MetalJigsaw:
the guy sef na gamble for coach Rohr. It's more like purchasing a non-tested electronic item... Nobody really knows if it's good or not in the market, until it's being taken home and ultimately tested... What you see is what you get. LOL

I hope he comes good anyway... It will be a big asset for the team. He's a tall and promising defender.

Eze na just training material na

What does Joel Obi Offer?

1. Ball retention: He boasts of one of the best ball retention stats of Nigerian midfielders this season with over 80% average pass accuracy. Mikel Obi and John Ogu are the other two who help to keep possession. He loves the short passing game.

2. Loves a tackle: No one beats Ndidi in this category but Obi will win tackles for you. He also reads the game very well and is strong with interceptions. He appears to be returning to his best form in Torino after a torrid time with injury.

3. Mobility: Box to Box kind of player, lots of energy to burn.. Similar to Etebo on his day. He reminds me a lot of edgar davids in this regard.

Can he be a replacement for Mikel?

Not really, he is more of a defensive midfielder than an offensive one. However, he has shown the ability to score from inside the box this year so playing him behind a striker might not be a bad idea. He is skillful, intelligent and can do those short one-twos. Right now, no one can control the midfield like Mikel, maybe with Joel we can take another approach when Mikel is not playing.

Mujtahida:
Nigerians are really funny people, very colourful lot. Behold I present to you guys the new name of Nigerian football playing philosophy. It's called Gra - Gra football as eloquently set forth by kingmaker a commenter on Completesportsnigeria.com website. This, my brothers is for your enjoyment

---

So, what is the Nigerian Secret?
Football is a team game, and a physical sport which requires lots of energy, intelligence, concentration, skill & determination for the entire duration of 90 min to win.
Other factors that determine a winner are the technical & tactical engagements of the Coach upon good team preparation.
All past winners of the WC have relied on these methods.
But, the tactics of foreign Managers deployed have failed to produce results against a physically balanced Nigerian side in U-17 finals, especially.
The Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s led U-17 gold winning team of 2015 is the best ever Nigerian Team, in my opinion, since 1973.
That team had all the winning elements, in quality and physical robustness, in addition to its fluidity.
The Team exhibited the playing style and characteristics of its gaffer..
That team won because it took GRA-GRA Football approach to its most refined form & expression.
Gra-gra system of football is an indigenous grassroot style of play common in Nigeria, and in Edo-Delta, especially.
It deploys robust attack & defensive play, involving everyone chasing after the ball & the boy.
It is fiercely fought in the midfield to determine control and dominion.
It is a duel, a rumble, only the strong survives.
In Warri where I had my elementary education, it is called Gra-gra. It was the style.. unorthodox.
Wilson Oruma & Oghenekaro Etebo are typically the best expressions of this play at the international level.
Today, we have Nigerians playing technical gra-gra across Europe, Wilfred Ndidi for example, his statistics amazes the media.
Here, players chase down the ball, until the boy is disposed of the ball.
Gra-gra is physical, technical, intensive, gritty, exhausting, energetic, effective & rewarding in the end.
It leaves your opponents panting, fatigued, worn-out, fainting & capitulating.
Gra-gra thrives on player’s fitness & high work rates.
Europe, Asia or South American football don’t have answers to this method of robust play.
Neymar said of Nigeria after the WC draw, ..”they run a lot and are very physical in their approach.. Happy to avoid them”
He was making reference to ‘Nigerian Gra-gra play’.
If Nigeria is serious, and hungry to WIN the WC, please Gra-gra system is what Gernot Rohr must continue to anchor on in whatever approach he might choose.
Our football administrators should start building tactics around it.
We saw Argentina; players were left panting & Aguero fainting (later hospitalised) in their high profile FIFA exhibition match last November in Russia.
Boastful & arrogant Argentina fell by 2-4 to Gra-gra. (Watch it again).
Algeria were in awe; Etebo & Ogu stampeded & rustled them.
Cameroon & Zambia were also in rude shock.
Our players are already high on Gra-gra. Onazi, Etebo, Ndidi, Ogu, Iheanacho, Musa, Ighalo, Mikel, Moses & co are Gra-gra masters.
They rustle, roughen & stampede opponents until the ball is recovered, & the midfield subdued.
It might not always be fluid but it is efficient & effective in getting the points.
I love the system because it’s where our dominance & victory lie.
Believe it or not, it was Gra-gra that gave us the WC ticket.
With well coordinated Gra-gra approach, i am confident Nigeria can WIN the WC.
Gra-gra gives Nigeria a clear edge over European, Asian & Latin American teams.
With FIFA’s highest decision making organ giving the assurances that the best Nation can win, it has sent a good signal that the Fifa global event can be won by an African Country.
Nigeria can Win it, and should, trust me.
Coaches must jettison political pressure to apply federal quota in selection of the best players. Or, forget everything.
To be crowned champions only requires Winning 7 straight High Profile Matches.
SE must go for the crown.
The potential is there; the pedigree, & foundation for success has already been laid.
Only Nigeria can defeat Nigeria.
Should this be allowed to happen?
No. Failure is not an option!
Let us give 100% support to the SE, the Crew & Nff.
It’s our year!
I vote for Gra-gra..
Thank you for reading.
Good luck, Super Eagles!
Copied

