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"The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup - Sports (4716) - Nairaland

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Cameroon's Douala Stadium Artificial Grassfield For AFCON 2019 Stolen / Super Eagles Arrive In Uyo, Train Ahead Of Their AFCON 2019 Qualifier (Pictures) / AFCON 2019: Nigeria To Battle South Africa For A Place (Full Draws) (2) (3) (4)

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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 10:53am On Sep 13, 2018
Gareth Southgate suggests Nigeria interest in Everton's Ademola Lookman


Everton attacker Ademola Lookman has played regularly at England youth levels.

Gareth Southgate manager of England smiles as he inspects the pitch on the eve of the World Cup qualifying match against Malta at Ta'Qali National Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Valletta,...


Gareth Southgate has confirmed to the Daily Mirror that there is interest from Nigeria in Everton forward Ademola Lookman.


Lookman has been a player England have kept tabs on for a long-time, as he has been part of their younger age groups.

However, there are now some doubts over whether the Everton man is going to commit his future to the Three Lions.

Southgate claims that Nigeria are also keen on Lookman, and England are having to try very hard to keep the Everton man from representing another nation.

7 Best Footballers From Countries of Fewer Than 1 Million People
“I know every country is quite aggressive in their recruiting and I know they have always had an interest in him, but he is playing and has been in our squads, the 20s, 21s,” Southgate said.

“So in terms of encouragement through game time, we are doing as much as we possibly can.”

Lookman is yet to break into Everton’s team fully, although there are high hopes for him at Goodison Park.


(EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Ademola Lookman of Everton on the ball during the pre-season friendly match between ATV Irdning and Everton on July 14, 2018 in Liezen, Austria.

The youngster actually appeared to push for a move this summer with Red Bull Leipzig interested, but Marco Silva held off the German side’s interest to keep the prospect around.

The £11m signing (BBC Sport) is yet to start a Premier League match for Everton this term, but is expected to get game-time as the campaign progresses.

The Toffees are next in action when they take on West Ham United at the weekend.


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/954134135?-21310:11479
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 10:53am On Sep 13, 2018
busky007:
so modric na fresh blod



lol

Hahaha, see this man. But u said 4 players from the WC played. Was Mudric not in the world Cup? I am referring to the New inclusions in the team.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by gamaliel9: 11:01am On Sep 13, 2018
BascoVanVeli:


I remember the guys on soccer Africa going crazy about this idea. It is basically to favour southern African sides who would have no chance before and here is the kicker? They will try to implement this for the senior world cup.

The bolded is included in the deal that made them to support Ahmad Ahmad...but more shockers will come...we could see another candidate coming to challenge Ahmad Ahmad in the next election...because that qualification INJUSTICE cannot last
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by maidaboi(m): 11:23am On Sep 13, 2018
ChrisKels:
For those of u who were not there, go through the comment section of the link below to read the pains the golden Eaglets caused Ghanaians in 2013. We were there to defend our boys; Success, Iheanacho, Yahaya et al.

Much respect to collynzo, Noni et al

https://tv.ghanasoccernet.com/live-nigeria-u17-6-1-ghana-u17


Icon4s give us the kickoff.com version grin grin


Saturday go sweet oo grin grin
404 no found
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 11:27am On Sep 13, 2018
Icon4s:


Going Crazy because they are afraid of the West African dominance. Rather than developing their football from the Grassroots they are banking on quota system.

I thought they were calling West Africans age cheats before the introduction of the MRI. But instead we have gotten better with it.

Introducing it to the senior WC so that South Africa will be battling with likes of Malawi, Zambia, Swaziland and co while Nigeria, Ghana and CIV will produce 1 slot. That cannot never work.

Idah Peterside is on the show na, they were mostly against it. My guy from CIV said nobody wants to see Lesotho at the World Cup.

I wonder why FIFA would even allow such. This doesn't help the competition at all.

