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Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup (12533817 Views)
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by charlesemeka85(m): 1:35pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Vilizar Yakimov explains why Napoli were so keen to bring in the 21-year-old Nigeria striker. It might sound strange, but 2020 just keeps getting better and better for Napoli from a footballing point of view. The Partenopei were a complete mess back in December when the infamous row between the players and the club resulted in Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking. However, Gennaro Gattuso has been doing wonders ever since, winning the Coppa Italia and building a solid foundation for next season. Putting the results aside, Napoli have done extremely well in the January transfer window, bringing in Diego Demme, Stanislav Lobotka and Matteo Politano, while also securing the services of Amir Rrahmani from Verona and SPAL’s top goalscorer Andrea Petagna for next term. While Aurelio De Laurentiis has done well to add quality and depth to the squad, it’s hard to say that any of those signings bring the excitement that the Napoletani are used to seeing. That’s where Victor Osimhen comes in. The 21-year-old striker has become Napoli’s most expensive signing ever, as the Partenopei have paid a stunning €50m plus Orestis Karnezis and bonuses to Lille OSC for the Nigerian. The reports of €81m seem far-fetched and probably included the wages for his entire contract. It’s still a lot more than the Partenopei paid for their current most expensive acquisition Hirving Lozano, who arrived for €42m from PSV Eindhoven last summer. It’s obvious that even for €50m the expectations towards Osimhen will go way beyond the pure excitement that such a signing brings, but what exactly can he bring to Napoli? The Nigerian’s numbers clearly can’t justify his gigantic rumoured €81m transfer fee, as Osimhen scored 18 goals and four assists in all competitions for Lille, before Ligue 1 was cancelled due to the COVID situation. However, his age and playing style are what make him perfect for Napoli, as the 1.85metres tall striker possess impressive speed and physique, while his off the ball movement is simply remarkable. Osimhen is a player who likes to run in the channels and behind the back of opposition defences, which makes him a good for Napoli’s playing style. His acceleration and ability to run with the ball also mean he would be perfect for Gattuso’s counter-attacking approach in certain games. While neither Arkadiusz Milik nor Dries Mertens combine those qualities, Osimhen’s biggest advantage over them is the intensity of his pressing gamе. The Nigerian averages 1.3 recoveries in the final third, which is significantly higher than Milik’s 0.9, while his speed and agility are far superior to those of Mertens, who at 33, often loses some of his intensity in the latter stages of games. Osimhen’s presence in Napoli’s attack would allow the Partenopei to recover possession much easier and in more advanced areas of the pitch, while his speed and positioning in the penalty area will make the transition from defence to attack much smoother. This is further highlighted by Osimhen’s 78.9% progressive passes success rate, which is equal to Mertens, but significantly higher than Milik’s 64%. In terms of shooting, Osimhen is also far more composed than his age might suggest, as 44% of his shots hit the target, which is much better than Mertens’ 35%. Milik’s stats look similar in that regard, but considering that the Pole seems eager to leave, it would certainly help if Napoli have a player of similar height and shooting accuracy. The Nigerian’s technical ability is not to be underestimated as well, as although he is right-footed, he is also very capable with his left, scoring seven goals with his supposed weaker foot. Of course, pointing out only the strong aspects of Osimhen’s game would be wrong, so just like Martin Schmidt, who used to coach him at Wolfsburg, admitted recently that the youngster still has a long way to go tactically. However, he already has remarkable speed and athleticism, so he already is a very strong player. Mentality wise, just like every young player, the 21-year-old needs to improve his concentration, but he plays with such fire and passion that could potentially make him instrumental for Gattuso’s vision of the team. Despite all this, the fact remains that Osimhen’s transfer is a huge gamble for Napoli. Becoming Napoli’s most expensive signing ever and one of the most expensive African players of all time surely comes with a burden, so the big risk here is to avoid the exaggerated transfer fee putting in unrealistic expectations towards the player. It is no coincidence that the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest in the Nigerian, so there is little doubt that Osimhen can light up Naples. He just needs to be given the chance. 5 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by charlesemeka85(m): 1:37pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Leicester City are listening to offers for Kelechi Iheanacho. The Daily Mail says the 23-year-old joined Leicester from Manchester City for £25m in 2017 and has been used predominantly from the bench by manager Brendan Rodgers. He still managed ten goals in 26 appearances but Leicester want to strengthen their forward options and are willing to sell Kelechi to fund their plans. Selling Iheanacho can help offset their spending with midlands neighbours Aston Villa among those showing an interest. The Nigerian managed a respectable 10 goals in all competitions this season and is bound to have suitors. 