cromz:
Yes and he's a very good player it's surprising how no one noticed him throughout this years

It happens cos we have many of them across the world especially in Europe.

Did you know that a Nigerian named Remi Moses played for Manchester united between 1981 to 1989 as regular player to the extent player like Paul Ince look up to him.

But we only know the likes of John Fashanu, Justin Fashanu,John Chiedozie,John Sakako,Reuben Agboola,Ugo Ehiogu,Iffy Onuorah in the 80s and 90s.

Good Rohr is trying his best in this area getting them from Europe.

Truidstar:




Like i have been saying since last year....

Uzoho
Ezenwa
Akpeyi (Hate him or love him)

Why Akpeyi despite his dismal performances?

I was so proud of our local football teams when I stumbled through Flashscore.mobi to check soccer results Alas! they all won their matches! wow! .. interesting... Especially Akwa United who needed a win with two goals away.

tbaba1234:


Where are the other options? Trust me, if Akpeyi was doing well, the coach will not be looking for children to fill the role.

Maduka Okoye is 18 years and is playing for the B team of Fortuna Dusseldorf. That is normal for that age. If Maduka plays one or two good friendlies, he can easily be on the way to the world cup even as a number 3.

By the way Maduka kept a clean sheet last weekend.

Dele Aiyenugba is another option. Or is he not a Nigerian?


Point of correction, Maduka Okoye is playing for the U18 of Fortuna-dusseldorf and it's in bottom of the German league.

Mujtahida:

Yes you did say emphatically that Shehu would not do well in a 5-3-2 prior to the Argentina match. I tried to argue against you but you stuck to your point. I had to say well let's see. You were proven right. He struggled to find his rhythm in that match.

Without putting Onazi down, Ndidi is the best tackler in the EPL as we speak. If we cannot maximise this then I don't have anything to say.

Fernandino is the best DMF in the Epl(easily) and Casemiro isn't even close but hey, Casemiro is the starter until further notice. Point is the national team does not operate that way. Y'all know I'd easily choose Ndidi over Onazi but don't forget that at some point Liverpool also wanted Onazi, he must have been doing something good.

Meanwhile, I thought it was the highest number of interceptions that Ndidi has? That does not make him the best tackler, just that he plugs spaces well

tbaba1234:


Where are the other options? Trust me, if Akpeyi was doing well, the coach will not be looking for children to fill the role.

Maduka Okoye is 18 years and is playing for the B team of Fortuna Dusseldorf. That is normal for that age. If Maduka plays one or two good friendlies, he can easily be on the way to the world cup even as a number 3.

By the way Maduka kept a clean sheet last weekend.

Keeping clean sheet with amateur is different from keeping clean sheet with Messi and Aguero.

Now, those are the players we gonna face.

congo4ka:
CSKA Moscow through to the round of 16 Europa league, another 90 minutes action for Musa and a fine display

He is easily one of their best players both then and now... It's home sweet home for him.

Kog45:
My man am not against inclusion of Maduka and my stand on goalkeeping is simple,the best should be taken since the likes of Akpeyi are not convincing enough.

I watched Uzoho against Girona and i came out here that the guy is okay and against Argentina he looked calmed and composed,his performance gave us another option.

If you read my comment with Truidster,he said likely Uzoho, Ezenwa, Akpeyi and I said you cannot say,meaning the likes the of Maduka or Alampasu can come in and gives solid performance just like Uzoho against Argentina.

My major concerns is this,none of us here know who is Maduka until his name came up and initially i thought he was number one for Fortuna Dusseldorf but later realised keeping for team B in regional league equivalent of division 4 which is not better than NPFL.

I need to have my reservation and need to continue asking why considering division 4 keeper for Eagles.I remember may be last week you came out with his stats this season, having 15 games and had just two clean sheets,i remember you said may be the defence wasn't good enough,excuse for his performance.

Truly is 18 years old,but you keep on hammering at 18 good for his development which i agreed but forgetting that exceptional keeper at 18 are already with the main team,just check Uzoho if not for the sacked of coach that gave him first team appearance,the guy would be up there doing it in LA liga.

My major point is Maduka good enough for Super eagles if is not good enough for very average Fortuna Dusseldorf first team,the same Maduka was released by Karlsruhe and Leverkusen before he continue his development with Dusseldorf though it happens in football.

I want the best for Eagles and only way is to look at things critically in a balance mode not just being carried away with sentiments,so my critique of Maduka is not hate but love for eagles cos a division four keeper for Eagles then he must be extremely talented and if he comes out good,better for the team but i didn't buy idea that at least is good as number three,No o all our keepers must have potential to be in goal at WC with our mind at rest.