chaiiiii

tbaba1234:
What does Joel Obi Offer?

1. Ball retention: He boasts of one of the best ball retention stats of Nigerian midfielders this season with over 80% average pass accuracy. Mikel Obi and John Ogu are the other two who help to keep possession. He loves the short passing game.

2. Loves a tackle: No one beats Ndidi in this category but Obi will win tackles for you. He also reads the game very well and is strong with interceptions. He appears to be returning to his best form in Torino after a torrid time with injury.

3. Mobility: Box to Box kind of player, lots of energy to burn.. Similar to Etebo on his day. He reminds me a lot of edgar davids in this regard.

Can he be a replacement for Mikel?

Not really, he is more of a defensive midfielder than an offensive one. However, he has shown the ability to score from inside the box this year so playing him behind a striker might not be a bad idea. He is skillful, intelligent and can do those short one-twos. Right now, no one can control the midfield like Mikel, maybe with Joel we can take another approach when Mikel is not playing.

Mikel, Joel and ndidi midfield combo.

somehow:
My enerst prayer is that Joel Obi shouldn't melt down during the friendlies because a melt down is a melt out. He won't be given any new opportunity if he screws up.

Out of the new faces invited, He's the only one I am much concerned about.

I tell you my brother....imagine a midfield comprising of mikel, Joel, onazi,ndidi, ogu and etebo...
all at their very best....it gonna be super.
I do believe games are likely won from the midfield...So with a good midfield we're good to go.

I still believe it is possible for rohr to limit the midfield to 5 being that players like shehu Abdullah can as well play the DM role...

tbaba1234:
What does Joel Obi Offer?

1. Ball retention: He boasts of one of the best ball retention stats of Nigerian midfielders this season with over 80% average pass accuracy. Mikel Obi and John Ogu are the other two who help to keep possession. He loves the short passing game.

2. Loves a tackle: No one beats Ndidi in this category but Obi will win tackles for you. He also reads the game very well and is strong with interceptions. He appears to be returning to his best form in Torino after a torrid time with injury.

3. Mobility: Box to Box kind of player, lots of energy to burn.. Similar to Etebo on his day. He reminds me a lot of edgar davids in this regard.

Can he be a replacement for Mikel?

Not really, he is more of a defensive midfielder than an offensive one. However, he has shown the ability to score from inside the box this year so playing him behind a striker might not be a bad idea. He is skillful, intelligent and can do those short one-twos. Right now, no one can control the midfield like Mikel, maybe with Joel we can take another approach when Mikel is not playing.