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by ChrisKels: 11:31am On Sep 13, 2018
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Danielnino00(m): 11:39am On Sep 13, 2018
gamaliel9:


The bolded is included in the deal that made them to support Ahmad Ahmad...but more shockers will come...we could see another candidate coming to challenge Ahmad Ahmad in the next election...because that qualification INJUSTICE cannot last




They dare not try it..

As far as football is concerned, southern Africa contributes little to Africa.. that's quite ironic when u consider the fact that they are the most developed region on d continent after the north
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 11:40am On Sep 13, 2018
BascoVanVeli:


Idah Peterside is on the show na, they were mostly against it. My guy from CIV said nobody wants to see Lesotho at the World Cup.

I wonder why FIFA would even allow such. This doesn't help the competition at all.

OK.
Jeff Katala is from DRC not CIV. I know some one like T.K will be in support of this nonsense.

East and South Africans looking for cheap ways to the CAF U17. They will still not make the WC, because the 3 WAFU teams that will scale through the two zones of death will finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the 4th slot will go to the North African representative.

By God's Grace we will win our zone. This tournament has really toughened our boys. Good preparation for them to go whip those East and Southern African boys.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by safarigirl(f): 11:44am On Sep 13, 2018
forgiveness:

This is for those who told us no EPL team came for him but from the bolded even Lyon came for him.

People attach too much sentiment to their reasoning without thinking objectively.


Solanke Gets Regular Playing Time Assurance From Klopp


By Editor - September 12, 2018

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has assured The Reds’ Nigerian-born attacker, Dominic Solanke that he can expect to get regular playing time in the coming fixtures.


Klopp said in the wake of Solanke’s heroics with England in Tuesday’s friendly win against Switzerland that the attacker will be busy in the coming weeks.

Liverpool’s schedule is set to kick into action after the international break, which Klopp says comes with more chances available to fringe players like Solanke.

Huddersfield Town, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Rangers and Lyon all had loan enquiries for the striker turned down during the summer, as Klopp rates the ex-Chelsea lad highly.

With a bruising set of fixtures incoming for The Reds, Klopp has now hinted that Solanke will be offered a chance to establish himself.


https://footballlive.ng/solanke-gets-regular-playing-time-assurance-from-klopp/
LOL.....*im Davido's voice* Give me ASSURANCE, Assurance......

Story for the gods grin

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 11:49am On Sep 13, 2018
ChrisKels:


Try this

https://tv.ghanasoccernet.com/live-nigeria-u17-3-0-ghana-u17

O boy see comments.

See those Ghanaians hailing our number 9, Isaac Success. Predicting he is like Eto'o, to paint Africa red with goals. Isaac Success ngwa nu. Somebody even said he is 25yrs old. OMG! Lol.

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 11:53am On Sep 13, 2018
Icon4s:


OK.
Jeff Katala is from DRC not CIV. I know some one like T.K will be in support of this nonsense.

East and South Africans looking for cheap ways to the CAF U17. They will still not make the WC, because the 3 WAFU teams that will scale through the two zones of death will finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the 4th slot will go to the North African representative.

By God's Grace we will win our zone. This tournament has really toughened our boys. Good preparation for them to go whip those East and Southern African boys.

Not Jeff I forget his name but he has also been on the show long, very funny also.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by ChrisKels: 12:16pm On Sep 13, 2018
Icon4s:


O boy see comments.

See those Ghanaians hailing our number 9, Isaac Success. Predicting he is like Eto'o, to paint Africa red with goals. Isaac Success ngwa nu. Somebody even said he is 25yrs old. OMG! Lol.

Lol I miss those days. Remember the long ASUU strike then that made guys bored at home, na kickoff.com and ghanasoccernet.com I take dey chilax to kill boredom then. We took the war to their domot, we fought tire and that our Victory really dealt them a great blow. They started hitting us below the belt to stay relevant.

I made too many friends then sha, my fellow war Lords(collynzo, Noni et al) and some bredas too.

