Icon4s:


Are Agbo and Agu any better?

Atleast Agu is a solid marker. What exactly is Joel very good at? If you notice, Nigeria hardly played well in all games he featured unlike the ones he didn't play.

TheSuperNerd:
It is not just about stats. It is about game plays... it is about what we saw on TV or live at the stadium. This was an England team running rings all around us in the first half. We made a tactical switch at half time and began bossing possession and we bossed possession till the end of the game. We sprayed more passes and had more forays forward than the English. We were simply better. The English, even having the home advantage, only adjusted and matched our dominance by applying an approach to limit our dominance from translating into further goals after our first, and eventually, only goal went in. They simply applied a subtle form of damage limitation.
They were not having the upper hand; we were.

All they were doing was doing their damn best to restrict us. They even started waiting to catch us on the counter. They played deep and packed the bus at some points in that second half. We dominated possession... we created more chances than them. We made more forays forward than them. We saw Mikel and Iwobi school these guys in midfield plays for most of the second half... Etebo completed most of his passes. The team was so organised and in control all half in that midfield. That is the game most of us here watched. They brought on Loftus cheek later on because they couldn't take it anymore. He did try to wrestle away control but we still had it in our grasps. The international media (most of them) affirms to this.. and you want me to sell the notion that we did not own the second half. Not happening. Like I said, it is surprising we are discussing this because by both stats and what we saw, Nigeria was clearly the side in control in that half. We were on the ascendancy, England was playing catch up and evasive restrictions. Simple.

In conclusion shaa... different angles of looking at a game exist. But I am certain I speak based on most major angles (if not all) looked at in that second half alone.

All correct there !

Eligreat247:
Concerning the England Friendly, I think the main aim of playing friendly matches was achieved.
The aim is to see how prepared you are, but it has been crystal clear that we still have so much work to do.
In spite of the defeat what gladdens my heart is the midfield combo of Joel-Onazi; how the duo have been exposed. It is evident that we cannot depend on the duo and this will inform Rohr's decision going forward. See how much playing time Rohr has given Joel since rejoining the team hoping he can get it right.
Another puzzle that this match solved is IWOBI's Midfield role which many people have advocated for on this thread. In as much as he does well as a winger, I think he will do even better in the midfield.... His creativity is top notch. Apart from Mikel, I think Iwobi is next in terms of creativity (I stand to be corrected)

Bottom line:
Joel - Onazi combination is bullshit
Iwobi more essential in midfield

Even Ndidi-Onazi combo doesn't click.

EEGA:
Even Ndidi-Onazi combo doesn't click.

Its the best the team has so far. Any better pairing?

Germany Drop Sane, Name Ozil, Rudiger, Neuer, Kroos In World Cup Squad
June 4, 2018 11:53 am

World Cup champions Germany have released their 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia with Manchester City winger, Leroy Sane, the biggest omission.

Sane, 22, played a key role for Manchester City who won the English Premier League title and Carabao Cup.
He scored 14 goals and made 17 goals in al competitions for the Citizens.
He will, however, play no part for his country in Russia this summer after being cut from coach Joachim Low’s 27-man preliminary party.

Sane has failed to translate his club form to the national team, scoring no goal and getting only one assist in 12 appearances.
The three other players dropped are; Bernd Leno, Nils Petersen and Jonathan.
Sane Manchester City teammate, Ilkay Gundogan was however included in the team as well as regulars like Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira and Jerome Boateng

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gets the nod despite his recent injury struggles, while Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus will get the chance to put his previous fitness issues behind him – with the 29-year-old having missed out on a successful World Cup campaign in 2014.
Germany are set to open their 2018 campaign against Mexico on June 17, before going on to face Sweden and South Korea in their other Group F fixtures.

THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (PSG)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jonas Hector (Koln), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin)

Midfielders: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (PSG), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

Forwards: Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)



https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/germany-drop-sane-name-ozil-rudiger-neuer-kroos-in-world-cup-squad/

asha80:
you wrote 10 caps for England instead of Germany

Auto correct

princfred:
Its the best the team has so far. Any better pairing?

