"More likely".... yes... but still with no guarantees when we look at Dudu, Javier Saviola, Chris Ohenhen, Luis Enrique (2011-brazil), And many more.

Icon4s:


Haha, the main focus of our discussion was even K. Nwakali cos Rohr had already stated he had interest in Osimhen and as at then had been making Rohr's list of invitees.

But can you look at this current set up and say Osimhen is an integral part of this team?

Rohr saw him as a prospect for the tomorrow. But the SA game thought him that he needed to win today to secure his job for the tomorrow. And he dropped Osimhen and went for players who can deliver the goods now. The truth is Osimhen is not ready for the SE.

And for the U20, players who perform well at that level are more likely to carry on to the next level (senior team) than those from U17. The two levels are not the same in that regards.

TheSuperNerd:
But the issue was also on who will likely get to feature for the team... Osimhen did that even ahead of time. Is he ready? Well, he still has much to learn no doubt. But K Nwakali will have to wait his turn by first doing more and convincing that he can compete and add value at that level of the national team. I am not out to say Rohr should load the team with every damn young talented player... no. But was only making a light forecast into what may be or not using two of Nigeria's talented teen stars who have both been talked about by Rohr. The team is still growing as it is so integration is sure but the speed of it will be pretty slow and gradual.

In fact I remember the topic is if they can "break into" the team. But has Osimhen broken in?

TheSuperNerd:
"More likely".... yes... but still with no guarantees when we look at Dudu, Javier Saviola, Chris Ohenhen, Luis Enrique (2011-brazil), And many more.

More likely yes. Of course you should know I cannot say it is a guarantee.

TheSuperNerd:
"More likely".... yes... but still with no guarantees when we look at Dudu, Javier Saviola, Chris Ohenhen, Luis Enrique (2011-brazil), And many more.

I am not sure one can say saviola had a bad career.. yes not as explosive as he promised in his u20 exploits but least it cannot said to be a bad career

At a point he did naa. Give the lad a break joor...he is still just 19. His "main" time will come if he keeps his head.

Icon4s:

In fact I remember the topic is if they can "break into" the team. But has Osimhen broken in?

His career didn't leave the hint of a "WOW"on my face or any face going by his U-20 exploits. Not bad but not great either.

asha80:
I am not sure one can say saviola had a bad career.. yes not as explosive as he promised in his u20 exploits but least it cannot said to be a bad career

TheSuperNerd:
At a point he did naa. Give the lad a break joor...he is still just 19. His "main" time will come if he keeps his head.

Ow! now you remember he is 19. But when you are rating these guys you claim age doesn't matter.

It is based on their age and level of exposure(this especially) that I am refusing to press for them to be pushed into the SE. It is not every year that players like Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo and Messi are born.

Osimhen and K. Nwakali are not ready for the SE

Shehu Abdullahi's Stats from Bursaspor's narrow 2-1 away loss to Fenerbache in the Turkish Super Lig

According to Whoscored.com...


Overall rating: 7.2

Passing accuracy: 71%

Passes: 28

Touches: 54

Fouls: 1

Dribbles: 1

Tackles: 6


He played as a DMF in a double pivot.

Ehmmm... Chief... Please don't take that line because I never took such... It was never about "age does not matter." When did I ever make such stand? Don't say things in misinterpreted forms because you want to drive home a point. Yes Osimhen is 19... it is a fact... and Rohr saw enough of him to hand him his debut. That is good sign for the future and Rohr still talks about the lad. Rohr rates Osimhen highly but we must also allow him grow.

I am not for all this age talk... I am for talk of ability and quality. That has always been my approach to these matters. So Dont act like you don't now know my stand on young players all because you wanna win an argument.

And Osimhen and K.Nwakali may not be ready now... but it doesnt cancel the fact that you were 100% shades of wrong on Kelechi Iheanacho "not" being ready at same age...and it also doesn't erase the fact that we still have those young talents who are national team materials and ready for the GWG even at 20. Iwobi was one of such who were ready. Need I mention a few more?

Icon4s:


Ow! now you remember he is 19. But when you are rating these guys you claim age doesn't matter.

It is based on their age and level of exposure that I am refusing to press for them to be pushed into the SE. It is not every year that players like Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo and Messi are born.

