tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73326482405047903782024-03-05T20:21:53.273-08:00Football Nigeria -- Eagles EtceteraEagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-9919569330347895612024-02-11T15:19:00.000-08:002024-02-11T15:21:06.986-08:00Ivory Coast Wins AFCON and sends "Thank You" Card to Morocco.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-NEFKkd4N2gZISG_93i1f1TDwxeBl17Vbf1uqW6bpJ3LHPqbOZs1mft9khiDH6NWzZu2YOiGYZ8jd2oeR-na00Gubnh_ueWkqDjB_D9krbqmehb_mokWFUq0hUZSNKs_pDaAnmEDTqjElyL96utD_Mq8PUjDyyw4k4-KPT6FB6fxwV2fkxtoNf3Sl6O6/s2048/Jose%20Peseiro.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-NEFKkd4N2gZISG_93i1f1TDwxeBl17Vbf1uqW6bpJ3LHPqbOZs1mft9khiDH6NWzZu2YOiGYZ8jd2oeR-na00Gubnh_ueWkqDjB_D9krbqmehb_mokWFUq0hUZSNKs_pDaAnmEDTqjElyL96utD_Mq8PUjDyyw4k4-KPT6FB6fxwV2fkxtoNf3Sl6O6/w640-h426/Jose%20Peseiro.webp" width="640" /></a></div><i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>Manager Jose Peseiro asking "What happened with the energy!"</i><div><i><br /></i><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Abidjan -- Ivory Coast won their third AFCON by beating Nigeria 2-1 in front of a capacity crowd. It was a deserved win as they dominated Nigeria completely in a way that they never mustered in any of their previous encounters at this AFCON. In the end, the Ivoreins should be sending a "Thank You" card to Morocco who had revived their AFCON campaign. Ivory Coast was left for dead and out of this competition at the group stage until Morocco offered them a lifeline to the knockout stage with a 1-0 win over Zambia. The Ivoreins took the lifeline with grace and in the end, their assistant Manager who replaced a fired Manager Jean-Luis Gasset led them to an unlikely campaign. It was a campaign riddled with late escapes and eventually a totally dominant final against Nigeria.</p><p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ivory Coast won their third AFCON by beating Nigeria 2-1 in front of a capacity crowd. . . . In the end, the Ivoreins should be sending a "Thank You" card to Morocco who had revived their AFCON campaign. </span></i></p><p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>On the other side, one sensed that Nigeria and its fans were already celebrating an AFCON win before the game began. Nigerian fans were already claiming that the current Nigerian squad may be its best in current memory. For the fans, an Ivory Coast victory could not be comprehended. Yet, you still have to play the game. Nigeria came out lethargic and remained so until late when the Ivoreins mercifully took their feet off the pedal. Mysteriously, Nigerian players failed to raise their effort and energy for a championship game while Ivory Coast was exactly the opposite. The Ivoreins chased each ball as if their lives depended on it and subsequently they earned multiple calls against the lethargic Nigerians who were frequently a step slow to the ball.</p><p>The fact that the game ended with a 2-1 margin did not reflect the true dominance of the Ivoreins, urged on by as capacity home crowd. They were chasing a third AFCON title, which has now tied three also won by Nigeria. </p><p>Manager Peseiro, sensing the lethargy of his lads, sought to get them going by verbally challenging early officiating calls which forced refereee Dahane Beida of Mauritania to issue a caution after just 27 minutes. Yet, Nigeria could still not wake up from its deep slumber. Twice, Nigeria's goalkeeper Nwabali was called on to make critical saves to Keep Nigeria fortunately in the game. </p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria came out lethargic and remained so until late when the Ivoreins mercifully took their feet off the pedal. Mysteriously, Nigerian players failed to raise their effort and energy for a championship game while Ivory Coast was exactly the opposite. </span></i></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>The shocker was that completely against the run of play Nigeria would go ahead after 37 minutes. A rare corner kick was hoisted into the area by Lookman but a poor header by an Ivorein defender allowed Ekong to take advantage and put Nigeria ahead. </p><p>The expectation was that Nigeria will begin the second half, following a pep talk, energized. It did not happen. Instead, the Ivorein domination persisted. Peseiro took out anonymous Chukwueze with the hope that substitute Simon would bring in the much needed energy. It was not enough.</p><p>The Ivoreins earned an equalizer two minutes after the hour from a corner kick after Nwabali had turned away a long range violent shot. Dissatisfied, the Ivoreins kept on coming. In desperation, Peseiro sent Lookman and Iwobi to the bench. Yet, no answers. Instead, it was the Ivoreins that went ahead. This time, Aina was left dead on the right and the subsequent cross was put beyond Nwabali by Heller.</p><p>With the deed done, what was left was a wait for the final whistle and handing over the trophy to the Ivoreins with a "Thank You" letter quickly dispatched to Casablanca. That Nigeria took control late was only because the Ivoreins became interested in defending their lead. Nothing more.</p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">With the deed done, what was left was a wait for the final whistle and handing over the trophy to the Ivoreins with a "Thank You" letter quickly dispatched to Casablanca. That Nigeria took control late was only because the Ivoreins became interested in defending their lead. Nothing more.</span></i></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ratings</span></b></p><p><b>Stanley Nwabali</b> -6.3 -- He made several saves to keep the margin respectable as Nigeria was thoroughly dominated.</p><p><b>Ola Aina</b> - 6.0 -- Aina had a poor outing after a magnificent tournament earlier on. He was always a step slower than his opponent throughout and he gave up multiple crosses. </p><p><b>Semi Ajayi</b> -- 6.3 -- Semi came to the rescue of Aina a few times today.</p><p><b>William Troost-Ekong</b>- 6.7 -- He player a skipper's game defending as best as he could and helping out in attack. He ended up scoring Nigeria's only goal.</p><p><b>Calvin Bassey</b> -- 6.4 -- Calvin also had a strong performance. He was beaten for pace early and escaped being booked after tugging on the shirt of his conqueror.</p><p><b>Zaidu Sanusi</b> - 6.0 -- Zaidu had a poor game and nearly gifted the Ivoreins an early score with a poor header intended for Nwabali but was fortunate that the ball skidded into corner with an onrushing attacker looking to pounce.</p><p><b>Frank Onyeka</b> -- 6.1 -- He gave up early fouls as always and seemed to lack his usual energy. He was eventually replaced by Aribo as Nigeria chased a result.</p><p><b>Alex Iwobi</b> -- 6.1 -- He did not do much to lift his mates and appeared slow to win balls against the quick moving Ivoreins.</p><p><b>Samuel Chukwueze -</b>- 5.8 -- The less written, the better. Completely anonymous and was duly replaced,</p><p><b>Victor Osimhen</b> - 6.2 -- His effort level was there and the grit was there. However, there was no service and he was often left on an island to fend for himself.</p><p><b>Simon Moses </b>- 6.0 -- He contributed very littler when he came on.</p><p><b>Kelechi Iheanacho </b>-- 6.5 -- In the 15 minutes that he was on, he seemed fired up far more than his team mates. </p><p><b>Alhassan Yusuf</b> -- 6.1 -- He seemed to bring more energy as he came on but it was too little, too late.</p><p><b>Terem Moff</b> -- X</p><p><b>Joseph Aribo</b> -- X</p><p>Stanley Nwabali <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">+</span> -- Ola Aina <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">+</span>, Semi Ajayi, William Ekong (cpt), Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi (84th Joseph Aribo) -- Samuel Chukwueze (55th Simon Moses), Frank Onyeka (84th Terem Moffi), Alex Iwobi (76th Alhassan Yusuf), Ademola Lookman (76th Kelechi Iheanacho) -- Victor Osimhen.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p></div>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-28585340195092863322024-02-07T14:07:00.000-08:002024-02-08T13:36:29.729-08:00NWABALI Propels Nigeria into the AFCON Final After a Decade of Despair......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXfUHoWK9e3mHvwtsltdjyIf07hpgN4rYlXLZIUmT1xzBCbwQXDBrqFuJqvk2YqgiMSaTpSSW1eImLNcwdmC3UHJMFpXRilacILOH1vd1XeExsuLXA4PKThyphenhyphen7u9L2udxK3Z7vtL4Azr4mVSfgGqmPvw5fDge7qdyE3gG4e8iyKJVXBgHgHLd04MeFCdsJ/s750/Stanley%20Nwabali.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="750" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXfUHoWK9e3mHvwtsltdjyIf07hpgN4rYlXLZIUmT1xzBCbwQXDBrqFuJqvk2YqgiMSaTpSSW1eImLNcwdmC3UHJMFpXRilacILOH1vd1XeExsuLXA4PKThyphenhyphen7u9L2udxK3Z7vtL4Azr4mVSfgGqmPvw5fDge7qdyE3gG4e8iyKJVXBgHgHLd04MeFCdsJ/w640-h484/Stanley%20Nwabali.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Bouake, IVORY COAST -- Stanley Nwabali, invited at the last moment to rescue Nigeria at the AFCON, after Nigerian managers repeatedly turned their attention to Europe, became the man to lift Nigeria into an African Cup of Nations championship game following a decade of despair. Nwabali, put up a spectacular display, during the penalty kick shoot out, after a match where he displayed impeccable sweeping from the back to pushback South Africa's attempt at an upset. The South Africans, filled with players from Mamelodi Sundowns, dominated the ball for long periods but it ended in heart break city. A few days ago, their goalkeeper had saved penalty-kicks to push South Africa through and in the game against Nigeria, they went into a game-delay strategy as extra time dwindled and they felt confident. After all, their goalkeeper will prove spectacular in another shootout. Instead, it was goalkeeper Nwabali who stole the show.</p><p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Stanley Nwabali, invited at the last moment to rescue Nigeria at the AFCON, after Nigerian managers repeatedly turned their attention to Europe, became the man to lift Nigeria into an African Cup of Nations championship game following a decade of despair. </i></span></p><p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>But it must be stated that Nigeria made strategic penalty kick decisions. Three of Nigeria's late substitutions came in for penalty kick intentions and all three converted -- Moffi, Iheanacho, and Omeruo. Of the three, both Moffi and Iheanacho, had not played a minute in this tournament and did not play a minute of the regulation 90 minutes today!</p><p>The game itself was difficult for Nigeria. South Africa prepared keenly and copied the Nigerians by laying down a five-person defense when Nigeria attacked. Upfront, Percy Tau posed a significant threat to Nigeria with his pace. In the end, South Africa controlled large swaths of the game and had opportunities as Nigeria's defense faced significant threat. It was the type of threat that Nigeria had not faced in this tournament.</p><p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But it must be stated that Nigeria made strategic penalty kick decisions. Three of Nigeria's late substitutions came in for penalty kick intentions and all three converted -- Moffi, Iheanacho, and Omeruo. Of the three, both Moffi and Iheanacho, had not played a minute in this tournament and did not play a minute of the regulation 90 minutes today!</i></span></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>However, Nigeria had its own opportunities with Osimhen again providing a significant threat. The report of his illness, a few days to this encounter, was terrifying to Nigerian fans but he recovered quickly for this game and his contribution was not in doubt. That he had a certain goal disallowed very late because of an earlier foul by Nigeria's Yusuf was cruel. Osimhen and his mates had begun celebration, thinking that Nigeria was up by 2-0 but a VAR check showed an earlier foul in the box by Yusuf. The referee Amin Omar of Egypt cancelled Osimhen's goal and instead awarded a penalty kick to the South Africans that led to a 1-1 tie forcing a half hour overtime that also ended in a tie. Earlier, Nigeria had gone up by a goal after Osimhen was hauled down deep inside the box following an exchanged pass with substitute Chukwueze. Ekong converted (68th minute). That the VAR check led to a South African goal, at the dearth of the second half, was deflating.</p><p>Yet, Nigeria appeared the better team in extra time as the South Africans slowed the pace hoping for penalty kicks. They earned it eventually but they had not counted on Nwabali's heroics... Nwabali saved two of the kicks while Nigeria's Aina was the only one to miss on Nigeria's side after he saw his attempt scale above the bar.</p><p>Nigeria will now await the winner of Ivory Coast and Congo DR game for the championship on the weekend.</p><p><b>Stanley Nwabali </b>-- <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">9.0</span></span> -- spectacular goalkeeper-sweeper. He marshalled Nigeria's backline arriving quick at least twice to clear the lines. Then he presented a heroic and winning effort during the penalty kicks shootout.</p><p><b>Bright Osayi-Samuel</b> -- 6.0 -- Bright earned his first start at it was barely pretty with multiple errors. He was eventually rescued late in overtime as Nigeria opted for Omeruo for penalty kick purpose.</p><p><b>Samuel Ajayi </b>-- 6.4 -- Another good performance by Ajayi, highlight was when he faced 1 v 1 with a rampaging South African attacker in overtime, he stood firm to win in a dire suituation.</p><p><b>William Ekong (cpt) </b>- 8.0 -- William was the strongest man in Nigeria's back line. Upfront he also presented opportunities especially on the end of the set pieces. His goal from the spot gave Nigeria the lead and he converted another penalty kick during the shootout phase. Took a professional booking in overtime as South Africa broke away in threatening position wide.</p><p><b>Calvin Bassey</b> -- 6.7 -- The strongest defender at point of attack, bar Ekong. A remarkable moment was his challenge against Mokoena deep in Nigeria's box in the 98th minute.</p><p><b>Ola Aina </b>-- 6.3 -- This may have been his worst game at this tournament. He started well but then was guilty a few times of letting the South Africans behind him. Then he was the only Nigerian to miss his penalty kick during the shootout.</p><p><b>Ademola Lookman</b> -- 6.2 -- Ademola was a shadow of himself on the day even on occasions when he drifted into the middle. Eventually, he was hauled off for Iheanacho during extra time as penalty kicks loomed.</p><p><b>Frank Onyeka</b> -- 6.5 -- Two fouls conceded within the first 20 minutes was not unusual. However, his play was strong as ever. Eventually replaced after he earned a caution at the 100th minute mark.</p><p><b>Alex Iwobi</b> -- 6.3 -- A tale of two halves. Alex was the engine in the opening half presenting self, constantly, as an outlet. He also had a couple of shots in the game. He was replaced early.</p><p><b>Moses Simon </b>-- 6.5 -- Moses played well but was also guilty of losing some balls as he attempted to do too much. He was eventually taken off after the interval.</p><p><b>Victor Osimhen </b>-- 8.0 -- Simply incomparable. He is the HEART of this team. His all out effort after bout with illness cannot be overstated. He was the guy who earned the go-ahead penalty kick after he was hauled down deep in the box on the hour to put Nigeria ahead. He was replaced late by Moffi as penalty kick strategy took hold. </p><p><b>Alhassan Yusuf </b>-- 6.2 -- He gave a good shift winning the ball but it was his foul in Nigeria's box that gifted South Africa a late tie and eventually led to penalty kick shootout.</p><p><b>Samuel Chukwueze</b> -- 6.2 -- He had a shot saved at the 92nd minute but did not do anything spectacular, otherwise.</p><p><b>Joseph Aribo</b> -- 6.2 -- He was largely anonymous except with a few passes late in injury time.</p><p><b>Kelechi Iheanacho</b> -- 6.3 -- Kele struck a good freekick beyond the wall in the 118th minute but the goalkeeper was well positioned to save easily.</p><p><b>Terem Moffi </b>-- 6.4 -- his breakaway late (118th) led to a key freekick deep into South African box that was not converted.</p><p><b>Kenneth Omeruo</b> -- X -- Came in at the dearth of overtime but he played his role by converting his penalty kick.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-22518377644698213012024-02-02T12:01:00.000-08:002024-02-02T12:04:18.211-08:00Angola Stiffled … Nigeria gets to Medal Stage after 4 decades of futility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKAuOXTN4Iqbs9bDdRQnpMZK-xzoOVE3dOdTdSLCWVUCu3xy8k6rGwzIbtN09mcWeG1MF7l3-_YF20VlDlHWigrmMU2bpDz12ogguC7erEqINQyrP-IiYqpy5d4meNVbr6GR-VmsRHwwj6WZhWJRkYwdJrEWp6J-UQDmPNvBk2-w5KqMBXS9cv1kRhP8V/s916/Iwobi.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="916" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKAuOXTN4Iqbs9bDdRQnpMZK-xzoOVE3dOdTdSLCWVUCu3xy8k6rGwzIbtN09mcWeG1MF7l3-_YF20VlDlHWigrmMU2bpDz12ogguC7erEqINQyrP-IiYqpy5d4meNVbr6GR-VmsRHwwj6WZhWJRkYwdJrEWp6J-UQDmPNvBk2-w5KqMBXS9cv1kRhP8V/w640-h448/Iwobi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Alex: The maestro that commanded the middle today......</span></i></div></span></i><p>Abidjan, I-COAST…..Ademola Lookman’s shot, off a Moses Simon
cross, decided the game against Angola 1-0 as Nigeria romped into the semi final
of the AFCON. Nigeria was last at this stage more than a decade ago. Today,
there was little doubt that Nigeria deserved the win as they created better
chances than the Angolans who gave their all searching for their own historical
moment.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Angola was the livelier team earlier on. In fact, they could
have gone ahead after just 8 minutes, but Nwabali turned a close Angolan
opportunity into the corner. Nwabali clearly is making his mark in this
tournament, he has given Nigeria the confidence that it lacked in the last
couple of years. His command of the goal area has been top notch and today he produced his trademark long throw that led to what could have been Nigeria’s second goal.