Modified; Success was such a beast then, in him I was watching my lovely young Eto all over again. If person tell me Dat time, say Success no go surpass Eto, I fit burst the person head. But there was this certain Yaw Yeboa of the Black Starlets I really enjoyed his game then, I no believe say that boy nogo make am big by now.

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by ChrisKels: 12:27pm On Sep 13, 2018
Icon4s:


OK.
Jeff Katala is from DRC not CIV. I know some one like T.K will be in support of this nonsense.

East and South Africans looking for cheap ways to the CAF U17. They will still not make the WC, because the 3 WAFU teams that will scale through the two zones of death will finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the 4th slot will go to the North African representative.

By God's Grace we will win our zone. This tournament has really toughened our boys. Good preparation for them to go whip those East and Southern African boys.

I dislike that TK guy, dude hates anything West African. He is homophobic. He likes discrediting anything Nigerian. Dia was this silly comment he dropped off a tweet from a Nigerian the year South Africa denied us afcon participation, that really peppered me. D tweet was like some of the big guys(Mikel, Moses et al) wont be going to the afcon, TK, in spite of Nigeria, took it up, mocking Nigeria, saying the only big boys he knew were the ones that made it to afcon(the Ranties, Serero, Furman woteva dia names are), that any other person na Wannabe. Dat comment follow for wetin make me i no wan see Omeruo for Eagles again(till he won me over again with his world cup displays) because if he had stayed on his feet, Rantie wouldnt have scored that goal. E pain me, I nogo lie. I vex change Chanel sef grin grin

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 12:31pm On Sep 13, 2018
BascoVanVeli:


Not Jeff I forget his name but he has also been on the show long, very funny also.

The only Ivorian I know was Mamadou Gay.

Maybe he was invited to the showbthat day. He is a very funny dude.

The current three wise men as they are popularly called are: T.K, Jeff and Peter-side.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by COOL10(m): 12:45pm On Sep 13, 2018
ChrisKels:


I dislike that TK guy, dude hates anything West African. He is homophobic. He likes discrediting anything Nigerian. Dia was this silly comment he dropped off a tweet from a Nigerian the year South Africa denied us afcon participation, that really peppered me. D tweet was like some of the big guys(Mikel, Moses et al) wont be going to the afcon, TK, in spite of Nigeria, took it up, mocking Nigeria, saying the only big boys he knew were the ones that made it to afcon(the Ranties, Serero, Furman woteva dia names are), that any other person na Wannabe. Dat comment follow for wetin make me i no wan see Omeruo for Eagles again(till he won me over again with his world cup displays) because if he had stayed on his feet, Rantie wouldnt have scored that goal. E pain me, I nogo lie. I vex change Chanel sef grin grin
.

TK can be very annoying. Almost always quarrelling with Peterside. That's why my heart was so gladdened whenever Peterside teased them about SA missing out on the world cup while he was gonna be chilling in Russia soon grin

4 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by daveP(m): 12:49pm On Sep 13, 2018
SMH. so by Pinnick say that the SE is the most lucrativebrand to sell out to the world, he is using style to say that there are no plans whatsoever to make the SF a lucrative brand or even a brand as well?


He didn't even speak of any plans for them and that's crappy to say. Female footy is taking cash too now. If they reach semis of world cup. alone, the cash can transform out female league and make it a league that would really Rep African ladies on the pitch.


Well you're busy, but don't drop any oars Mr.


