jihday:
and sometimes I think our coaches don't look to improve and grow, like you said they are too one dimensional and easily predictable

Bro finding game tapes in Nigeria is like playing 007. You have to remember that Rohr funds his out of pocket. Nigerian coach may not get paid so you know that even their wives would tell them not to venture into that. I hope the nff sees how important this is and make sure the coach is always equipped with tapes.

Earthquake2:


If you watched the match Ndidi ducked the ball and it deflected off him

Don't people even score from perfectly set walls?

The writer's opinion not mine

darkelf:


The writer's opinion not mine

Anyway let's see how Akpeyi will fare against Algeria

Earthquake2:


Anyway let's see how Akpeyi will fare against Algeria

He needs a lot of shielding

This guy isn't serious at all

https://www.nairaland.com/5299787/afcon-2019-final-senegal-vs

Chai

BascoVanVeli:



Bro finding game tapes in Nigeria is like playing 007. You have to remember that Rohr funds his out of pocket. Nigerian coach may not get paid so you know that even their wives would tell them not to venture into that. I hope the nff sees how important this is and make sure the coach is always equipped with tapes.

I fully understand you o, but I insist they are lazy and don't like adventure, what's stopping them from taking up jobs in and around Africa? We can only boast of 5 coaches to have worked outside Nigeria, to me that's not good enough

Awaziem has improved and shown he can now hold his own. Scary at first. Wish his the best today.


Our middle seems unmatched still by all teams we meet or those in the tournament. They keep thinking our fullbacks are porous areas forgetting we have wingers that can defend well too.




I see Uzoho in training, i expect bim to make bis debut against the Algerians.


Wish Osimhen can just see 2mins, and not that Onuachu taller.

daveP:
Awaziem has improved and shown he can now hold his own. Scary at first. Wish his the best today.


Our middle seems unmatched still by all teams we meet or those in the tournament. They keep thinking our fullbacks are porous areas forgetting we have wingers that can defend well too.




I see Uzoho in training, i expect bim to make bis debut against the Algerians.


Wish Osimhen can just see 2mins, and not that Onuachu taller.

Uzoho will not smell that goal

AFCON2019: Algeria Coach, Belmadi, Blasts Nigerian Media

www.nairaland.com/attachments/9825404_893f425aea8171aced218d4a4ab4c598_jpegd24e1075141fafde7c33fe33f5f398a6
Djamel Belmadi

Femi Solaja in Cairo

The expected hostility that may happen before, during and after the semi final match between Nigeria and Algeria Sunday may have started to play itself out Saturday when the coach of the Desert Foxes, Djamel Belmadi, took a swipe on a question asked by Nigerian media at the pre-match conference.


A Nigerian journalist, Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke, had asked the coach to comment on the incident that happened in the last match against Côte ‘d’ Ivoire when his defender, Sofiane Feghouli, simulated by forcing his hand on Wilfred Zaha and fell down waiting for the referee to blow for a foul play inside the box.


The short video clip of the incident had gone viral but when asked about the scene the coach simple turned the journalist question down and instead questioned her professionalism.


The media room was raging with anger when all the Algerian media men applauded the response but it took the coordinator of the programme some minutes before normalcy returned to the room.

“Gentlemen of the press, we need to be conscious of the fact that we are journalists and not fans, the clapping is disgraceful and tomorrow in the press gallery we must conduct ourselves and ensure that we don’t turn the arena into a fans pavilion, “ the Media Coordinator, Ibrahim Sani from Ghana remarked after the incident.


Meanwhile Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr was earlier asked the same incident and how he intends to take care of expected simulation of the Algerian players.

“Honestly I did not notice the incident but all I know is that FIFA frowns at such things hence we leave that to referee to handle. All my energy is channeled towards how we handle our match plans and the tactics we intend to adopt,” he remarked.


Kenneth Omeruo also said that as a defender, they have instruction from the coach to minimize or eradicate fouls in the vital area.

“We will be very alert to any form of antics from the Algerians and every one of us would be ready against the unprofessional match plan they may want to adopt,” he said with enthusiasm as he left the arena to join the rest of the team in camp.

Source: thisdaylive.com

I strongly believe Nigeria is winning tonight..
Don't knw d score line yet though

AFCON2019: Westerhof: Algeria Not Strong Enough To Stop Super Eagles

www.nairaland.com/attachments/9825449_dx1gjqxkaaoe0o_jpeg26170815b7854fd71b594aaf7c91b873

Nnamdi Ezekute

Clemens Westerhof has told Completesports.com that he does not consider Desert Foxes of Algeria ‘strong enough’ to oust the Super Eagles in the semifinals of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.