This thing dey sweet belle. Let him just be injury free.

Humility017:

I tell you my brother....imagine a midfield comprising of mikel, Joel, onazi,ndidi, ogu and etebo...
all at their very best....it gonna be super.
I do believe games are likely won from the midfield...So with a good midfield we're good to go.

I still believe it is possible for rohr to limit the midfield to 5 being that players like shehu Abdullah can as well play the DM role...

That's my believe too- that games are won from the midfield.

somehow:
My enerst prayer is that Joel Obi shouldn't melt down during the friendlies because a melt down is a melt out. He won't be given any new opportunity if he screws up.

Out of the new faces invited, He's the only one I am much concerned about.

exactly my thoughts.

I'm also beginning to believe he might not go with more than 5 midfielders because some of the defenders can play DM position.

With this in mind, we are likely to have Etebor, Ogu and Joel Obi battling for the last 2 spots since we know Mikel, Ndidi and Onazi are 99% certained.

Humility017:

I tell you my brother....imagine a midfield comprising of mikel, Joel, onazi,ndidi, ogu and etebo...
all at their very best....it gonna be super.
I do believe games are likely won from the midfield...So with a good midfield we're good to go.

I still believe it is possible for rohr to limit the midfield to 5 being that players like shehu Abdullah can as well play the DM role...

tbaba1234:
What does Joel Obi Offer?

1. Ball retention: He boasts of one of the best ball retention stats of Nigerian midfielders this season with over 80% average pass accuracy. Mikel Obi and John Ogu are the other two who help to keep possession. He loves the short passing game.

2. Loves a tackle: No one beats Ndidi in this category but Obi will win tackles for you. He also reads the game very well and is strong with interceptions. He appears to be returning to his best form in Torino after a torrid time with injury.

3. Mobility: Box to Box kind of player, lots of energy to burn.. Similar to Etebo on his day. He reminds me a lot of edgar davids in this regard.

Can he be a replacement for Mikel?

Not really, he is more of a defensive midfielder than an offensive one. However, he has shown the ability to score from inside the box this year so playing him behind a striker might not be a bad idea. He is skillful, intelligent and can do those short one-twos. Right now, no one can control the midfield like Mikel, maybe with Joel we can take another approach when Mikel is not playing.

You mean Joel Obi is more of a defensive midfielder or you meant Mikel Obi? Kinda confused here.

18 matches so far for Torino, 4 goals, 2 assists and 3 yellow cards

AndreTAyodeji:
His goal scoring ability is my only concern about him, just imagine we needing a goal at the world cup and he is needed to be an impact sub,do you think he can deliver a goal like iwobi did when he came on against Zambia in Uyo?

you're right.

AndreTAyodeji:
His goal scoring ability is my only concern about him, just imagine we needing a goal at the world cup and he is needed to be an impact sub,do you think he can deliver a goal like iwobi did when he came on against Zambia in Uyo?

He doesn't have to score, if he can provide like Musa did in the game against Argentina, then fine.

Kog45:
Yes i see some comparing Amuneke and Ajayi,have watched Ajayi this season,for now he can't cut it in eagles.

Eze,some say is another Oboboana,likely to give Omeruo threat?�he can't cos he need to refine his game and not ready for this WC.

Gabriel,nothing to say.

That Gabriel seems to be a good finisher judging by his exploits at CHAN. Good decision by Rohr as far as I'm concerned

Does Joel Obi's Super Eagles lifeline come too late?
By Dami Ugbane, KweséESPN



Gernot Rohr has handed an international lifeline to Joel Obi, who was named in his 28-man Nigeria squad for the upcoming friendlies and has the opportunity to return to the Super Eagles team for the first time in almost four years.

The left-footed playmaker's career has been blighted by recurring injuries, but he now has the opportunity to gatecrash the World Cup party.
However, does the chance come too late for the promising talent to fulfil his international potential?