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Starboytwo(m): 1:39pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Philosopher1979:already a fan bro, don't you know that "Napoli is like Lagos ni" |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 1:42pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Naija Players expected/likely to be in action for their sides across Europe today - August 2 ✔Serie A - Matchday 38, Final Matchday Ola Aina (Torino) vs Bologna - Away game. William Troost Ekong (Udinese) vs Sassuolo - Away game. ✔Norwegian Eliteserien Victor Okoh Boniface (FK Bodo/Glimt) vs Stromsgodset - Home game. Jack Ipalibo (Stromsgodset) vs FK Bodo/Glimt - Away game. Afeez Aremu and Adeleke Akinyemi (IK Start) vs Mjondalen - Home game. *Former Latvian Virsliga hotshot, Adeleke Akinyemi has returned from injury and made a substitute appearance in their last game Shuaibu Lalle Ibrahim (Mjondalen) vs IK Start - Away game. Samuel Adegbenro (Rosenborg) vs Odds BK - Away game. ✔Swedish Allsvenskan Alhassan Yusuf (IFK Goteborg) vs Malmo FF - Home game. Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF) vs IFK Goteborg - Away game. *A repeat of the Swedish Cup final that saw Alhassan's Goteborg Triumph 2-1 over Bonke's side ✔Club friendlies **Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia) vs Anorthosis Famagusta Bonus: ✔Albanian Cup Final Egbo's K.F. Tirana vs KF Teuta *Ndubuisi Egbo's K.F. Tirana takes on KF Teuta in the cup final today in their quest to make it a domestic double. He became the first African to win a top flight league in Europe but now can he write further history by becoming the first African coach to win a domestic double in Europe? Time will tell. 2 Likes 2 Shares
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheLoneCitizen(m): 1:43pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
JayromWrites: From Heracles. Calm down, Dude was born in Limburg, closest city to Genk. Genk became his boyhood club. Milinkovic-Savic, Ndidi, Koulibaly, Courtois, De Bruyne all passed through Genk. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Nobody: 1:45pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Blueelf:My boy is going nowhere. Make una relax. He is making his debut for Nigeria in September. 4 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 1:51pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
This is a madly fluid description naa. Lol... These guys were on another level. Tevez, Rooney... haba. We hope to get within several meters of this but I think we can if we work at it. TheGoodJoe: 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheLoneCitizen(m): 1:54pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Mikel Obi to Trabzonspor captain on Twitter. "I am very glad for you. You deserved to be the captain of this team. I also apologize for the way I left the team. I hope we meet again. '' 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Starboytwo(m): 1:54pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
andrewbaba44:yeah I'm in full support of the notion, Maja is better than dessers... In my opinion, Maja can play, e. g his back to goal is very good, he can hold the ball and also dribble on rushing players, and can score... On dessers, I'm not very impressed like that... To me, he is not very fluid. Can he beat 1 or 2 defenders and be composed and still score? I don't think he is good with the ball either... |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Starboytwo(m): 1:55pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
TheLoneCitizen:not at 26... And I strongly doubt Belgium will call him... I think we are his only hope and still he'd have to make do with 4th choice... I hope he light up Genk Sha, maybe another highest goal scorer feat, by then we can know say baba mean business... Battle for our 2nd choice striker just began.... I pray more headache for rhor |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Olulong(m): 1:58pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
charlesemeka85: Good for him, time for a fresh start. Hopefully Ndidi leaves the stupid club too let Rodgers be doing his nonsense experiment with Hamzat Chadoury, Preat and co. They really disappointed me this past season. 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrewbaba44: 1:58pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Starboytwo: Okay ooo If una say so 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheLoneCitizen(m): 1:59pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Starboytwo:He is 25, Ziyech(Africa's best player) made his EPL move at 27. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Olulong(m): 2:00pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Truidstar: I also think he's being diplomatic about it. He plays in Belgium, I don't think he would just say no to thier faces |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrewbaba44: 2:00pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
TheLoneCitizen: What do you expect from obi mikel bro ? One of the most humble players i have ever seen Inside him and iniesta i no no who humble pass 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by JayromWrites: 2:04pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