Ndidi-Ogu is the best because we have never lost a match with the combo.

I'll like to see Ndidi-Etebo combo against Czech.

princfred:
Its the best the team has so far. Any better pairing?

We have seen Ndidi & Ogu pairing. It was far better than Onazi & Ndidi pairing.

What way was Aina treated exactly? So because he agreed to switch allegiance to Nigeria means that we should automatically hand him a world cup slot without him earning it? Ol' boy, are you on druggzz gosh, some of you guys are supa annoying. I mean, seriously annoying.
Even Aina himself knew that he didn't do enough to earn a slot this time around and he would come back after the world cup to earn his spot. Aina wouldn't have made the England squad either so he didn't really lose anything, especially considering that he would have a much better chance of making the Super Eagles in the future than making the 3 Lions.

And by the way, anyone who looks 'at the way we treated Aina' should also look at the way we've treated Tyroone Ebuehi, Bryan Idowu, Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun, Alex Iwobi, etc.


O pari

komekn:


How many minutes and how many games did Aina play for the SE.

Aina primarily is a RB to have a level playing field he should be tried in his preferred position. However, that not withstanding did he get a fair chance

How many minutes of SE playing time did he actually get.

Finally, how on earth can we be taking a player who has started to decline so badly that he failed in lowly Turkey went to Belguim and started playing 2nd division in Belgium and not even first choice. Finally this player has lost pace he is now a liability. That player was taken ahead of Aina.

THAT'S A TRAVESTY.

I really don't see how we can justify taking Onazi even Joel Obi has been disappointing.

The way Aina has been treated will be great boost for other players considering playing for Nigeria.

Benteke Dropped, Kompany, Januzaj Included As Belgium Name World Cup Squad
June 4, 2018 10:54 am

Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke has been dropped from Belgium’s 23-man squad released on Monday ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Benteke’s omission was reportedly due to injury. Romelu Lukaku’s younger brother Jordan was also excluded, along with Watford’s Christian Kabasele.

However, Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany was included in the squad despite going off with a suspected injury in Belgium’s friendly against Portugal a few days back.

Former Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj, who missed out on a place at Euro 2016 after a difficult season, is back in the squad and will play in his second World Cup.

Meanwhile, notable names like Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Dries Merten, Moussa Dembele and Maroune Fellaini made the final squad.
Belgium are in Group G at this summer’s World Cup and will face England, Tunisia and debutant Panama.

Belgium’s 23-man World Cup squad:
Toby Alderweireld
Michy Batshuayi
Dedryck Boyata
Yannick Carrasco
Koen Casteels
Nacer Chadli
Thibaut Courtois
Leander Dendoncker
Kevin De Bruyne
Mousa Dembele
Marouane Fellaini
Eden Hazard
Thorgan Hazard
Adnan Januzaj
Vincent Kompany
Romelu Lukaku
Dries Mertens
Thomas Meunier
Simon Mignolet
Youri Tielemans
Thomas Vermaelen
Jan Vertonghen
Axel Witsel


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/benteke-dropped-kompany-januzaj-included-as-belgium-name-world-cup-squad/

Sainty92:
Germany leaves out Leroy Sane from final 23man squad..... Na wa oo. U sure say Joachim Low no smoke weed?

This is a head scratching one. Only Loew can explain this, although In some cases there might even be a bit of politics involved in selection of players. For instance, former French manager, Raymond Domenech famously used horoscope/zodiac sign to choose players.

Watching the the Premiership and gushing at how brilliant Sane has been (and he was) but if Low doesn’t feel that he can blend with what he wants he will pick the final players that he feels will deliver for him (he will point to his trophies as justification for his selection).

Although managers are not always right, case in study Klopp, preferred signing Julian Brandt while the Liverpool committee wanted Salah. We know how it turned out in the end.

Ogu “Grateful” For Making Super Eagles World Cup Squad, Vows To Work Hard
June 4, 2018 11:45 am

Nigeria midfielder John Ogu is delighted to be named in the country’s final 23-man squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports Completesportsnigeria. com
Ogu was among the players surprisingly dropped by former Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, from the squad that made it to the second round at the last World Cup in Brazil.