The Dutchman says he’s strongly convinced that the AFCON title is for Nigeria, that Super Eagles have their own fourth continental title ambition in their hands.


The Super Eagles AFCON 1994 title -winning coach spoke exclusively to Completesports.com from his base in the Netherlands ahead Sunday’s AFCON 2019 semifinal confrontation between the Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes of Algeria.


“Super Eagles will win, yes. Algeria to stop Super Eagles? No, they are not strong enough to beat the Super Eagles,” Westerhof boasted.

“When they (Super Eagles) lost to Madagascar, I said it was not the Eagles I knew. I said it was shameful, disgraceful.


“Now they are in top form. With Cameroon out, South Africa gone home too, so it is Super Eagles and the cup. It is in their hands and I don’t see Algeria stopping them.”


He added: “Yes, Super Eagles will win (against Algeria). They will also win the cup. The players are experienced, they are now playing with good mentality.


“It (winning the title) is in their hands. They can win it. Algeria is not a problem.”

Westerhof arrived Nigeria in 1989 and the following year (1990) he steered the Super Eagles to a silver medal finish in Algeria.


At Senegal ’92 AFCON, Westerhof’s Super Eagles finished in third place, setting the tone for the 1994 triumph in Tunisia as well as Nigeria’s debut at FIFA World Cup finals in the USA.


Since he left the the Nigeria job, Westerhof has not hidden or pretended about his love for the nation’s football, particularly the Super Eagles.


The Algeria – Nigeria semifinal match on Sunday at the Cairo International Stadium will kick off at 8pm Nigerian time.

By Sab Osuji

https://www.completesports.com/westerhof-algeria-not-strong-enough-to-stop-super-eagles/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

AFCON: Ex-Algeria Striker, Boutabout: Nigeria Lack ‘Big Name’ Players; But Have Speed, Quality In Attack



Mansour Boutabout, a former Algeria international, says the Super Eagles lack big name players but quickly notes that Rohr’s men are full of speed and quality in the attack.


Boutabout told Francefootball.fr ahead Sunday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between Algeria and Nigeria in Cairo that the Super Eagles possess speed and quality going forward, and submits that the semifinal clash would be a difficult game.


“It’s the last straight line. There is the physical freshness (among the Algerian players), but now it is mostly the mind that will make the difference,” said Boutabout who was capped 22 times by Algeria and scored 6 goals.


“It is the strength of the group that must carry you. I do not think we need to change much (in the starting lineup). But on the other hand, I feel that changes should be made earlier in the game.


“It will not be easy. There are no big stars in Nigeria, but there is speed and quality in the (Super Eagles’) attack.

Boutabout also reflects on the Fennecs’ quarterfinal triumph over the Elephants of Ivory Coast.


“So far, this is the biggest game of this CAN. All the ingredients were present. There was play, intensity. The Ivorians have clearly raised their level of play.


“I was particularly impressed by the offensive trio, Kodjia, Zaha and Gradel. Algeria seemed a little notch above me.


“They were efficient in the first half, and should have killed the match with Bounedjah’s (missed) penalty kick.”


Boutabout represented Algeria at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia which Nigeria won. The Algerian team lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals.

By Sab Osuji

https://www.completesports.com/ex-algeria-striker-boutabout-nigeria-lack-big-name-players-but-have-speed-quality-in-attack/

'Nigeria One Of The Favourites To Win AFCON' - Algeria Captain Riyad Mahrez Wary Of Super Eagles



In an interview after Algeria advanced to the semifinal of the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is certain of one thing, that the Super Eagles will be more formidable than their quarterfinal opponents, Ivory Coast.

The Desert Foxes captain pointed out that the Super Eagles have an advantage as they faced South Africa on Wednesday while the North Africans battled the Elephants the following day.

It is fair to say that Nigeria are the favourites heading into tomorrow's fixture as they have never lost to Algeria on the field of play for 29 years.

''Yes, it's true that Nigeria is a very tough opponent. This is one of the favorites of this competition,'' Mahrez was quoted as saying by Le Buteur.

''Nigeria is always playing the leading role in the Africa Cup of Nations. First we will recover well because we will have a day less than them, then we will get to work to be on top of the day.''

The former African Footballer of the Year is optimistic about their chances of beating Nigeria and qualifying for the final.

Mahrez continued : ''Obviously, I am very optimistic like my teammates. We have achieved so far an exceptional journey in this AFCON.