The long throw from his goal area found Osimhen who was fouled. The ensuing free
kick saw Osimhen head into the net, but the VAR showed the latter was inches
offside.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nwabali clearly is making his mark in this tournament, he has given Nigeria the confidence that it lacked in the last couple of years. His command of the goal area has been top notch and today he produced his trademark long throw that led to what could have been Nigeria’s second goal. </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p class="MsoNormal">But it was not just Nwabali playing at a high level. Alex Iwobi,
later substituted, was the maestro in the middle. He was fetching, intercepting,
and generally bossing the middle well ahead of anyone else on display
particularly in the first hour of play.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While Angola finished with more touches on the ball, Nigeria
proved the more dangerous team. Osimhen had a sharp header saved on the line
after 23 minutes. This was before Lookman put Nigeria ahead for good. The work
for that goal belonged solely to Moses Simon who sped down the left after dispatching
a lounging defender. Moses calmly cut the ball back for Lookman to thunder it
home from close.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But it was not just Nwabali playing at a high level. Alex Iwobi, later substituted, was the maestro in the middle. He was fetching, intercepting, and generally bossing the middle well ahead of anyone else on display particularly in the first hour of play.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: large;">........The work for that goal belonged solely to Moses Simon who sped down the left after dispatching a lounging defender. Moses calmly cut the ball back for Lookman to thunder it home from close.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Angola upped its pressure in the second half. This forced
Nigeria to defend deep with five. This formation of five in defense has proven
prescient at this AFCON. Nigeria has now gone 4 games, and 360 minutes without
conceding, a remarkable turnaround for a team that was regularly conceding
before the strategic change.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But as Angola threw everything forward in desperation, Nigeria
periodically rattled them with incisive breakaways that threatened to widen the
margin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Line - up</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stanley Nwabali – Semi Ajayi, William Ekong (cpt), Calvin
Bassey<span style="color: #fcff01;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">48 </span>– Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka (86<sup>th</sup> Kenneth Omeruo), Alex Iwobi
(80<sup>th</sup> Alhassan Yusuf), Zaidu Sanusi – Ademola Lookman (90+4 Joseph
Aribo), Victor Osimhen (90+4 Paul Onuachu), Moses Simon.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ratings<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Stanley Nwabili</b> – 6.8 – Stanley was tested today and
two great saves kept Nigeria from conceding, including when it looked more
likely that Angola should have scored, Stanley stretched full length to turn
the ball away from close in the second half.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ola Aina</b> – 7.0 – If Aina fails to make the tournament
Xi then a recount should be demanded. Today he was excellent again, closing in
quickly to intercept balls and joining attack.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Semi Ajayi</b> – 6.4 – He is the silent giant but with
brain the size of an elephant. His quick thinking made easy work of dispossessing
an opponent deep inside Nigeria’s box in the second half as the Angolans sought
an equalizer.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>William Ekong</b> (cpt) – 6.3 – Ekong continued to
present the calmness in defense. However, he fouled up a header in the opening
half but quickly conceded a foul to make up.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Calvin Bassey</b> – 6.5 – Earned his second booking today
but the first had been canceled after Nigeria reached the knockout stage. Tough
defender who recovered from early pacy Angolan challenges on his side.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Zaidu Sanusi</b> – 6.3 – Going forward, Zaidu is a
master. He regularly presents himself but annoyingly can be befuddling with final
decision.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Frank Onyeka</b> – 6.5 – Frank worked very hard in the
middle and may have copped a late injury and was briefly carted off before
returning to a late substitution.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Alex Iwobi</b> – 7.3 – Alex was on his game today. He was
everywhere early presenting as an outlet for passes and creating incisive
passing deep. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ademola Lookman</b> – 7.0 –He scored the goal and thus
finishes as the most valuable player for the day. Ademola has clearly upped his
game at this AFCON. As he said at his team initiation, he indeed had <i>AFCON
in his mind</i> ala Ashake’s <i>Lonely at the Top</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Victor Osimhen</b> –6.8 – Another virtuoso performance
and appeared injured a few times in the game. Unlucky to have what could have
been Nigeria’s second goal ruled off for marginal offside. He came close two
other times—one a header saved on the line and another having a deflection
divert a goal bound attempt.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Yusuf Alhassan</b> – Not rated but glad to see him back.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Joseph Aribo</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-- X<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Paul Onuachu</b> – X<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Kenneth Omeruo</b> -- X<o:p></o:p></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-70730289765941546562024-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:002024-01-27T20:33:01.981-08:00Lookman with a Brace as Nigeria Overcomes Cameroon 2-0......<p>Abidjan -- Nigeria moved into the African Football Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter finals with Ademola Lookman scoring a brace in a 2 - 0 win over Cameroon. Nigeria played a clinical game and remained focused allowing Cameroon to dominate possession but offered the losers few real opportunities. Desperate to measure up, Cameroon made Osimhen suffer several fouls and the increasing desperation led to a caution for Nkoulou who fouled goalie Nwabali in midair. Nwabali, unable to continue, was replaced by goalie Uzoho.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyFnloCsmieHw5WZ9QB_3oskc0jdbHa_UrAcUiB93Q1ytpJEOgpo-G4XSlMmaDwQsC9SxZLk3RHMoyrg1D1mPXcRRamhGz_t69DhuVqnmDkmeWloonhwjhFwX3tgS1ym7pDQ_-useZ2pvkeRov8qDyk5w0ySIM1eTIx24IvA3Gai5L3NVW54ONZDMFodI/s640/LOOKMAN%20d095b50f-88ae-41d2-9014-0d22705934da.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyFnloCsmieHw5WZ9QB_3oskc0jdbHa_UrAcUiB93Q1ytpJEOgpo-G4XSlMmaDwQsC9SxZLk3RHMoyrg1D1mPXcRRamhGz_t69DhuVqnmDkmeWloonhwjhFwX3tgS1ym7pDQ_-useZ2pvkeRov8qDyk5w0ySIM1eTIx24IvA3Gai5L3NVW54ONZDMFodI/w480-h640/LOOKMAN%20d095b50f-88ae-41d2-9014-0d22705934da.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>_____________________________________________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Desperate to measure up, Cameroon made Osimhen suffer several fouls and the increasing desperation led to a caution for Nkoulou who fouled goalie Nwabali in midair. Nwabali, unable to continue, was replaced by goalie Uzoho.</span></i></p><p>____________________________________________________</p><p>The game started with Nigeria indicating its intention. After only eight minutes, Nigeria appeared to go ahead as Ajayi scored during a goalmouth scramble. However, VAR check showed that the goal was scored from offside position and it was correctly ruled out.</p><p>However, Nigeria did not relent. It was clear that Nigeria was up for this game and it was only a matter of time before Cameroon would go behind. After 36 minutes, Osimhen's pressured a defender into a critical error. He then sped past the defender to find Lookman and the latter coolly shot the ball underneath the goalkeeper and trickled into the net passed a desperate defender.</p><p>______________________________________________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">After 36 minutes, Osimhen's pressured a defender into a critical error. He then sped past the defender to find Lookman and the latter coolly shot the ball underneath the goalkeeper and trickled into the net passed a desperate defender.</span></i></p><p>_____________________________________________________</p><p>It was a 1 -- 0 lead at interval. In the second half, Nigeria kept providing the more danger especially with Victor Osimhen constituting a nuisance. The fact that the Cameroonian defenders did not earn strings of cautions was indeed a mystery and due to extreme refereeing leniency. But with the leniency, the desperate defending encourage more dangerous play. After 77 minutes, the leniency forced Nwabali out of the game with an injury. A high ball came into the area and as Nwabali went up to grab it, Nkoulous clattered into him and injuring him. Nwabali had to be taken off.</p><p>The injuries and delays forced an additional 10 minutes for injury time. Nigeria, however, scored just before the start of injury time. Again, it was Lookman scoring from a Bassey cross. Nigeria had won an important game and deservedly so.</p><p> Stanley Nwabali (23) (77th Francis Uzoho (10) -- Semi Ajayi (6), William Ekong (cpt -5), Calvin Bassey (21) -- Ola Aina (2)<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">+ 90+3</span> (90+5 Bright Osayi-Samuel (12)), Frank Onyeka (8) (90+5 Onyemaechi (12)), Alex Iwobi (17), Zaidu Sanusi (3) (77th Kenneth Omeruo (22)) -- Ademola Lookman (18), Victor Osimhen (9), Moses Simon (15)<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">+85</span>.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>RATINGS:</u></span></p><p><b>Stanley Nwabili </b>-- 6.5 -- Stanley was, again, very good. This time he was playing the sweeper role better than we have ever seen a Nigerian goalkeeper as he came out to close the gap between his line and the last defensive man. In addition, he sniffed out few opportunities for the Cameroonians until the latter had he carted off after an airborne collusion.</p><p><b>Semi Ajayi </b>-- 6.5 -- Semi was stable at the back and has been as consistent as ever in the back, winning his duels aerially and on the ground. He had his usual sortie going up. He had what would have been an opening goal ruled off for offside after just 8 minutes.</p><p><b>William Ekong</b> (cpt) -- 6.4 -- Again, Captain calm marshalled the lines and won all his aerial duels.</p><p><b>Calvin Bassey </b>-- 6.4 -- Calvin was very strong on 1 v 1 duel, whether it was on the ground or in the air. In essence, he helped form a strong man wall at the heart of Nigeria's defense.</p><p><b>Ola Aina</b> -- 6.5 -- Ola Aina is having a great AFCON. I believe he should have made the team of the Group rounds. He was that good and consistent. Today, it was the same. He was replaced, for tactical reasons, late after he received a caution in injury time.</p><p><b>Frank Onyeka</b> -- 6.3 -- Onyeka had a strong performance without any frills. He is rapidly becoming the team's enforcer in the middle of the park. Today, he almost goy into a physical confrontation with an opponent after he dished out an opening half tackle.</p><p><b>Alex Iwobi </b> -- 6.5 -- AS usual, Alex presented himself regularly as an outlet for passes for his team mates. This is almost like a recurring decimal. He is strong and steady in the middle of the park.</p><p><b>Zaidu Sanusi</b> - 6.3 -- Sanusi had a game of two halves. In the opening half, he was quite impressive going forward often and early. However, he gradually faded and was duly replaced by Kenneth Omeruo in the second half.</p><p><b>Ademola Lookman </b>-- <b><span style="color: red;">8.0</span></b> -- Ademola with a brace is the most valuable player. He took his goals clinically. Ademola, in this AFCON, has imposed himself starting from the first game when his effort level remarkably went up.</p><p><b>Victor Osimhen</b> -- 8.0 -- Victor was the most dangerous player on the Nigeria side. His running is deceptive. He chased a half chance down to dispossess a Cameroonian defender down before assisting on Nigeria's go ahead score. Victor suffered the most fouls in the game as Cameroon struggled mightily to control him.</p><p><b>Moses Simon </b>-- 6.2 -- Moses had a good game on the left. He ended up with a late booking when he had a tackle from behind to stop a Cameroon counter attack,</p><p><b>Kenneth Omeruo</b> -- 6.2 -- Kenneth entered late replacing Sanusi. However, he was steady at the back helping the team to maintain a clean sheet. </p><p><b>Francis Uzoho</b> -- 6.0 - Francis came in as a substitute for injured Nwabali but had few dangerous moments as his defense provided a good shield. </p><p><b>Paul Onuachu</b> -- No rating. Few minutes.</p><p><b>Bright Osayi-Samuel</b> (12) -- No rating. Few minutes.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-89456080481155835272024-01-22T11:47:00.000-08:002024-01-22T12:27:54.980-08:00Nigeria Scraps Through Deservedly....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Sp_YxBpTjSUnOWmpcWOt36ksxdB7TflzuGCDKthyTjjMB3wdoM0cmknFZPD1b02c96-HkighesVH2ngXALXj5gT_k3xf8MXcWNSZxQFjPxhuyYKZTYiDZvletJSijxfiTomQWiWTd3kcFFShCimAMq7vdUh91PmUYcc2THqZDza-r2zLn3u4P3HtsHs/s2560/Nigeria-scaled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Sp_YxBpTjSUnOWmpcWOt36ksxdB7TflzuGCDKthyTjjMB3wdoM0cmknFZPD1b02c96-HkighesVH2ngXALXj5gT_k3xf8MXcWNSZxQFjPxhuyYKZTYiDZvletJSijxfiTomQWiWTd3kcFFShCimAMq7vdUh91PmUYcc2THqZDza-r2zLn3u4P3HtsHs/w640-h360/Nigeria-scaled-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Abidjan </b>-- Nigeria pipped Guinea Bissau 1-0 in Abidjan at the Houmphouet Boigny Stadium to progress to the second round of the AFCON before an estimated 20,000 spectators. With Ivory Coast going down 0-4 simultaneously to Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria was forced to finish second in the group because of a poorer goal difference compared to the Equatoguineans.</p><p>Nigeria was clearly the better team using their new structure of 5-3-2 in defense and 3-5-2 in attack. In truth, the losers, who finished without a point in the group, were thoroughly outclassed. The difference in margin could be down to pitiful officiating by referee Ms. Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco) intent on balancing the game with poor officiating. Although, to be clear the referee with assistance of VAR officials ended up making the correct calls after Nigeria had put the ball in the net two other times and fortuitously did not call for a VAR check after the losers had a goal ruled off. Replays indicated the goal by Guinea Bissau should have stood. </p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria was clearly the better team using their new structure of 5-3-2 in defense and 3-5-2 in attack. In truth, the losers, who finished without a point in the group, were thoroughly outclassed. The difference in margin could be down to pitiful officiating by referee Ms. Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco) intent on balancing the game with poor officiating. </span></i></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>Nigeria's intent in this game was quite clear with three shots taken at goal within the opening two minutes. Two were blocked and one by Osimhen sailed wide harmlessly. However, in spite of that rigorous pursuit of a quick goal to demoralize the Guinea Bissau team, the latter stood strong. In fact, they began to find gaps between the Nigerian midfield and the defense without Iwobi who usually would station in the hole. Onyeka playing that role was working tirelessly but his positioning was not perfect on several breaks by the losers.</p><p>After 36 minutes, Nigeria broke through with the only goal of the game. Simon broke down the left and his cross sped across the goal with onrushing Osimhen looking to deflect it home after the goalkeeper had been left at sea. In desperation, a defender knocked the ball high into his own net to gift Nigeria a goal that would decide the game's outcome. Although, as many as four minutes were shown on the clock for injury time by the reserve official, the referee Karboubi called for interval at the dot of the official 45 minutes on the game clock.</p><p>The second half began with a Nigerian blitz. First Simon decided to round up the goalie but was unsuccessful but Osimhen was wide open to his right begging for a pass with an open goal awaiting. Minutes later, the goalie bungled a cross and a lurking Osimhen put the rebound into an empty net. The referee ruled it off as a VAR spotted that Osimhen handled the rebound before scoring.</p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">After 36 minutes, Nigeria broke through with the only goal of the game. Simon broke down the left and his cross sped across the goal with onrushing Osimhen looking to deflect it home after the goalkeeper had been left at sea. In desperation, a defender knocked the ball high into his own net to gift Nigeria a goal that would decide the game's outcome.</span></i></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>Nigeria kept up the pressure with Aina blazing an opportunity high and wide in the 68th minute. and then Osimhen seeing his unchallenged header go wide ten minutes after. This was all before Guinea Bissau had a goal called off for offside with nine minutes left. Yet, drama remained. This occurred three minutes after when Zaidu's goal off Osimhern's cross was called off.</p><p>Nigeria was forced to finish second behind Equatorial Guinea who, simultaneously, was pulling off an incredible result with a 4-0 walloping of host Ivory Coast in Abidjan. It was a historic win and a shocking loss at home by the host team. The Ivoreins, with a n array of top European talents were one of the tournament's favorites and expected to crush the Equatoguineans. Instead, the opposite happened.</p><p><b>Stanley Nwabali </b>(23) - 6-6 -- Again, Stanley had a very good performance and making a save whenever he was called on. The best moment was rushing out quickly in the 54th minute to nick a ball from top of the box as an opponent set to pounce on a defensive error.</p><p><b>Bright Osayi-Samuel</b> (12) -- 6.1 - Osayi-Samuel provided a credible game day performance before he was replaced,</p><p><b>Semi Ajayi </b>(6) -- 6.7 -- Perhaps Nigeria's best defender on the day. In the 40th minute he highlighted this by saving a dangerous situation after Osayi-Samuel lost the ball in a dangerous position. He ended up with a quick first half booking.</p><p><b>Kenneth Omeruo</b> (cpt-22) -- 6.2 -- With Ekong out on account of a reported injury, Omeruo started and was named captain. He provided credible but largely uneventful performance at the center of the 5-man defense.</p><p><b>Calvin Bassey </b>(21) -- 6.5 -- Bassey had a strong presence at the center of the defense and earned a booking very late in the game.</p><p><b>Ola Aina</b> (2) -- 6.7 -- Aina started at the left instead of the right of the defense in this game. His day started poorly with several miscued passes but he gradually grew into the game to provide a credible performance. He was replaced in injury time by Awaziem as the manager emptied his bench.</p><p><b>Frank Onyeka</b> (8) -- 6.5 -- Onyeka was everywhere in the opening half but failed to protect the center of the defense allowing the opponents to utilize the gap between defense and attack of the Nigerians. He ended up as one of multiple Nigeran booked by the match official in a spate of questionable decisions.</p><p><b>Samuel Chukwueze</b> (11) -- 6.2 -- Samuel was critical early on in probing the defense but still is yet to show what he is capable of.</p><p><b>Joseph Aribo</b> (10) -- 6.5 -- Aribo was very hard working early on presenting for passes and moving the ball along. He and Onyeka provided a credible duo early on in the middle.</p><p><b>Moses Simon</b> (15) -- 6.4 -- Simon probed the defense early on. Eventually, it was his delicate cross that forced the defense to concede the only goal of the game.</p><p><b>Victor Osimhen</b> (9) -- 6.5 -- Victor was very active in searching for a goal. He came close several times with a shot and two headers. Eventually, he found the back of the net but the officially correctly ruled it off after discovering that he handled the ball before scoring. Yet, it was Victor's pressure that led to the only goal as an opponent conceded an own goal.</p><p><b>Raphael Onyedika </b>(25) -- 6.3 -- He had 26 minutes on the field and helped Nigeria maintain control of the game for large swaths.</p><p><b>Alex Iwobi </b>(17) -- 6.2 -- Alex started from the bench today and it is unclear whether the manager was simply seeking to introduce new faces given that Nigeria was virtually through the knock out stages before the opening whistle. However, Iwobi did his usual thing by helping the team maintain possession. However, today, he rarely attempted defense-splitting passes and instead settled for the easy and shorter possession type decisions.</p><p><b>Zaidu Sanusi</b> (3) -- X</p><p><b>Bruno Onyeamaechi</b> (13) -- X</p><p><b>Ademola Lookman</b> (18) -- X</p><p><b>Chiedozie Awaziem</b> (20) -- X</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-76986383601695327042024-01-18T11:59:00.000-08:002024-01-18T16:13:48.094-08:00Nigeria Provides Disciplined Display and Nick it 1-0 over host Ivory Coast......