Maduka Okoye is not playing for team B of Fortuna-dusseldorf, he is playing for U18 team and he is not a starter.

He only featured thrice for team B this whole season. GBAM..

Truth must be told though not against his call.

somehow:
All four teams are into the next round of CAF comps.

#CAFCL

��@plateauutdfc vs ��Etoile Sportif Du Sahel (Tunisia)
��@MFMFC_Lagos vs ��MC Algeirs (Algeria)

#CAFCC

��@AkwaUnited_fc vs ��Al-Ittihad (Libya)
��@EnyimbaFC vs ��Energie (Benin Republic).

Tough fixtures for Plateau and MFM.

MetalJigsaw:
He is easily one of their best players both then and now... It's home sweet home for him.

If need someone that speaks Russian language, you can call on me as I speak, read and write Russian lang well

congo4ka:


If need someone that speaks Russian language, you can call on me as I speak, read and write Russian lang well

Hmmm... how come? Have you lived in Russia?

somehow:
Barcelona is no longer a club that scores goals with reckless abandone. Even in the league, they hardly have alot of shots on target. Even scorelines you rarely see 7:0 in multiple games unlike before.

It's because the strikers Barcelona had then aren't available again. The ones present now hardly hit at goal, hence the input of a player like Paulinho. That's to show that Barcelona have limited goal threats unlike before.


One thing you have failed to notice is that, even though Barcelona no longer score like before, thedefence is now � better than before. They have the best defence in the league and also in this year's UCL.

Exactly. They're the only team yet to taste defeat in the Spanish league.

And also in the top 5 leagues in Europe.

MetalJigsaw:
Exactly. They're the only team yet to taste defeat in the Spanish league.

Ambrose: My Experience Can Help Super Eagles At Russia 2018

Hibernian defender, Efe Ambrose, says his experience of playing at the highest level could be key for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup if he makes the squad.
Ambrose has not featured for the Eagles since facing Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in 2016.

The former Celtic centre-back also represented Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and insists he still has plenty to offer if called upon.

“Coming back into the national team would be a great achievement and feeling,” the 2013 AFCON winner told Daily Record.
“To pull on that green-and-white shirt again would be my dream.

“My country gave me the platform to get to where I am today so representing them again would be the best thing that could happen in my career. There is more I can give and more I can achieve. I will never say never.

“I have achieved so many aspirations with my national team, the Olympics, the Under-20s, the Confederations Cup, winning the Nations Cup and playing in the World Cup . I have a lot of good experiences.

“I just want to keep my form going and make sure I am in good shape, that is the most important thing. From there it is up to the gaffer to select me.

“If he sees me playing like I have been and wants to call upon my experience for the World Cup, then why not? That would be my dream, because it has been too long since I was part of the national team.”



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ambrose-experience-can-help-super-eagles-russia-2018/

Martins Scores First Asian Champions League Goal For Shanghai Shenhua

Obafemi Martins scored his first goal in the Asian Champion League for Shanghai Shenhua who played a 2-2 draw at home to Sydney FC on Wednesday, Completesportnigeria.com reports.
The game was Shanghai Shenhua’s second draw in the competition after they played a 1-1 draw in their opening group game away to Kashima Antlers.

Nigerian international Martins opened scoring for the Chinese FA Cup winners in the 26th minute of the encounter before Luke Wilkshire leveled scores two minutes later.

Alex Brosque made it 2-1 for Sydney FC in the 34th minute but Freddy Guarin earned Shanghai Shenhua a share of the spoils six minutes before half time.

In the other group game Suwon Bluewings lost 2-1 to Kashima Antlers.

Kashima Antlers lead the group with four points and they are followed closely by Suwon Bluewings with three points while Shanghai Shenhua are third.

Sydney occupy bottom place with one point.
Shanghai Shenhua will take on Suwon Bluewings in their next game away on the 7th March.



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/martins-scores-first-asian-champions-league-goal-shanghai-shenhua/

Mickael2:




Fernandino is the best DMF in the Epl(easily) and Casemiro isn't even close but hey, Casemiro is the starter until further notice. Point is the national team does not operate that way. Y'all know I'd easily choose Ndidi over Onazi but don't forget that at some point Liverpool also wanted Onazi, he must have been doing something good.

Meanwhile, I thought it was the highest number of interceptions that Ndidi has? That does not make him the best tackler, just that he plugs spaces well

No Ndidi is rated as the player with the highest number of tackles.