Glad to see Seyi Akinwunmi is still so passionate about youth football.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 12:56pm On Sep 13, 2018
ChrisKels:


I dislike that TK guy, dude hates anything West African. He is homophobic. He likes discrediting anything Nigerian. Dia was this silly comment he dropped off a tweet from a Nigerian the year South Africa denied us afcon participation, that really peppered me. D tweet was like some of the big guys(Mikel, Moses et al) wont be going to the afcon, TK, in spite of Nigeria, took it up, mocking Nigeria, saying the only big boys he knew were the ones that made it to afcon(the Ranties, Serero, Furman woteva dia names are), that any other person na Wannabe. Dat comment follow for wetin make me i no wan see Omeruo for Eagles again(till he won me over again with his world cup displays) because if he had stayed on his feet, Rantie wouldnt have scored that goal. E pain me, I nogo lie. I vex change Chanel sef grin grin

I would not blame T.K. SA have been on the receiving end when ever they play the West Africans. Even small Teams like Sierra Leone, Gambia, Cape Verde and Mauritania are always a torn in their flesh. Nigeria has always dominated them and Perer-side has always rubbed it on his face.

Rubbing salt to injury was our winning the 2013 AFCON right at their noses after bragging that SA won in 1996 because we were absent.

Peterside has always been like "Mighty Igor" in their midst. The only person then that had mouth where Peterside was was Mamadou, the Ivorian. He and Thomas Mlambo left due to an incident Mamadou had with Kalusha Bwalya. Jeff Katala from DRC was brought in to replace Mamadou. But men, DRC is not doing well so him no get mouth. That show has not remained the same again. Before u needed to be on DSTV premium Bouquet to watch Soccer Africa. But now it is on Family bouquet I don't know about Access and GoTv.

I never missed a single edition way back. Immediately Thomas and Mamadou left the show just died. Peter-side too left, Emeka Anyadike came in for him. But the guy na gentle man. Peterside was later reconciled with and he came back.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by godspeed: 12:59pm On Sep 13, 2018
Someone on here has been writing on goal.com





Why is Gernot Rohr’s Nigeria negativity going unnoticed?
Goal
12:08
0
Getty
OPINION

G. ROHR


The Super Eagles coach may have picked up two wins out of two this week, but doubts remain about his credentials

COMMENT

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr still appears to have a significant amount of goodwill from the Nigerian public even though his strategy with the national side is beginning to look questionable.

The German coach may have picked up two wins out of two with the West African giants this week—as the Seychelles and Liberia were swatted away—but the conservatism of his decision-making and his reluctance to exploit the Eagles’ talented offensive options are beginning to shine through.

Understandably, Rohr will have been keen to have steadied the ship after Nigeria’s rocky World Cup campaign, and three points in Victoria—however they were obtained—was the sole objective of this international break.

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However, his team selection smacked of a coach unwilling to place his faith in attacking options, with the German coach opting to pair Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi in the heart of the midfield.

It was the least inspiring, and the most conservative duo Rohr could have plumped for.


Their presence, plus the absence of any genuinely attacking full-back options—necessitated, admittedly, by injury and retirements—meant that the Super Eagles took to the field against the Seychelles with seven defensive players.

Was this really a statement of intent from the West African heavyweights, against a side ranked 188th in the world?

Predictably, while Nigeria got the job done, there was no zip or style to their play; they were ponderous and lethargic, with only Samuel Kalu’s fleet-footness upping the tempo against an opposition who were there for the taking.

Similarly, Rohr continues to show a lack of imagination with his team selection.


One lesson learned during the World Cup qualifying campaign was that an Odion Ighalo-Kelechi Iheanacho pairing in attack doesn’t work.

The latter rarely looks anything close to his best when operating in support of the China-based frontman, lacking the guile and creativity to operate in a more withdrawn role.

Yet despite Nigeria’s options going forward, Rohr persists with an Iheanacho-Ighalo double act, even though the chemistry between them is lacking.

The Eagles still got the job done against the Seychelles, but this was the kind of match where a Plan B ought to have been trialled in order to give Nigeria a tangible option for tougher challenges to come.

Where will Rohr turn when his Iheanacho-Ighalo pairing fails to fire—as it predictably will—against Libya next month?


Against such lowly opposition as the Seychelles, the German coach ought to have gambled a little, placed his faith in in-form Tony Nwakaeme, attempted to play his part in the rebuilding of Isaac Success, or give Junior Lokosa or Simy Nwankwo another opportunity to shine after they were introduced to the fold ahead of the World Cup.

