quickberry2:
Why I Called Up Viv Solomon-Otabor As Replacement For Kalu Ahead Of Ejuke, Okereke – Rohr Explains
October 12, 20190236



Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr who is under-fire by the media for calling up CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria winger Viv Solomon-Otabor as replacement for ‎injured Samuel Kalu has explained the reason behind his decision.


The call up to Solomon-Otabor came as a surprise to many considering that the former Birmingham City teenager hasn’t done as much as other Nigerian players plying their trade in leagues higher than that of Bulgaria, Where Solomon-Otabor plays.

Defending his choice in a chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, the Franco-German coach said Solomon-Otabor will surprise many if he gets to play against Brazil and that he called him up as replacement for Kalu because they play same position.

He said he monitored the player for a year before deciding to call him up when the opportunity came following the withdrawal of Kalu. Rohr advised Club Brugge David Okereke and Heerenveen Chidera Ejuke to continue with their impressive form as he will call them up soonest.

” I like what I saw in him when I watched him. He is like Kalu on the wings and we have been monitoring him for some time now. The other players like Okereke, Ejuke will get their chance soon. Solomon got the nod because the vacancy is for a winger. Players doing well need to continue working hard”, the coach explained.

Source: owngoalnigeria.com

charlesemeka85:
Report: Celtic and QPR interested in Uche Ikpeazu

jihday:
Hmmmmm, trouble is brewing

Mickael2:


No wonder he invited that dude from Bulgaria, he has to pay the bills. Now we can all see what Keshi was passing through when he was owed for six months and he ended up inviting some really poor names.

He said he monitored the player for a year before deciding to call him up when the opportunity came following the withdrawal of Kalu

TheSuperNerd:
Rohr is likely to start with Iwobi-Aribo-Ndidi. Aribo is no true DM and we all know this.

MetalJigsaw:
Mr msnI'm not saying Aribo is a DM but he's a false DM or central DM. Or Central DMCM we all know this. I don't have time for argument

Eartquake1:


Read before you start accusing falsely

Eartquake1:


Read before you start accusing falsely

Taliban:


How was your WAEC result? Una Don see am and what university are you looking at?

Mickael2:


Keshi said same, but you didn't believe him. So now because it is coming from a white man it suddenly makes sense! That you have watched a player for a year means he is suddenly worthy?

Mickael2:


Keshi said same, but you didn't believe him. So now because it is coming from a white man it suddenly makes sense! That you have watched a player for a year means he is suddenly worthy?

MetalJigsaw:
Mr man I'm not saying Aribo is a DM but he's a false DM or central DM. Or Central DMCM we all know this. I don't have time for argument

MetalJigsaw:
Mr man I'm not saying Aribo is a DM but he's a false DM or central DM. Or Central DMCM we all know this. I don't have time for argument

TheSuperNerd:

Ofcos they will.... See Aribo trying to hide from the camera...

iamharkinwaley:




I'm thinking you went through my profile

olu98:

he has a swollen head.

Mickael2:


Keshi said same, but you didn't believe him. So now because it is coming from a white man it suddenly makes sense! That you have watched a player for a year means he is suddenly worthy?

tbaba12345:


Otabor has 2 goals and 1 assist in almost 30 games between this season and last season. He is a forward player..

We are talking about League 1, championship and Bulgarian league not top level football.

Eze has more than that this season alone.

His form in the last year does not warrant any call up.

If it smells like a rat, it probably is a rat.

andrewbaba44:


Despite me being a fan of rohr, i dont beleive what he said

Have you manag to check otabor stats for the past 1 year?

Not that he even plays in a better league

Eartquake1:


Solomon Otabor is one of the fastest players in Europe and his time at Birmingham and winning 'Young player of the year' shows he's got potential that has stagnated that probably caught Rohr's attention

Rohr has given his reason for not inviting Eze which is international documentation but sentiments will not allow you to see the truth

tbaba12345:


Lol.. is football played by fastest??

chrisooblog:
Hello everyone its no news that the super eagles are in a quasi-rebuilding process (again) necessitated by nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2017 AFCON. In my humble opinion our inability to qualify was down to a combination of administrative failings, poor coaching decisions and strange player selections. It is my honest belief that we have a pool of players good enough to turn Nigeria back into a major football force in Africa and world at large. While the NFF goes hard at getting a great coach for the team allow me to present a list of players we should use to execute our qualifiers from now going forward. So hang on folks this is a long one J
 