Osimhen and K. Nwakali are not ready for the SE

TheSuperNerd:
Shehu Abdullahi's Stats from Bursaspor's narrow 2-1 away loss to Fenerbache in the Turkish Super Lig

According to Whoscored.com...


Overall rating: 7.2

Passing accuracy: 71%

Passes: 28

Touches: 54

Fouls: 1

Dribbles: 1

Tackles: 6


He played as a DMF in a double pivot.

Shehu is an asset.

Very tactically disciplined. Look the number of fouls for a DM for a whole 90mins. The reason I would not want him to move to the DM position in the SE is because that position is already loaded.

Chidozie Awaziem starts in the center of a 3-man defence for Nantes in a 3-4-1-2/3-4-3 as Nantes takes on Montpellier in the french Ligue 1.

Icon4s:


Shehu is an asset.

Very tactically disciplined. Look the number of fouls for a DM for a whole 90mins. The reason I would not want him to move to the DM position in the SE is because that position is already loaded.

I think it has to do with his movements.. if you watch him play for SE there is this zig zag type of movements he does.. I used to wonder why did that as a full back until I found out he is actually a defensive midfielder and only plays right back for national team

TheSuperNerd:
Ehmmm... Chief... Please don't take that line because I never took such... It was never about "age does not matter." When did I ever make such stand? Don't say things in misinterpreted forms because you want to drive home a point. Yes Osimhen is 19... it is a fact... and Rohr saw enough of him to hand him his debut. That is good sign for the future and Rohr still talks about the lad. Rohr rates Osimhen highly but we must also allow him grow.

I am not for all this age talk... I am for talk of ability and quality. That has always been my approach to these matters. So Dont act like you don't now know my stand on young players all because you wanna win an argument.

And Osimhen and K.Nwakali may not be ready now... but it doesnt cancel the fact that you were 100% shades of wrong on Kelechi Iheanacho being ready at same age...and it also doesn't erase the fact that we still have those young talents who are national team materials and ready for the GWG even at 20. Iwobi was one of such who were ready. Need I mention a few more?

Iheanacho's case was different as he was already playing at ManCity senior team. Compare the competition he faced for a starting place as against Osimhen and Nwakali in their clubs. And need I say that Iheanacho proved himself to Oliseh before he got the call up. You remember the Crystal Palace game? Yes he had to convince us(me inclusive)
As for Iwobi, his talent was so obvious that I personally clamored for his inclusion because we lacked that kind of creative AM in the Super Eagles(Mikel was still being played in CM then). Silvester Igboun was our AM(number 10). Iwobi was so very impressive during the preseason friendlies including the Emirates cup. So I saw enough for me to push for Iwobi. I was convinced he was ready.

But I have not seen anything worthy of note from K. Nwakali and Osimhen that would warrant me to push for their inclusion. Rohr has the final say we only have our various opinions.

asha80:
I think it has to do with his movements.. if you watch him play for SE there is this zig zag type of movements he does.. I used to wonder why did that as a full back until I found out he is actually a defensive midfielder and only plays right back for national team

He also played in the CM in Keshi's 2014 CHAN team

But I recall you saying he was not ready at that age. He is 21 now (birthday is in October). He was about 18 or 19 then. You even said there was nothing special about him. You even brought in Eguavoen remember? And what did Eguavoen say? "He's just a decent/good player... nothing special"... and you posted it here for us all to digest as your own view too. Yet this same kid got the ball rolling in no time and have racked up goals and assists for the Super Eagles, some of them in super stunning fashion.

That Crystal palace game was what changed Oliseh's mind for the Swaziland first leg list (he only added Nacho's name late after he had releases the original list). Just one game... but Nacho had shown himself against same opponent in a super short cameo. He also showed himself in preseason scoring against Roma, Stuttgart.

Even after that Crystal palace game I still recall you still not being so convinced on Nacho. Saying Nacho struggled when he came in against Swaziland but in Nacho's very next game, he bagged an assist against Egypt for Etebo's first Super Eagles goal. And he kept it rolling from then on....

And I am not pushing for an sound inclusion of Osimhen and K.Nwakali... I am only saying we should keep our eyes on them because I have seen that these two among others will come good in the long run. Simple.