Barring injury or any unforseen circumstances, he will get the chance to make his first appearance at the mundial in Russia after he made the list released by Gernot Rohr on Sunday.

The Hapoel Be’er Sheva star also promised to give his all in Russia.
“Grateful to God to be in the 23 man list to represent my country in d World Cup. I want to use this medium to thank the @thenff and the Managers for their trust in me. And to all my brothers wishing me well out there. God bless you all. I promise you I will Fight for this Badge,” Ogu wrote on his Twitter handle.

The midfielder who impressed after coming in as a substitute at the start of the second half in Saturday’s 2-1 friendly defeat to England will look to further stake a claim for a starting berth in the team when they take on Czech Republic in another test game on Wednesday.


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ogu-grateful-for-making-super-eagles-world-cup-squad-vows-to-work-hard/#comment-130733

Nerdie, you actually believe Onazi is 25yrs

lol let's say it as it is.
And if the keeper was not made to at least pull a nice save. How many times did we just miss the post by whiskers or at least hit the side netting? There are different goal threatening situations. How many did we have besides the goal we scored? Let's focus on the 2nd half. We've already admitted we were woeful in the first.

elyte89:


Asyde mikel's straight shot and moses own during d 1st half period

D guy was on holiday throughout... Ever since I av been watching football,I av never witnessed a scenario whereby during d 1st 20mins,I wouldn't c d opponent KEEPERS JERSEY,it was DT bad in first half


This can only happen in PlayStation ,but he happen for Wembley yday.

Eligreat247:
Guys I have been thinking about this: the "NAIJA'' written on our kit.....
For it to be used on a global stage, does it means NAIJA (instead of NIGERIA) is formally acceptable or what?? I just need some clarifications.

Nike is marketing to Nigerians in the diaspora. I am sure there research showed most Nigerian youths in diaspora associate NGR more with Naija than Nigeria. I myself am more inclined to buy the Naija shirt than a Nigeria shirt.

OMANBALA1:
Nerdie, you actually believe Onazi is 25yrs

Onazi is nothing less Dan 34/35years so certain


U c,I don't knw y we like to sugarcoat d truth on dis thread,when we c glaring truth


When I worked at airport in 2015,precisely MM1, in Ikeja,I do c onazi younger brother whenever he wants to travel and we do rapport very well...looking at his brother face alone,u will knw dis guy can't b less Dan 28years,back den in 2015..onazi don old o

Even DT Joel can't b less Dan 35years

Icon4s:


The national team coaches assign a player position based on areas they think they need the player.

Well, it is not fair to assign a player a position you know danm well his abilities are limited and expect him to blow. Has Idowu impressed you ,yet ?

elyte89:




Onazi is nothing less Dan 34/35years so certain


U c,I don't knw y we like to sugarcoat d truth on dis thread,when we c glaring truth


When I worked at airport in 2015,precisely MM1, in Ikeja,I do c onazi younger brother whenever he wants to travel and we do rapport very well...looking at his brother face alone,u will knw dis guy can't b less Dan 28years,back den in 2015..onazi don old o

Even DT Joel can't b less Dan 35years

Of course, we all know that except that some people are taking this patriotism thing too far.

EEGA:
Even Ndidi-Onazi combo doesn't click.

Onazi no even get combo sef.

princfred:
Its the best the team has so far. Any better pairing?

The best ke? when we still have Ogu and Etebo.

mazimee:
Okay, Sane's omission made me go around Facebook and I came to understand/see reasons why Coach's decisions should be respected.

Sane has played 10 or more matches for Germany with no goal to show for it even when a lot of chance was
created for it.

He plays selfishly like he is a Messi some of the time, makes unnessary dribbles and lose the ball. The German philosphy is team work.

Joachim has players more experienced than him who contribute more in the German team than he does. Club form is different from National team form.

in conclusions, he doesn't fit in to Joachim's team at the moment, maybe a Pep Guardiola's team.
These coaches know what they want most of the time, respect their decisions and only fault it when it is ineficient.