<p> Abidjan -- Embattled Manager Jose Peseiro led the Super Eagles to a disciplined display with a base 5-4-1 formation, rarely seen under the ultra-attacking Manager. He ditched the two-forward set that he had fallen in love with and instead took an ultra defensive approach in beating Ivory Coast 1-0 in a critical AFCON group game in Abidjan to keep Nigeria's knockout stage qualification hopes alive.</p><p>__________________________________________________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Embattled Manager Jose Peseiro led the Super Eagles to a disciplined display with a base 5-4-1 formation rarely seen under the ultra-attacking Manager. He ditched the two-forward set that he had fallen in love with and instead took an ultra defensive approach in beating Ivory Coast 1-0 ......</span></i></p><p>__________________________________________________________</p><p>Nigeria was ultra disciplined and maintained their lines religiously by relying on quick counters to rattle the host team. But it was Nigeria that had the first half-chance but Osimhen sent the ball over the top after 7 minutes. A minute later, it was goalie Stanley Nwabali who saved Nigeria from tears as Sanusi's tame back-pass header was almost intercepted by an onrushing attacker. With Peseiro keeping a few of his men back, at every corner kick for Nigeria, there was always the chance of a big breakaway from the Nigerians. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPID_tXWrWFZTsrmMrg_i6SC51fpSlNVKpXkW-xe6f3hc_XtH9CqiTkvuiKXJlCFXYcz4erhy8dp3bYhnNiN51dFE5F5JyLDHjSrH8RkX3Vij_99NVovGqZp4e7ueYICaaHsvr5MqCMDFKu5ZyrtgCwGfjtTbL2esL7k_vD4LIyA9mS6dt7Hu0xUMKkM7/s712/William-Troost-Ekong.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="712" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPID_tXWrWFZTsrmMrg_i6SC51fpSlNVKpXkW-xe6f3hc_XtH9CqiTkvuiKXJlCFXYcz4erhy8dp3bYhnNiN51dFE5F5JyLDHjSrH8RkX3Vij_99NVovGqZp4e7ueYICaaHsvr5MqCMDFKu5ZyrtgCwGfjtTbL2esL7k_vD4LIyA9mS6dt7Hu0xUMKkM7/w640-h378/William-Troost-Ekong.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skipper William Ekong won the game for Nigeria to keep Pesseiro dreaming</span></i></p><p><br /></p><p>Ivory Coast took control, but it was only brief as Nigeria began to give as much as it suffered. The Ivoreins, sensing difficulty breaking through the toughened 5-man defensive line set up by Nigeria, began to attempt long range shots but Nwabali was unruffled. Whatever the Ivoreins may have heard about Nigeria's poor goalkeeping did not materialize. In any case, it was neither Uzoho nor Okoye in goal. This was Nwabali and a new dawn had set in.</p><p>With the half ending goalless, it appeared Nigeria was going to eke out at least a tie from this game. Instead, Nigeria went for the jugular. A quick move sent a ball high into Osimhen's path inside the left box but as he set to bring down the ball, Diomande kicked his heel. It required a VAR check to confirm a deserved penalty kick award. Skipper William Ekong, recently released from Peseiro's <i>dog house,</i> stepped up to rifle a fierce shot from the spot to the right of the goalkeeper for the only score of the game. It had been only 53 minutes gone on the clock.</p><p>__________________________________________________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">A quick move sent a ball high into Osimhen's path inside the left box but as he set to bring down the ball, Diomande kicked his foot. It required a VAR check to confirm a deserved penalty kick award. Skipper William Ekong, recently released from Peseiro's dog house stepped up to rifle a fierce shot from the spot to the right of the goalkeeper for the only score of the game.</span></i></p><p>__________________________________________________________</p><p>Although Ivory Coast fired back but they lacked the finesse and confidence to breach the Nigerians, One must wonder about the Ivoreins and their credentials to win the AFCON at home. The cutting edge was lacking but in reality Nigeria, on this day, was giving it all. Ivory Coast, however, had an opportunity in the 71st minute as a loose ball broke through Nigeria's rear but Nwabali quickly rushed out to palm the ball into safety.</p><p>It was telling that even with nine minutes of added time, Ivory Coast rarely posed any serious danger to the Nigerians. In the end, Peseiro had a day when Nigerians will praise him.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Ratings</span></b></p><p><b>Stanley Nwabali</b> (23) -- 6.8 -- Nwabali was very good pulling at least three saves and he appeared self assured throughout. This is a characteristic often missing from this position for years now. He received a late booking for time wasting.</p><p><b>Ola Aina</b> (2) -- 7.8 -- Nigeria's best player on the day. He was solid defensively and also provided the desired width when the team attacked. However, he was mostly left to defend ass Nigeria shored up a defense that was regularly conceding in every game.</p><p><b>Zaidu Sanusi </b>(3) -- 6.0 -- He had an average game and suffered several early fouls He was eventually replaced in the second half as Nigeria sought to strongly protect its lead.</p><p><b>Semi Ajayi </b>(6) - 6.2 -- He had an average day but remained disciplined. He had one opportunity to score from a set piece but his header went slightly above.</p><p><b>William Ekong</b> (cpt-5) -- 7.5 -- One of Nigeria's heroes after arriving at this AFCON from the manager's imposed "dog-house." He tucked away the penalty to win the game. Beyond that, his confidence at the back was inspiring all day long.</p><p><b>Calvin Bassey</b> (21) - 6.2 -- Bassey grew as the game went along and his defense, at the point of attack, was the best on either side of the ball.</p><p><b>Ademola Lookman</b> (18) -- 6.8 -- Ademola was the most serious than he ever has been in a Nigerian shirt. He worked very hard in ball recovery before he was later substituted. Perhaps, he suffered the most fouls on the Nigerian side.</p><p><b>Frank Onyeka</b> (8) -- 6.8 -- Frank improved as the game went on and he won several possessions for Nigeria. Late in the game, he provided a lecture on ball protection in his own half, frustrating several Ivoreins seeking the ball.</p><p><b>Alex Iwobi</b> (17) -- 6.4 -- Iwobi had an average game but he helped Nigeria maintain possession of the ball through out. Nothing spectacular but he played with assurance throughout the game.</p><p><b>Samuel Chukwueze</b> (11) -- 6.2 -- Samu was ready to play today with his effort early but he appeared not to be in sync with team mates several times with off-speed passes. He was fouled in the box after a second half breakaway but there was no call.</p><p><b>Victor Osimhen</b> (9) - 6.4 -- Victor assisted on the goal by suffering a foul that led to the penalty kick award. He had an early first half chance that he shot wide but it was a half chance.</p><p><b>Bright Osayi-Samuel </b>(12) - 6.1 -- Bright had one spectacular second half run in a break away but his slow decision making denied Nigeria a second goal when Nigeria had a 2 to 1 man advantage.</p><p><b>Kenneth Omeruo</b>(22) - X</p><p><b>Paul Onuachu</b> (19) -- X</p><p><b>Simon Moses</b> (15) - X</p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><b>Lineup:</b></span> Nwabali -- Aina, Ajayi, Ekong (cpt), Bassey, Sanusi (79th Omeruo) -- Chukwueze (85th Simon), Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman (79th Osayi-Samuel) -- Osimhen (87th Onuachu).</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-77281317491117361602024-01-14T08:39:00.000-08:002024-01-14T08:40:51.863-08:00Nigeria Begins AFCON winless... The Beat continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeo6uT0jBckBnf_8bypbCFbz17-Ia4pjarjV00EBjyLmTRtRQSVor9GRAtP4_F5e2BKQJD4R0KQ6GkQz7AuVhTUIxptKOKpptSUhytskj4O8l70f3K6PBNRZ_if5g1bcxD6wO8uwtiXsvG1SGKqvC5sMU_nhUT4DJ_5Td4FyaL1CxhGfH5YcXuOh-HUqP/s250/Alhassan.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeo6uT0jBckBnf_8bypbCFbz17-Ia4pjarjV00EBjyLmTRtRQSVor9GRAtP4_F5e2BKQJD4R0KQ6GkQz7AuVhTUIxptKOKpptSUhytskj4O8l70f3K6PBNRZ_if5g1bcxD6wO8uwtiXsvG1SGKqvC5sMU_nhUT4DJ_5Td4FyaL1CxhGfH5YcXuOh-HUqP/w400-h400/Alhassan.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Midfield Engine Alhassan Yusuf.... dominant and 110% effort player</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></p><p>Abidjan....Nigeria began its AFCON play with yet another tie and has now won just one game in its last six appearances. Nigeria will likely make it into the knockout stages of this competition on the basis that three teams can qualify from a group of four teams. However, this team is tottering on a disaster and disappointment. Today, they battled to a 1-1 against a less talented Equatorial Guinea team that Nigeria should have put away if only Nigeria converted a catalog of opportunities. The opportunities were not mere half chances. Instead, there were two of them where the goalkeeper was at the mercy of a Nigerian attacker. The first came after 54 minutes when Sanusi found himself wide open in front of goal only to miss badly. and the rebound was hit to the skies by Lookman. Then Osimhen was sent through with no defender in sight but the striker saw his attempted wide right beyond the goalkeeper in the 75th minute.</p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria will likely make it into the knockout stages of this competition on the basis that three teams can qualify from a group of four teams. However, this team is tottering on a disaster and disappointment. </span></i></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>Nigeria had begun the game on the ascendancy with new boy Alhassan Yusuf giving maximum effort. The type of effort that is so rare among Nigerian players in recent times. Yusuf was feisty, winning several tackles and constituting a nuisance to the unsettled Equatoguineans. Yusuf was head and shoulder above the rest of his team mates on the day. That he was taken off late on account of injury was unfortunate. If he fails to return to this competition, Nigerian chances surely will pare down by much. He was so dominant and so exemplary that no other Nigerian could measure up.</p><p>The Equatoguineans had gone ahead after a spate of pressure as they worked the ball around on their left6side until an unsighted short was hit from 14 yards out giving the goalkeeper no chance to react. But Nigeria responded immediately. Less than a minute after, Lookman lifted a high ball deep into the opponent's box and all Osimhen did was head the ball into the net to restore parity.</p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Yusuf was head and shoulder above the rest of his team mates on the day. . . . If he fails to return to this competition . . . .chances surely will pare down by much.</span></i></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>The second half was largely even under the inhumane Ivorein heat that forced mid-half water breaks. Nigeria did not stamp its authority on this gamer until the last 10 minutes of the half and the added time. In this bid, Nigeria almost nicked it with a flurry of very late opportunities before the official called off the game.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">TEAM</span></b></p><p>Stanley Nwabili (23) 6.0 -- Ola Aina (2) 6.0 (82nd , William Ekong (cpt-5) 6.1, Semi Ajayi (6) 6.0, Zaidu Sanusi (3) 6.1 (82nd Bassey (21)x) -- Alhassan Yusuf (4)<span style="color: red;"> <b>8.0</b></span>* (67th Joseph Aribo (10) 6.2), Frank Onyeka (8) 6.1 -- Ademola Lookman 18) 6.3, Alex Iwobi (17) 6.2, Moses Simon (15) 6.2 -- Victor Osimhen (9) 6.4.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Cautions</span> -- Sanusi (65th)</p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-44554272864806788632023-11-19T07:55:00.000-08:002023-11-19T07:56:06.731-08:00As Nigeria's Football Dies Slowly, a World Cup Berth Hangs in the Balance<p>Detare, RWANDA -- Nigeria eked out another 1-1 tie in a World Cup qualifying match in Rwanda against host team Zimbabwe. Nigeria, after a shocking tie at home against lowly ranked Lesotho, a few days prior, hoped to revive a World Cup berth but the Zimbabweans resisted. In the end a 1-1 was a fair result but Nigeria appeared to be slightly the better side but continued to have monumental challenges making the cutting edge pass against a low block.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFynF3gEH9SuLqxcp_lncLwjb6ffRkv_jXQ4sUs8JXEFDgsgioz_YICJ3n7oqG3ejQokmBkTVhlDYxxwM6CRVCmqSQPkVeu_a0Hr7mVf-N9OaBJNZ5X33EKZRtWIRzZIDip7WeDymf6S1ig9YdRjI4u15ulQ14TdvMKDLozsaoucGl9DCR6sOwoKnlKHCv/s1373/A-Nigerian-football-fan-reacts-after-a-poor-performance-by-the-Super-Eagles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1373" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFynF3gEH9SuLqxcp_lncLwjb6ffRkv_jXQ4sUs8JXEFDgsgioz_YICJ3n7oqG3ejQokmBkTVhlDYxxwM6CRVCmqSQPkVeu_a0Hr7mVf-N9OaBJNZ5X33EKZRtWIRzZIDip7WeDymf6S1ig9YdRjI4u15ulQ14TdvMKDLozsaoucGl9DCR6sOwoKnlKHCv/w640-h350/A-Nigerian-football-fan-reacts-after-a-poor-performance-by-the-Super-Eagles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> - </p><p>Nigeria had opened up with dominant possession in the first 10 minutes but no real chances. However, it appeared that the team, with several changes in the starting lineup had readied to make amend after a poor start at home. However, that lasted only for 10 minutes as Zimbabwe took over with some crisp passes with Nigeria suddenly appearing challenged for pace. After 26 minutes, Zimbabwe was ahead from a set piece that was taken almost 30 yards out . It was struck perfectly and an outstretched Francis Uzoho failed to reach it as the 500 mostly Zimbabwean fans danced in celebration on the stands that overlook the Astroturf grounds where the ball bounced speedily making jt difficult for the athletes to control it,</p><p>Down 0-1, Nigeria faced implosion and it unraveled several times on the field as players went after team mates in frustration, passes went astray, and the manager was clearly frustrated and furious on the sidelines. A team crammed with vaunted European professionals was suddenly coming apart at the seams.</p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Nigeria faced implosion and it unraveled several times on the field as players went after team mates in frustration, passes went astray, and the manager was clearly frustrated and furious on the sidelines. A team crammed with vaunted European professionals was suddenly coming apart at the seams.</i></span></p><p>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>To Peseiro's credit and whatever is left of it, he made three substitutions at the beginning of the second half and it paid off. In came Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Osayi-Samuel. They helped switch the ascendancy in Nigeria's favor. Iheanacho, particularly, was business-like and appeared incensed as he directed affairs. In the 53rd minute, Nigeria earned a sudden and controversial indirect kick deep inside the opponents box after goalie Donovan infringed the rules. The eagle-eye official spotted the moment when everyone else seemed at sea. An on-edge Iheanacho exploded in a verbal tit-tat with Boniface as both had to be separated. Eventually, it was Boniface who passed the ball beyond the wall to an open Aribo who was barely three yards from the goal but his tame attempt was scurried off the line.</p><p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Iheanacho, particularly, was business-like and appeared incensed as he directed affairs. . .....An on-edge Iheanacho exploded in a verbal tit-tat with Boniface as both had to be separated. </span></i></p><p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p>It seemed, Nigeria was headed for another dreadful result. However, Iheanacho rescued the team in the 67th minute as he coolly struck the ball low and beyond Donovan after a back pass from Simon who had expertly controlled an Aribo volley in the box.</p><p>That was the game. The only action worthy of note thereafter was substitute Collins clumsy foul in the 86th minute as he grabbed a Zimbabwean that broke past him and towards goal. Zimbabweans, some with their hands o their heads in disbelief argued for the disqualification given that it appeared to be a breakaway infraction. Nevertheless, the referee stuck to his decision and the resulting free kick came off the wall with Uzoho's blushes spared. </p><p><b>LINE-UP</b>: Francis Uzoho (23) -- Ola Aina (2) (46th Osayi-Samuel (5)), Semi Ajayi (5), Calvin Bassey (17) <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">45</span>, Bruno Onyeamaechi (21) (84th Jamilu Collins (3) <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">86</span>) -- Frank Onyeka (8) (46th Kelechi Iheanacho (14)), Alex Iwobi (18) -- Nathan Tella (11) (46th Victor Boniface (13)), Joseph Aribo (10), Moses Simon (15) -- Terem Moffi (9) (76th Umar Sadiq (19)). </p><p>, </p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-19095904129807086682023-11-16T11:36:00.000-08:002023-11-16T11:36:19.435-08:00Another Poor Result at home.... Against semi pros from Lesotho as World Cup Qualifiers begin<p style="text-align: justify;">Uyo, NIGERIA.... Another poor result at home. Perfect grounds, home support, European-based pros and yet Nigeria huffed and puffed to force Lesotho to a 1-1 draw as the World Cup qualifiers began. It is time for Nigeria to realize the truth that faces it. Nigeria is just not good enough. It may name a gazillions of players based in Europe but really how much better are they compared to a local bunch of players? Today, Lesotho managed by Leslie Notsi, 59, who recently was hired from Garankuwa United a semi-Pro club in Pretoria, South Africa led Lesotho to an away with a team that consisted of mostly local stars from Correctional Services, Defence Force and Bantu FC! On the Nigerian side is a vaunted European Manager and players playing at notable European clubs. Yet? Nigeria was having difficulties making any headway against the local Lesotho players. Lesotho's clubs hardly ever qualify for the league rounds of African continental club competitions!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria is just not good enough. It may name a gazillions of players based in Europe but really how much better are they compared to a local bunch of players? Today, Lesotho managed by Leslie Notsi, 59, who recently was hired from Garankuwa United a semi-Pro club in Pretoria, South Africa led Lesotho to an away with a team that consisted of mostly local stars from Correctional Services, Defence Force and Bantu FC! </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDCOxxp4MiVZF3GkG37VNj1VMIFB2NsWpYvAOczG3ZJpLQ5X7hbahU43Du6gMf7tFrW-cROqu89_y0KNHUXsxl2TmM1_WKD8MmopvtLpXh3Tw_16IcsLGkWDn8bXA-t71O4zNNykK5jtmIgZb5ZHBWkXiIMiZlxqGYyYajqe0clp88kIdvqO0UQ0TlyRo/s613/Peseiro.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="483" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDCOxxp4MiVZF3GkG37VNj1VMIFB2NsWpYvAOczG3ZJpLQ5X7hbahU43Du6gMf7tFrW-cROqu89_y0KNHUXsxl2TmM1_WKD8MmopvtLpXh3Tw_16IcsLGkWDn8bXA-t71O4zNNykK5jtmIgZb5ZHBWkXiIMiZlxqGYyYajqe0clp88kIdvqO0UQ0TlyRo/w504-h640/Peseiro.png" width="504" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jose Peseiro</span></i></div></span></i><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ranked 153 by FIFA, Lesotho started slowly as Nigeria dominated possession as expected for a quarter of an hour. However, with the all day rain and the leisurely pace of the Nigerians, it was always going to be a long day with poor result. The 10,000 spectators suffered through inefficient backwards and sideways passes with only Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi showing any urgency that the occasion demanded. Time after time, the skipper Kelechi Iheanacho choose to safely pass backwards or sideways when a more dangerous forward pass was demanded down the right.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lesotho assured about the impotency of Nigeria's approach decided to venture forward after a quarter of an hour. Nigeria was fortunate as an Onyeka mistake saw the Lesotho players break forward and a strike saw Uzoho turn the ball away to safety in a great save. While Lesotho had few chances, that was enough warning of what was to come.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The 10,000 spectators suffered through inefficient backwards and sideways passes with only Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi showing any urgency that the occasion demanded. Time after time, the skipper Kelechi Iheanacho choose to safely pass backwards or sideways when a more dangerous forward pass was demanded down the right.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the other side, Nigeria dominated possession but had few clear chances in the opening half. One came in the 26th minute when Awoniyi was presented an opportunity on a platter right in front of goal, with the goalie way off his box, but Awoniyi toe-poked the ball across into a goal kick.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG87kx-v8XsQVeiqjS_b1VFQLx5Nt6x5B0ixzQBG85j71Qgfp6R8oCmT_HA3LiP7z5dI0kJuBdVQCc8aZHB39iDLGm4f62I4wHZ7bngCo2H5VzVQxiTN9CxCCkxmVd4-W-C6uNwThz8KJzHztTeMBAeBhQdlt9VMJUMYysm7zM4EnLvu6D97Y73FQWja5/s500/Crying%208c635e27-83d9-4c74-a0a5-5e6295a007f9-1661130531391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="500" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG87kx-v8XsQVeiqjS_b1VFQLx5Nt6x5B0ixzQBG85j71Qgfp6R8oCmT_HA3LiP7z5dI0kJuBdVQCc8aZHB39iDLGm4f62I4wHZ7bngCo2H5VzVQxiTN9CxCCkxmVd4-W-C6uNwThz8KJzHztTeMBAeBhQdlt9VMJUMYysm7zM4EnLvu6D97Y73FQWja5/w640-h637/Crying%208c635e27-83d9-4c74-a0a5-5e6295a007f9-1661130531391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crying time for Nigerians</span></i></div></span></i><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria was expected to up the tempo in the second half. Instead, Lesotho had extinguished any fear of Nigeria that may have lurked. Lesotho was tossing the ball around and getting braver in possession. in the 55th minute, Nigeria conceded as the crowd went into a shell shock. A corner kick was headed into the net from close range as Nigerian defenders watched cluelessly. The minnows, indeed, some straight from training with Lesotho Correctional Services were suddenly ahead of the big-name stars from Europe.