MetalJigsaw:
Croatia Coach, Dalic: Rohr Has Improved Super Eagles, They’ll Be Our Toughest Opponents In Russia
May 26, 2018 1:51 pm


Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, says that the appointment of German coach Gernot Rohr has been key to the recent impressive rise of the Super Eagles.

Rohr was appointed Super Eagles coach in 2016, and he guided them to their sixth World Cup qualification after finishing atop a tough qualifying group that also had Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia for 2018 World Cup.

The Eagles’ first game in Russia is against Croatia on June 16. They will also face debutant Iceland and Argentina.

In a chat with Associated Press Television News (APTN) Dalić, 51, admits the game against the Eagles will be his side’s hardest in the group.

“The first match against Nigeria will be the key to our group. We are playing against an African team. They have a German coach that has changed the style of their game and has introduced a lot of young players in the national team who are young, hungry and ambitious and that’s their advantage. This is going to be the toughest game for us,” Zlatko Dalic stated.

On their clash against group favourites Argentina, Dalic believes it will be easy compared to the game against the Super Eagles.

“For me, the match against Argentina will be the easiest match in the group. We are against the favorites to win the World Cup.
“Any team that has Messi can make a miracle. He is the best player in the world for me. It will be a great match for the two teams that play good football and have great technical skills.

“We have nothing to lose in the fight, and we are playing against one of the best teams in the world. It is a great motive for us.”


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/croatia-coach-dalic-rohr-has-improved-super-eagles-theyll-be-our-toughest-opponents-in-russia/

Mind games by the coach we all know,but no looking down of any team.

Joebie:
Forgiveness has his beliefs that the NFF is controlled by a section of the country, and that is a big factor in player selection and even coach appointments.. If I'm wrong, he can correct me.

From my experience when thier is money to chop there is no religion and no tribe. Just the colour of the money.

yes o

Mujtahida:

Seriously?

Icon4s:


And what if Simy performs creditably well in the game against England?

I know his chance is slim. But nothing is certain yet.

If he make it,now left for Rohr to decide who to drop,it's simple.

The dropped players in the prelim squad are not necessarily on standby.

asha80:
who told you that?

asha80:
i am one of those because there a statement i saw on dailymail uk that suggest so..i have googled to find any link backing it up but haven't seeing any

i didnt see any prove too, but I'm sure i saw it somewhere

Martz101:


i didnt see any prove too, but I'm sure i saw it somewhere

i for say na ..make e no be say i don dey misyarn

Humility017:

it gonna depend on tactics employed by the coach...remember against Zambia in uyo.
that guy when rightly used....is very lethal.

So which tactics will Iwobi not start and who starts in his place under such tactics?

Humility017:


I will.agree with lokosa but simmy form of late in Italy and considering the fact that rohr rates the Italian league high.... you know rohr was once a defender..... many good defenders and strikers know what obtained in serie A. rutheles and good defenders but still simmy manage score good goals in those late matches...

simmy is not a bad addition at all..
he deserve to be there.....

Good addition if he live up to billing cos his stats not really encouraging as a striker but hope to see him bringing the late form of Serbia A to eagles.

7 Fringe Players Facing Big Test For Super Eagles’ Final 23-Man World Cup Squad
May 26, 2018 11:24 am


The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play their third pre-World Cup friendly game against DR Congo in Port Harcourt next on Monday. Completesportsnigeria.com‘s JOHNNY EDWARD presents seven players who must prove themselves to stand a chance of making the final 23-man squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.


1. Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars)
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) top scorer, Junior Lokosa, will get his chance to prove his mettle when he features for the Super Eagles in Monday’s international friendly in Port Harcourt.

The striker has become one of the most talked about footballers in the NPFL and he needs to prove it against DR Congo. The 25-year-old failed to impress in training playing from the flanks. However, acquitting himself well against DR Congo will confirm his readiness to cope with the pressure if selected in the final squad, and he can still mature as a star in the Super Eagles.

Lokosa has scored 18 goals so far for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Professional Football League.


2. Simy Nwankwo (Crotone)
Despite scoring a cheeky goal so far in training for the Super Eagles, Simy Nwankwo’s wealth of experience playing in the Italian Serie A will be needed if he gets the nod to lead the Super Eagles attack against DR Congo.