Together with Chinedu Obasi and Onyekachi Apam, Obi has been regarded in Nigeria football circles as one of the great nearly men of the nation's game. The trio had the quality to achieve superstar status, only to be denied by persistent injuries.

While the aforementioned duo unfortunately failed in their bid to stage a comeback to the international scene with Nigeria, Obi has the opportunity to muscle his way into the Super Eagles' talented midfield unit.

A showing at the World Cup could go some way to compensating for the missed opportunities of recent years.

At the time of his arrival on the international stage with Nigeria seven years ago, the hardworking midfielder instantly became a fan favourite due to a combination of factors, notably his commitment, work rate and technical ability.

In a two-man midfield partnership with John Mikel Obi under coach Samson Siasia, the duo held sway.

However, it was the younger Obi who just eclipsed his compatriot with each passing game, and appeared the more focused of the pair.
Fast forward to present day, and the previously maligned Mikel has taken over the mantle of leadership as the Super Eagles' captain, while Obi's international career has gone largely unfulfilled.

He struggled to establish himself at Internazionale, largely due to injuries, but has finally begun to realise his potential at Torino where he's demonstrated the consistency that has clearly piqued the interest of Rohr.
Injury concerns linger, but he's netted four goals and contributed two assists in the Italian top flight so far this term, and offers something a little different from the likes of Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and John Ogu.

Perhaps the need to have tactically flexible and versatile players for a tournament environment has forced Rohr to consider Obi, who can play in a deeper playmaking role, as a No. 10, or on either flank.

He's also played in wing-back or full-back positions earlier in his career, and this ability to serve Nigeria across the park may see him edge out one of his more one-dimensional midfield rivals.
Obi's experience, high energy levels and technique mean that he wouldn't be fazed should Rohr opt to change formation before or during a match.

Could the same be said for Mikel Agu or Uche Agbo?

It's perhaps going too far to suggest that World Cup inclusion would make up for Obi's years of watching on for the sidelines or missed opportunities with the Super Eagles.
However, while he's unlikely to be a starter, his plethora of qualities could make him a valuable option from the bench, and a unique asset for the Eagles.

He could, at last, demonstrate that he deserves to be considered among the top Nigerian players of his generation.


Source: http://kwese.espn.com/football/nigeria/story/3410326/does-joel-obis-super-eagles-lifeline-come-too-late?device=featurephone

Russia 2018 WC Countdown: 98 days 6 hours 18 mins to go

Kog45:
Musa is better than Ajayi?not debatable and who was comparing the duo?

If not for club issues do they think Aayi is better than Ideye and Kayode even Nwakaeme.

Truly he deserve the call but very nauseating,Musa and Ajayi debate.

Very funny people... Ajayi to Musa??

Daejoyoung:

Onyekuru wasn't really given the chance to show his stuff.

Exactly, bro... I think Rohr is not done with him yet.

bengine:
Did anyone watch that tottenham-juventus game today..just see how the coach changed their formation from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2..the 3-5-2 effectively stifled Tottenham out of the game...this new formation made sure juventus stayed compact in every area of the field.. Tottenham would have won this game easily but thanks to a smart coach..

I do hope the Nigerian team perfect that 3-5-2 formation b4 the world cup so we can use it to surprise our opponents..we can keep our default 4231 formation and just switch up on our opponents at some point..

I think that 3-5-2 formation is the best option for SE currently because of its dual-strikers feature, threatening wing-backs and 5-man defence when the opposition is on attack.

[quote author=MetalJigsaw post=65658927]Very funny people... Ajayi to Musa?


Ehen what's so special abt musa,very eccentric in his performance, d only time I ever enjoyed watching musa since d days he has been playing for eagles was against argies 2014

Just name a game where he has been outstanding for eagles aside DT match.,his crosses and final decision on d ball is so poor,if not for quota system, dem no suppose dey invite DT guy again,he has been with d team for 5years now,what impact has he make to d team...olodo player

[quote author=elyte89 post=65659238][/quote]Who is the better player, that is the issue.