If Brazil does it, it doesn't mean we should do it but I get your point. However we must ensure that we get the best out of both of them. You notice we didn't talk about Onazi because Onazi plays better for the SE than Ndidi when both are combined. That's why the discussion has focused on Ndidi.

Bottom line is that playing both of them is not the best way of getting the best of Ndidi. We have to find a system that brings out the best in both of them.

MetalJigsaw:
Hmmm... how come? Have you lived in Russia?

Studied and lived 7 years in Ukraine and 90% there speaks Russian. Beautiful and well mannered women they apply Okafor's law of Congo dynamics in there day to day activities.

congo4ka:

Studied and lived 7 years in Ukraine and 90% there speaks Russian. Beautiful and well mannered women they apply Okafor's law of Congo dynamics in there day to day activities.

i always though ukrainian lingo is a bit different from russian..maybe dialectical differences.

Rohr To Update World Cup List With Poland, Serbia Friendlies; Monitors Ezenwa, Simon

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr says next month’s friendly fixtures against Poland and Serbia present a big opportunity for players to stake claims for spots in his final squad ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The three-time time African champions will face Poland in Warsaw on March 23rd and take on Serbia four days later in London.

Three other build-up games against Congo, England and Czech Republic are also lined up for May 28, June 2nd and June 6th respectively.

Rohr stated that he has pencilled down a list of 28 players for two friendlies and hopes the players push hard to make the final list for the mundial.

“In the next couple of weeks we will release a list of 28 players for the friendly games against Poland and Serbia. We still have one or two players that we want to check on before coming out with the list,” the German coach told CSN at the Agege Stadium, Lagos on Wednesday.

“Moses Simon has been injured a couple of weeks now and we expect that he will be back in action for his club (Gent of Belgium) this weekend.

“There is also Ezenwa who is injured at the moment but is working hard to be fit.

“The games against Poland and Serbia is a big chance for the new players to show they have what it takes to play for us. As you know the next game will be in May so now is time for everyone who want to go to Russia to prove their quality.

“The two games are also important for us because the last time we played together was in November against Argentina. So, it will be an opportunity to work together again before the World Cup.

“In May, we will release another 30-man list for the other friendly games from which we will draw the final list for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles will open their campaign at the 2018 FIFA World Cup on June 16 against Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium.

They will also face Iceland on June 22 at the Volgograd Arena. Their final group game is against Argentina on June 26 at the Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg.



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-update-world-cup-list-poland-serbia-friendlies-monitors-ezenwa-simon/

asha80:
i always though ukrainian lingo is a bit different from russian..maybe dialectical differences.

Just a little difference, alphabets almost the same with only 3 extra alphabets, I speak Russian but can't speàk Ukrainian but can understand well when they speak it. I can also understand little Bulgarian, Croatian, Belorussian and Polish as the are almost the same but different dialect

congo4ka:


Just a little difference, alphabets almost the same with only 3 extra alphabets, I speak Russian but can't speàk Ukrainian but can understand well when they speak it. I can also understand little Bulgarian, Croatian, Belorussian and Polish as the are almost the same but different dialect

twale for you(although due to history croatian and serbian should also sound alike)

forgiveness:



Maduka Okoye is not playing for team B of Fortuna-dusseldorf, he is playing for U18 team and he is not a starter.

He only featured thrice for team B this whole season. GBAM..

Truth must be told though not against his call.

If this is true then something is amiss.

Russia 2018 World Cup, the Nigerian Soccer Project & Goalkeeping Brouhaha.

It is exactly 112 days to the inaugural match in Russia 2018 soccer fiesta. Also, only 30 days to Super Eagles’ top grade cracker with Lewandoski’s Poland.

The global football family is in a frenzy right now awaiting the WC event billed to be a classic & its first ever in the old eastern bloc.

The Fifa world event has recorded only Eight ( World Cup Winners from its inception in 1930.

Would there be a new WINNER in Russia? Can the African continent produce its first Winner? In football, they say, anything is possible..

Preparations are in top gear & final stages for all 32 participants jostling to present their best teams, only one Nation will be crowned King on Sunday, July 15, 2018.
Super Eagles are Nigeria’s representatives & ambassadors to the Mundial. Expectations are very high! How far can the Super Eagles go?

The football world expects another inconsistent & dismal outing from Nigeria.
Foreign media, top foreign analysts & Coaches have been saying so with skeptical glee.

They don’t expect much. It has been like that in our five (5) previous participations, so they are right to hold such awful views.
However, things can change, Nigeria fans know so well that the current team is loaded & a good contender for title at the finals.