The 26 year old striker scored seven goals for Crotone who were relegated to the Serie B. A sterling performance on Monday against DR Congo will definitely boost his chances of making the Super Eagles final squad to the World Cup.


3. Tyronne Ebuehi (Benfica)
Tyronne Ebuehi was a special player for ADO Den Haag until he departed for Portuguese side Benfica. Ebuehi’s exceptional overlapping skills combined with his ability to deliver quality crosses makes him one of the rising stars in Europe.

Ebuehi’s high-point was when he was nominated by VoetbalPrimeur as one of the ten best right-backs in the just concluded season in the Netherlands. The 22 year old will however face stiff competition from Ola Aina and Shehu Abdulahi.


4. Mikel Agu (Bursaspor)
Though he has been part of Bursaspor’s main team for a while until he lost his place when Paul Le Guen was relieved of his job, Mikel Agu’s ability to dictate the pace of the game and his other qualities will be put to an acid test when he features for Nigeria against DR Congo.

Agu has not been a first team regular at Bursaspor since Le Guen was sacked after less than a year, and he has been frustrated by the lack of playing time towards the end of the season. The 24-year-old can also fulfill his desire to get selected for the Nigerian squad to the World Cup, not far if he can be a nightmare to the opposition.


5. Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes)
After a terrible display against Serbia, Chidozie Awaziem must prove that he could be relied on if he gets the nod to feature for Nigeria in Monday’s international friendly against Dr Congo.

The three cap Nigeria international will battle Kenneth Omeruo, Stephen Eze and Uche Agbo for one of the two available slots in the central defence role.


6. Stephen Eze (Locomotiv Plodviv)
Stephen Eze’s intelligent interceptions and tackling earned him a place in the provisional squad. His height is one that every coach will fancy for the central defence role.
Eze has grown into a dependable defender with a fantastic understanding of the game since he joined Locomotiv Plodviv. The 24 year old has continued his impressive run in the Bulgarian League, and a good outing against DR Congo will enhance his chances of traveling with the squad for the high profile international friendly against England on June 2.


7. Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)
Dele Ajiboye has consistently dlivered in his duties for Plateau United in the Nigeria Professional Football League which earned him a place in the provisional squad list.Now, he faces a challenge of displacing any of the three goalkeepers in camp; (Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi).


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/7-fringe-players-facing-big-test-for-super-eagles-final-23-man-world-cup-squad/#comment-126157

Icon4s:


Oga, Simon is not first choice.

It is Iwobi and Moses.

What are the facts. It's not by saying Iwobi is a starter. Something that is arguable? Humility017 rightly opined that it depends on tactics. And if we look back at the WCQ it is hard to say who between them is a starter.
If it's your opinion or sentiment then I'd rest it but if it's based on facts it's very debatable.

Mujtahida:

That's why I said it's not clear cut. Iwobi is even more effective coming in a sub.

If not for his injury he would have played the three matches.

Mikel and Iwobi needs to start all games, their passes can be instrumental to unlocking sturbborn defence.

tbaba1234:


The noun 'tribalist' is a derogatory term.

Abi you did not see 'derogatory' from where you picked your definition.

I just saw your definition, and it clearly labels it as derogatory..

Oga mi, that is syntax. It is qualified and used as a derogatory word just as people that labelled forgiveness as a "tribalist" and how everyone is trying to distance themselves from being labeled a "tribalist" but sir, you mentioned you just saw my definition;
so according to the definition are we not all strong advocates of any social unit we identify with, be it Nigeria or a sub unit group within Nigeria ?

Mujtahida:

I don't think so. The facts lie more in Vicmo's side but not Iwobi.
Cos throughout the WCQ it wasn't clear cut between him and Simon who the starter was.

And Iwobi has started the last three friendlies because Moses Simon was not there.

moses simon was in our last 2 friendly and he even cameon in the second half against Serbia

tbaba1234:


Chidi Nwanu and Emenalo did not fail us.

OK let me use newbie gatecrasher cos Emenalo and Chidi are not,Emenalo had his debut in 1985 and Chidi 1988.

Mujtahida:

What are the facts. It's not by saying Iwobi is a starter. Something that is arguable? Humility017 rightly opined that it depends on tactics. And if we look back at the WCQ it is hard to say who between them is a starter.
If it's your opinion or sentiment then I'd rest it but if it's based on facts it's very debatable.