You now see that sometimes its not always the fault of players playing in the lower tier leagues. Sometimes it is just down to coach's preference. Imagine Onyekuru's coach not fancying him in his team. And then if things go south, people gonna start saying he cant cut it and thats why he is in Division 2.

Unless you are the coach, dont judge the player by what league he plays in. Its sometimes down to PREFERENCE !

O pari.....

MetalJigsaw:
Onazi no even get combo sef.

That is because he has lost form ,SIGNIFICANTLY! I was one of those that saw the guy's diminishing form very early but according to Sir. Icons4 experience is everything even if the player can barely complete a simple pass. Breeze don blow fowl yansh don open.

Onazi has been trash for a very long time but that leadership position he has kept him in the team. It will even be suicidal to give him another chance because his confidence is currently in the gutter

mazimee:


We have seen Ndidi & Ogu pairing. It was far better than Onazi & Ndidi pairing.

I will have to agree to that. Its still important Onazi makes the so he can be a quality substitute.

OMANBALA1:


That is because he has lost form ,SIGNIFICANTLY! I was one of those that saw the guy's diminishing form very early but according to Sir. Icons4 experience is everything even if the player can barely complete a simple pass. Breeze don blow fowl yansh don open.

Onazi has been trash for a very long time but that leadership position he has kept him in the team. It will even be suicidal to give him another chance because his confidence is currently in the gutter

It was the same Onazi who gave super eagles bearing in midfield during the last WC. His will bounce back. He has demonstrated ability to assert and impose himself in the midfield before. He has that experience.

OMANBALA1:


Well, it is not fair to assign a player a position you know danm well his abilities are limited and expect him to blow. Has Idowu impressed you ,yet ?

we for drop Joel to accommodate Aina, because that one is only good at bumping into his team mates like a blind bat.

mazimee:



Auto correct

Haba!! Bros eh! Autocorrect from Germany to England..... We go school na! It wont hurt to admit ur own mistake. No be everything phone dey correct na?

Autocorrect sha? The rate at which people blame typos on autocorrect ehn, One of these days people's phones will start to rat them out.

komekn:


I have spoken about this too many times U17 football can not be used to determine quality present or future. It is only indicative not conclusive there is a huge amount of growing up to do.

That's why even in England a big % of U17 players end up playing non league.

In this regard pushing players into the SE set up on the basis of past glories who have made no headway in thier respective clubs is simply disastrous.

I implied no pushing of any player into the SE

MetalJigsaw:
The best ke? when we still have Ogu and Etebo.

Onazi should bring experience like schwienstieger did for Germany in the last WC while the rest bring young athletism. Enyeama and Emenike should be there too. For depth. World cup is not won by young players alone. Check history.

safarigirl:
we for drop Joel to accommodate Aina, because that one is only good at bumping into his team mates like a blind bat.

Joel is out of form as he is just coming back from an injury set back. I told you guys no sane coach will drop Joel Obi. He plays in a top league and has been doing it for many years. Give him time, he will come around.

mazimee:


We have seen Ndidi & Ogu pairing. It was far better than Onazi & Ndidi pairing.

Yeah but the experience an in form Onazi can bring, can provide a better balance.

princfred:
It was the same Onazi who gave super eagles bearing in midfield during the last WC. His will bounce back. He has demonstrated ability to assert and impose himself in the midfield before. He has that experience.

Listen very well mister, Onazi's form is in the downward trend not stagnant or fluctuate, he has consistently failed. Forget few flashes of brilliance you see like the cross against Cameroon that led to the goal Kelechi scored. His time is up but Rohr was never gonna drop him due to his status in the team

kennysville:


Haba!! Bros eh! Autocorrect fromwf Germany to England..... We go school na! It wont hurt to admit ur own mistake. No be everything phone dey correct na?

Autocorrect sha? The rate at which people blame typos on autocorrect ehn, One of these days people's phones will start to rat them out.

Your blood dey hot, go back and read the comment that made him quote me the first time. Don't be too quick to dive into a discussion. Most of the, it makes people look out of place.