This team has the potential to grind out positive results!

The NFF & Sports Ministry have worked very hard & are still doing so.

The Coaching crew must live up to expectations of their fans by ensuring a top class performance, & also a finish in quality & style.

One area that seems so problematic is in GOALKEEPING.

This is the crux; this will either make or mar Nigeria’s chances of achieving its WC goals.
Carl Ikweme was good until poor health condition claimed him.

This forced Manager Gernot Rohr to reconsider clubless Vincent Enyeama, insisting on including him in his final team selection. Nigerians are getting jittery, recalling history of similar past occurrences & blunders that left a sour taste in our mouths.

You can’t blame the Gaffer, though.
The array of Nigerian shot stoppers used so far in matches have failed to match expected standards & far below what the mundial requires for serious contenders. We are not going for a jamboree.

From woeful Apkeyi, Ezenwa, Alampasu, Ajiboye, et al, none have lived up to the billing.

They have posted abysmally between the sticks for Nigeria. (Apologies).
So, there is a problem.

Young Uzohor was good against Argentina. He is very talented, but lacks experience & quality game time at his Spanish division 2 club.

Who wants to take a chance? No, not at the World Cup where you are supposed to be a Cup contender.

Our search threw us back to AUSTIN EJIDE, 33years old, Hapoel Hadera Fc, Israel.
Ejide’s football exploit is no news to Nigerians, (You can Google that).

The keeper was deputy to Vincent Enyeama from 2002 -2014.

What is primary right now is for the Super Eagles to have a quality representation in goalpost, & Austin Ejide looks that guy every inch & bit – all the way.

Ejide has all the features of a World Class GoalKeeper: he is tall, talented, strong & athletic. He has sharp reflexes & parades loads of international experience.

He is agile, has excellent grip on the ball, deals well wit crosses, difficult to beat on one-one situation, organizes his defenses very well, very confident, inspiring and commanding. He can stop penalties too.

This is the type of goalkeeper you want to have behind ur defenders.

See his current videos on YouTube channel to be convinced.

This AUSTIN is Our Man!

He is the SOLUTION to Super Eagles Goalkeeping problems.
Coach Rohr, look no further!

If he has committed any wrong doings against the NFF he should be pardoned.

Against this background, baring injury, Coach Gernot Rohr should make haste to recall Austin to his team ahead of Poland & Serb grade A friendly games for proper assessment, as a well deserved chance for the Super Eagles No.1 spot.

I think with this consideration, the other young and upcoming keepers can join to compete & increase the options for available 3 spots.

Some of the suggested names should include Uzohor, Maduka Okoye, Nwokolor, and Ezenwa.

No sentiments attached; only the best should be engaged.
Good luck!

- Kingmaker, Compltesports fan

Spotlight On Nigeria’s World Cup Foes: Argentina’s Tough Guy OTAMENDI

Completesportsnigeria.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI profiles Argentina hard man Nicolas Otamendi as we continue to run the rule over the Super Eagles’ Russia 2018 World Cup group opponents and their key players…

NICOLAS OTAMENDI

At five feet 10 inches, Nicolas Otamendi is not the tallest of defenders but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up in his aggressive style of play.

Since joining Manchester City from Spanish LaLiga club Valencia in 2015, Otamendi, 30, has remained a regular feature for the current Premier League leaders.

Otamendi has made 83 appearances, scoring six goals so far for the Premier League leaders.

This season, he has been a part of the City side that has stream rolled all before them and are on the verge of being crowned league champions.

He has played 26 of City’s 27 league games this current campaign, scoring four goals.
On the international stage, Otamendi made his debut for Argentina and was in Diego Maradona’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but missed the 2014 edition in Brazil.

He made the Argentina squad for the 2015 and 2016 Copa America where they lost both finals to Chile.

BEST POSITION:
Otamendi plays mainly in the central of defence but can also slot into the right-back position.

STRENGTHS: Otamendi is very solid in aerial duels, ball interception and has a keen eye for goals just like his strike against Manchester United showed, which secured a 2-1 win for City.

WEAKNESSES: Like earlier mentioned, Otamendi is a hard tackler but can get into trouble as he can be rash when going into tackles.

STYLE: Though hard as nails, Otamendi is also adept when it comes to playing short passes as seen with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

He has the ability to initiate attack from defence by simply driving the ball forward.
He is also known for his tackling ability which is the hallmark of his play.