The only game Simon started ahead of Iwobi was against Zambia in Uyo and which was because Rohr was hesitant to change the winning team against Cameroon.

Iwobi only missed the Cameroon double header because of Injury.

Iwobi came in against Zambia in Uyo and his immediate impact reconfirmed his status as first choice from that wing position.

Has Simon started any other game after that Zambia game in Uyo?

safarigirl:
in defense of the likes of Uchebo and Nwofor, it wasn't like the established players gave a good account of themselves either. After all, Emenike was in that team and he was useless.

If Rohr thinks he needs another striker, he can get the Simy fellow. I still think his role is dependent on what he does against England, I an really not concerned about him though.

Emenike had two assists in the WC as a no.9. One was the cross that qualified us for round 16 against Bosnia and the other was an assist to Musa's goal against Argentina.

hmmm

look are this.. now ask yourself again, are we all tribalist?

ykalhaji:


Oga mi, that is syntax. It is qualified and used as a derogatory word just as people that labelled forgiveness as a "tribalist" and how everyone is trying to distance themselves from being labeled a "tribalist" but sir, you mentioned you just saw my definition;
so according to the definition are we not all strong advocates of any social unit we identify with, be it Nigeria or a sub unit group within Nigeria ?

MetalJigsaw:
7 Fringe Players Facing Big Test For Super Eagles’ Final 23-Man World Cup Squad
May 26, 2018 11:24 am


The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play their third pre-World Cup friendly game against DR Congo in Port Harcourt next on Monday. Completesportsnigeria.com‘s JOHNNY EDWARD presents seven players who must prove themselves to stand a chance of making the final 23-man squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.


1. Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars)
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) top scorer, Junior Lokosa, will get his chance to prove his mettle when he features for the Super Eagles in Monday’s international friendly in Port Harcourt.

The striker has become one of the most talked about footballers in the NPFL and he needs to prove it against DR Congo. The 25-year-old failed to impress in training playing from the flanks. However, acquitting himself well against DR Congo will confirm his readiness to cope with the pressure if selected in the final squad, and he can still mature as a star in the Super Eagles.

Lokosa has scored 18 goals so far for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Professional Football League.


2. Simy Nwankwo (Crotone)
Despite scoring a cheeky goal so far in training for the Super Eagles, Simy Nwankwo’s wealth of experience playing in the Italian Serie A will be needed if he gets the nod to lead the Super Eagles attack against DR Congo.

The 26 year old striker scored seven goals for Crotone who were relegated to the Serie B. A sterling performance on Monday against DR Congo will definitely boost his chances of making the Super Eagles final squad to the World Cup.


3. Tyronne Ebuehi (Benfica)
Tyronne Ebuehi was a special player for ADO Den Haag until he departed for Portuguese side Benfica. Ebuehi’s exceptional overlapping skills combined with his ability to deliver quality crosses makes him one of the rising stars in Europe.

Ebuehi’s high-point was when he was nominated by VoetbalPrimeur as one of the ten best right-backs in the just concluded season in the Netherlands. The 22 year old will however face stiff competition from Ola Aina and Shehu Abdulahi.


4. Mikel Agu (Bursaspor)
Though he has been part of Bursaspor’s main team for a while until he lost his place when Paul Le Guen was relieved of his job, Mikel Agu’s ability to dictate the pace of the game and his other qualities will be put to an acid test when he features for Nigeria against DR Congo.

Agu has not been a first team regular at Bursaspor since Le Guen was sacked after less than a year, and he has been frustrated by the lack of playing time towards the end of the season. The 24-year-old can also fulfill his desire to get selected for the Nigerian squad to the World Cup, not far if he can be a nightmare to the opposition.


5. Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes)
After a terrible display against Serbia, Chidozie Awaziem must prove that he could be relied on if he gets the nod to feature for Nigeria in Monday’s international friendly against Dr Congo.

The three cap Nigeria international will battle Kenneth Omeruo, Stephen Eze and Uche Agbo for one of the two available slots in the central defence role.