[quote author=elyte89 post=65659238][/quote]
Quota system how again? Musa deserves his place in the team, he is also not my kind of player, but what he lacks in tactics and good ball sense, he makes up for it with his pace at least. He can still offer something, at least more than lkedia (though they are same kind of players).
We are yet to see what Ajayi can do, but come on if Musa is in form it would be almost impossible for him to be displaced by Ajayi

[quote author=elyte89 post=65659238][/quote]can Ajayi claim a shirt in CSKA Moscow?

Danielnino00:



Simon is no longer selfish like before... After that SA game he has been playing more with the team... Checkout his performance in our last 3 WCQ...


And pls hold ur chill on Ajayi..let's see him play first before making conclusions..



Modified...
just like Thesupernerd said, barring any last minute injury, the following players are our choice for the attacking role: Moses, Iwobi,Iheanacho,Ighalo,Simon,Musa.. If Ajayi or another attacker should join d list then we will b taking just 5 midfielder to d Wc

This team is becoming exciting by the day

just listened to a call in program in brilla fm..lol be like most people have issues with akpeyi call up..most guys no wan forgive that guy or have confidence in him

somehow:
I'm also beginning to believe he might not go with more than 5 midfielders because some of the defenders can play DM position.

With this in mind, we are likely to have Etebor, Ogu and Joel Obi battling for the last 2 spots since we know Mikel, Ndidi and Onazi are 99% certained.

going wit that scenario it means....
he may go wit either 9 defenders or forwards...
but that won't be rational...
because right amongst the midfielders...we have onazi and ndidi who can both play full back role....
also....in the forward role...nancho and musa can both play the CF role...besides Ighalo.

having up to 6 midfielders.....will.be of help as it will provide more options should incase of any imjury

A mid field comprising the trio of Mikel, Joel and Ndidi...tasty �

Joebie:
I want to believe their site was hacked lol

Make em be like that oooo else make Simon carry dem chop money small.

Kog45:
Yes i see some comparing Amuneke and Ajayi,have watched Ajayi this season,for now he can't cut it in eagles.

Eze,some say is another Oboboana,likely to give Omeruo threat?�he can't cos he need to refine his game and not ready for this WC.

Gabriel,nothing to say.

..


Well, I think Eze, Gabriel and Ajayi will be waste of space and time if Rohr for em know say dey are not contenders.

Though, It could be abnormal for Rohr to have overlooked Ajayi due to the fact that he made CAF team of the year. Nevertheless, we know what's up.

Anyway, let us dance to Rohr's tune and watch how things go dey.

forgiveness:
..


Well, I think Eze, Gabriel and Ajayi will be waste of space and time if Rohr for em know say dey are not contenders.

Though, It could be abnormal for Rohr to have overlooked Ajayi due to the fact that he made CAF team of the year. Nevertheless, we know what's up.

Anyway, let us dance to Rohr's tune and watch how things go dey.

Apart from Martins who else do you think should have been invited in place of the néw faces?

MetalJigsaw:
Apart from Martins who else do you think should have been invited in place of the néw faces?

Brown Ideye. Dominic Iorfa Jnr and one of those players in Belgium pro league doing well.

somehow:


You mean Joel Obi is more of a defensive midfielder or you meant Mikel Obi? Kinda confused here.

18 matches so far for Torino, 4 goals, 2 assists and 3 yellow cards

I am aware of the stats. All his goals are from inside the box usually from indirect set-pieces. That does not make him an offensive player.