Yet the aforementioned quartet all remain underexposed to international football, even if the last of the four did get a run out—and a goal—against Liberia.

At least Ighalo is developing an understanding with Ahmed Musa, it’s a positive that should serve the Eagles well during the rest of this cycle.

Then there’s Henry Onyekuru.

If ever there was a game to allow the Galatasaray new boy to deliver a statement performance with the Eagles, this was it.


His consistent goalscoring record at three different clubs in three different leagues makes him an irresistible prospect, particularly for a side short on goals, yet Onyekuru was only given a brief cameo against Seychelles.

He was handed a start in the exhibition showing against Liberia, but this international break feels like an opportunity missed for the versatile attacker.

Of greatest concern, perhaps, is that another international window has passed, and the conviction still remains that Rohr is still to settle on a playing strategy that gets the best out of the players available to him.

If his plan moving forward is to rely on John Obi Mikel as the most advanced—and creative—of a midfield three, then why wasn’t another creator—Kelechi Nwakali given the opportunity to replace the Tianjin Teda playmaker?

Even the methodical John Ogu might have thrived in this role.

This would have ensured a level of continuity and helped the other players settle into Rohr’s style.


Coming in stark contrast to Rohr’s conservatism and the Eagles’ ongoing lack of a sophisticated attacking cohesion was Morocco, with their 3-0 victory over Malawi.

Two identical scorelines, and admittedly, the Atlas Lions had the advantage of the home support in Casablanca, although it’s worth noting that they were facing a side sitting over 60 places above the Seychelles in the Fifa World Rankings.

However, while Nigeria lacked style, Morocco oozed quality, even without key players such as Medhi Benatia, Manuel Da Costa, Amine Harit and Khalid Boutaib.

In order to cultivate Morocco’s style, and to ensure the Atlas Lions imposed themselves over lesser foe, Herve Renard opted to include AS Monaco midfielder Youssef Ait Bennasser in the centre of defence.

Youssef Ait Bennasser Houssem Aouar Caen Ligue 1 03122017

It was a calculated gamble; could Ait Bennasser’s work on the ball compensate for any struggles he might have in dealing with Malawi’s physical forwards.

He also gave gametime to Youssef En-Nesyri as a line-leader. Still only 21, the Leganes man isn’t yet the finished article, and hasn’t always appeared to have Renard’s trust.

However, given the chance to shine against lesser foe, the youngster netted twice—following on from the goal he scored against Spain at the World Cup.

Even if Boutaib returns for Morocco’s double-header against the Comoros, even if Renard recalls Aziz Bouhaddouz, En-Nesyri’s two-goal showing against the Flames have boosted his international standing and given the French coach a tantalising Plan B for the challenges ahead.

Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco

Elsewhere, his decision to incorporate the attacking Faycal Fajr into the team ahead of Mbark Boussofa was also unorthodox but adventurous.

The former is a Renard favourite, due to his superb work from set pieces, and while he’s no deep-lying playmaker in the form of Boussoufa, it was a calculated gamble, and one which gave Morocco an extra attacking resource.


Don’t be surprised if the Atlas Lions boast the richest attacking unit at the Afcon next summer. Of course, they have exceptional talent, but Renard knows the value of using opportunities like this to experiment and adapt upon his chosen strategy.

The unimaginative Rohr, for the time being at least, does not.

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by gamaliel9: 1:05pm On Sep 13, 2018
During Amos Adamu era,it was made to look as if getting into CAF was a rocket science. But this Pinnick of a dude made it seem smooth and easy...within his first tenure oooo. He got into CAF and FIFA s inner circle not just an executive member ooo....but cabal member kpomkwem..power broker...