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria kept driving for the three points but the edge was missing. The spirit was dead and the fact that it ended 1-1 was justified based on the effort on display in Uyo.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria brought in Moses Simon and he invigorated the home team with deadly incursions from the left. Tellingly, it was his involvement that eventually led to an equalizer. A corner kick was earned from his dangerous involvement on the left and Iheanacho lifted the spot kick into the box and Semi Ajayi guided it home with a header into the roof of the net with 65 minutes expired. This was a minute after Iheanacho's connection from as Moses' cross had come off the low post.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria kept driving for the three points but the edge was missing. The spirit was dead and the fact that it ended 1-1 was justified based on the effort on display in Uyo.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Francis Uzoho</b> (23) - 6.2 -- He had very little to do and saved one big Lesotho opportunity in the opening half. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bright Osayi-Samuel </b>(5) 6.2 -- Average display. He was feisty in the opening half but faded as the game went on. He was duly substituted later.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Semi Ajayi </b>(6) 7.0 -- Herculean effort, constantly trying to uplift the tempo by joining the attack. He saved Nigeria's tears with a headed equalizer that crowned his day. Ended up with a caution.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Calvin Bassey</b> (17) 6.4 -- He had little to do and did nothing remarkable but was steady except for one loss of concentration in the opening half which led to a needless concession of a throw-in.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jamilu Collins</b> (3) 6.2 -- He is playing for a spot on the 23-person team to the AFCON in two months and did nothing today to improve his chances.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Frank Onyeka</b> (8) 6.2 -- He started well but it was error that nearly gifted Lesotho a goal midway into the opening half. Overall, his play was average.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Alex Iwobi </b>(18) 6.8 -- Alex was busy as a bee and was not afraid to split the defense with passes but being played very deep in the Nigerian formation did not help Nigeria today. Otherwise, he was one of the few who was up for this game.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ademola Lookman </b>(7) 6.2 -- This player is truly an enigma. He never lights it up for Nigeria and sometimes you wonder why he really starts. Further, he is not all the time aware of the positioning of his team mates. Today was no different before he was rescued with a telling substitution.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Taiwo Awoniyi </b>(12) 5.5 -- He was seemingly assured of a position going into the AFCON before today. However, he produced a dud that was so <i>loud </i>that no one would have flinched if he had been sent to the showers before the interval. To add to it, he fluffed a huge chance with the goalie way off his post in the 36th minute.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Victor Boniface </b>(13) 6.2 -- He placed himself in some opportunities but on a day, without Osimhen, when he was expected to herald a great future as Nigeria's striker... he displayed disappointingly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Subs:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moses Simon</b> (15) 6.5 --- He displayed the heart of a lion and new how important this game was at home and going forward. He was involved in many things that brought opportunities for Nigeria.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Joseph Aribo</b> (10) 6.0 -- He came in but added nothing really.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bruno Onyeamaechi </b>(21) 6.2 -- His efforts earned a set piece on the edge of the box and he brought some spark going forward for Nigeria after replacing Collins.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ola Aina </b>(2) X -- Not rated because of few inconsequential minutes. Not enough to rate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-36205020362846712462023-11-14T12:05:00.000-08:002023-11-14T12:05:23.150-08:00Probable List of 23 to Represent Nigeria at the AFCON: Squad is no Mystery<p style="text-align: justify;">Barring injuries, Nigeria's Manager Jose Peseiro has given the clue as to the 23-player squad that will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It does not require a mysterious algorithm to come up with a 23-person list. The manager, seeking fluidity to his team, is unlikely to make significant changes to the squad as the AFCON approaches with less than 2 months to wait.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bVsYaJ9AFa0-NndBVrf53264Rv3fAZ595MPnlOqR_gKgUPe8PmImmSHWdpLkSG3KqY-Ls2_OAkIjnfkhB8n_G7xu045jn8WZ9ZXDvaANh2CBIHS8adSfZAhXJfJA9ySy5uprQOASleoSoJAJ9e3QvAKT_4NxQsUhek3f7VJv0dVQ1DZxBTKaApnN2G61/s600/32582941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bVsYaJ9AFa0-NndBVrf53264Rv3fAZ595MPnlOqR_gKgUPe8PmImmSHWdpLkSG3KqY-Ls2_OAkIjnfkhB8n_G7xu045jn8WZ9ZXDvaANh2CBIHS8adSfZAhXJfJA9ySy5uprQOASleoSoJAJ9e3QvAKT_4NxQsUhek3f7VJv0dVQ1DZxBTKaApnN2G61/w640-h360/32582941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As many as 18 players are sure to be on the AFCON list. That leaves just five (5) spots unaccounted at this moment. Just 5 places! Those include two that automatically go to goalkeepers. Thus, there are </p><p style="text-align: justify;">********************************************</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">As many as 18 players are sure to be on the AFCON list. That leaves just five (5) spots unaccounted at this moment. Just 5 places! Those include two that automatically go to goalkeepers. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">********************************************</p><p style="text-align: justify;">realistically only 3 unaccounted spaces for all places. Now, if you include Iheanacho, which is highly likely inclusion, that leaves just two spots for Aribo and others to battle for with Aribo a preferred option at the moment given the paucity of talents at his position.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In essence, Nigeria's squad to the AFCON is virtually known.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionneQR94zj_T4Z8dCZTD9ajf8MFhc78uuMkGSzNZwIMPRB8gC72AJb6XNl14-sHBVkgngy9SfoEGZhykSYNEwwabRVieghYhZ1Nb4fAZba9t-dch24-TCsEk3ilxuxddcSxa5_OfLtvBjTBtho5_tZHpQUfJ1WLeaqHd_Tv3-HROGN5cqU3swpJ7gmNqW/s650/Nigeria-Head-Coach-Jose-Santos-Peseiro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionneQR94zj_T4Z8dCZTD9ajf8MFhc78uuMkGSzNZwIMPRB8gC72AJb6XNl14-sHBVkgngy9SfoEGZhykSYNEwwabRVieghYhZ1Nb4fAZba9t-dch24-TCsEk3ilxuxddcSxa5_OfLtvBjTBtho5_tZHpQUfJ1WLeaqHd_Tv3-HROGN5cqU3swpJ7gmNqW/w640-h344/Nigeria-Head-Coach-Jose-Santos-Peseiro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This brings us to the academic discussion of a few other players are on the fence because of positional space issues. For instance, there is a limit to number of strikers or defenders that the Manager can name. In this regard, players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, have an assured space given their versatility. I already noted this. While, on the other hand, players like Sadiq Umar face huge challenges because of the lack of versatility. Others such as Jordan Torunarigha and Nathan Tella are faced with little time to impress given their late considerations for the national team. For them, missing the AFCON may not be the end of the world and they will get an opportunity in the World Cup qualifiers that will follow the tournament.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">****************************************************************</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">......players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, have an assured space given their versatility. I already noted this. While, on the other hand, players like Sadiq Umar face huge challenges because of the lack of versatility. Others such as Jordan Torunarigha and Nathan Tella are faced with little time to impress....</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">****************************************************************</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As the time approaches to the AFCON, Nigeria has high hopes and is considered one of the favorites to clinch the trophy that it last won in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi. Yet, it is a far from perfect team with a glaring hole at the goalkeeping position and shortage of worthy personnel in central midfield, especially coming off the bench. Nevertheless, a team does not need to be perfect in order to become Africa's champion.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Peseiro has changed the playing style. It is far more entertaining and with a fluid ball possession focus that has sidelined some regulars like skipper Troost-Ekong whose difficulty with ball possession is well documented. There are still a few others, similar to Ekong, waiting to be axed. However, they may still make it to the AFCON finals and the axe may not fall until much later if Peseiro retains the reins.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">*******************************************************************</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Peseiro has changed the playing style. It is far more entertaining and with a fluid ball possession focus that has sidelined some regulars like skipper Troost-Ekong whose difficulty with ball possession is well documented. There are still a few others, similar to Ekong, waiting to be axed.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">*******************************************************************</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have listed below 34 players from which a final 23 shall be named for the AFCON. These 34 are drawn from recent call ups by Peseiro and a new call up after this weekend and before the AFCON is very unlikely. The only exception is Gift Orban given his rejuvenation and the fact that Peseiro has previously seen him up close. However, for Orban it will take a camel passing through the needle's eye for him to make the AFCON squad this late in the game. Thus the assignment of a D to his chances is appropriate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XDUKKCn7pF8AxT5sqP4EfBbUHySq6lxys_PolGJv1_lxw2Tqqx_XLitIGK0LMf44YB524ghsDRGDJ2bI3uchqxzEufR3rLTvvLLOV1xeC6Mpms8eMr9Usu1zW4Xot5xKDccqlME09M7LyXLHys19DIQGYTFh7j1dnSt4nAKt19AQP70Bi1n3xYNvtcCr/s1424/Super-Eagles-GNB-1-1424x802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1424" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XDUKKCn7pF8AxT5sqP4EfBbUHySq6lxys_PolGJv1_lxw2Tqqx_XLitIGK0LMf44YB524ghsDRGDJ2bI3uchqxzEufR3rLTvvLLOV1xeC6Mpms8eMr9Usu1zW4Xot5xKDccqlME09M7LyXLHys19DIQGYTFh7j1dnSt4nAKt19AQP70Bi1n3xYNvtcCr/w640-h360/Super-Eagles-GNB-1-1424x802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, here is the list with the opportunity grade assigned to each player. A represents certainty (barring injury) in making it to the AFCON. An A- grade indicates a player who is in contention and more likely to sneak in. A B grade indicates a player fighting to get into the squad and a sudden upsurge in form to get him a seat to the AFCON. A C grade indicates a player who is fighting for opportunity but unlikely to get in. D grade indicates slim or non-existent chance.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">A </span>LIST</p><p>GOALKEEPERS</p><p>1. Francis Uzoho</p><p><br /></p><p>DEFENDERS</p><p>2. Ola Aina</p><p>3. Bruno Onyeamaexhi</p><p>4. Bright Osayi-Samuel</p><p>5. Zaidu Sanusi</p><p>6. Calvin Bassey</p><p>7. Semi Ajayi</p><p><br /></p><p>MIDFIELDERS + WINGERS</p><p>8. Raphael Onyedika</p><p>9. Wilfred Ndidi</p><p>10. Frank Onyeka</p><p>11. Alex Iwobi</p><p>12. Moses Simon</p><p>13. Ademola Lookman</p><p>14. Samuel Chukwueze</p><p><br /></p><p>STRIKERS</p><p>15. Victor Osimhen</p><p>16. Taiwo Awoniyi</p><p>17. Terem Moffi</p><p>18. Victor Boniface</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">A-</span> LIST</p><p>19. Chiedozie Awaziem</p><p>20. Kenneth Omeruo</p><p>21. Joseph Aribo</p><p>22. Kelechi Iheanacho</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">B</span> LIST</p><p>23. Olorunleke Ojo</p><p>24. Amas Obasogie</p><p>25. Adebayo Adeleye</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">C</span> LIST</p><p>27. Maduka Okoye</p><p>28. William Troost-Ekong</p><p>29. Jordan Torunarigha</p><p>30. Nathan Tella</p><p>31. Sadiq Umar</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">D</span> LIST</p><p>32. Tyrone Ebuehi</p><p>33. Jamilu Collins</p><p>34. Gift Orban</p><p>35. Ahmed Musa</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-18358630427362844392022-09-27T14:12:00.002-07:002022-09-27T17:14:37.877-07:00NIGERIA DEBUTS NEW COLORS BUT GOES DOIWN 1-2 TO ALGERIA <p>Oran, Algeria -- Nigeria debuted its Ankara green shirts with white numbers in the glittering lights in Oran where it lost 1-2 to Algeria. The game played in the 40,143 capacity Milould Hafefi Olympic Complex in Oran was enthralling under the night lights as Nigeria's pace challenged the possession game of the Algerians.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZYg3fxjvozVkmFzlDVFrM_0PpK7Y7zCmXJRjrE6hnPEKUn77nF36uQNSVmSU8aIW6KUQ2O9c_8omkPWFjuXzUTC84yl7oiNNQZ31QKjclmlh04YHTBLyKWqcDvBJ5fn7GXFdErw85TH7C5xUC8DQgZeSkFYdQixBRRnJbNFPEiwh2cVb5recyBukCg/s900/JERSEY2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZYg3fxjvozVkmFzlDVFrM_0PpK7Y7zCmXJRjrE6hnPEKUn77nF36uQNSVmSU8aIW6KUQ2O9c_8omkPWFjuXzUTC84yl7oiNNQZ31QKjclmlh04YHTBLyKWqcDvBJ5fn7GXFdErw85TH7C5xUC8DQgZeSkFYdQixBRRnJbNFPEiwh2cVb5recyBukCg/w541-h399/JERSEY2.jpg" width="541" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Nigeria took a shock 9th minute lead through Terem Moffi who is slowly taking grip of the second striker position beside the #1 striker Victor Osimhen who was absent in Algiers. Moffi is now inching ahead of other numerous challengers for the position alongside Osimhen. Clearly, Coach Peseiro is likely to favor a two striker position going forward. However, for this game he used only Moffi further forward with Iheanacho slightly behind.</p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria took a shock 9th minute lead through Terem Moffi who is slowly taking grip of the second striker position beside the #1 striker Victor Osimhen who was absent in Algiers. Moffi is now inching ahead of other numerous challengers for the position alongside Osimhen.</span></i></p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Algeria dominated possession after that shock opener but for all their possession football, they found it difficult to slice open the Nigerian back line. It took all of 40 minutes before Algeria found their way through. A shot was rebounded by the Nigerians but as a lurking Algerian struck, Frank Onyeka stepped on his foot. The referee promptly pointed to the penalty spot which the Algerians converted to ensure that the game was tied 1-1 going into halftime.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">It took all of 40 minutes before Algeria found their way through. A shot was rebounded by the Nigerians but as a lurking Algerian struck, Frank Onyeka stepped on his foot.</span></i></p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Algeria dominated possession but Nigeria's rapid counters presented problems until after the Algerians went ahead with a vicious long range shot in the 60th minute that evaded Uzoho. That goal was deserved but, in truth, the Nigerian team fought hard and may well have deserved a tie. However, the result of the game was virtually closed out after that goal on the hour. Algeria effectively closed out the game with a string of time wasting maneuvers.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>LINE UP</b>:</p><p>Francis Uzoho (23) -- Ola Aina (2), Bassey (21), Kevin Akpoguma (13), Sanusi (3) -- Frank Onyeka (4) (84th Onyedika (19)) -- Ademola Lookman (7) (70th Godwin (10)), Alex Iwobi (18), Moses Simon (cpt-15) -- Kelechi Iheanacho (14) (84th Cyriel Dessers (9)), and Terem Moffi (11) (71st Taiwo Awoniyi (17). </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-54098529899788398132022-06-13T09:36:00.009-07:002022-06-13T14:40:49.062-07:00Nigeria Sets New Record in Margin of Victory....<p><b>Agadir, MOROCCO</b>: Nigeria romped to a 10-0 win over hapless Sao Tome & Principe in an AFCON qualifier to set a new record for margin of victory for the national team. It outstrips the 10-1 win by Nigeria in 1959 over Dahomey (now Benin Republic). It could have been worse, Nigeria had three other goals disallowed. The disallowed goals underlined Nigeria's eagerness to win big but also marked some poor officiating by the refereeing crew as replays showed atleast one of those calls to have been poor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR2bia8LofjGQwakHlaDpjsXG57RZ1QMvPWxETvYmy3bRQwymlD1G7RbBryn9bAdjW7OgTnEGVZFdaQN1R2aACulGsDc6UxbfVbv5mwANBwSTFQVbQ3hSV5XCuBo1YHzc5ZCKLJ0QwJAYyA86XASgjixCnk2ZJZzPtyFWu8XjA3Z-CQx2OwVYjhyu2Q/s1920/victor-osimhen_nqq623elu3g51cxt0wwewrdi4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR2bia8LofjGQwakHlaDpjsXG57RZ1QMvPWxETvYmy3bRQwymlD1G7RbBryn9bAdjW7OgTnEGVZFdaQN1R2aACulGsDc6UxbfVbv5mwANBwSTFQVbQ3hSV5XCuBo1YHzc5ZCKLJ0QwJAYyA86XASgjixCnk2ZJZzPtyFWu8XjA3Z-CQx2OwVYjhyu2Q/w657-h469/victor-osimhen_nqq623elu3g51cxt0wwewrdi4.jpg" width="657" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">It outstrips the 10-1 win by Nigeria in 1959 over Dahomey (now Benin Republic). It could have been worse, Nigeria had three other goals disallowed. The disallowed goals underlined Nigeria's eagerness to win big but also marked some poor officiating by the refereeing crew as replays showed at least one of those calls to have been poor.</span></i></p><p>________________</p><p>Nigeria clearly outclassed the Islanders and the losers must now dread a visit to Nigeria to complete the second leg of these qualifiers. The Islanders played this game as the "home" team, choosing Agadir in Morocco because of the poor state of venues at their home. But one must clearly wonder if the result could have been any different. The gulf in class was wide and it seemed men were playing against school boys as Nigeria dominated from start to finish with the Sao Tome goalkeeper putting up a herculean effort to no avail. On the other hand, Nigeria's goalkeeper Francis Uzoho might have taken a holiday break or fallen asleep without much damage. He was only called to make a save early in the second half when a poor back pass by Bassey created a decision to quickly come out to stave off an opportunity for the Islanders.</p><p>__________________</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The gulf in class was wide and it seemed men were playing against school boys as Nigeria dominated from start to finish with the Sao Tome goalkeeper putting up a herculean effort to no avail. On the other hand, Nigeria's goalkeeper Francis Uzoho might have taken a holiday break or fallen asleep without much damage. </i></span></p><p>_________________</p><p>In the end, the goal count was Victor Osimhen with four (adding two assists) equaling the Nigerian individual record held jointly by Rashidi Yekini, Joseph Aghoghovia, and Elkanah Oneali. Osimhen's current scoring clip of 0.68 is ahead of Yekini (0.58) and Usiyen (0.60) but behind Elkanah onyeali at 0.79. Others on the scoresheet today were Moffi with a brace, Simon, Etebo, Lookman, and Dennis.</p><p>Nigeria led by only three goals at the interval, under the Agadir heat, but pushed the pedal to widen the margin after the interval before the match officials mercifully ended the game that essentially turned into a practice walk out by the Nigerians.</p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">LINE-UP</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Francis Uzoho (23)<sub>25</sub> -- Ola Aina (2)<sub>29</sub>
<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">+57</span> (57<sup>th</sup>
Abdullahi Shehu (12)<sub>42</sub>), Calvin Bassey (18)<sub>6</sub> (69<sup>th</sup>
Leon Balogun (6)<sub>46</sub>), </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Semi
Ajayi (5)<sub>21,</sub></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Zaidu Sanusi (3) -- Oghenekaro Etebo (8)<sub>42 </sub>– Ademola Lookman (13)<sub>4</sub>
(69<sup>th</sup> Emmanuel Dennis (17)<sub>7</sub>) Alex Iwobi (18)<sub>59</sub>,
Moses Simon (cpt - 15)<sub>53 </sub>(57<sup>th</sup>
Ahmed Musa (7)<sub>106</sub> )- Victor Osimhen (9)<sub>23,</sub> Terem Moffi