GOALKEEPER: this is a position we have thankfully not been found wanting. From the old stalwarts like okalla, best ogedengbe, rufai, ike shorunmu to the great Vincent enyeanma Nigeria has always had good if not great goalkeepers and these current ones I will list below are no exception.
CARL IKEME – when enyeama retired unceremoniously many feared that a huge vacuum had been created in the goalkeeping position which would be hard to fill immediately but the big man from Wolverhampton has put paid to such fears. Initially I didn’t know what to expect from him but his sharp reflexes, strong command in the air and excellent shot stopping abilities completely won me over. I always negodu at keshi when he made us put up with agbim when we had quality like ikeme. Carl is at a good age for a goalkeeper and I see him (God willing if we qualify) manning the post in Russia 2018.
DANIEL – dream team number one and enugu rangers safe hands very much in the mould of enyeama acrobatic shot stopper, penalty saving king an amazing talent no doubt. Hopefully see more of him in the rio Olympics. Will surely push ikeme for that number one shirt.
ALAMPASU – an integral part of the exciting under 17 team that won the world cup in UAE 2013 alampasu is slowly making a name for himself. He also has good reflexes and has started his career on a decent footing in Portugal. He’s down in the pecking order but he has the ability to be our future number one.
AKPEYI – another good keeper has a lot to do to start ahead of the above mentioned goalkeepers. Decent backup to have on the bench.
EZENWA – part of the unsuccessful 2016 CHAN team but make no mistakes he’s a very capable goaltender.
 
DEFENDERS: sadly this is the position we are currently having trouble finding quality players for but the ones I have below are talented and decent. A good coach should be able to harness these guys into an effective defensive unit.
 
(RIGHT BACKS)
SINCERE SETH – best defender of Siasia’s Olympic ‘’boys’’. Above average defending but can improve in his over lapping. Still young though with potential to get better. Hope he flourishes at the big stage of rio.
MUSA MOHAMMED – another member of the acclaimed under17 winning team in UAE. Full of running, good set piece delivery, supports the attack well but can do better in defending. Has age on his side will surely improve with more game time especially at club level.
MOSES ODUBANJO – break out season for the young man. Helped his club hull city gain promotion to the premiership. He would probably be our best right back thankfully he wants to represent Nigeria NFF do the needful.
OTIGBA – like odubanjo wants to play for Nigeria. Must have some ability to be able to play consistently for his club in a tough dutch league.
PLEASE NO MORE OF THIS MAKE SHIFT RIGHT BACK NONSENSE
 
(LEFT BACK)
STANLEY AMUZIE – talented decent going forward but I find him suspect defensively as I have argued in the past with goodjoe and supernerd. He will improve.
ELDERSON ECHEIEJILE – our most experienced left back. Not the most comfortable going forward but ok defense wise. Decent cover stopgap at worst.
OSHANIWA – greatly improved from his cameo performance in 2013 AFCON. As seen in his performances at the world cup in brazil where I reckon he was our best defender. Criminally been left out of the team when he should be pressing for a first team shirt.
KINGSLEY MADU – another who has been inexplicably left out of the team. Comfortable joining the attack assured in his defending I think he is our best left and should be starting.
 
(CENTRE BACKS)
EFE AMBROSE – enough has been said\written about his defending or lack thereof. He’s on my list strictly as a VERY VERY short stopgap.
OBOABONA – declined in recent years will probably be phased out although with a good defensive partner could be good cover in case of injury.
TROOST-EKONG – young defender still improving his game one for the immediate future.
AWAZIEM – untested at national team level but wouldn’t have played first team for porto if he wasn’t good.
LEON BALOGUN – big tall strong uncompromising defender. A bit slow and clumsy causing him to make avoidable mistakes but solid once settled.
OMERUE – for me our best defender lost some form of recent but still quality trusting he will soon bounce back to his best.
 