Two---No NFF[NFA] president has ever gathered so much money for NFF...Omeruo tried because it was our first time of qualifying for World Cup in 1994...but you cannot compare him with this Amaju

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 1:13pm On Sep 13, 2018
godspeed:
Someone on here has been writing on goal.com





Why is Gernot Rohr’s Nigeria negativity going unnoticed?
Goal
12:08
0
Getty
OPINION

G. ROHR


The Super Eagles coach may have picked up two wins out of two this week, but doubts remain about his credentials

COMMENT

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr still appears to have a significant amount of goodwill from the Nigerian public even though his strategy with the national side is beginning to look questionable.

The German coach may have picked up two wins out of two with the West African giants this week—as the Seychelles and Liberia were swatted away—but the conservatism of his decision-making and his reluctance to exploit the Eagles’ talented offensive options are beginning to shine through.

Understandably, Rohr will have been keen to have steadied the ship after Nigeria’s rocky World Cup campaign, and three points in Victoria—however they were obtained—was the sole objective of this international break.

Editors' Picks
Mane: My parents told me football was a waste of time
'Nonsense' to think Mourinho is finished – Neville
Loftus-Cheek not thinking of Chelsea exit but January move 'possible'
After Papy Djilobodji’s sack, Sunderland to decide on AWOL record signing Didier Ndong
However, his team selection smacked of a coach unwilling to place his faith in attacking options, with the German coach opting to pair Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi in the heart of the midfield.

It was the least inspiring, and the most conservative duo Rohr could have plumped for.


Their presence, plus the absence of any genuinely attacking full-back options—necessitated, admittedly, by injury and retirements—meant that the Super Eagles took to the field against the Seychelles with seven defensive players.

Was this really a statement of intent from the West African heavyweights, against a side ranked 188th in the world?

Predictably, while Nigeria got the job done, there was no zip or style to their play; they were ponderous and lethargic, with only Samuel Kalu’s fleet-footness upping the tempo against an opposition who were there for the taking.

Similarly, Rohr continues to show a lack of imagination with his team selection.


One lesson learned during the World Cup qualifying campaign was that an Odion Ighalo-Kelechi Iheanacho pairing in attack doesn’t work.

The latter rarely looks anything close to his best when operating in support of the China-based frontman, lacking the guile and creativity to operate in a more withdrawn role.

Yet despite Nigeria’s options going forward, Rohr persists with an Iheanacho-Ighalo double act, even though the chemistry between them is lacking.

The Eagles still got the job done against the Seychelles, but this was the kind of match where a Plan B ought to have been trialled in order to give Nigeria a tangible option for tougher challenges to come.

Where will Rohr turn when his Iheanacho-Ighalo pairing fails to fire—as it predictably will—against Libya next month?


Against such lowly opposition as the Seychelles, the German coach ought to have gambled a little, placed his faith in in-form Tony Nwakaeme, attempted to play his part in the rebuilding of Isaac Success, or give Junior Lokosa or Simy Nwankwo another opportunity to shine after they were introduced to the fold ahead of the World Cup.

Yet the aforementioned quartet all remain underexposed to international football, even if the last of the four did get a run out—and a goal—against Liberia.

At least Ighalo is developing an understanding with Ahmed Musa, it’s a positive that should serve the Eagles well during the rest of this cycle.

Then there’s Henry Onyekuru.

If ever there was a game to allow the Galatasaray new boy to deliver a statement performance with the Eagles, this was it.


His consistent goalscoring record at three different clubs in three different leagues makes him an irresistible prospect, particularly for a side short on goals, yet Onyekuru was only given a brief cameo against Seychelles.

He was handed a start in the exhibition showing against Liberia, but this international break feels like an opportunity missed for the versatile attacker.

Of greatest concern, perhaps, is that another international window has passed, and the conviction still remains that Rohr is still to settle on a playing strategy that gets the best out of the players available to him.

If his plan moving forward is to rely on John Obi Mikel as the most advanced—and creative—of a midfield three, then why wasn’t another creator—Kelechi Nwakali given the opportunity to replace the Tianjin Teda playmaker?

Even the methodical John Ogu might have thrived in this role.