6. Stephen Eze (Locomotiv Plodviv)
Stephen Eze’s intelligent interceptions and tackling earned him a place in the provisional squad. His height is one that every coach will fancy for the central defence role.
Eze has grown into a dependable defender with a fantastic understanding of the game since he joined Locomotiv Plodviv. The 24 year old has continued his impressive run in the Bulgarian League, and a good outing against DR Congo will enhance his chances of traveling with the squad for the high profile international friendly against England on June 2.


7. Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)
Dele Ajiboye has consistently dlivered in his duties for Plateau United in the Nigeria Professional Football League which earned him a place in the provisional squad list.Now, he faces a challenge of displacing any of the three goalkeepers in camp; (Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi).


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/7-fringe-players-facing-big-test-for-super-eagles-final-23-man-world-cup-squad/#comment-126157

I fear for Ebuehi. He may fail a late fitness test. Aina may eventually take his place.

Kog45:
Osaze was an established player in eagles and we all know what he can do.

Mike Emenalo and Chidi Nwanu also gatecrashed 94 team but they have good experience with eagles

But can we say the same thing about Batholomew Ogbeche,Sam Sodje,Uche Nwofor,Michael Uchebo,Shola Ameobi

Efe Sodje, not Sam Sodje

andrew444:


Who told you west brom did not watch him play?

Even if west brom did not watch him play didnt they saw his stats? Google is there for us all.

This is a guy who played 74 league games for dynamo kiev and scored 34 goals,i am sure west brom saw that stats,how can they make a player their record signing without knowing anything about him? When you are good you are good.

I'm not saying ideye is not good but i want you to understand that good agents or player management with good network get you deals very fast and easy.

ykalhaji:


Oga mi, that is syntax. It is qualified and used as a derogatory word just as people that labelled forgiveness as a "tribalist" and how everyone is trying to distance themselves from being labeled a "tribalist" but sir, you mentioned you just saw my definition;
so according to the definition are we not all strong advocates of any social unit we identify with, be it
Nigeria or a sub unit group within Nigeria ?

It common usage is derogatory. It is not generic usage.

I have given you the Meriam Webster definition and it is used especially for those who put their tribes above others.

That my friend makes your statement false. Not everyone places their tribe above others.

Martz101:


oga alot of players are way better than him, his agent is doing a mad job.

Wesbrom reported bought him without seeing him play.

watch him get another big club after not impressing in Teda and malaga.

Agent and management do the dirty business in football, players ability do help too

Very apt description.

In my opinion which may be controversial to some I belive the first thing is OPPORTUNITY then ability. Management in connivance with agents can deny a player opportunity in favour of the play the player they want.

If you have all the ability but are denied opportunity you will amount to NOTHING.

That's why who is given opportunity and why is the most pertinent question ❓ ❓ for me. Particularly when I look behind the scenes.

asha80:
siasia could string good passes..can anyone of the present ones apart from mikel in the midfield do that?

iwobi can do that effortlessly

EEGA:
If not for his injury he would have played the three matches.

Mikel and Iwobi needs to start all games, their passes can be instrumental to unlocking sturbborn defence.

You can't say. Cos Iwobi clearly had the upper hand at the beginning of the WCQ but he suffered a dip in form and then the injury.

You used the word 'if'. So I can also argue that 'if' Simon had not been injured in the last three games he would have started.

What if Rohr decides to play the joker with Iwobi in some matches?

You can say that in your judgement Iwobi is a starter but to say it as a matter of fact me no agree. As per facts it's debatable. If it is your judgement then fine.

Ultimately you or me may be proven wrong but as it stands now none of us can confidently say Iwobi will start over Simon. Simon now sef is battling with injury and fitness.

It's like saying that between Ighalo and Iheanacho you know who the starter is. You can judge and say it's Ighalo but the WCQ and the friendlies make it difficult to determine it now beforehand.

ykalhaji:


Dictionary definition of tribalist

"an advocate or practitioner of strong loyalty to one's own tribe or social group"

So how many of us on a website "Nairaland" supporting strongly the team that is representing "us" at an international organization are not strong advocates of our social group ? Oh in this case your social group is Nigeria.

So if someone decides to go deeper and support a sub unit within the construct of Nigeria, you and the host of others who feel strongly about your Nigerian social group, shame such person to conformity in order not to destroy your own concept of the social group that Nigeria represents.
Being a tribalist is the core of being a human being. We must exist in a social context and unit for survival and sense of being.