NATIONAL TEAM STATS: Since his debut in 2009, Otamendi has made 53 appearances for Argentina and has scored three goals for the national team.

DID YOU KNOW:
-Argentina were the first country to lose in the final of the FIFA World Cup. They lost 4-2 to Uruguay in the maiden edition in 1930.

-Pedro Monzon of Argentina is the first player ever to be sent off in a World Cup final. He was shown a straight red card against then West Germany in the 1990 final in Italy which Argentina lost 1-0.

-Argentina were the first team to lose a FIFA World Cup final match without scoring. They lost 1-0 to West Germany in 1990 final while previous finals dating back to the maiden edition in 1930 saw the losers scoring at least one goal.

-Argentina hold the record as the only country who had two players sent off in a FIFA World Cup final. Pedro Monzon and Gustavo Dezotti were both sent off in the 1-0 loss to West Germany in the 1990 World Cup final.

-Argentina’s only loss to an African team at the FIFA World Cup was against Cameroon at the 1990 edition in Italy. The Diego Maradona-led side were stunned 1-0 by a Francois Oman-Biyik header.

OPINION:
Do you feel the Super Eagles possess the strike force that can cause an Argentine defence led by Otamendi problems at the 2018 FIFA World Cup?



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/spotlight-nigerias-world-cup-foes-argentinas-tough-guy-otamendi/

MetalJigsaw:
Spotlight On Nigeria’s World Cup Foes: Argentina’s Tough Guy OTAMENDI

Completesportsnigeria.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI profiles Argentina hard man Nicolas Otamendi as we continue to run the rule over the Super Eagles’ Russia 2018 World Cup group opponents and their key players…

NICOLAS OTAMENDI

At five feet 10 inches, Nicolas Otamendi is not the tallest of defenders but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up in his aggressive style of play.

Since joining Manchester City from Spanish LaLiga club Valencia in 2015, Otamendi, 30, has remained a regular feature for the current Premier League leaders.

Otamendi has made 83 appearances, scoring six goals so far for the Premier League leaders.

This season, he has been a part of the City side that has stream rolled all before them and are on the verge of being crowned league champions.

He has played 26 of City’s 27 league games this current campaign, scoring four goals.
On the international stage, Otamendi made his debut for Argentina and was in Diego Maradona’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but missed the 2014 edition in Brazil.

He made the Argentina squad for the 2015 and 2016 Copa America where they lost both finals to Chile.

BEST POSITION:
Otamendi plays mainly in the central of defence but can also slot into the right-back position.

STRENGTHS: Otamendi is very solid in aerial duels, ball interception and has a keen eye for goals just like his strike against Manchester United showed, which secured a 2-1 win for City.

WEAKNESSES: Like earlier mentioned, Otamendi is a hard tackler but can get into trouble as he can be rash when going into tackles.

STYLE: Though hard as nails, Otamendi is also adept when it comes to playing short passes as seen with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

He has the ability to initiate attack from defence by simply driving the ball forward.
He is also known for his tackling ability which is the hallmark of his play.

NATIONAL TEAM STATS: Since his debut in 2009, Otamendi has made 53 appearances for Argentina and has scored three goals for the national team.

DID YOU KNOW:
-Argentina were the first country to lose in the final of the FIFA World Cup. They lost 4-2 to Uruguay in the maiden edition in 1930.

-Pedro Monzon of Argentina is the first player ever to be sent off in a World Cup final. He was shown a straight red card against then West Germany in the 1990 final in Italy which Argentina lost 1-0.

-Argentina were the first team to lose a FIFA World Cup final match without scoring. They lost 1-0 to West Germany in 1990 final while previous finals dating back to the maiden edition in 1930 saw the losers scoring at least one goal.

-Argentina hold the record as the only country who had two players sent off in a FIFA World Cup final. Pedro Monzon and Gustavo Dezotti were both sent off in the 1-0 loss to West Germany in the 1990 World Cup final.

-Argentina’s only loss to an African team at the FIFA World Cup was against Cameroon at the 1990 edition in Italy. The Diego Maradona-led side were stunned 1-0 by a Francois Oman-Biyik header.

OPINION:
Do you feel the Super Eagles possess the strike force that can cause an Argentine defence led by Otamendi problems at the 2018 FIFA World Cup?