(19)<sub>7</sub> (69<sup>th</sup> Umar Sadiq (17)<sub>7</sub>).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">RATINGS</span></p><p><b>Francis Uzoho</b> -- 6.2 -- Francis gets a rating for merely being present in this game. He was virtually on vacation and was only called to make a solitary save when Bassey miscued a back pass.</p><p><b>Ola Aina</b> -- 6.4 -- Ola Aina is increasingly having challenges with defensive duties. Going into attack, he has been excellent but poor on several occasions when defending. Today he was booked for the second consecutive game and will have to sit out the next AFCON qualifier.</p><p><b>Semi Ajayi</b> -- 7.0 -- Ajayi had an excellent game against the Islanders controlling the center of the defense. He only had one miscue, conceding an unnecessary corner kick from distance following a minor pressure as he sought to back pass to his goalkeeper in the second half.</p><p><b>Calvin Bassey</b> -- 8.0 --Bassey was the strength of Nigeria's defense but had a miscue that nearly led to Nigeria conceding to the Islanders if Uzoho did not quickly come out to save.</p><p><b>Zaidu Sanusi</b> -- 6.5 -- Zaidu seemed uninterested in this game and the lack of focus was embarrassing as he lost two passes, from Iwobi, into the touchline when no opponent was in sight. He was one of the underperformers in a game that Nigeria thoroughly dominated.</p><p><b>Oghenekaro Etebo</b> -- 7.5 -- Oghenekaro had a tremendous set piece goal from the edge of the box and he showed his class sitting in front of the center backs and controlling traffic going forward and defending. </p><p><b>Alex Iwobi</b> -- 8.5 -- Alex controlled the game with exquisite passing, both long and short, and clearly is at the top of his game. There is no question that he is the king in the middle of the park for Nigeria. Doubt that at your own peril. The only reason he does not get a perfect score is his failure to notch a goal or assists in a match when it seemed so easy to put the ball into the net.</p><p><b>Ademola Lookman</b> -- 7.0 -- Ademola started slowly and appeared timid in the opening half but improved as the game wore on. He ended up scoring his first goal for Nigeria plus an assist.</p><p><b>Moses Simon</b> -- 7.0 -- Simon was the captain for the day and produced a goal and an assist early to kickstart Nigeria. Simon did not complete the game and missed a chance that seemed easy to score but overall it was a good outing.</p><p><b>Terem Moffi</b> -- 7.0 -- Moffi had a brace today, his first goals for Nigeria after coming up empty in previous several appearances. He must surely hope for opponents like the hapless Islanders. Today, he did well but also cluttered a few opportunities.</p><p><b>Victor Osimhen</b> -- 9.0 -- Victor was always going to score against the Islanders and that was predictable when the fixtures were announced. He notched four today plus two assists and is now on a tremendous goal scoring clip that has suddenly skidded past Seguin Odegbami, Thompson Usiyan, and Rashidi Yekini in the record book. However, he missed at least two clear chances and had one ruled out for offside.</p><p><b>Shehu Abdullahi</b> -- 6.2 -- Shehu made series of errors in his first few minutes but otherwise was average in this game. He did not present much improvement over Ola Aina, who he substituted.</p><p><b>Ahmed Musa </b>-- 6.8 -- Musa was the most impactful of the substitutes today and was lively. However, one must note that this was not really a game against some major African opponent. He ended up with two assists.</p><p><b>Leon Balogun</b> -- 6.3 -- Leon had very little to contribute but it was nice to see him back in action for Nigeria. He had a few attempts going forward but otherwise there was nothing remarkable.</p><p><b>Emmanuel Dennis</b> -- 6.5 -- Emmanuel seemed uninterested with a few miscues but ended up scoring from the spot after he was upended and he also had a goal ruled out on account of offside.</p><p><b>Sadiq Umar</b> - 6.4 -- Sadiq had one significant run at goal from the left and had a shot saved and did his part to create busy moments but failed to have his name on the scoresheet on a day that Nigeria had an avalanche of goals.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-43754180207453216312022-06-09T12:50:00.004-07:002022-06-09T13:29:37.951-07:00Nigeria Takes All Points as AFCON Qualifiers Begin<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Abuja, NIGERIA</b>: Nigeria took all three points with a 2-1 outcome against Sierra Leone. Nigeria was playing in an empty stadium, following a two-game punishment ordered by FIFA over crowd disturbances. It was Nigeria's first win in its last five games. Although Nigeria dominated large swaths of the game, there were shocking defensive frailties that could have been costly. Nevertheless, Nigeria overcame a nervy game on a torn field in Abuja to start the AFCON qualifiers with a long awaited win.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKryOT2QZARY7QK0_oyvpnId35l2GojTvsiwiU-1XcdhXvod0Mpail4yPIGjp1QbNvgeBJS5rGyxSUXECPuEDKJcNr6gWj8RWQm2HYfcXMGUs2ccnZkP0tlNj41H3WV6UwMe6eJKTWDa_bQsLfPFl24Qjf_9EJhh5UnCKM_8vmSefSMRBglnzqru7Q/s1024/Moses-Simon-1024x591.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1024" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKryOT2QZARY7QK0_oyvpnId35l2GojTvsiwiU-1XcdhXvod0Mpail4yPIGjp1QbNvgeBJS5rGyxSUXECPuEDKJcNr6gWj8RWQm2HYfcXMGUs2ccnZkP0tlNj41H3WV6UwMe6eJKTWDa_bQsLfPFl24Qjf_9EJhh5UnCKM_8vmSefSMRBglnzqru7Q/w657-h304/Moses-Simon-1024x591.webp" width="657" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moses Simon</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">______</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Although Nigeria dominated large swaths of the game, there were shocking defensive frailties that could have been costly. Nevertheless, Nigeria overcame a nervy game on a torn field in Abuja to start the AFCON qualifiers with a long awaited win.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">_____</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Victor Osimhen, absent in the last five games, was there in Abuja and his presence mattered. But even his presence, did not prevent Nigeria from going behind, again, as early as the 8th minute. Sierra Leone had done absolutely zero until then. Bassey reacted slowly to a cross from the left and as he dallied, a diving Sierra Leone attacker headed the ball passed Uzoho. But it could have been worse! Only six minutes later, Bassey was left stranded again and a low shot went by Uzoho but fortunately came off his far post as Nigeria was relieved.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then Nigeria struck back to be on level terms in the 16th minute. Moses Simon laid off the ball to Iwobi inside the box. Alex calmly drove the ball wide off the goalie into the far corner of the net to restore sanity. Iwobi, who bossed the midfield, had saved Nigeria and Nigeria suddenly was awoke. But Sierra Leone did not respect Nigeria's pedigree. The Leone Stars clearly believed that they could get something out of this Nigerian visit. After all, the last time they were in Nigeria, they had come back from a 0-4 deficit to miraculously earn a 4-4 tie. Nevertheless, it was Nigeria that won this time. It came in the last minute of the half, Aina crossed magnificently to Simon who then laid the ball in the path of Victor Osimhen to strike at the back of the net. Moses Simon could have then crowned it all in the last second when he was presented a huge opportunity, seconds later, but as he dallied deep inside the box, the keeper quickly recovered to save.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">_______</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Iwobi, who bossed the midfield, had saved Nigeria and Nigeria suddenly was awoke. But Sierra Leone did not respect Nigeria's pedigree. The Leone Stars clearly believed that they could get something out of this Nigerian visit. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">_______</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The game clearly exposed a frail defense that was poorly protected. Aribo played too far up and seemed oblivious of the task and centrally, both Ekong and Ajayi were a pair of bungling strangers. On the right, Aina was focused on attacking and doing little to shore up his flank.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The second half, especially a large swath of it beyond a nervy injury time, Nigeria dominated. However, the inability to score assured a nervy finish. Chukwueze, is becoming frustrating in front of goal. Today, he had a world of opportunity in the 54th minute with the goalkeeper failing to come out quickly but Chukwueze shockingly put the ball wide off the posts in the 54th minute. But for all Nigeria's domination, this game could have been tied after Ajayi dithered with a harmless ball deep in his box (59th), allowing a lurking attacker to poke the ball towards goal and passed the keeper but wide. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">However, the inability to score assured a nervy finish. Chukwueze, is becoming frustrating in front of goal. Today, he had a world of opportunity in the 54th minute with the goalkeeper failing to come out quickly but Chukwueze shockingly put the ball wide off the posts in the 54th minute.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But those opportunities were before a shaky finish when the visitors earned multiple corner kicks in injury time. This, clearly, is a Nigerian team short on confidence and far more work on team psyche from Manager Peseiro's staff is needed. Defensively, the team's organization was poor and exposed but there is time to work on these weaknesses.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"><b>LINE -UP</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Francis Uzoho (23)<sub>24 </sub><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">+85</span> -- Ola Aina (2)<sub>28</sub>
<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">+72</span> (81<sup>st</sup>
Abdullahi Shehu (12)<sub>41</sub>), William Troost-Ekong (cpt-5)<sub>63</sub></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">* (81<sup>st</sup> Kenneth Omeruo (22)<sub>59</sub>), Semi
Ajayi (6)<sub>20,</sub></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Calvin Bassey (18)<sub>5</sub> -- Joseph Aribo (10)<sub>20</sub> – Samuel
Chukwueze (11)<sub>24</sub> (81<sup>st</sup> Ademola Lookman (13)<sub>3</sub>),
Alex Iwobi (18)<sub>58</sub>, Moses Simon (15)<sub>52 </sub>-- Umar Sadiq (17)<sub>6</sub>* (46<sup>th</sup>
Oghenekaro Etebo (8)<sub>41</sub><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">+48</span>) Victor Osimhen (9)<sub>20</sub> (90+1 Terem
Moffi (19)<sub>6</sub>).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">RATINGS</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Francis Uzoho</b> --6.2 -- Francis cannot be blamed for the conceded goal but he did not have a spectacular day either. Thus, it was simply an average rating of 6.0.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ola Aina</b> -- 6.1 -- Aina was important attacking but defensively he was off. Several times, Manager Peseiro barked out his name on issues. Eventually, the frustrated Manager sent him off to the showers but not before Aina took a booking with him.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Troost Ekong</b> *(cpt) -- 6.1 -- Skipper Ekong is having trying times working centrally with Ajayi. Today was not different as the pairing is increasingly suspect. We are unlikely to see the pairing in the next game as Ekong was stretchered off with injury late in this game. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Samuel Ajayi</b> -- 6.2 -- Ajayi can be frustrating, at times, with slow decision making in his half. Today, it could have been costly early in the second half as he dithered and allowed an opponent to poke the ball past him and his goalie.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Calvin Bassey</b> -- 6.4 -- Bassey was horrendous in the opening half, being a tad slow on multiple occasions and one of those led to a headed goal early. However, he recovered in the second half to put up a relatively good performance but it certainly was a far cry from his recent games in the United States.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Joseph Aribo</b> -- 6.3 -- Aribo was supposed to be the defensive midfielder but he was a far cry from doing the work and left his backline dangerously exposed in that opening half by gifting the opponent opportunities. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Alex Iwobi</b> -- 7.2 -- Alex is, recently, the best Nigerian player on the field. Today was not different. He bossed the middle early until he faded late. Importantly, it was his calmly taken goal that restored parity for Nigeria after the team surprisingly went behind early.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Samuel Chukwueze </b>-- 6.4 -- This is a superbly gifted player who can be very frustrating. Today, it was more of the same. Chukwueze was anonymous for long stretches and then he missed a chance when it seemed much easier to score. His days as a starter must be numbered.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moses Simon</b> -- 7.0 -- Two assists on Nigeria's goals indicated his impact. However, this was far from what Simon is capable of displaying. His missed a gilded opportunity late in the opening half that surely would have made this his game.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Umar Sadiq</b> -- 6.4 -- Umar was as busy as he is usually but a late opening half injury meant that he was sent early to the showers.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Victor Osimhen</b> -- 7.0 -- Victor was as active as he is always with multiple attempts at goal. One such attempt eventually produced the winner after he put away Moses Simon's pass. He appeared to have sustained a late injury but was forced to stay on by the referee who refused to allow substitution for a full three minutes!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Oghenekaro Etebo</b> -- 6.7 -- Etebo came in for injured Sadiq at the start of the second half and he suddenly stabilized Nigeria's defense, closing the gaps left by Aribo and prevented the Sierra Leoneans from destabilizing Nigeria's central defense repeatedly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kenneth Omeruo </b>--- X</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ademola Lookman</b> -- X</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Abdullahi Shehu</b> --- X</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Terem Moffi</b> -- X</p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-37157036814118269002022-06-02T21:06:00.003-07:002022-06-02T21:15:22.858-07:00Peseiro Starts 0-2 But Team is Lively Against Ecuador<p><b>Harrison, NJ</b>: ....Nigeria 0 Ecuador 1</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7K8GFc13Mblhw7qliTpT3fz118hvRG8XJKoyRt218Tg-IX2DtBDWfWUHrvR_WSkr6Iud4e4_zzvBBKKR2IDhmtrLJm-MWepuCwUatKBdRKTXi95EyPj2UyuMP6i2i8piRo6QsqMLcoTFT6vvD0dRcBebZNw8jrZKy5axtU6U6XpU3dk4T5lVRw6-jg/s615/team.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="615" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7K8GFc13Mblhw7qliTpT3fz118hvRG8XJKoyRt218Tg-IX2DtBDWfWUHrvR_WSkr6Iud4e4_zzvBBKKR2IDhmtrLJm-MWepuCwUatKBdRKTXi95EyPj2UyuMP6i2i8piRo6QsqMLcoTFT6vvD0dRcBebZNw8jrZKy5axtU6U6XpU3dk4T5lVRw6-jg/w661-h503/team.webp" width="661" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>___________ THE GAME _______________</p><p>Nigeria's best player on the day was Bassey and her nearly ended it with an assist if Dennis had taken his chance well in that second half. Clearly, Bassey brings a lot of energy, confidence, and intuition to the game. Iwobi dominated the opening half with relentless running and was present both defensively and going forward but appeared to tire late.</p><p>________________________________________________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Clearly, Bassey brings a lot of energy, confidence, and intuition to the game. Iwobi dominated the opening half with relentless running and was present both defensively and going forward but appeared to tire late.</span></i></p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Nigeria had a good shift but was let down by conceding a very early goal from a freekick cross that the defense failed to stave off and Uzoho was at the mercy if a lurking Ecuador player who put the ball away from close.</p><p>Nigeria had not been able to go past the halfway line until more than five minutes of the game had gone and by then it was 0-1. However, when Nigeria came on, it looked like they would at least get a tie from this international friendly with Alex Iwobi confidently bossing the middle with tireless work. It was nice to see Nigeria give the homebased lad Sani Faisal a start and he did earn his keep with some good work on the right until he tired out towards the end of the opening half. I suspect that he was taken off on a scheduled substitution given that the Manager may have preferred that Dennis start from the bench due to his late arrival to join the team in the United States and maybe Faisal had done well in training. In this game, he showed up well early o the right of the midfield.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>LINE-UP</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Francis Uzoho (23)<sub>21 —</sub> Chiedozie Awaziem (20)<sub>29</sub>, (46th Ola Aina (2)), William Troost-Ekong (cpt-5)<sub>62</sub>,</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Semi Ajayi (6)<sub>19,</sub></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Calvin Bassey (18)3 </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">-- Moses Simon (15)<sub>51</sub>, Joseph Aribo (10)<sub>19</sub>, Sanni Faisal (7)</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.1111px;">2 (46th </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Dennis Bournaventure (8))</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> -- Alex Iwobi (18)</span><sub style="font-size: 10pt;">57</sub><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> – Cyriel Dessers (9)3</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, Terem Moffi (19)5</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (85th</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Victor Chukwuma Mbaoma</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (12)2</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">).</span></span></p><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-65669853768555303582022-05-28T20:46:00.000-07:002022-05-28T20:46:05.976-07:00Nigeria Remains Winless in 7 games v Mexico<p style="text-align: justify;">Texas, USA -- Nigeria remained winless against Mexico in seven games after a 1-2 defeat before a large crowd in an international friendly. It was an improvement from a 0-4 pasting that Nigeria received in the last outing between both teams. But the improvement was in the margin but the outcome was similar. This time, Nigeria suited mostly its European professionals and Mexico did not have all its top boys but the result was still a Mexican victory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6FbQ872tYJv0GOE-kPpW5PPEH3AAx8sSOJPXy4l4aB39kzvMQs9B3Cn9zNI56QMptIDByHmQOlhvU1y_iV1vOyPi2Z5gDMOknliZVnuJCq2o5XSwgm-h_odXxgvMzWPA4WGHCjKJYjnbVoPl7TOFuQ7gz9OsbbjzpS4p1Ie2--YG1vDt5rCsztgWyA/s280/Nigeria%20Mex.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="280" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6FbQ872tYJv0GOE-kPpW5PPEH3AAx8sSOJPXy4l4aB39kzvMQs9B3Cn9zNI56QMptIDByHmQOlhvU1y_iV1vOyPi2Z5gDMOknliZVnuJCq2o5XSwgm-h_odXxgvMzWPA4WGHCjKJYjnbVoPl7TOFuQ7gz9OsbbjzpS4p1Ie2--YG1vDt5rCsztgWyA/w668-h556/Nigeria%20Mex.png" width="668" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria's Coach Jose Paseiro, thus, began his stint with a 0-1 slate and clearly he has seen some changes that he may make after watching these crop of players in training and game situation. Although, he suited up some locally-based Nigerian players, the European based crop did not exactly wow him. However, this is not to state that there were no bright spots. Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey, and Francis Uzoho showed that they have something to contribute going forward. However, with Awaziem injured and embarrassingly slowed down, the performance of Skipper William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi must surely lead to worries going forward.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey, and Francis Uzoho showed that they have something to contribute going forward. However, with Awaziem injured and embarrassingly slowed down, the performance of Skipper William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi must surely lead to worries going forward.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The opening 20 minutes appeared to be a game between men and boys as the Mexicans tossed the ball around with Nigeria running from pillar to post with little positive results in terms of possession. That Mexico was only 1-0 up after Ekong lost his man in a low cross was due to Mexico's failure to be more clinical. Nigeria was simply living on fumes and appeared decidedly second rate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, a switch to four at the back appeared to change Nigeria's fortunes allowing them to share ball possession. In fact, Nigeria was the team on the ascendancy in the opening ten minutes of the second half. It paid off after 53 minutes when Bassey, as energetic as ever, went down the left and suddenly swung a ball in and Dessers rose above the defense to nod the ball into the net. It was 1-1 but only for three minutes. Why? Ekong gave the lead back to the Mexicans when he cluttered into a cross and deflected the ball past his own goalkeeper. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria was the team on the ascendancy in the opening ten minutes of the second half. It paid off after 53 minutes when Bassey, as energetic as ever, went down the left and suddenly swung a ball in and Dessers rose above the defense to nod the ball into the net. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was a difficult mountain, then, for Nigeria. Too steep, too difficult, and too spent to mount a recovery at that point. Instead, Manager Paseiro realizing that the game was virtually over brought on his subs, mostly players playing domestically in Nigeria. But it was notable that in less than 10 minutes, Ishaq Rafiu showed some glimpses that he may have been worth his call up. Two times he posed a real danger for the Mexican defense but the fact is that the result of the game clearly defined the better team on the day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>LINE-UP</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Francis Uzoho (23)<sub>20 —</sub> Chiedozie Awaziem