Mujtahida:
Nigerians are really funny people, very colourful lot. Behold I present to you guys the new name of Nigerian football playing philosophy. It's called Gra - Gra football as eloquently set forth by kingmaker a commenter on Completesportsnigeria.com website. This, my brothers is for your enjoyment

---

So, what is the Nigerian Secret?
Football is a team game, and a physical sport which requires lots of energy, intelligence, concentration, skill & determination for the entire duration of 90 min to win.
Other factors that determine a winner are the technical & tactical engagements of the Coach upon good team preparation.
All past winners of the WC have relied on these methods.
But, the tactics of foreign Managers deployed have failed to produce results against a physically balanced Nigerian side in U-17 finals, especially.
The Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s led U-17 gold winning team of 2015 is the best ever Nigerian Team, in my opinion, since 1973.
That team had all the winning elements, in quality and physical robustness, in addition to its fluidity.
The Team exhibited the playing style and characteristics of its gaffer..
That team won because it took GRA-GRA Football approach to its most refined form & expression.
Gra-gra system of football is an indigenous grassroot style of play common in Nigeria, and in Edo-Delta, especially.
It deploys robust attack & defensive play, involving everyone chasing after the ball & the boy.
It is fiercely fought in the midfield to determine control and dominion.
It is a duel, a rumble, only the strong survives.
In Warri where I had my elementary education, it is called Gra-gra. It was the style.. unorthodox.
Wilson Oruma & Oghenekaro Etebo are typically the best expressions of this play at the international level.
Today, we have Nigerians playing technical gra-gra across Europe, Wilfred Ndidi for example, his statistics amazes the media.
Here, players chase down the ball, until the boy is disposed of the ball.
Gra-gra is physical, technical, intensive, gritty, exhausting, energetic, effective & rewarding in the end.
It leaves your opponents panting, fatigued, worn-out, fainting & capitulating.
Gra-gra thrives on player’s fitness & high work rates.
Europe, Asia or South American football don’t have answers to this method of robust play.
Neymar said of Nigeria after the WC draw, ..”they run a lot and are very physical in their approach.. Happy to avoid them”
He was making reference to ‘Nigerian Gra-gra play’.
If Nigeria is serious, and hungry to WIN the WC, please Gra-gra system is what Gernot Rohr must continue to anchor on in whatever approach he might choose.
Our football administrators should start building tactics around it.
We saw Argentina; players were left panting & Aguero fainting (later hospitalised) in their high profile FIFA exhibition match last November in Russia.
Boastful & arrogant Argentina fell by 2-4 to Gra-gra. (Watch it again).
Algeria were in awe; Etebo & Ogu stampeded & rustled them.
Cameroon & Zambia were also in rude shock.
Our players are already high on Gra-gra. Onazi, Etebo, Ndidi, Ogu, Iheanacho, Musa, Ighalo, Mikel, Moses & co are Gra-gra masters.
They rustle, roughen & stampede opponents until the ball is recovered, & the midfield subdued.
It might not always be fluid but it is efficient & effective in getting the points.
I love the system because it’s where our dominance & victory lie.
Believe it or not, it was Gra-gra that gave us the WC ticket.
With well coordinated Gra-gra approach, i am confident Nigeria can WIN the WC.
Gra-gra gives Nigeria a clear edge over European, Asian & Latin American teams.
With FIFA’s highest decision making organ giving the assurances that the best Nation can win, it has sent a good signal that the Fifa global event can be won by an African Country.
Nigeria can Win it, and should, trust me.
Coaches must jettison political pressure to apply federal quota in selection of the best players. Or, forget everything.
To be crowned champions only requires Winning 7 straight High Profile Matches.
SE must go for the crown.
The potential is there; the pedigree, & foundation for success has already been laid.
Only Nigeria can defeat Nigeria.
Should this be allowed to happen?
No. Failure is not an option!
Let us give 100% support to the SE, the Crew & Nff.
It’s our year!
I vote for Gra-gra..
Thank you for reading.
Good luck, Super Eagles!
Copied

U B area

I no beleeve, from a born in UK made in Warri undiluted and unadulterated Warri pikin.

Quick question people: Will the players be putting on the new WC jerseys for the friendlies?