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/spotlight-nigerias-world-cup-foes-argentinas-tough-guy-otamendi/

James Agberebi’s SWOT analysis on OTAMENDI is laudable.
NicholasOtamendi is key in Le Albiceleste defense; he always tries to keep it tight at the rear as well as initiate quick attacks.
He has great vision & loves to drive forward picking out his forwards. A quality player who has several caps for Argentina.
Having said that, we see his attitude at play as suspect. He is temperamental & launches forward rashly when his team mates aren’t doing well.
Super Eagles can take him out with very physical & skillful play.
A strong, intelligent & physical midfield set will out run & roughen the Argentines defence to force them into losing concentration & the ball.
Once they are distracted & tired, they buckle & wane. At this point, SE attack can pick them in bits.
I go for a 4-3-1-2 formation against Argentina.
A trio of Joel, Ndidi & Otebo, playing behind Mikel Obi is my dream midfield, while Iwobi & Victor Moses lead a twin attack.
Mikel gets a free role to dictate the pace of play, as well act as the first line of defence.
It is going to be a classic.. Nigeria should enjoy more of the ball & do the expected damage.

- Kingmaker, Completesports fan

Kog45:
CC:icon4s.

Pls say something on this cos it seems Rohr is right,.

If we want to go by Rohr submission only Akpeyi worth included in the team or is he telling us better to be keeping in division three and regional league than wallowing on the bench in first team.

I think is better for keeper like Alampasu to go back to fareinse youth team or else he should forget WC.

Rohr statement is cleared regards goalkeepers,just be playing week in week out cos if not why considering goalkeepers at very lower league like regional league.

Rohr has a valid point.

Every coach will always prefer his players being active.

The expectation on Enyeama was that he would return to full action before our March friendlies.

The door was kept open for him to even walk straight in as the first choice goalie. But he didn't meet Rohr's conditions.

Well, just like Rohr has decided, we have to move on. Let's Watch and see how Rohr and his crew will go around this.

Ebuehi: I Turned Down Benfica Move Because Of World Cup

Nigeria defender Tyronne Ebuehi says he rejected the chance to join Portuguese giants Benfica in January to boost his chances of representing the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Ebuehi whose current contract with Dutch club ADO Den Haag will expire in the summer was close to linking up with Benfica during the winter transfer window after successful talks between the Portuguese giants and his club ADO Den Haag.

”It’s my choice,” Ebuehi who feat for Nigeria in the friendly win against two-time world champions Argentina last November stated in an interview with m.update.nl .

“For me, the most important thing is to keep making minutes. Going to such a club means a new adventure and you do not know whether you’re going to make minutes.

“Here, I get trust from the club, the trainer and the players. If I keep playing here, I can hopefully go to the World Cup and nice things can come.”

The young defender also spoke at the prospect of making Nigeria’s 23-man squad to World Cup in Russia

“I do not have to think about it too much otherwise it can also be a disappointment, I feel good about it, and of course I dream about it, it’s close and in terms of football, the World Cup is the biggest stage in the world,” he added.

“If I’m selected, it will be a dream come true, maybe the biggest one. “

The 22-year-old also gave a hint on his future as he is set to become a free agent in the summer.

“You never know in football. Maybe I’ll be here next season, but in the end I want to keep making personal steps and achieve the highest possible achievements, I keep all options open at the moment.”



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebuehi-i-turned-down-benfica-move-because-of-world-cup/

Eguavoen: FIFA Ranking Should Not Affect Super Eagles’ World Cup Preparations

By Bamidele Boluwaji: Former Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has advised Gernot Rohr and his players that they should not allow the latest FIFA ranking to distract them ahead of the 2018 World Cup holding this summer in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

In the latest ranking released on Thursday by the world football governing body, Nigeria dropped one place despite her silver-winning feat at the recently concluded 2018 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.

Reacting to the ranking on Friday, the former Sunshine Stars manager advised Rohr to concentrate on his World Cup preparations without allowing anything to distract his focus.

“I don’t know how they came about the ranking but what I will say is that our players and coach Rohr should not allow that to distract them,” Eguavoen told CSN.

“Personally, I want to see Nigeria perform well at the World Cup and that should be the ultimate for every player and the coaches.

“They should see the ranking as a push to do more in their preparation. Ranking at times is just to tell you to do more but if you ask me, I will say the latest ranking will help our players because coming down by one place means they have to work harder and make sure they get back and even do more to improve. So personally for me, the World Cup should be our priority.”

Having ranked 51st in January, Nigeria are now 52nd in the world with 606 points and seventh in Africa.

Nigeria will play some friendly matches next month and the games are expected to help the side improve on the FIFA rankings.