''We have won a lot of games, that of Ivory Coast is the only one where we went to a penalty shootout.

''This drives us to be optimistic but we will base ourselves on work. We will prepare for this game well and give it all.''

Mahrez was in the Algerian side beaten 3-1 by Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier in Uyo in November 2016 and also started for the North Africans in the return leg.

Igho Kingsley

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=32896

terzurum5:
AFCON: Ex-Algeria Striker, Boutabout: Nigeria Lack ‘Big Name’ Players; But Have Speed, Quality In Attack



Mansour Boutabout, a former Algeria international, says the Super Eagles lack big name players but quickly notes that Rohr’s men are full of speed and quality in the attack.


Boutabout told Francefootball.fr ahead Sunday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between Algeria and Nigeria in Cairo that the Super Eagles possess speed and quality going forward, and submits that the semifinal clash would be a difficult game.


“It’s the last straight line. There is the physical freshness (among the Algerian players), but now it is mostly the mind that will make the difference,” said Boutabout who was capped 22 times by Algeria and scored 6 goals.


“It is the strength of the group that must carry you. I do not think we need to change much (in the starting lineup). But on the other hand, I feel that changes should be made earlier in the game.


“It will not be easy. There are no big stars in Nigeria, but there is speed and quality in the (Super Eagles’) attack.

Boutabout also reflects on the Fennecs’ quarterfinal triumph over the Elephants of Ivory Coast.


“So far, this is the biggest game of this CAN. All the ingredients were present. There was play, intensity. The Ivorians have clearly raised their level of play.


“I was particularly impressed by the offensive trio, Kodjia, Zaha and Gradel. Algeria seemed a little notch above me.


“They were efficient in the first half, and should have killed the match with Bounedjah’s (missed) penalty kick.”


Boutabout represented Algeria at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia which Nigeria won. The Algerian team lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals.

By Sab Osuji

https://www.completesports.com/ex-algeria-striker-boutabout-nigeria-lack-big-name-players-but-have-speed-quality-in-attack/

Nigeria lack a big name player..really?

Ajoboss:
Nigeria lack a big name player..really?

Do we?

Ajoboss:
Nigeria lack a big name player..really?

The closest big names are iwobi and ndidi

And both aren't actually big name players

Jarus:


I dont hope for 3rd place match but that's an avenue to test the 3 others. I think he will use them in 3rd place match if we lose tomorrow.

yeah, true. I never reasoned there. hehe

MetalJigsaw:
But the jersey we used was home jersey

No bro.. we used d dark green away jersey to execute both games

terzurum5:
AFCON: Ex-Algeria Striker, Boutabout: Nigeria Lack ‘Big Name’ Players; But Have Speed, Quality In Attack



Mansour Boutabout, a former Algeria international, says the Super Eagles lack big name players but quickly notes that Rohr’s men are full of speed and quality in the attack.


Boutabout told Francefootball.fr ahead Sunday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between Algeria and Nigeria in Cairo that the Super Eagles possess speed and quality going forward, and submits that the semifinal clash would be a difficult game.


“It’s the last straight line. There is the physical freshness (among the Algerian players), but now it is mostly the mind that will make the difference,” said Boutabout who was capped 22 times by Algeria and scored 6 goals.


“It is the strength of the group that must carry you. I do not think we need to change much (in the starting lineup). But on the other hand, I feel that changes should be made earlier in the game.


“It will not be easy. There are no big stars in Nigeria, but there is speed and quality in the (Super Eagles’) attack.

Boutabout also reflects on the Fennecs’ quarterfinal triumph over the Elephants of Ivory Coast.


“So far, this is the biggest game of this CAN. All the ingredients were present. There was play, intensity. The Ivorians have clearly raised their level of play.


“I was particularly impressed by the offensive trio, Kodjia, Zaha and Gradel. Algeria seemed a little notch above me.


“They were efficient in the first half, and should have killed the match with Bounedjah’s (missed) penalty kick.”


Boutabout represented Algeria at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia which Nigeria won. The Algerian team lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals.

By Sab Osuji

https://www.completesports.com/ex-algeria-striker-boutabout-nigeria-lack-big-name-players-but-have-speed-quality-in-attack/

We were thinking we have big name players

This guy says 'Nigeria don't have big name players'

daveP:
Awaziem has improved and shown he can now hold his own. Scary at first. Wish his the best today.