Icon4s:


Iheanacho's case was different as he was already playing at ManCity senior team. Compare the competition he faced for a starting place with Osimhen and Nwakali. And need I say that Iheanacho proved himself to Oliseh before he got the call up. You remember the Crystal Palace game? Yes he had to convince us(me inclusive)
As for Iwobi, his talent was so obvious that I personally clamored for his inclusion because we lacked that kind of creative AM in the Super Eagles(Mikel was still being played in CM then). Silvester Igboun was our AM(number 10). Iwobi was so very impressive during the preseason friendlies including the Emirates cup. So I saw enough for me to push for Iwobi. I was convinced he was ready.

But I have not seen anything worthy of note from K. Nwakali and Osimhen that would warrant me to push for their inclusion. Rohr has the final say we only have our various opinions.

Icon4s:


Shehu is an asset.

Very tactically disciplined. Look the number of fouls for a DM for a whole 90mins. The reason I would not want him to move to the DM position in the SE is because that position is already loaded.

What about Ekong? Nobody seems concerned about his relegation to the bench.

Don't worry. Ekong will be back. One of the two CBs got a red card today. Titi is his name.

MetalJigsaw:
What about Ekong? Nobody seems concerned about his relegation to the bench.

Ekong on the bench, Omeruo was also benched in the last game... Balogun and Ebuehi just recovering from injury..

Iceland Captain, Gunnarsson: I’m Optimistic To Be Fit For World Cup
May 6, 2018


Iceland captain and Cardiff midfielder, Aron Gunnarsson is battling to be fit for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Iceland will take on Argentina in Moscow in their first-ever World Cup clash on June 16 before facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria on June 22 in Volgograd and Croatia on June 26 in their other Group D games.

Gunnarsson underwent a knee surgery last week after sustaining an injury in Cardiff’s 1-0 win over Hull City, but he remains hopeful of leading his side

“I’m told if everything goes well I have a good chance of recovering before our first game in Moscow,” Gunnarsson said in an interview with grapevine.is .

“Time will make this clear, but I am choosing to be positive and optimistic.”

Gunnarsson whose season has been blighted by injury, has made 19 apprearances for Cardiff scoring one goal.



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iceland-captain-gunnarsson-im-optimistic-to-be-fit-for-world-cup/

Rohr Explains Why He's Not Excited With Eagles Wins Against Argentina & Poland




Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has explained why he is not excited that the national team have won two of their three pre-World Cup friendlies ahead of the tournament in Russia.

The Super Eagles came from two goals down to beat Argentina 4-2 in Krasnodar last November before a hard-fought 1-0 win over Poland followed by a 2-0 loss to Serbia in London in March.

''Friendlies are completely different from the matches at the mundial. Friendly games are like an experiment in the lab, while matches in the World Cup are realistic, real life,'' Rohr explained to Sportske Novosti .
''I do not bother too much of the victories and defeats in the preparatory games, we are focused on building the best teams for the World Cup.''

Rohr has lamented the absence of stars that can single-handedly determine the outcome of games, saying :
''In the team we are working on improving all segments of the game, only if you have everything you need, you can succeed in today's football.

''I said already, today I do not have a lot of stars, but we want to have a big team with a winning mentality, great discipline in the field and beyond, and a great deal of mutual solidarity and communion. This is the way to success.''


**Igho Kingsley.

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=27630



Russia 2018 WC Countdown: 38 days 23 hours 14 mins to go

TheSuperNerd:
But I recall you saying he was not ready at that age. He is 21 now (birthday is in October). He was about 18 or 19 then. You even said there was nothing special about him. You even brought in Eguavoen remember? And what did Eguavoen say? "He's just a decent/good player... nothing special"... and you posted it here for us all to digest as your own view too. Yet this same kid got the ball rolling in no time and have racked up goals for the Super Eagles, some of them in super stunning fashion.

That Crystal palace was what changed Oliseh's mind for the Swaziland first leg list (he only added Nacho's name late after he had releases the original list). Just one game... but Nacho had shown himself against same opponent in a super short cameo. He also showed himself in preseason scoring against Roma, Stuttgart.

Even after that Crystal palace game I still recall you still not being so convinced on Nacho. Saying Nacho struggled when he came in against Swaziland but in Nacho's very next game, he bagged an assist against Egypt for Etebo's first Super Eagles goal. And he kept it rolling from then on....