MetalJigsaw:
Ebuehi: I Turned Down Benfica Move Because Of World Cup

Nigeria defender Tyronne Ebuehi says he rejected the chance to join Portuguese giants Benfica in January to boost his chances of representing the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Ebuehi whose current contract with Dutch club ADO Den Haag will expire in the summer was close to linking up with Benfica during the winter transfer window after successful talks between the Portuguese giants and his club ADO Den Haag.

”It’s my choice,” Ebuehi who feat for Nigeria in the friendly win against two-time world champions Argentina last November stated in an interview with m.update.nl .

“For me, the most important thing is to keep making minutes. Going to such a club means a new adventure and you do not know whether you’re going to make minutes.

“Here, I get trust from the club, the trainer and the players. If I keep playing here, I can hopefully go to the World Cup and nice things can come.”

The young defender also spoke at the prospect of making Nigeria’s 23-man squad to World Cup in Russia

“I do not have to think about it too much otherwise it can also be a disappointment, I feel good about it, and of course I dream about it, it’s close and in terms of football, the World Cup is the biggest stage in the world,” he added.

“If I’m selected, it will be a dream come true, maybe the biggest one. “

The 22-year-old also gave a hint on his future as he is set to become a free agent in the summer.

“You never know in football. Maybe I’ll be here next season, but in the end I want to keep making personal steps and achieve the highest possible achievements, I keep all options open at the moment.”



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebuehi-i-turned-down-benfica-move-because-of-world-cup/

For the sake of his career, I hope Ebuehi plays not more than a season in Portugal.
The quality of football in the country is nothing to write home about.

Kog45:
My man am not against inclusion of Maduka and my stand on goalkeeping is simple,the best should be taken since the likes of Akpeyi are not convincing enough.

I watched Uzoho against Girona and i came out here that the guy is okay and against Argentina he looked calmed and composed,his performance gave us another option.

If you read my comment with Truidster,he said likely Uzoho, Ezenwa, Akpeyi and I said you cannot say,meaning the likes the of Maduka or Alampasu can come in and gives solid performance just like Uzoho against Argentina.

My major concerns is this,none of us here know who is Maduka until his name came up and initially i thought he was number one for Fortuna Dusseldorf but later realised keeping for team B in regional league equivalent of division 4 which is not better than NPFL.

I need to have my reservation and need to continue asking why considering division 4 keeper for Eagles.I remember may be last week you came out with his stats this season, having 15 games and had just two clean sheets,i remember you said may be the defence wasn't good enough,excuse for his performance.

Truly is 18 years old,but you keep on hammering at 18 good for his development which i agreed but forgetting that exceptional keeper at 18 are already with the main team,just check Uzoho if not for the sacked of coach that gave him first team appearance,the guy would be up there doing it in LA liga.

My major point is Maduka good enough for Super eagles if is not good enough for very average Fortuna Dusseldorf first team,the same Maduka was released by Karlsruhe and Leverkusen before he continue his development with Dusseldorf though it happens in football.

I want the best for Eagles and only way is to look at things critically in a balance mode not just being carried away with sentiments,so my critique of Maduka is not hate but love for eagles cos a division four keeper for Eagles then he must be extremely talented and if he comes out good,better for the team but i didn't buy idea that at least is good as number three,No o all our keepers must have potential to be in goal at WC with our mind at rest.

I like Maduka but I don't think he's at that level yet to even be our third choice Gk. This is our cross: Uzoho, Ezenwa, Akpeyi

MetalJigsaw:
Russia 2018 World Cup, the Nigerian Soccer Project & Goalkeeping Brouhaha.

It is exactly 112 days to the inaugural match in Russia 2018 soccer fiesta. Also, only 30 days to Super Eagles’ top grade cracker with Lewandoski’s Poland.

The global football family is in a frenzy right now awaiting the WC event billed to be a classic & its first ever in the old eastern bloc.

The Fifa world event has recorded only Eight ( World Cup Winners from its inception in 1930.

Would there be a new WINNER in Russia? Can the African continent produce its first Winner? In football, they say, anything is possible..

Preparations are in top gear & final stages for all 32 participants jostling to present their best teams, only one Nation will be crowned King on Sunday, July 15, 2018.
Super Eagles are Nigeria’s representatives & ambassadors to the Mundial. Expectations are very high! How far can the Super Eagles go?

The football world expects another inconsistent & dismal outing from Nigeria.
Foreign media, top foreign analysts & Coaches have been saying so with skeptical glee.

They don’t expect much. It has been like that in our five (5) previous participations, so they are right to hold such awful views.
However, things can change, Nigeria fans know so well that the current team is loaded & a good contender for title at the finals.