This would have ensured a level of continuity and helped the other players settle into Rohr’s style.


Coming in stark contrast to Rohr’s conservatism and the Eagles’ ongoing lack of a sophisticated attacking cohesion was Morocco, with their 3-0 victory over Malawi.

Two identical scorelines, and admittedly, the Atlas Lions had the advantage of the home support in Casablanca, although it’s worth noting that they were facing a side sitting over 60 places above the Seychelles in the Fifa World Rankings.

However, while Nigeria lacked style, Morocco oozed quality, even without key players such as Medhi Benatia, Manuel Da Costa, Amine Harit and Khalid Boutaib.

In order to cultivate Morocco’s style, and to ensure the Atlas Lions imposed themselves over lesser foe, Herve Renard opted to include AS Monaco midfielder Youssef Ait Bennasser in the centre of defence.

Youssef Ait Bennasser Houssem Aouar Caen Ligue 1 03122017

It was a calculated gamble; could Ait Bennasser’s work on the ball compensate for any struggles he might have in dealing with Malawi’s physical forwards.

He also gave gametime to Youssef En-Nesyri as a line-leader. Still only 21, the Leganes man isn’t yet the finished article, and hasn’t always appeared to have Renard’s trust.

However, given the chance to shine against lesser foe, the youngster netted twice—following on from the goal he scored against Spain at the World Cup.

Even if Boutaib returns for Morocco’s double-header against the Comoros, even if Renard recalls Aziz Bouhaddouz, En-Nesyri’s two-goal showing against the Flames have boosted his international standing and given the French coach a tantalising Plan B for the challenges ahead.

Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco

Elsewhere, his decision to incorporate the attacking Faycal Fajr into the team ahead of Mbark Boussofa was also unorthodox but adventurous.

The former is a Renard favourite, due to his superb work from set pieces, and while he’s no deep-lying playmaker in the form of Boussoufa, it was a calculated gamble, and one which gave Morocco an extra attacking resource.


Don’t be surprised if the Atlas Lions boast the richest attacking unit at the Afcon next summer. Of course, they have exceptional talent, but Renard knows the value of using opportunities like this to experiment and adapt upon his chosen strategy.

The unimaginative Rohr, for the time being at least, does not.





I stopped reading where he mentioned Tony Nwakaeme as his option.

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by ChrisKels: 1:20pm On Sep 13, 2018
Icon4s:


I would not blame T.K. SA have been on the receiving end when ever they play the West Africans. Even small Teams like Sierra Leone, Gambia, Cape Verde and Mauritania are always a torn in their flesh. Nigeria has always dominated them and Perer-side has always rubbed it on his face.

Rubbing salt to injury was our winning the 2013 AFCON right at their noses after bragging that SA won in 1996 because we were absent.

Peterside has always been like "Mighty Igor" in their midst. The only person then that had mouth where Peterside was was Mamadou, the Ivorian. He and Thomas Mlambo left due to an incident Mamadou had with Kalusha Bwalya. Jeff Katala from DRC was brought in to replace Mamadou. But men, DRC is not doing well so him no get mouth. That show has not remained the same again. Before u needed to be on DSTV premium Bouquet to watch Soccer Africa. But now it is on Family bouquet I don't know about Access and GoTv.

I never missed a single edition way back. Immediately Thomas and Mamadou left the show just died. Peter-side too left, Emeka Anyadike came in for him. But the guy na gentle man. Peterside was later reconciled with and he came back.



Na true u talk bro. Well, I no blame TK sha, if na me dey on dat recieving end nko, na to scatter everywhere wt my bad mouth oo. grin grin

Men I just dey try put myself in his shoes hahahaha, bro e no easy oo dem dun suffer for our hand no be small oo grin grin
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by ChrisKels: 1:37pm On Sep 13, 2018
Icon4s:


I stopped reading where he mentioned Tony Nwakaeme as his option.