MIDFIELDERS: Nigeria has always had a tradition of producing good to excellent midfielders but in the past decade especially after okocha’s retirement we have struggled to unearth enough quality players in that position. Recent graduates from the cadet teams give me hope that we have turned the corner in that regard.
 
MIKEL – arguably the golden boy of the super eagles. As a player he has had to bear the burden of carrying the team’s midfield for years with mixed results. Going forward in his new role as captain he can hopefully help groom this new exciting generation of midfielders.
ONAZI – tough tackler, battler and tireless runner onazi brings an aggression and fearsomeness that had been lacking in our midfield play for years. His form has been hit and miss as of late though and will need to work extra hard to retain his place.
NDIDI – could this be the long awaited heir to Sunday oliseh? His recent form for club and country seem to suggest so. Can also play in defence so could be a useful utility player. Not far from first team.
RAHEEM LAWAL – been unlucky with call ups these past few years but there’s no doubting his ability. Can play as a central or defensive midfielder. Will bring needed competition to the national team.
AZUBUIKE OKECHUKWU – one of siasia’s boys. Like Raheem also comfortable in central or defensive midfield roles. Technically gifted he’s also a good option to have for competition.
USMAN MOHAMMED – another of siasia’s stalwarts good technically highly skilful shone like a million stars in the poor CHAN team.
JOHN OGU – another good player. Big, strong but comfortable with the ball at his feet. Good option.
ALEX IWOBI – new boy wonder. Fast, direct and a good dribbler his excellent passing range and ability to unlock stubborn defences with his through passes are a joy to watch. Finally after okocha we have another creative outlet.
ETEBO – not as skilful or technical as other midfielders on this list but his goal threat is a good asset. Tireless aggressive runner also good at set pieces.
MICHAEL BABATUNDE – won’t lie wasn’t a fan of his but his performance at the last world cup in brazil won me over. Also skilful will provide useful competition for the attacking midfield role.
 
…and some honourable mentions IFEANYI MATTHEW, NWOBODO, K. NWAKALI, M. YAHAYA, S. POPOOLA
 
ATTACKERS: from the greats like YEKINI, ODEGBAMI, AMOKACHI, FINIDI to decent players like I. UCHE, AGHAHOWA, EMENIKE etc Nigeria has always produced wonderful strikers and this new generation is no exception.
 
MOSES SIMON – full fledged winger not afraid to take on opposition defences. Decent crosser also has an eye for goal. Needs to work on his decision making though. Once he gets that right he would be simply unplayable.
VICTOR MOSES – arguably our best and most skilful player. When he’s on form Nigeria ticks. Has all the ingredients to be a world class player but his laidback nature and lack of ambition is hindering him seriously.
AHMED MUSA – frankly speaking as a winger he’s terrible his crossing abysmal (maybe because he’s a true muslim ) but jokes apart his finishing for club and country is up there with the best. Maybe the national team coaches are missing a trick.
K. IHEANACHO – shining star of the victorious under 17 team in UAE. Clinical finisher and excellent passer this has been a breakthrough season for iheanacho with club and country. Potential to be Nigeria’s next world class performer.
I. SUCCESS – fast, strong and burly another in a long line of bullish strikers like amokachi we have produced. Inextricably hasn’t been called up. Deserves his chance.
IDEYE – not the greatest finisher but his work rate and excellent link up play with his strike partners are a definite asset.
IGHALO – typical 18 yard box operator and goal poacher. Had a good season but his loss of form towards the end was worrying. Hope it’s just a blip.
CHIKATARA – top scorer in our CHAN team. Has good pace and movement excellent finisher.
 
Honourable mentions OSIMHEN, AWONIYI and SADIQ UMAR.
 
This list is by no means exhaustive as any unknown exceptional player can break into the team but barring any unforeseen circumstance most of these players on my list should be the ones we use going forward. I’m fairly confident that with this pool of players any good coach the NFF appoints would make the super eagles a dominant football force for years to come.
 
Comments, analysis and critiques are highly welcome.
 
Cc icon4, goodjoe, tbaba, supernerd, safarigirl and any other sport analyst I forgot to mention
 
 

Eartquake1:


Speed is a talent that can't be taught in football

tbaba12345:


Usain Bolt should be the best player in the world if it is about speed.

Otabor is an average player who has done nothing to warrant an invite