly but he has been really tested in any game so far in my opinion. If i had the time, i would have made screenshots of particular instances where he was out of position in the Libyan game.

I am deliberately watching him because he could be our WC keeper.

tbaba your analysis on Ezenwa is on point and your last paragraphy has said it all and a good football analyst would definitely pay special attention on Ezenwa cos he is one of our world cup bound keeper and world class performance is expected from him though so far he is having cool tournament except some crosses which has been the issue,hope he works on it.

tbaba1234:
Shehu Abdullahi has played his last game in Cyprus.. Moving to Turkey to join Agu and Ekong.

He scored in his last match too

tbaba1234:


I am not criticizing him unfairly but he has been really tested in any game so far in my opinion. If i had the time, i would have made screenshots of particular instances where he was out of position in the Libyan game.

I am deliberately watching him because he could be our WC keeper.

I understand your point.

But there is no way a goalkeeper will be in perfect position all the time. As rightly pointed by petrobros, u saw Petre Cech make some wrong decisions in dealing with aerial balls today.

We all know Ezenwa is not world class but you cannot dispute the fact that he is about the best we have in the local league.

I am not expecting a perfect performance from him. In fact I have lowered my standard for the entire team.

We will all keep following the tournament with a closer look at Ezenwa.

tbaba1234:


I always have an open mind.

Yes very open minded and i always respect your views.

Icon4s:


I understand your point.

But there is no way a goalkeeper will be in perfect position all the time. As rightly pointed by petrobros, u saw Petre Cech make some wrong decisions in dealing with aerial balls today.

We all know Ezenwa is not world class but you cannot dispute the fact that he is about the best we have in the local league.

I am not expecting a perfect performance from him. In fact I have lowered my standard for the entire team.

We will all keep following the tournament with a closer look at Ezenwa.

That's it.

darkelf:
A goal and an assist for Vic Moses today.

Cmmendable

Vic Mo square played a ball which deflected off a Brighton defender consequently resulting to hazard slotting in a composed finish. If that's what you refer to as assist, Then you're wrong. VicMo only had a goal daz all

.

Nice to read ur various views, comments and arguments here.

Just want to chip in this...

If our star players can carry their recent forms into d world cup, we will not only be hard to beat by any team, we will also be serious contenders for d world cup.

If u agree with Me, hit d like button.

tbaba1234:


He has already played for Sweden under 21

'They (Nigeria) have contacted me' Asoro told SVT. 'We will see what happens if I do not get into the A national team in Sweden. I'll probably choose Nigeria.
'England is also a possibility. If I live in England for two more years, I can play for their national team.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4662020/Sunderland-starlet-Asoro-consider-international-future.html#ixzz54lNcOX2l
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

oh, I see. he's Swedish born. he even wants to make Nigeria 3rd choice. isokay

Liamm:
Vic Mo square played a ball which deflected off a Brighton defender consequently resulting to hazard slotting in a composed finish. If that's what you refer to as assist, Then you're wrong. VicMo only had a goal daz all

Bro, please go check player match day stats.

Thanks

Ezenwa is already in the SE set up. Hence the bar is set higher for him especially as CHAN is a low grade tournament in reality.

Petrobros:


I am telling you. Its not just him, if it was Ajiboye and Afelokhai that have had the kind of performance Ezenwa has had thus far they would not be singing the same song.

darkelf:


Bro, please go check player match day stats.

Thanks

I don't need stats to prove this Sir. You might want to check soccerway or flashscore if still in doubt. The three assists chelsea had came from Batshuayi, Wllian and Musonda respectively.

Petrobros:


Misjudging crosses happens to every goalie.

Today, Petre Czech took some wrong decisions in punching some balls rather than holding it.
But that does not take the credit away from Ezenwa in keeping yet another clean sheet.
He deserves the credit please.

If it were Afelokhai or Ajiboye that hard the kind of performance Ezenwa has had thus far I know you will pay a blind eye to some of the misjudgments and claim they are better than Ezenwa.

Ezenwa does not deserve any credit abeg
just wait and see how this chan team will go all the way to the final

With the right conditions, we could be a very strong but underrated side.

If Ndidi carries his form into the World cup, we will have a world class player in our team. Top tackler in the major leagues and constantly improving. I hope Iheanacho ends the season buzzing with confidence. A fully fit and firing Iheanacho will turn half-chances into goals.

I believe that Ebuehi will be first choice at the WC. By the time, we have played all our friendlies, there will be no doubt. His pace and recovery ability are real assets for the right back or wing back role.

I watched recent highlights of Uzoho in Depor B. He appears to be doing well but highlights do not tell everything about his overall performance. I saw some good saves but not the highlights showing his cross handling/positioning.

Elderson and Musa need to sort themselves, otherwise they should be dropped.