This team has the potential to grind out positive results!

The NFF & Sports Ministry have worked very hard & are still doing so.

The Coaching crew must live up to expectations of their fans by ensuring a top class performance, & also a finish in quality & style.

One area that seems so problematic is in GOALKEEPING.

This is the crux; this will either make or mar Nigeria’s chances of achieving its WC goals.
Carl Ikweme was good until poor health condition claimed him.

This forced Manager Gernot Rohr to reconsider clubless Vincent Enyeama, insisting on including him in his final team selection. Nigerians are getting jittery, recalling history of similar past occurrences & blunders that left a sour taste in our mouths.

You can’t blame the Gaffer, though.
The array of Nigerian shot stoppers used so far in matches have failed to match expected standards & far below what the mundial requires for serious contenders. We are not going for a jamboree.

From woeful Apkeyi, Ezenwa, Alampasu, Ajiboye, et al, none have lived up to the billing.

They have posted abysmally between the sticks for Nigeria. (Apologies).
So, there is a problem.

Young Uzohor was good against Argentina. He is very talented, but lacks experience & quality game time at his Spanish division 2 club.

Who wants to take a chance? No, not at the World Cup where you are supposed to be a Cup contender.

[b]Our search threw us back to AUSTIN EJIDE, 33years old, Hapoel Hadera Fc, Israel.
Ejide’s football exploit is no news to Nigerians, (You can Google that).

The keeper was deputy to Vincent Enyeama from 2002 -2014.

What is primary right now is for the Super Eagles to have a quality representation in goalpost, & Austin Ejide looks that guy every inch & bit – all the way.

Ejide has all the features of a World Class GoalKeeper: he is tall, talented, strong & athletic. He has sharp reflexes & parades loads of international experience.

He is agile, has excellent grip on the ball, deals well wit crosses, difficult to beat on one-one situation, organizes his defenses very well, very confident, inspiring and commanding. He can stop penalties too.

This is the type of goalkeeper you want to have behind ur defenders.

See his current videos on YouTube channel to be convinced.

This AUSTIN is Our Man!

He is the SOLUTION to Super Eagles Goalkeeping problems.
Coach Rohr, look no further!

If he has committed any wrong doings against the NFF he should be pardoned.

Against this background, baring injury, Coach Gernot Rohr should make haste to recall Austin to his team ahead of Poland & Serb grade A friendly games for proper assessment, as a well deserved chance for the Super Eagles No.1 spot.[/b]

I think with this consideration, the other young and upcoming keepers can join to compete & increase the options for available 3 spots.

Some of the suggested names should include Uzohor, Maduka Okoye, Nwokolor, and Ezenwa.

No sentiments attached; only the best should be engaged.
Good luck!

- Kingmaker, Compltesports fan

I am not for or against giving Ejide a shot but the bolded reeks of what an agent will write. I smell an agent at work here. And I wrote it on the site just below kingmaker laudatory comment.

MetalJigsaw:
Ambrose: My Experience Can Help Super Eagles At Russia 2018

Hibernian defender, Efe Ambrose, says his experience of playing at the highest level could be key for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup if he makes the squad.
Ambrose has not featured for the Eagles since facing Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in 2016.

The former Celtic centre-back also represented Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and insists he still has plenty to offer if called upon.

“Coming back into the national team would be a great achievement and feeling,” the 2013 AFCON winner told Daily Record.
“To pull on that green-and-white shirt again would be my dream.

“My country gave me the platform to get to where I am today so representing them again would be the best thing that could happen in my career. There is more I can give and more I can achieve. I will never say never.

“I have achieved so many aspirations with my national team, the Olympics, the Under-20s, the Confederations Cup, winning the Nations Cup and playing in the World Cup . I have a lot of good experiences.

“I just want to keep my form going and make sure I am in good shape, that is the most important thing. From there it is up to the gaffer to select me.

“If he sees me playing like I have been and wants to call upon my experience for the World Cup, then why not? That would be my dream, because it has been too long since I was part of the national team.”



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ambrose-experience-can-help-super-eagles-russia-2018/

Is Omeruo better than Efe Ambrose I simply do not know, is Balogun and Ekong better I do not know.

What I do know that if not for work permit issues Efe would be playing in the EPL. The most expensive defender in the World a few seasons ago was playing in the Scottish premiership.

How good is Efe I do not know because we have not tested him recently. He may have improved or indeed diminished in his abilities.

I think he at least deserves to be called as well as Obagoal to ascertain thier current level of performance. Otherwise anything said is speculative and if in the negative bad belle.