(20)<sub>28</sub>, William Troost-Ekong (cpt-5)<sub>61</sub>,</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> Semi Ajayi (6)<sub>18</sub></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> -- Moses Simon (15)<sub>50 </sub>(82<sup>nd</sup>
<b>Chiamaka Madu</b> (8)<sub>1</sub>), Joseph Aribo (10)<sub>18</sub>, Innocent
Bonke (20)<sub>4</sub>*(46<sup>th</sup> <b>Sanni Faisal</b> (7)<sub>1</sub>) Calvin
Bassey (18)<sub>2</sub> -- Alex Iwobi (18)<sub>56</sub> – Cyriel Dessers (9)<sub>2</sub>
(84<sup>th</sup> <b>Victor Mbaoma</b> (12)<sub>1</sub>), Terem Moffi (19)<sub>4</sub>
(82<sup>nd</sup> <b>Ishaq Rafiu</b> (17)<sub>1</sub>).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>PREVIOUS MEETINGS</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">January 13, 1995 -- Riyadh, S-ARABIA -- NIGERIA 1 Mexico 1</p><p style="text-align: justify;">June 24, 1995 -- Dallas, USA -- NIGERIA 1 Mexico 2</p><p style="text-align: justify;">October 14, 2007 -- Juarez, MEXICO -- NIGERIA 2 Mexico 2</p><p style="text-align: justify;">May 31, 2013 -- Houston, USA -- NIGERIA 2 Mexico 2</p><p style="text-align: justify;">March 5, 2014 -- Atlanta, USA -- NIGERIA 0 Mexico 0</p><p style="text-align: justify;">July 3, 2021 -- Los Angeles, USA -- NIGERIA 0 Mexico 4</p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-57133628424486382032022-05-17T11:58:00.002-07:002022-05-20T12:53:13.361-07:00Comparing Nigerian Players to Iconic Stars<p>People often wonder if any of Nigeria's players will compare favorably with players of the past. In a previous article, we noted metrics for making such a comparison and it can be found via: <a href="http://eaglecity.blogspot.com/2017/07/applying-some-measurables-nigerias-goat.html">http://eaglecity.blogspot.com/2017/07/applying-some-measurables-nigerias-goat.html</a> . While- the objective is not to use those metrics here, it is important to bear them in mind.</p><p>The task here, however, is to see how Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye, and Wilfred Ndidi stack up against stars of the past. This we can compare, at the very least, statistically.</p><p>________________________________________________________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">He is not in the league of Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Usiyan, or Segun Odegbami who all scored at a greater clip than Osimhen has thus far. </span></i></p><p>________________________________________________________________</p><p>Victor Osimhen is the Nigerian player to have attracted the highest transfer fee in club football but has his international play solidified him as Nigeria's best ever striker? Many will say <b>No</b>. Surely, there is no question that he may be on his way to becoming the best striker that Nigeria has ever produced but statistically he is not yet there! Not by a mile!! He is not in the league of Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Usiyan, or Segun Odegbami who all scored at a greater clip than Osimhen has thus far. Stylistically, he poses a far constant danger than Odegbami did but certainly not yet in the league of either Yekini or Usiyan in terms of constant danger to the opposition. </p><p>One of the other players we take a look at is Maduka Okoye. Thus far he is vaunted as the Nigerian goalkeeper to play at a reputed European league. However, his performances for Nigeria have been less stellar. His output is below the great Nigerian goalkeepers such as Vincent Enyeama and Peter Rufai. Those two may not have, except arguably Rufai, played at a reputed European league but Okoye fails in comparison to them.</p><p>____________________________________________________</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ndidi's current stats are better than those of Mikel Obi and Sunday Oliseh in areas measured. The only place where he sorely lacks is occasional scoring. </span></i></p><p>____________________________________________________</p><p>How about Wilfred Ndidi? He has been put forward as the future skipper of the super Eagles and he has been perhaps the most consistent performer in his era. However, is he worthy of being consider all-time? How do his stats compare with those of Sunday Oliseh who is the hallmark of All-time defensive midfielders for Nigeria? How about comparing Ndidi to Mikel Obi? Well, we use the stats available to us to compare those three. Ndidi's current stats are better than those of Mikel Obi and Sunday Oliseh in areas measured. The only place where he sorely lacks is occasional scoring. He is still to record a goal in 48 games for Nigeria. However, even on that account one must asterisk Mikel Obi's scoring rate here because Obi played as attacking midfielder on occasion for Nigeria.</p><p>You may argue that most of the icons did not play against similar opposition as today's players but such a point is not persuasive given that Nigeria has maintained relatively similar stature in African football during the era of all players being compared here and thus their performances should be comparable.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">GOALKEEPERS</span></u></i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>P</b>=played: <b>W</b>=won: <b>T</b>=Tied: <b>L</b>=Lost: <b>Eff</b>=Team Efficiency: <b>CoR</b>=Conceding rate: <b>CS</b>=Cleansheets: <b>CSR</b>= Cleansheet rate.</span></p><p><b>MADUKA OKOYE</b></p><p><b>P</b>13 <b>W</b>6 <b> T</b>5 <b>L</b>4 <b>Eff.</b>0.51 <b>CoR</b>0.90 <b>CS</b>8 <b>CSR</b>0.53</p><p><b>VINCENT ENYEAMA</b></p><p><b>P</b>101 <b>W</b>52 <b> T</b>32 <b>L</b>17 <b>Eff.</b>0.62 <span style="color: red;"><b>CoR0.73</b></span> <b>CS</b>50 <b>CSR</b>0.50</p><p><b>EMMANUEL OKALA</b></p><p><b>P</b>51 <b>W</b>29 <b> T</b>13 <b>L</b>9 <b>Eff.</b>0.48 <b>CoR</b>0.88 <b>CS</b>24 <b>CSR</b>0.47</p><p><b>PETER RUFAI</b></p><p><b>P</b>68 <b>W</b>28 <b> T</b>23 <b>L</b>17 <b>Eff.</b>0.53 <b>CoR</b>0.74 <b>CS</b>38 <b>CSR</b>0.56</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm7W5ZreYbngSAdA_Fkbc9MoOPs_MAg1aK8Svos4dkk0ld27JvQuZjIU8s7lc5_xnUHG7tSz_M8qn8cKlCSgmXC4QOfWhWHTgiAeYr3oPZE1892QXkn9T2Kua4fsSRqDSXPVUVmQ1ch4RMrKU4sLPGJLCtuUEFCpw3soVTxo-9pNKbRzKO3j8NkDppg/s614/Enyeama%2000160708_631e79bd1b735ff5c366e56958a9853d_arc614x376_w614_us1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="614" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm7W5ZreYbngSAdA_Fkbc9MoOPs_MAg1aK8Svos4dkk0ld27JvQuZjIU8s7lc5_xnUHG7tSz_M8qn8cKlCSgmXC4QOfWhWHTgiAeYr3oPZE1892QXkn9T2Kua4fsSRqDSXPVUVmQ1ch4RMrKU4sLPGJLCtuUEFCpw3soVTxo-9pNKbRzKO3j8NkDppg/w580-h325/Enyeama%2000160708_631e79bd1b735ff5c366e56958a9853d_arc614x376_w614_us1.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u>DEFENSIVE MIDFELDERS</u></i></span></p><p><b style="font-size: small;">P</b><span style="font-size: small;">=played: </span><b style="font-size: small;">W</b><span style="font-size: small;">=won: </span><b style="font-size: small;">T</b><span style="font-size: small;">=Tied: </span><b style="font-size: small;">L</b><span style="font-size: small;">=Lost: <b>Eff.</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">=Team Efficiency: </span><b style="font-size: small;">CoR</b><span style="font-size: small;">=Conceding rate: <b>ScR</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">=Scoring</span><span style="font-size: small;"> rate.</span></p><p><b>WILFRED NDIDI</b></p><p><b>P</b>48 <b>W</b>31 <b> T</b>6 <b>L</b>11 <b>Eff.</b><span style="color: red;"><b>0.69</b></span> <b>CoR</b><span style="color: red;"><b>0.79</b></span> <b>ScR</b>0.00</p><p><b>SUNDAY OLISEH</b></p><p><b>P</b>55 <b>W</b>31 <b> T</b>12 <b>L</b>12 <b>Eff.</b>0.64 <b>CoR</b>0.83 <b>ScR</b>0.06</p><p><b>MIKEL OBI</b></p><p><b>P</b>78<b> </b> <b>W</b>36 <b> T</b>26 <b>L</b>16 <b>Eff.</b>0.57 <b>CoR</b>0.81 <b>ScR</b>0.06</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvVs5InlT47yvNDoXllgLu-5UIRqtXR3jugkF5VVz9qfy4Y-xWjudQAGDj6XbHMBqYNZTiEsw2XxlPMI7VjXHvAa6SiOlvxsfRA51FTvjvvnir8w6MAcm01Q3QECfXmjcTMkxJp79kXW59maZVCa3tb5mPHa1aFsEViISGDpa3JeDTEEzlx6HCtjFpg/s600/ndidi_mania.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvVs5InlT47yvNDoXllgLu-5UIRqtXR3jugkF5VVz9qfy4Y-xWjudQAGDj6XbHMBqYNZTiEsw2XxlPMI7VjXHvAa6SiOlvxsfRA51FTvjvvnir8w6MAcm01Q3QECfXmjcTMkxJp79kXW59maZVCa3tb5mPHa1aFsEViISGDpa3JeDTEEzlx6HCtjFpg/w586-h392/ndidi_mania.jpeg" width="586" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>STRIKERS</u></span></i></p><p><b style="font-size: small;">P</b><span style="font-size: small;">=played: </span><b style="font-size: small;">W</b><span style="font-size: small;">=won: </span><b style="font-size: small;">T</b><span style="font-size: small;">=Tied: </span><b style="font-size: small;">L</b><span style="font-size: small;">=Lost: <b>Eff.</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">=Team Efficiency: </span><b style="font-size: small;">GL</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>s</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">=Goals <b> GLr</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">=Goal</span><span style="font-size: small;"> rate.</span></p><p><b>VICTOR OSIMHEN</b></p><p><b>P</b>21<b> </b> <b>W</b>10 <b> T</b>8 <b>L</b>3 <b>Eff.</b>0.60 <b>GLs</b>10 <b>GLr</b>0.48</p><p><b>RASHIDI YEKINI</b></p><p><b>P</b>65<b> </b> <b>W</b>29 <b> T</b>19 <b>L</b>17 <b>Eff.</b>0.54 <b>GLs</b><span style="color: red;"><b>37</b></span> <b>GLr</b>0.57</p><p><b>THOMPSON USIYAN</b></p><p><b>P</b>26<b> </b> <b>W</b>14 <b> T</b>7 <b>L</b>5 <b>Eff.</b><span style="color: red;"><b>0.63</b></span> <b>GLs</b>15 <b>GLr</b><span style="color: red;"><b>0.58</b></span></p><p><b>SEGUN ODEGBAMI</b></p><p><b>P</b>48<b> </b> <b>W</b>22 <b> T</b>17 <b>L</b>9 <b>Eff.</b>0.58 <b>GLs</b>24 <b>GLr</b>0.50</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YvZRAZIKeeMMw0xP04v-gQVBXk5rnQ76P2xI8mJPJWeOLOvbUtUFnSbbLIyUijY_YvSFAx_DW4jZh1P3nJlSXIKo4A8DSuXHHOqyZy5xAUYtzZh6eYoRKC74LSqb8dYrMRryIthx1hPlLwaTBFG8SZpv5OFQMgShw3ogdr_0roc5ROcS_OsDN7CXtQ/s2428/Rashidi-Yekini-famous-goal-celebration.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="2428" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YvZRAZIKeeMMw0xP04v-gQVBXk5rnQ76P2xI8mJPJWeOLOvbUtUFnSbbLIyUijY_YvSFAx_DW4jZh1P3nJlSXIKo4A8DSuXHHOqyZy5xAUYtzZh6eYoRKC74LSqb8dYrMRryIthx1hPlLwaTBFG8SZpv5OFQMgShw3ogdr_0roc5ROcS_OsDN7CXtQ/w638-h494/Rashidi-Yekini-famous-goal-celebration.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-58062401407288251332022-03-25T17:26:00.005-07:002022-03-25T17:26:58.440-07:00Nigeria Grinds out Pivotal Draw... Now in Pole Position for the World Cup<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kumasi</b> -- Nigeria fought to earn a result in Kumasi, in a crucial third round of the World Cip qualifiers, against Ghana. The second leg of this qualifier comes up Tuesday in Abuja, where Nigeria will be backed by an important home support.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ghana dominated stretches of this game with 10 shots against 7 asnd 9-2 edge on corner kicks. However, Nigeria fought valiantly and for the first time in eons, a Nigerian goalkeeper (Francis Uzoho) proved significant in earning this important point. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">_____________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ghana dominated stretches of this game with 10 shots against 7 asnd 9-2 edge on corner kicks. However, Nigeria fought valiantly and for the first time in eons, a Nigerian goalkeeper (Francius Uzoho) proved significant in earning this important point. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">_____________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although, Ghana dominated territorially for a longer stretch of this game, there were not many great opportunities. Ghana's early ascendancy was clear in the middle as Nigeria's middle was clearly playing on the back foot with Wilfred Ndidi's absence evident. Nigeria only challenged Ghana's control when Manager Eguavoen imtroduced reinforcements early in the second half. It was only then that Nigeria provided any meaningful service to its attack. Not that Ghana's domination in the middle was surprising. It was assumed by many who assessed the array of players on both sides. Moreover, Ghana loaded the numbers up the middle and completely blunted any Nigerian opposition in the middle. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqCxqqsiPC7UQ4EeLCYyRfA5X6hgWUR9AMNS56Wo7ZzF1eyFued7O53NbbTDjxG7ndo4bQ7RUjsO25fq7wWRe9l6dfDffFXBTDErPBEpJnFyZ35gL7VsbbbXB52X1Rtwrv4wKUuTMKYMtjD4-3YwsAJdmL7kKzp7zr6Hfv5HojiGQk_O9AoCwNolnbWQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqCxqqsiPC7UQ4EeLCYyRfA5X6hgWUR9AMNS56Wo7ZzF1eyFued7O53NbbTDjxG7ndo4bQ7RUjsO25fq7wWRe9l6dfDffFXBTDErPBEpJnFyZ35gL7VsbbbXB52X1Rtwrv4wKUuTMKYMtjD4-3YwsAJdmL7kKzp7zr6Hfv5HojiGQk_O9AoCwNolnbWQ=w640-h320" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Courtesy Getty Images</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Out in the wide areas, the home team ensured that Nigeria's Simon and Chukwueze were kept quiet for stretches until both were rescued with second half substitutions. It is clear that Manager Eguavoen has to rethink this approach by Tuesday. More than likely, Etebo will get a start to ensure a semblance of</p><p style="text-align: justify;">________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Out in the wide areas, the home team ensured that Nigeria's Simon and Chukwueze were kept quiet for stretches until both were rescued with second half substitutions. It is clear that Manager Eguavoen has to rethink this approach by Tuesday. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">ball possession in the middle and, perhaps, Denis will get a longer run out. Both Lookman and Bassey earned their long anticipated debut in Kumasi but they will need another appearance to determine long term contributions. Bassey, particularly, was lively but this was not a game to determine his central place on this team.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, it was a good result for Nigeria eventhough Nigeria may feel hard-done by a <i>VCR overrule</i> on a penalty awarded in the second half when Ghana's Baba handled in his box. The VCR ruled that Baba was fouled on the play before he grabbled the ball. If it had been awarded as a penalty, it surely would have been more than Nigeria deserved.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">_______________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria may feel hard-done by a VCR overrule on a penalty awarded in the second half when Ghana's Baba handled in his box. The VCR ruled that Baba was fouled on the play before he grabbled the ball. If it had been awarded as a penalty, it surely would have been more than Nigeria deserved.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">______________________________________</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Francis
Uzoho (1)</span><sub>18</sub><span style="line-height: 107%;">—Ola Aina (2)</span><sub>25</sub><span style="line-height: 107%;">, William Troost-Ekong (cpt-5)</span><sub>59</sub><span style="line-height: 107%;">, Leon Balogun (6)<sub>44</sub>, Zaidu Sanusi (12)<sub>10</sub></span> (73<sup>rd</sup> <b>Calvin Bassey</b> (18)<sub>1</sub>)– Innocent
Bonke (20)<sub>3</sub>* (64<sup>th</sup> Etebo Oghenekaro (8)<sub>39</sub> <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">77</span> )<sub>, </sub><span style="line-height: 107%;">Joseph Aribo (10)</span><sub>16</sub><span style="line-height: 107%;"> (58</span><sup>th</sup><span style="line-height: 107%;"> Frank Onyeka (4)<sub>6</sub>)– Samuel Chukwueze (17)</span><sub>23 </sub><span style="line-height: 107%;">(58<sup>th</sup><span style="line-height: 107%;"> Emmanuel Denis Bonaventure (21)<sub>4</sub>), Kelechi Iheanacho (14)</span></span><sub>43</sub><span style="line-height: 107%;">, Moses Simon (15)</span><sub>57 </sub><span style="line-height: 107%;">(73<sup>rd</sup> <b>Ademola Lookman</b> (12)<sub>1</sub>), Victor Osimhen (9)<sub>20</sub>. </span></span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>RATINGS</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Francis Uzoho</b> - 7.0 -- It has taken a long while for a Nigerian goalkeeper too be kept busy and to come out unscathed in such conditions. Uzoho made some delicate saves and faced stretches of pressure in this game. In the 32nd minute, he made a pivotal save from a vicious 20 yard shot that could have given Ghana a victory. It was just one of several moments.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Ola Aina</b> -- 6.4 -- Ola Aina was good as always. The most notable was a 40th minute pass that he made to set Aribo through but the latter finished his shot far too high off the goal.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>William Troost-Ekong</b> (cpt) -- 6.4 -- Troost continued his stellar play that began at the AFCON. Today, he was good again except for one error in the second but he had Uzoho quick off his limes to clear the danger. He had a great 73rd minute save as Ghana broke free down the left.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Leon Balogun</b> -- 6.8 -- Leon was Nigeria's best defender today. He made atleast two last ditch saves as Ghana exploited holes in Nigeria's offside traps in the opening half.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Zaidu Sanusi </b>-- 6.0 -- Zaidu was average today and was duly substituted with Bassey in the second half. Some of GHana's threat came repeatedly down his area.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Innocent Bonke</b> -- 6.2 -- Bonke made a few stops but also conceded a free kicks. He provided little going forward and failed to help maintain possession. He was eventually injured and had to be substituted.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Joseph Aribo </b>-- 6.2 -- Aribo struggled to get a grip on this game as Ghana, expectedly, controlled the middle. Aribo fluffed one opportunity going forward after Aina offered an opening. Aribo was eventually replaced and it was telling that Etebo came in and <i>calmed the waters</i> offering Nigeria a measure of challenge in Ghana's midfield control.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Kelechi Iheanacho </b>-- 6.1 -- Iheanacho may not be a midfield player but he does have an eye for a telling pass and he provided a couple today but otherwise was anonymuous.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Samuel Chukwueze</b> -- 6.0 -- Chukwueze is developing a habit of M.I.A. in big games for country. That was the case, again, today. More worrying is his effort level is not where it should be. He faces a likelihood that his place may go to Emmanuel Dennis sooner than later.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Moses Simon</b> -- 6.2 -- Except for one opportunity which led to a 14th minute cross than Osimhen failed to control, Simon was quiet and kept under control by Ghana. He was eventually taken off, expectedly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Victor Osimhen </b>-- 6.4 -- Victor's rating is based on his untiring effort even when the service was sorely lacking. He was checked and crowded out by a ldeep-lying midield and centrebacks that had done their study.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Frank Onyeka </b>-- 6.2 -- Frank Onyeka came in early for Aribo but did not do much better as Ghana had a grip of the middle and Nigeria's presence was only notable when Etebo eventually came onto the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Emmanuel Denis</b> -- 6.4 -- Although he was on for a few minutes, it all counted. Not only did he track back to stave a dangerous moment late but his other contributions were notable. He will likely see more minutes in Abuja.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Etebo Oghenekaro </b>-- 6.4 -- Etebo is another player that will, surely, see more minutes in Abuja in the absence of Ndidi. His emntrance in Kumasi earned Nigeria some measure of control in the middle.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Ademola Lookman</b> -- 6.1 -- Ademola had his debut but there was little time to prove his worth, especially as Ghana had a grip of this game.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><b>Calvin Bassey</b> -- 6.3 -- He was on for a few minutes but those may have been more notable than minutes spent by Sanusi. Calvin was not spectacular but he gave some lift going forward in his debut.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-15693539467729117722022-01-23T14:06:00.001-08:002022-01-23T20:06:01.062-08:00Inadvertent Red Card, Masterful Display by Tunisia Ends Nigeria's Run.....<p style="text-align: justify;">Garoua -- After so much hope with a masterful display at the group rounds, Nigeria was bundled out of the AFCON by a Covid-ravaged Tunisian team that could barely dress a full team. The score was 0-1 but the reality was the Tunisians were masterful strategically, shutting down the wide areas with double triple teams that silenced the rampant Nigeria display from wide.</p><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ0YflhJaOpkiq1sj_CoFyqN4npOmu18mQW52pAfcxl3uzMIGaRgJf_4FnRbZqybuwFSonKUxUJN2_FSAyhwjImz5C1bzT0iQGtDKm0G1XFPKVeOw4ikOAz9Le_UKXT8NCagsIqUUdRBXQLv_TAN661q9_NHK10k-lK8xbuKtZwjiJZy1siTozCfDn9A=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ0YflhJaOpkiq1sj_CoFyqN4npOmu18mQW52pAfcxl3uzMIGaRgJf_4FnRbZqybuwFSonKUxUJN2_FSAyhwjImz5C1bzT0iQGtDKm0G1XFPKVeOw4ikOAz9Le_UKXT8NCagsIqUUdRBXQLv_TAN661q9_NHK10k-lK8xbuKtZwjiJZy1siTozCfDn9A=w567-h558" width="567" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">After so much hope with a masterful display at the group rounds, Nigeria was bundled out of the AFCON by a Covid-ravaged Tunisian team that could barely dress a full team. The score was 0-1 but the reality was the Tunisians were masterful strategically, shutting down the wide areas with double triple teams that silenced the rampant Nigeria display from wide.