TheLoneCitizen: All left before 24 Nigga went to Genk at 25 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 2:06pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
A source was quoted without a link. From my first checks, I couldn’t verify it. I will dig further. But if it is true, it is something for the PATRIOTIC crew to think about. That said Dessers was very clear, he did not think he stood a chance with the Belgian NT. That means if he sees a real chance with them it will be a hard choice at least. But it’s funny seeing someone who aome expected will be maybe in the 2nd or 3rd in the pecking order among the strikers in the SE fall down sharply in some people’s minds just because of this unverified news. Why will suddenly Dessers think it will be hard to break into the Super Eagles? What has changed between the time he seemingly committed to us and now? We seem not to accept the reality that the SE/Nigeria is not an attractive brand. There are no short cuts to success in this regard as well. Until we do the right things from the home front, we will be largely seen as a second option. Blueelf: 3 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Nobody: 2:06pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Olulong:Forget story. He has not even played a season in Belgium. He is doing well in pre-season. Which player because of pre season form gets invited to the National team? He is ours confirmed. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Nobody: 2:10pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Starboytwo:Maja is not fit to lace Dessers boots in terms if goal poaching ability. 2 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Utonwanne(m): 2:10pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
andrewbaba44: Oga Andrew this is not Arguement. I don tell you finish but e no mean say he go bench Osimhen |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Subzero047: 2:11pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Starboytwo: Have you watched Dessers? 3 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Utonwanne(m): 2:15pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Blueelf: Seems you are missing the point. I didn't say Victor will sit on bench for Mertens. The argument is Mertens position in Napoli squad for the past 3 seasons or so |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by nairalandankrah: 2:16pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Leicester City willing to listen to offers for striker Kelechi Iheanacho in order to fund their pursuit of £40m-rated Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard By Simon Jones for MailOnline I hate Leicester city. .I pray they get relegated next season |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by JayromWrites: 2:17pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
charlesemeka85: Exactly my point Being Africa's most expensive player is not an award Pepe had an okay season for Arsenal but his transfer fee has blinded everyone |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrewbaba44: 2:18pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Utonwanne: Sorry sir I no argue |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrewbaba44: 2:19pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
JayromWrites: Pepe didnt had an okay season I sould have agreed he had an okay season if he had managed 10 epl goals |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheLoneCitizen(m): 2:20pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
JayromWrites: "As a little boy you dream of great things. I dreamed of KRC Genk", that was his twitter post. Every Nigerian dreams of playing EPL, as a Belgian he dreamt of representing boyhood club. Nabil Fekir, a world cup player left French Giants, Lyon to Betis at 26. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by nairalandankrah: 2:22pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Rodgers will be hoping his previous relationship with Edouard swings the transfer in his favour, having previously worked with him while in charge of the Scottish club.
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by JayromWrites: 2:25pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
TheLoneCitizen: I guess Fekir dreamt of Betis as well Lyon to Betis was a downgrade imo He almost joined Liverpool Fact is: Dessers(God knows i love this guy) is not better than all our options His career path to date is average Good players at his age are taking a leap to a bigger league and club He settled for Genk..(Or maybe Genk settled for him) Either ways, he isn't the best we've got And if e feels e want to play for Belgium, i wish him goodluck(He's than Benteke sha... Batman?? I strongly doubt) |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by JayromWrites: 2:28pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
andrewbaba44: 8 goals, 10 assists in his first season That's okay for me |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Edopesin: 2:29pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
TheLoneCitizen:Lmao the people you give the best player tag is funny as hell |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Provoker(m): 2:32pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
TheSuperNerd:Ndidi really tried this season. It's such a pity leceister had to settle for europa and I really hope a Big club comes for him soon. |
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