Our middle seems unmatched still by all teams we meet or those in the tournament. They keep thinking our fullbacks are porous areas forgetting we have wingers that can defend well too.




I see Uzoho in training, i expect bim to make bis debut against the Algerians.


Wish Osimhen can just see 2mins, and not that Onuachu taller.

Lol UZOHO?

Gentlewarrior1:

The closest big names are iwobi and ndidi

And both aren't actually big name players

If you call iwobi and ndidi our big name player

Then algeria only got Mahrez as theirs

Nobody should come here and call feghouli oo because i have his fellow gala first teamer in eagles bench

Earthquake2:


We were thinking we have big name players

This guy says 'Nigeria don't have big name players'

They only have Mahrez

Mercy 29% Tacha 23% Sir Dee 21% KimOprah 20% Ella 7%

Samueltemi337:
Mercy 29%
Tacha 23%
Sir Dee 21%
KimOprah 20%
Ella 7%

But this thread is not big brother thread nah?

na trouble you dey find or wetin?

Earthquake2:


We were thinking we have big name players

This guy says 'Nigeria don't have big name players'

He is right, same way we only know Mahrez. As Brahimi, feghouli are on the same ranks with ndidi, Mikel and iwobi.

andrew444:


If you call iwobi and ndidi our big name player

Then algeria only got Mahrez as theirs

Nobody should come here and call feghouli oo because i have his fellow gala first teamer in eagles bench

Lol mahrez is actually Algerians only big name player.

But if you ask me i had say the whole big name player something is almost irrelevalent.
Its not as if Mahrez is currently doing way better than either of musa or chukwueze. Mahrez lacks end product and his output has been average.

Even Ndidi for instance deserve to be viewed as a world class defensive midfielder or atleast top class dm. I dont think there is any dm in the world right now that is truly better than ndidi. To me ndidi is just the perfect dm. Fast tall strong and tackles you for the entire match duration

Its just unfortunate there is no hype around him

Gentlewarrior1:

Lol mahrez is actually Algerians only big name player.

But if you ask me i had say the whole big name player something is almost irrelevalent.
Its not as if Mahrez is currently doing way better than either of musa or chukwueze. Mahrez lacks end product and his output has been so good of recent

Even Ndidi for instance deserve to be viewed as a world class defensive midfielder or atleast top class dm. I dont think there is any dm in the world right now i that is truly better than ndidi

Its just unfortunate there is no hype around him

Now you are saying what i wanna hear

Agreed

M7even:


He is right, same way we only know Mahrez. As Brahimi, feghouli are on the same ranks with ndidi, Mikel and iwobi.

Mikel is above brahimi and co in terms of NAME, dont go there o, maybe because say baba don old thats why that mumu no see him name call

If you are calling brahimi and feghouli then you should be calling onyekuru because he plays for gala and he is a regular there

Gentlewarrior1:

Lol mahrez is actually Algerians only big name player.

But if you ask me i had say the whole big name player something is almost irrelevalent.
Its not as if Mahrez is currently doing way better than either of musa or chukwueze. Mahrez lacks end product and his output has been average.

Even Ndidi for instance deserve to be viewed as a world class defensive midfielder or atleast top class dm. I dont think there is any dm in the world right now i that is truly better than ndidi

Its just unfortunate there is no hype around him

ndidi is arguably my favourite player in d team.

andrew444:


Mikel is above brahimi and co in terms of NAME, dont go there o, maybe because say baba don old thats why that mumu no see him name call

If you are calling brahimi and feghouli then you should be calling onyekuru because he plays for gala and he is a regular there

Brahimi has consistently put up a good shift at Porto. He can be ranked in that level, just as mikel did with Chelsea. For brahimi His stats will attest to this.

M7even:


Brahimi has consistently put up a good shift at Porto. He can be ranked in that level, just as mikel did with Chelsea. For brahimi His stats will attest to this.

Brahimi will never be ranked at the same level with mikel, i repeat never, you cant compare portugal to the epl, How many african players can have 249 epl appearance for chelsea and win much trophies? Brahimi ke

M7even:


He is right, same way we only know Mahrez. As Brahimi, feghouli are on the same ranks with ndidi, Mikel and iwobi.

Here we are calling onyekuru and osimhen quality players....not knowing that other countries do not even have an idea of who they are or where they play...if you want to know whether a team has quality players....ask a casual football fan outside the general sphere

If we ask someone from poland for example, how many African players will they name?

That is African football in general....average teams with a sprinkling of quality players....when we meet better countries...we fizzle out

Here the average countries in world are the favourites