Like I said earlier, being a tribalist, stupid and then domineering is the problem, not just being a tribalist.

bros drop this your tribalistic talk, is getting boring

Mujtahida:

You can't say. Cos Iwobi clearly had the upper hand at the beginning of the WCQ but he suffered a dip in form and then the injury.

You used the word 'if'. So I can also argue that 'if' Simon had not been injured in the last three games he would have started.

What if Rohr decides to play the joker with Iwobi in some matches?

You can say that in your judgement Iwobi is a starter but to say it as a matter of fact me no agree. As per facts it's debatable. If it is your judgement then fine.

Ultimately you or me may be proven wrong but as it stands now none of us can confidently say Iwobi will start over Simon. Simon now sef is battling with injury and fitness.

It's like saying that between Ighalo and Iheanacho you know who the starter is. You can judge and say it's Ighalo but the WCQ and the friendlies make it difficult to determine it now beforehand.

Oga, Iwobi and V. Moses are the first choice wingers.

Kome.. i know ur own arguments has been solely on corruption.

But it differs from forgiveness ' stance.. although he also mentions corruption.

author=komekn post=67901728

EEGA:
Emenike had two assists in the WC as a no.9. One was the cross that qualified us for round 16 against Bosnia and the other was an assist to Musa's goal against Argentina.

...and no goals

The key purpose of a no.9 is goals.

Doesn't matter anyway, it was a shiiit team and the 'back-ups' were understandably worse

We've not seen Simy plays in GWG, yet some are already wanting Simon dropped from the final List simply to accommodate Simy?! The same was expected of certain Player, I've forgotten his Name sef, he was rated so high for him to disappoint Everyone.

Simply to accommodate Simy and Joel in the final List, someone is already questioning what Simon brings to the Team...... like seriously?! Though Forgiveness wails a lot, but what's the difference between him and those making the Proposition I listed above?!

Simon ain't just a Team Member, he's an integral, core, member of the Team. Bar Injury, he's certain to be on the Plane to Russia. Aina ain't an integral part of the Team, same as Ebuehi and Idowu, thus if Echiejile must be given Yobo's Treatment, then either of the Trio should make way for him.

On merit Echiejile ain't supposed to be on the final List. He's diminishing at fast Pace, he ain't a modern LB who can transform to a LWB if the Formation changes or Tactics get twisted during a Match. He's not versatile like the other FBs - Shehu can play RB and DM, Ebuehi can play RB, RWB, LB, LWB same as Aina and Idowu, so what's the Essence of going to the Mundial with Echiejile?!

We keep hammering if Simy impresses in Training or in a friendly Match, then he must be selected in the Final List, what about Ajiboye that 80% Members of this Thread already blacklisted from making the Final List?! Why no one is saying if Ajiboye impresses then, he must be selected?! What of Lokosa, what of if he proves himself beyond doubt that he's super-ready to gate-crash? Perhaps Ighalo or Iwobi should be dropped?!

Let's be fair with Team and Players Analyses, also I seize this Moment to advise at the same Time caution Forgiveness?! Sir..... truth be said, you do over-flog Matters - Haba! Argue less and stop thinking you can convince anyone to believe whatever you believe in.

Argument ain't a do or die Affair, and you should know sometimes you win, while sometimes you learn. Also try to adjust and following the trend of the Thread. Concentrate your Energy on analyzing Players in Camp and the possible Players to make the List. Rohr is kinda a fair Coach who has proven himself with Players' Invitations and Selections for the Games.

Enough of labelling the NFF as a corrupt Organization also, coz I can tell you this present NFF Crews are the best we've ever got in this Country. They really meant well for the National Teams and on Course to bring back the glorious Days. Support the Team, the NFF Board and together we can soar higher in Russia.

Shalom, Salaam, Peace.

Humility017:

this is my fear bro...reason why I wanted nwakali to be in the team.
I watched the young man passes it was so apt....and fitted.
well...let's hope iwobi be preserved for such duties...

Bros why are beating a dead horse, nwakali is not in the team lets make do with what we have now.

Mujtahida:

That's why I said it's not clear cut. Iwobi is even more effective coming in a sub.

because he came on and scored against zambia?