Then, u missed. The article said in bits exactly what I have been saying here all the time. Everything hinges on Rohr's lack of innovativeness, his short Sightedness and his lack of clue on what to do with the array of stars he has in his hands. Imagine Rohr has only one striking strategy and combo for the Eagles. He doesn't vary nor try new combinations just in case.

I'm tired of Rohr biko. I want him gone. He aint cerebral. Dude is too rigid to be Eagles coach. Such a stiff-neck is too small for the Eagles job

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 1:46pm On Sep 13, 2018
Icon4s:


The only Ivorian I know was Mamadou Gay.

Maybe he was invited to the showbthat day. He is a very funny dude.

The current three wise men as they are popularly called are: T.K, Jeff and Peter-side.

Yes sir! Very funny man but you have to watch out for his shots at Nigeria. He and a few other guys including Emeka are still part of the wise men but they don't come as often. Even when he is not there he sometimes calls in.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 1:48pm On Sep 13, 2018
gamaliel9:
During Amos Adamu era,it was made to look as if getting into CAF was a rocket science. But this Pinnick of a dude made it seem smooth and easy...within his first tenure oooo. He got into CAF and FIFA s inner circle not just an executive member ooo....but cabal member kpomkwem..power broker...

Two---No NFF[NFA] president has ever gathered so much money for NFF...Omeruo tried because it was our first time of qualifying for World Cup in 1994...but you cannot compare him with this Amaju

The fact is that his house is not in order. Forget the world cup, this NFF has been a failure.

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by tbaba1234: 1:49pm On Sep 13, 2018
Niger has filed a complaint against Nigeria under 17 for having a player whose passport had expired as part of the team.

The player with the expired passporr did not play the match and his passport expired after the tournament started.

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 1:54pm On Sep 13, 2018
BascoVanVeli:


Yes sir! Very funny man but you have to watch out for his shots at Nigeria. He and a few other guys including Emeka are still part of the wise men but they don't come as often. Even when he is not there he sometimes calls in.

I still miss Thomas Mlambo, this current anchor guy, I don't even know his name, is not as good as Thomas.

The current anchor is always trying to play neutral but Thomas Mlambo will always say his mind and show support for Bafana. But Peterside will always knack akpako on him and T.K his compatriot.

The only person that could challenge Peterside was Mamadou because CIV was doing well them. Jeff Katala will want to talk but because his own team sef is just managing he will pause.
Emeka Anyadike was more of a diplomatic person, reason why T.K brought "Pastar" (Peterside) back.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 1:57pm On Sep 13, 2018
tbaba1234:
Niger has filed a complaint against Nigeria under 17 for having a player whose passport had expired as part of the team.

The player with the expired passporr did not play the match and his passport expired after the tournament started.

Hey!!! Did the player play any of the previous matches after the passport expired?

Which kind wahala be this biko nu?
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Naijaphobia(m): 2:19pm On Sep 13, 2018
BascoVanVeli:


Not Jeff I forget his name but he has also been on the show long, very funnjy also.


Mamadu

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Clementoke(m): 2:26pm On Sep 13, 2018
tbaba1234:
Niger has filed a complaint against Nigeria under 17 for having a player whose passport had expired as part of the team.

The player with the expired passporr did not play the match and his passport expired after the tournament started.

Good News
Niger's protest has been thrown out for lack of merit

3 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Clementoke(m): 2:37pm On Sep 13, 2018
Allegations of vote buying is dangling around the forthcoming NFF elections with as much as #5million promised-a-vote to ensure that Pinnick and his executives are returned to office
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 2:37pm On Sep 13, 2018
Clementoke:


Good News
Niger's protest has been thrown out for lack of merit

Merit in the sense that there was no such case of expired passport or the Player involved never played?
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Icon4s(m): 2:38pm On Sep 13, 2018
Clementoke:
Allegations of vote buying is dangling around the forthcoming NFF elections with as much as #5million promised-a-vote to ensure that Pinnick and his executives are returned to office

Hmm...interesting indeed.

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