And I am not pushing for an sound inclusion of Osimhen and K.Nwakali... I am only saying we should keep our eyes on them because I have seen that these two among others will come good in the long run. Simple.

I don't know if it is possible for you to dig out my post about Iheanacho after that Palace game. Coincidentally I spoke with Eguavoen earlier that day.

Even Oliseh had to wait for Iheanacho to prove himself so what are we talking about? Iheanacho was average in his debut game and why would it be difficult to say say it? Can you compare Iheanacho's debut game with that of Etebo? When a player performs well I say it and when he is average or flops I say it. Or how would you rate Iheanacho in his debut game?

Kanu: Good Result Vs Croatia Crucial To Eagles’ Progress At Russia 2018
May 6, 2018 1:13 pm


Former Nigeria captain, Nwankwo Kanu, has urged Super Eagles to get ready with fine form ahead of their first game against Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, warning that the match is as important as the final to Nigeria, Completesportsnigeria.com (CSN) reports.

The former Arsenal forward who has organised a five day basketball clinic which started on May 5 for Nigerian youths, says beating Croatia should be the Super Eagles’ priority.

According to Kanu, victory in the match will give the Super Eagles confidence to face Iceland and Argentina in their subsequent games.

“The World Cup is fast approaching and soon everyone of us will be busy watching games and that is the joy of the tournament,” the former Super Eagles captain told CSN .

“We have to be very serious with the first game which is against Croatia and that is why I will urge our strikers to make sure they play aggressively to score goals and win the match. It is the first game but it should be taken as the final of the World Cup. If you start a tournament with victory, you will have confidence to play other games.

“I believe we have the players that can make it possible but they have to believe in themselves and also go for it. We can beat any team if we really give our best.
“None of the teams in our group is unbeatable and I hope the players will prepare their minds towards that” concludes Kanu.”

Nigeria will play Croatia on June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium, do battle with Iceland on June 22 at Volgograd Arena before facing Argentina on June 26 at Krestovsky Stadium Saint Petersburg in their last group game.



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kanu-good-result-vs-croatia-crucial-to-eagles-progress-at-russia-2018/

tbaba1234:
Ekong on the bench, Omeruo was also benched in the last game... Balogun and Ebuehi just recovering from injury..

These are experienced professionals. No course for alarm bro. The camping period is enough time.

Ex-Croatia Star Vukojević: We Must Beat Nigeria To Advance At Russia 2018


Former Croatia midfielder Ognjen Vukojević believes a win for his country against Nigeria in their opening group D match at the 2018 World Cup in Russia will boost their chances of qualifying for the second round of the tournament.

Croatia will take on Nigeria at the Kalingrad Stadium in Kalingrad, Russia on June 16 before facing two-time champion, Argentina on 21 June and debutants Iceland five days later in their remaining two group games.

Vukojević made 55 appearance and scored four goals for Croatia until he retired after the 2014 World in Brazil.

“The first match with Nigeria, is crucial, we need to win that game and the rest will be easy. I believe in Croatia and I believe we can make success in Russia,” Vukojević told glas-slavonije.hr.

“Croatia have a great generation of mature players in the team now and probably this is the last chance for these great players playing in big clubs to make an impact at the world stage.”

Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovačić, Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren, Juventus’ Mario Mandžukić, Real Madrid’s Luka Modrić, Inter Milan’s Ivan Perišić and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitić are some of the Croatia players playing for top clubs in Europe.

“It should be step by step, but I think we have a big team to beat Nigeria with little details in our favour,” Vukojevic added.
“We now know their strengths but must exploit their weaknesses.”

Croatia are going for their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup having managed to qualify from the group twice in 1998 and 2014, while at in Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006 they failed to qualify from the group stages.



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ex-croatia-star-vukojevic-must-beat-nigeria-advance-russia-2018/

Average after coming in from the bench abi? It is not about him being average... he actually did nothing when he came on because there was nothing he could do. Even Martins came on and we could not penetrate. The team just failed to fly that day despite Simon Moses coming so close by hitting the post from a freekick... so my ish is not with you saying he was average when he came on.