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yet, Nigeria could still have won the game. They were the more adventurous for most of the game. Aribo had an 11th minute opportunity rubbed off Then Nigeria called for a penalty kick after a Tunisian defender handled deep in the box, but the official saw no need to award one. Nigeria's Okoye was not tested by a single shot at goal until 27 minutes had passed and it was from so far out that it led to a routine save.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria resumed in the second half with much hope. But then there was a shocker! Tunisia who had barely sniffed a chance took an opportunistic one from 25 yards out and the Nigerian goalie attempted a weak punch and ended up guiding the shot into his net. That was all Tunisia needed and what many had believed was the team's Achilles heel came back to haunt it. The goalkeeping had been an issue for years now with none of the goalkeepers providing much confidence and today it counted.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But then there was a shocker! Tunisia who had barely sniffed a chance took an opportunistic one from 25 yards out and the Nigerian goalie attempted a weak punch and ended up guiding the shot into his net. That was all Tunisia needed and what many had believed was the team's Achilles heel came back to haunt it.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, to attribute the defeat to a goalkeeper failure does not tell the entire story. What happened next may well have been far more significant. Substitute Alex Iwobi had been barely on the field for a couple of minutes and he attempted to win the ball back but stepped on an opponent's ankle. Referee N'Daiye quickly issued a caution but as Iwobi protested, worse was on the way. The referee was informed to check the VCR. The foul was horrendous, although unintentional, the match official was left no other choice to send Iwobi to an early shower. But it was not just Iwobi to the showers, it was the end of Nigeria's AFCON journey.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Substitute Alex Iwobi had been barely on the field for a couple of minutes and he attempted to win the ball back but stepped on an opponent's ankle. Referee N'Daiye quickly issued a caution but as Iwobi protested, worse was on the way. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With 10 men against a defensively determined Tunisia, it was always going to be a long day and so it proved. But it was not that opportunities dried, with Sadiq send on late to replace Chukwueze, Sadiq conjured up a brace of opportunities. One was eerily close a few seconds into five minutes of injury time. Sadiq slipped the ball past the onrushing goalie only to watch agonizingly as the ball trickled inches wide of the far post. It was all over.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Maduka Okoye (1)<sub>16</sub>—Ola Aina (2)<sub>24</sub>,
William Troiost-Ekong (cpt-5)<sub>58</sub>, Kenneth Omeruo (22)<sub>58</sub>,
Zaidu Sanusi (12)<sub>9</sub> – Wilfred Ndidi (4)<sub>48, </sub>Joseph Aribo
(10)<sub>15</sub> (88<sup>th</sup> Ahmed Musa (7)<sub>104</sub>)– Samuel
Chukwueze (17)<sub>22 </sub>(74<sup>th</sup> Umar Sadiq (24)<sub>4</sub>), Kelechi
Iheanacho (14)<sub>42</sub> <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">37+(</span>60<sup>th</sup>
Alex Iwobi (18)<sub>55 </sub><span style="background: red; mso-highlight: red;">+63</span>), Moses Simon (15)<sub>56 </sub>–
Taiwo Awoniyi (19)<sub>4 </sub>(60<sup>th</sup> Peter Olayinka (28)). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Maduka Okoye</b> - 6.0 - Was not tested until late when Nigeria threw men forward in desperate search for a tie. That he failed to stop the goal will be remembered for a while given that the shot was outside the box and he had his hand on it but his weak attempt could only guide the ball into the net.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ola Aina</b> -- 6.3 -- Ola made one bad error but stayed home largely and he did little to affect the game positively.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>William Ekong</b> (cpt) -- 6.5 --William had a good game trying to urge the team forward with long thrusts from deep but to no avail.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kenneth Omeruo</b> -- 6.3 -- Kenneth had an okay game. He was not outstanding.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sanusi Zaidu</b> -- 6.3 -- Sanusi was good attempting to jumpstart the attack but the crowded defense on the touchlines increased difficulty.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wilfred Ndidi</b> -- 6.8 -- He gets the highest rating among Nigerian players. He clearly threw in everything he had but sadly with as man down it was always going to be difficult.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Joseph Aribo</b> --6.4 -- Aribo did provide a fight but playing far up to help the attack meant it was difficult bringing up the ball from the back. He was eventually replaced late.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kelechi Iheanacho</b> -- 6.2 -- Kelechi, although battling in the middle, was almost anonymous in the most dangerous areas. He was cautioned for a foul early and was then replaced after the resumption.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Samuel Chukwueze</b> -- 6.1 -- He yet had another quiet game. This surely was not his tournament. To make matters worse, he ran into a Tunisian defense that was determined to close-off any runs down the liners.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moses Simon</b> -- 6.3 -- Simon had been the hero of the group round with unstoppable dribbling runs down wide but the Tunisians had been well prepared y sending three to four defenders to shut down those runs. It was effective and Nigeria ran out of ideas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Taiwo Awoniyi</b> -- 6.2 -- Taiwo hustled but it is instructive that he did little to open opportunities and it made a world of difference when Sadiq was introduced but it was too late.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Peter Olayinka</b> -- 6.1 -- He came in early but did little to affect the game. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Umar Sadiq</b> - 6.4 -- Sadiq was on for just a quarter of an hour but his runs and general businesses in the box provided some opportunities. He was unlucky to see a huge chance slip wide after slipping the ball under the goalie at 90+1.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ahmed Musa</b> -- X </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Alex Iwobi</b> - X</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjep9Yd_8nI-wuKK2IE_s9xOaiR7x2xaiOXuhZy1BEmPbRoFF-wLGi7LLd7kHVL7Wigli8X8X4aUW-f_YXpW_18UnxEuOors8AnwSDxG8ttQ0xemwLzGdWWCbzDXu3idz4Fiq-LCnWgT9mpXjfVKfla_O_nIivCmAseyTfLP6n43_h_DtrCi25nDVXIgA=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjep9Yd_8nI-wuKK2IE_s9xOaiR7x2xaiOXuhZy1BEmPbRoFF-wLGi7LLd7kHVL7Wigli8X8X4aUW-f_YXpW_18UnxEuOors8AnwSDxG8ttQ0xemwLzGdWWCbzDXu3idz4Fiq-LCnWgT9mpXjfVKfla_O_nIivCmAseyTfLP6n43_h_DtrCi25nDVXIgA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-2617372996746037482022-01-19T14:27:00.001-08:002022-11-15T06:24:47.257-08:00Nigeria Finish Group With Perfect Record as Guinea Bissau Goes Down 0-2<p style="text-align: justify;">Garoua -- Nigeria beat Guinea Bissau 2-0 to finish its Group games with a perfect record of 9 maximum points for the second time in its AFCON history. The first time was also under the current manager, Augustine Eguavoen. This time in Garoua, Nigeria began the game already assured of first place because of a tie breaker win over Egypt but Nigeria did not take its foot off the pedal. Guinea Bissau paid the price against a team significantly loaded with reserves that Nigeria unleashed on the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMG99FqG52FscRLat6AHpO06Wp7m-MVgTXfto4QOugT7gvUjwcqGrUZErNy3WcsDR01QHzKcqITeuYm9bkAk6p_wG7uw3LLdxvz8bI9Ta5XqdteSkfMFfpsUmiCJALmSi_1o6-CO1SKj7X1OpKhr5R7BlZyD3KjE3RlqGLGOMr3-aqD1tLgCIFdRKltw=s650" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMG99FqG52FscRLat6AHpO06Wp7m-MVgTXfto4QOugT7gvUjwcqGrUZErNy3WcsDR01QHzKcqITeuYm9bkAk6p_wG7uw3LLdxvz8bI9Ta5XqdteSkfMFfpsUmiCJALmSi_1o6-CO1SKj7X1OpKhr5R7BlZyD3KjE3RlqGLGOMr3-aqD1tLgCIFdRKltw=w640-h344" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Guinea Bissau provided a fight with Troyes' Mame Balde's speed creating difficulty for Nigeria's right side of the defense. Ebuehi was having difficulties with Balde's pace. In the 10th minute Balde again left Nigeria's defense for dead, this time it was Ajayi panting behind , but Uzoho was quick of his line to save Nigeria. But Nigeria quickly adjusted with Ajayi playing a superb role in keeping the Troyes attacker at bay.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">_________________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Guinea Bissau provided a fight with Troyes' Mame Balde's speed creating difficulty for Nigeria's right side of the defense. Ebuehi was having difficulties with Balde's pace. In the 10th minute Balde again left Nigeria's defense for dead, this time it was Ajayi panting behind , but Uzoho was quick of his line to save Nigeria.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">_________________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria found it difficult, increasingly, to breakdown the Bissau boys in the middle but from the quarter hour Nigeria had grabbed hold of the game. Guinea Bissau was then limited to quick counters that were quickly quelled. But in spite of Nigeria's resurrection, Sadiq's energy, little came off it. After 23 minutes, Sadiq was sent through the middle, he rounded up the keeper but was dispossessed as he linger deep.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria resumed the second half on the ascendancy but the wide areas were lacking on effectiveness. The wide areas had been the hallmark of Nigeria's game in the previous two games but it was blunted in this game early. In desperation and acutely realizing the Guinea Bissau's goalkeeper tendency to stray to the top of his box, Nigeria tested from very long distances. First, Sadiq's attempt was well wide and then Kelechi followed with another that sent the goalie scurrying back to desperately save the ball across his bar.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Shortly after, Nigeria took a deserved lead. Iheanacho broke from the right and his cross was slipped home by Sadiq. The goal was clarified after a VAR check. As Sadiq was sent to the bench before the VAR check was over, his replacement Moses Simon entered to change the game completely. He became a Guinea Bissau nightmare with dribbling ruins down the left as Nigeria's wide areas came to life for the first time in the game. Moses, with seeming ease, went past the opponents defense repeatedly. But all this came after Guinea Bissau presented its last attempts to claim at least a point.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>As Sadiq was sent to the bench before the VAR check was over, his replacement Moses Simon entered to change the game completely. He became a Guinea Bissau nightmare with dribbling ruins down the left as Nigeria's wide areas came to life for the first time in the game. Moses, with seeming ease, went past the opponents defense repeatedly. But all this came after Guinea Bissau presented its last attempts to claim at least a point.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Eventually a second goal arrived in the and it duly came from another Simon slalom. This time he took out several defenders before hitting the bar on 76 minutes and the rebound was clattered home by William Ekong. A VAR check took all of three minutes to confirm the score. It was all that mattered, although Ajayi crowned a superb outing with a last ditch save in the 84th minute after Uzoho failed to cleanly hold a shot as an attacker rushed in.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><b>LINE-UP</b></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Francis Uzoho (23)<sub>18</sub>
– Tyronne Ebuehi (21)<sub>11</sub> (76<sup>th</sup> Olisa Ndah (26)<sub>6</sub>),
William Troost-Ekong (cpt -5)<sub>57</sub>, Semi Ajayi (6)<sub>17</sub>, Jamilu
Collins (3)<sub>26</sub> – Wilfred Ndidi (4) <sub>47</sub>, Kelechi Nwakali
(25)<sub>3</sub> (76<sup>th</sup> Frank Onyeka (8)<sub>5</sub>) – Alex Iwobi
(18)<sub>54</sub>, Kelechi Iheanacho (14)<sub>41</sub> (84<sup>th</sup> Henry
Onyekuru (11)<sub>17</sub>), Chidera Ejike (13)<sub>8</sub> (55<sup>th</sup>
Moses Simon (15)<sub>55</sub>) – Sadiq Umar (24)<sub>3</sub> (55<sup>th</sup> Peter
Olayinka (28)<sub>3</sub>). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"><b>RATINGS</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Francis Uzoho </b>- 6.5 - Uzoho was magnificent in the moments in which he was tested in the game and there were multiple such moments. However, he failed to hold a difficult shot that Ajayi had to push into safety as the opponents sought to pounce.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Tryronne Ebuehi</b> -- 6.2 -- Ebuehi did not exactly distinguish himself in this outing but did help going forward at times. However, he appeared rusty or simply unsettled.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>William Troost-Ekong</b> -- 6.4 - Troost was good and played within himself although a made a meal of one simple pass in the second half that Ndah rushed back to steer into safety. He notched up an opportunistic goal for Nigeria's second after Simon's effort came off the bar.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>Semi Ajayi </b>-- 7.5 -- Semi was the best Nigerian defender on the day. He was active </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">throughout</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. He had a chance at goal and then saved a dangerous moment late and otherwise was critical in checking the dangerous Balde.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Jamilu Collins </b>-- 6.3 -- Jamilu was average on the day. However, his first half output was much better than later.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Wilfred Ndidi</b> -- 7.0 -- His presence in the middle was very important particularly in the first half when the opponents sought to establish foothold on the game.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 10pt;">Kelechi Nwakali </b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-- 6. 2 -- Kelechi was largely </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">anonymous</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. However, he had one superb freekick attempt in the first half that unsettled the </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">opponent's</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">' defense.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Alex Iwobi </b>-- 6.2 -- Iwobi was dangerous early but faded as the game went on. clearly, he is more impactful coming through the middle than from the wide areas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 10pt;">Kelechi Iheanacho</b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> -- 6.3 -- Iheanacho was </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">anonymous</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> in the opening half but suddenly became awake after the interval. It was notable that he then provided the assist for the opening goal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Chidera Ejuke</b> -- 6.7 -- Ejuke played within himself and was active especially in the opening half. he had one good opportunity turned into corner after just 18 minutes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 10pt;">Sadiq Umar</b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> -- 6.5 -- Sadiq finally notched his first senior goal for Nigeria. Before then, he seemed to be pressed and the result were a string of missed </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">opportunities</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> as he pressed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 10pt;">Moses Simon</b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> -- 8.0 -- Simon gets the best rating in barely 35 minutes of football. In that 35 minutes, he completely </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">terrorized</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> the opposition's defense and easily did whatever pleased him, it appeared. He suddenly brought to live </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">Nigeria's play from wide that had largely gone asleep in this game.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>Peter Olayinka </b>-- 6. 3 --Peter presented himself and was generally involved but his </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">competition</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> for striker position </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">will</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> not be losing any sleep today. He was average at best.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Olisa Ndah</b> - 6.3 -- Olisa appeared flustered but did reasonably well. He did not do much to indicate that he was fighting for a spot on a starting squad. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Frank Onyeka </b>-- 6.2 -- Onyeka came in and assisted in the middle but did nothing memorable except to keep it simple. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Henry Onyekuru</b> -- X - Onyekuru was brought in very late and not much to go on for any worthwhile rating.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-33557514117751647352022-01-15T11:02:00.006-08:002022-01-15T17:27:32.072-08:00Nigeria Sweep the Points in Workman Like Win......<p style="text-align: justify;">CAMEROON -- Nigeria came in today against Sudan behind an exhilarating win over Egypt in the previous came. With high expectations, Nigeria put in a different performance in taking apart the Sudanese 3-1 to maintain a stranglehold on top of the group table. The Nigerian fans must have been disappointed by the play but certainly not the outcome.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria knew Sudan needed points from this game to stay alive. Nigeria was not prepared to grant those easily and stayed very disciplined staying back and waiting to pounce on opportunities. It was a stark difference from the previous game where Nigeria took the initiative. But by staying back and inviting the Sudanese forward, Nigeria was very fortunate to score very early within the first two minutes as Chukwueze, who drifted early to the middle and left scored off a deep chance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgRwFrJz5KIqPt1-w1VPXR9mT_vOPfUWM0M-dGEp1tcPso6Gq7GWOfHJlFt3RpSyje9ZUz9GGTT2E6ZYmbLRSdEcAmzoOdnRC06-d0cN7lrpzI_3tKnm182RcSHW_D5AfBxUnS_n5owMZzL2OdscBnavOzOWFPjGvHzvnALRS5m-rg3mOQNnKkJkhTgA=s1080" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1080" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgRwFrJz5KIqPt1-w1VPXR9mT_vOPfUWM0M-dGEp1tcPso6Gq7GWOfHJlFt3RpSyje9ZUz9GGTT2E6ZYmbLRSdEcAmzoOdnRC06-d0cN7lrpzI_3tKnm182RcSHW_D5AfBxUnS_n5owMZzL2OdscBnavOzOWFPjGvHzvnALRS5m-rg3mOQNnKkJkhTgA=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although Sudan, invited forward, did very little it was left for Nigeria to create the better opportunities. Sudan's only meaningful first period chance came from distance forcing Okoye to make a spectacular save. The other opportunities belonged to Nigeria. First the Sudanese keeper saved from Awoniyi (26th). Then twice, Ekong'sd and Aribo's efforts were barely saved by the Sudanese. But nothing could prevent Nigeria going further ahead in the 44th minute when Awoniyi fortuitously had the ball struck his head to place him on the scorer's sheet. It was 2-0 at interval.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria knew Sudan needed points from this game to stay alive. Nigeria was not prepared to grant those easily and stayed very disciplined staying back and waiting to pounce on opportunities. It was a stark difference from the previous game where Nigeria took the initiative. But by staying back and inviting the Sudanese forward, Nigeria was very fortunate to score very early within the first two minutes as Chukwueze, who drifted early to the middle and left scored off a deep chance. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A minute after resumption, it was three. Simon found Awoniyi and the return placed Simon free to score. A desperate Sudan was beaten. Nigeria, already on a slower gear, further went to pedestrian mode. They passed the ball around leisurely looking for a solitary break. An increasingly desperate Sudan then received a gift. After 68 minutes, Aina lazily tugged on an attacker's shirt in the box as a corner kick arrived. It took the Sudanese going down and a visit to the VAR to spot the infringement. With Aina in the books, the Sudanese scrambled the spot kick opportunity beyond Okoye to reduce the tally. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In realty this was a game that should have ended with a wider margin in favor of Nigeria. They had a fourth goal mistakenly ruled out for a throw-in but what mattered in the end was the three points and the group lead.