My ish is with the way you were using that to back up your former stand back then, that Nacho was not ready. But Nacho shattered all that talk and sent it to the bins with his subsequent performances. You were also of the opinion that it would take Nacho time to settle because of his age... but Nacho didn't need much time... he set the ball rolling almost immediately.

Icon4s:


I don't know if it is possible for you to dig out my post about Iheanacho after that Palace game. Coincidentally I spoke with Eguavoen earlier that day.

Even Oliseh had to wait for Iheanacho to prove himself so what are we talking about? Iheanacho was average in his debut game and why would it be difficult to say say it? Can you compare Iheanacho's debut game with that of Etebo? When a player performs well I say it and when he is average or flops I say it. Or how would you rate Iheanacho in his debut game?

Omeruo: Super Eagles Must Beat Croatia In Russia 2018 Group Opener


Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo insists that beating Croatia in their Group D opener is key to Nigeria’s progress to the knockout stage of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The Super Eagles open their campaign against Croatia before facing Iceland and Argentina.

“I still believe Nigeria can make it through no matter what,” Omeruo told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“Argentina is a tough opponent while Croatia and Iceland won’t come cheap but we have a very good chance of qualifying from our group as long as we get our act right from the start.

“We just have to win our first game against Croatia and the rest will be easy. Winning our first game could determine how far we will go at the World Cup.
“I believe we can.”


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/omeruo-super-eagles-must-beat-croatia-russia-2018-group-opener/

Iwobi’s WhoScored stats so far as AM
Arsenal lead Burnley

MetalJigsaw:
Kanu: Good Result Vs Croatia Crucial To Eagles’ Progress At Russia 2018
May 6, 2018 1:13 pm


Former Nigeria captain, Nwankwo Kanu, has urged Super Eagles to get ready with fine form ahead of their first game against Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, warning that the match is as important as the final to Nigeria, Completesportsnigeria.com (CSN) reports.

The former Arsenal forward who has organised a five day basketball clinic which started on May 5 for Nigerian youths, says beating Croatia should be the Super Eagles’ priority.

According to Kanu, victory in the match will give the Super Eagles confidence to face Iceland and Argentina in their subsequent games.

“The World Cup is fast approaching and soon everyone of us will be busy watching games and that is the joy of the tournament,” the former Super Eagles captain told CSN .

“We have to be very serious with the first game which is against Croatia and that is why I will urge our strikers to make sure they play aggressively to score goals and win the match. It is the first game but it should be taken as the final of the World Cup. If you start a tournament with victory, you will have confidence to play other games.

“I believe we have the players that can make it possible but they have to believe in themselves and also go for it. We can beat any team if we really give our best.
“None of the teams in our group is unbeatable and I hope the players will prepare their minds towards that” concludes Kanu.”

Nigeria will play Croatia on June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium, do battle with Iceland on June 22 at Volgograd Arena before facing Argentina on June 26 at Krestovsky Stadium Saint Petersburg in their last group game.



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kanu-good-result-vs-croatia-crucial-to-eagles-progress-at-russia-2018/

Croatia match too important cos is a decider and it will definitely determine our WC hope.

Chiedozie Ogbene vs Ola Aina
WhoScored Stats
Brentford 1-1 Hull

TheSuperNerd:

Don't worry. Ekong will be back. One of the two CBs got a red card today. Titi is his name.

I'm talking about his recently bereaved first team place in the team... When the suspended defender returns he'd be back to the bench.

TheSuperNerd:
Average after coming in from the bench abi? It is not about him being average... he actually did nothing when he came on because there was nothing he could do. Even Martins came on and we could not penetrate. The team just failed to fly that day despite Simon Moses coming so close by hitting the post from a freekick... so my ish is not with you saying he was average when he came on.

My ish is with the way you were using that to back up your former stand back then, that Nacho was not ready. But Nacho shattered all that talk and sent it to the bins with his subsequent performances. You were also of the opinion that it would take Nacho time to settle because of his age... but Nacho didn't need much time... he set the ball rolling almost immediately.

Wait but do you realize iheanacho is not a first team player in this team?

I am even one those advocating for him to be a regular.

MetalJigsaw:
I'm talking about his recently bereaved first team place in the team... When the suspended defender returns he'd be back to the bench.

No course for alarm bro.