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Line-Up</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Maduka Okoye (1)<sub>15</sub>—Ola Aina (2)<sub>23</sub><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">+68</span>, William Troiost-Ekong (cpt-5)<sub>56</sub>, Kenneth Omeruo (22)<sub>57</sub>, Zaidu Sanusi (12)<sub>8</sub> – Wilfred Ndidi (4)<sub>46, </sub>Joseph Aribo (10)<sub>14</sub> <span style="background: yellow;">+57</span> (64<sup>th</sup> Kelechi Nwakali (25)<sub>2</sub>), – Samuel Chukwueze (11)<sub>21</sub>(46<sup>th</sup> Alex Iwobi (18)<sub>53</sub>, Kelechi Iheanacho (14)<sub>40</sub> (64<sup>th</sup> Ahmed Musa (7)<sub>103</sub>), Moses Simon (15)<sub>54</sub>– Taiwo Awoniyi (19)<sub>3 </sub>(81<sup>st</sup> Sadiq Umar (24)<sub>2</sub>).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="color: red;">**NOTE: - For the first time, we bring to you a lineup with each individual's number of appearances for Nigeria (in subscript). You wont see this anywhere else in the world. We feel, however, that it is important information for all readers.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Ratings</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Maduka Okoye</b> - 6.3 - Maduka made one spectacular first half save and fumbled two second half shots in an otherwise quiet day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ola Aina</b> - 6.4 -- Ola had a good day and was strong but not spectacular. The blotch involved a lazy move to tug on an opponent's shirt deep in the box that led to a VAR penalty award to the Sudanese for a goal.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kenneth Omeruo</b> -6.5 -- Kenneth had another strong performance at the center of the defense.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>William Ekong</b> -- 7.0 -- Another strong performance by Nigeria's captain. He kickstarted many attacks from deep and almost had himself on the scoresheet in the opening half.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Zaidu Sanusi</b> -- 6.7 - Zaidu had another strong performance and prevented a Sudanese scoring opportunity with a masterful tackle in the box in the 65th minute.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wilfred Ndidi</b> -- 6.7 -- Ndidi had a very good day marshalling the middle but started a bit challenged as the Sudanese contested the middle vigorously.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Joseph Aribo</b> -- 8.0 -- My man of the match although without the stats to show for it. However, he was very involved especially in the first half in protecting the ball and easily outmaneuvering the Sudanese repeatedly. He was sent to a very early shower perhaps to rest him after the game had been virtually decided.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kelechi Iheanacho</b> - 6.2 -- Kelechi had a very quiet day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Samuel Chukwueze </b>-- 6.3 -- Chukwueze was very involved early switching position frequently and ended up opening Nigeria's goal run. However, he faded and was rightly subbed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moses Simon</b> -- 6.8 -- He ended up winning Man of the match with a goal and an assist from the CAF organizers. However, this was not as topnotch as his previous game.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Taiwo Awoniyi </b>-- 6.6 -- Taiwo was involved today and this is his best game yet for Nigeria and he notched his first goal for country with a fortuitous header.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Alex Iwobi</b> - 6.7 -- Alex entered the game at the start of the second half and his presence was felt with some passing vision and he was very busy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kelechi Nwakali</b> -- 6.2 -- Kelechi had a fairly good game and was involved with some very good distribution. He hit one set piece opportunity poorly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ahmed Musa</b> -- 6.1 -- I expected Musa to get a ruin in this tournament when Nigeria had nothing really to fight for as a thankyou journey continues towards retirement from international games. That opportunity came today. Nothing else top add.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sadiq Umar</b> -- X -- No graded because of less than 15 minutes in the game. However, he was much livelier than his first game and ended up with a shot at goal albeit from 25 yards out.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-56101451569213060342022-01-11T10:52:00.002-08:002022-01-11T20:36:20.050-08:00Revitalized Nigeria makes a Statement in its Opening Game at the AFCON<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Garoua</b> -- In an explosive display, Nigeria sent a warning to opponents who had claimed the "Eagles are dead" by claiming all three points in beating Mohammed Salah's Egypt 1-0. Nigeria, listless in a string of recent games under former Manager Gernot Rohr, looked a different side in its first official game under interim Manager Augustine Eguavoen. Egypt bore the brunt of it all. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_qTRys8kb5ZHIHyA_u8GI_Eu9jlRcMBrvCQFK32GnQkfmhgCEuRUsM54QaXhX5UqttxNQW4IBvCNvtGnuECKJWCDxNG3NNqUGu5RkUdPVcC2DT2GS8Majg6CyMM_btvD36Pbv8rODz72SAbVCxJWG1YmxgZiZyX0X_MAZWnAXn3JP2RvlDpSw9F7Ytg=s507" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="507" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_qTRys8kb5ZHIHyA_u8GI_Eu9jlRcMBrvCQFK32GnQkfmhgCEuRUsM54QaXhX5UqttxNQW4IBvCNvtGnuECKJWCDxNG3NNqUGu5RkUdPVcC2DT2GS8Majg6CyMM_btvD36Pbv8rODz72SAbVCxJWG1YmxgZiZyX0X_MAZWnAXn3JP2RvlDpSw9F7Ytg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> With 15,000 spectators cheering on, Nigeria was on the front foot for most of the game and could have won by a wider margin as it pinned down the Egyptians whose coach Queiroz had been quoted as having high hopes of Egypt returning as African champion. But Egypt's hopes did not materialize against Nigeria. Instead, it was the West Africans that were on the front foot for the most part. Moses Simon, explosive down the flank, was a nightmare for Egypt as he tormented Egypt repeatedly. It was telling that in one of his forays down the left, he left a defender for dead, for the umpteenth time, and his cross found Aribo whose headed pass was volleyed into the net by Kelechi Iheanacho with the clock at 32 minutes. It was the only goal of the game.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">_______________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But Egypt's hopes did not materialize against Nigeria. Instead, it was the West Africans that were on the front foot for the most part. Moses Simon, explosive down the flank, was a nightmare for Egypt as he tormented Egypt repeatedly.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">_______________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The reality is that it should have been more. With Simon repeatedly finding space down the flank, Egypt was having a night mare, It was only providence that prevented a second. Awoniyi's header was bundled onto the bar by goalkeeper El-Shanawy and quickly cleared off the line. Then Aina streaked 60 yards from his end of the field in a memorable ruin but his final cross was muddled by Iheanacho's poor first touch to prevent a Nigerian second. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But Egypt, completely under the Cush, recovered gradually as Nigeria appeared to tire. It was only then that the clustered Salah made an appearance. Egypt had played Salah centrally attempting to take advantage of his speed over the slow-paced Nigerian central defense but with Nigeria's pressure on the ball, Salah had seen very few opportunities. His first and only clear chance appeared after 70 minutes but Maduka Okoye staved it off after Salah slid behind the defense and only Okoye's guile saved Nigeria's blushes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">______________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But Egypt, completely under the Cush, recovered gradually as Nigeria appeared to tire. It was only then that the clustered Salah made an appearance. Egypt had played Salah centrally attempting to take advantage of his speed over the slow-paced Nigerian central defense but with Nigeria's pressure on the ball, Salah had seen very few opportunities. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">_____________________________________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, Nigeria sent a warning to many who had predicted its death at this competition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">RATINGS</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Maduka Okoye</b> (1) -- 6.5 -- He had little to do but certainly came up big in the second half when he came face-to-face with Mohammed Salah deep in the box.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ola Aina </b>(2) -- 7.0 -- he was clearly one of Nigeria's heroes. He was strong defensively and consistently helped going forward. He made one spectacular run late that was fluffed by Iheanacho.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kenneth Omeruo </b>(22) -- 6.5 -- Omeruo had long been left to an afterthought in Nigeria's defense but today he played bravely. Egypt had planned to take advantage of his lack of pace by playing Mohammed Salah centrally but Omeruo and Ekong remained stiff.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>William Ekong </b>(cpt-5) - 6.7 -- Ekong was also magnificent helping out to shut out Salah. He also provided long balls to start off attacks from the back when needed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Zaidu Sanusi</b> (12) -- 6.4 -- Sanusi was spectacular in the opening half but receded in the second half and Egypt repeatedly tried to take advantage down his end.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wilfred Ndidi </b>(4) -- 6.8 -- Ndidi is slowly back to his usual form. He commanded the midfield breaking any Egyptian attack and commanded the midfield. He even had a first half attempt at goal as Nigeria marauded.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Joseph Aribo</b> (10) -- 6.5 -- He had the assist that counted today and contributed his quota to Nigeria's midfield control.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kelechi Iheanacho</b> (14) --6.5 -- Kelechi scored the only goal but could have easily had a brace. Beyond that he constantly forced the attack, particularly in the opening half.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Samuel Chukwueze</b> (11) -- 6.0 -- Chukwueze was anonymous most of the game before he was rescued with a substitution.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Taiwo Awoniyi</b> (19) -- 6.3 -- Taiwo had two opportunities today. One in the opening half saw a curved attempt saved by the goalkeeper and the second was clattered against the bar by the keeper. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moses Simon</b> (15) -- 8.5 -- Clearly, the man of the match. He repeatedly tormented Egypt's back line by easily going past his marker. In one of such moves he created the cross that eventually led to Nigeria's winner. Although, he faded as Egypt forced him away from the line but he had already established his place.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Chidera Ejuke </b>(13) -- 6.5 -- His 20 minutes play was far more impactful than Chukwueze's longer time on the field. He repeatedly caused problems for Egypt and had two close attempts. Perhaps, he may earn the start, next time out, over Chukwueze.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Umar Sadiq</b> (24) -- 6.2 -- He was about chasing the ball in the back but did little else as Nigeria's service had receded at the time of his entrance.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><b>Few Minutes To Earn Any Rating/Comments</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Semi Ajayi</b> (6)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kelechi Nwakali</b> (25)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Alex Iwobi</b> (18)</p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-66796180792989901632021-11-16T16:13:00.004-08:002021-11-16T19:22:16.853-08:00Lagos: The Fortress is Dead but Nigeria Slips Through....<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lagos, NIGERIA</b> – Gernot Rohr convinced Nigerians that his
team was under no pressure against Cape Verde in a World Cup qualifier at home
in Lagos. He was right. All the pressure was on the visitors. Cape Verde needed
to win in Nigeria, a long-feared fortress of the Super Eagles. But the
Islanders had no fear. After all, little Islanders from Cape Verde demonstrated
that the invincibility of the Nigerians at home was now a relic of the past.
Thus, they came ready to conquer and they nearly achieved their goal.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________________</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Cape Verde needed to win in Nigeria, a long-feared fortress of the Super Eagles. But the Islanders had no fear. After all, little Islanders from Cape Verde demonstrated that the invincibility of the Nigerians at home was now a relic of the past.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">___________________ _______________________________</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KKrB6QJBpgsv0JGeqcr-1KdwtjzwJDUcR5MzlQdVr5wX4vTi5WlfALH2w98SY4E4_eLgvqYknGoXwmqrnDxfBA14GOw84dC2uEeCGvhyphenhyphenF7iwm0FCSt4fbaxTY1AgigxL-QW-sKIiTnRy/s445/Main-bowl-teslim-balogun-stadium-surulere-lagos.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="445" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KKrB6QJBpgsv0JGeqcr-1KdwtjzwJDUcR5MzlQdVr5wX4vTi5WlfALH2w98SY4E4_eLgvqYknGoXwmqrnDxfBA14GOw84dC2uEeCGvhyphenhyphenF7iwm0FCSt4fbaxTY1AgigxL-QW-sKIiTnRy/w670-h361/Main-bowl-teslim-balogun-stadium-surulere-lagos.jpg" width="670" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The disappointed home crowd left after a shock 1-1 tie with
the consolation that a World Cup qualification is still within sight. They
realize that Nigeria’s invincibility is now a forgotten past. With a vaunted
German coach and the foreign bred coterie of players supposedly bred on all the
modern dictates of today’s football, it still must be shocking that Nigeria could
not muster home win against a much lower ranked Islanders.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The next round will not always have Nigerians as favorite. Huffing
and puffing when favored may turn to gnashing and wailing in the next round
given the paltry display and sustained decline of a once feared team. But what
can be done now? Nothing or very little. Gernot Rohr’s contract hamstrings a
Football Federation that now faces the question whether its hiring decision was
fruitful? Whether its focus on football education was well informed? And
additional questions of doubts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The desperation to recall Odion Ighalo, the insistence on
out of form Ahmed Musa throughout the qualifiers? The rigidity in staying with his system of 'safety first' must now be fully questioned. Has it all hamstrung the team? Are Rohr’s ideas now so passé that the game has long
passed him?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">____________________________________________________________</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The rigidity in staying with his system of 'safety first' must now be fully questioned. Has it all hamstrung the team? Are Rohr’s ideas now so passé that the game has long passed him?</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">____________________________________________________________</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To be clear, Nigeria started like a team determined to erase
all the doubts. With Osimhen paired with returning Odion Ighalo, Nigeria took
control from the first whistle. A whirlwind move located Moses Simon on the
right. He lifted a ball to the overly zealous forwards who appeared to be in
offside position, but fortune smiled on Nigeria. A defender attempted to clear,
and the attempt automatically negated an offside call opportunity and the ball
fell to Victor Osimhen and he pounced. It was a great start. 1-0 and it seemed
a feast was on! But the visitors did not despair. Instead of wilting and
surrendering they attacked and hit back. Lagos was no longer a feared venue.
Within five minutes they underlined the decline of Lagos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nigeria’s skipper Ekong conceded a corner
kick. It was he who then failed to track his man on the ensuing corner kick and
his man rammed it home. 1-1.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">_______________________________________________________________</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>....1-0 and it seemed a feast was on! But the visitors did not despair. Instead of wilting and surrendering they attacked and hit back. Lagos was no longer a feared venue. Within five minutes they underlined the decline of Lagos. </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">_______________________________________________________________</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The game was a struggle then and the Islanders gave a good
account of themselves especially in the second half when for large minutes the
game they were the team on the front foot with Nigeria playing, for moments, in
desperation to secure the draw needed to move on to the next stage. The draw finally
secured after three minutes of injury time, at home, nonetheless, marked a change
of status and fortunes. The mighty Nigerian Super Eagles now can no longer be
counted on to overcome the lower ranked teams at home. Disregard the mantra of
football education from Europe. It was all on exhibition in Lagos and it
mattered very little against a team decided lower rankled. The reality is that Nigeria
has become an also-ran. It is not a country to be feared home or away. Ask the
Central Africans .. ask the Cape Verdeans … ask the Sierra Leoneans. The
reality stares us in the face. It is what it is.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Line -Up</span></b><sub><o:p></o:p></sub></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Maduka Okoye (1)<sub>13</sub> – Chidozie Awaziem (20)<sub>27</sub>,
William Ekong (cpt-5)<sub>54</sub>, Leon Balogun (6)<sub>43</sub>+84 -- Wilfred
Ndidi (4)<sub>44</sub> --Simon Moses (15)<sub>43</sub>* (69<sup>th</sup> Abdullahi
Shehu (12))<sub>40</sub>, Joseph Aribo (10)<sub>12</sub> (76<sup>th</sup> Frank
Onyeka (21))<sub>4</sub>, Alex Iwobi (18)<sub>51</sub>, Jamilu Collins (3)<sub>25</sub>
– Odion Ighalo (8)<sub>36</sub> (76<sup>th</sup> Kelechi Iheanacho (14))<sub>38</sub>,
Victor Osimhen (9)<sub>19</sub> (88<sup>th</sup> Paul Onuachu (19)<sub>16</sub>).<o:p></o:p></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-70288798672241201052021-11-13T12:07:00.007-08:002021-11-16T05:51:37.164-08:00Hey, its a win! Albeit, all from the Spot.....Nigeria 2 Liberia 0<p><b>Tangiers, MOROCCO</b> – Nigeria stayed in
the driver’s seat on the road to the final round of the 2022 World Cup
qualifiers with a workmanlike production against Liberia that ended 2-0.
The reality is that the final score line did not reflect fully the play on the
field and the losers may have felt hard done by. Nevertheless, Nigeria was the better side and
deserved the win albeit by two opportunities from the spot.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-11O17SF1WW2RI50eYaMXnEXX533kqDL4I_vAY68jMgipUCWVPDkjCOJZ-veegigAJKt329mxERt-7hV853XV-5sCK8EoFVBUAhNDR6L-Q_9-1LBz2ca1BvNxrvLypqyyM8FbTPymThLc/s1200/Ahmed+Musa.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-11O17SF1WW2RI50eYaMXnEXX533kqDL4I_vAY68jMgipUCWVPDkjCOJZ-veegigAJKt329mxERt-7hV853XV-5sCK8EoFVBUAhNDR6L-Q_9-1LBz2ca1BvNxrvLypqyyM8FbTPymThLc/w640-h360/Ahmed+Musa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Weeks earlier, Nigeria’s Manager Gernot Rohr had raved about
the magnificent playing surface in Tangiers and gave the impression that his
team was about to explode and that Kelechi Iheanacho’s long stretch of
fruitless ness in front of goal was about to be over. Neither happened.
Although Iheanacho was left on until 4 minutes to the final whistle, much
longer than Rohr had allowed him in recent times, Kelechi was still scoreless despite
the surface. Then Rohr’s team huffed for long periods and even the vaunted practices
at unleashing shots during training found no place in an actual game.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Although Iheanacho was left on until 4 minutes to the final whistle, much longer than Rohr had allowed him in recent times, Kelechi was still scoreless despite the surface.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p class="MsoNormal">The fact is that while there is little doubt about the class
of Nigeria’s players, there is far more work needed by the manager to whip them
into a fearful bunch and the relentless finger pointing at other matters will
not hide the facts. The third round of the qualifiers, assuming Nigeria gets
there, will beget a much stronger opposition. That is far more assured than
anything else.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In any case, Rohr, for all his conservativeness, relented in
his aversiveness to risk. He allowed himself to start a competitive game with
three at the back. But that was it. Instead of Iheanacho venturing far forward
in a normative 3-5-2, Iheanacho vacillated much into the space between Osimhen
and the midfield in a 3-5-1-1. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Osimhen, as he usually does, started busy. However, he was
ruefully hampered by the sleek field and found himself slipping at least two
times within the first quarter hour. In that opening quarter, it was eventful.
Both Osimhen and Awaziem wreathed in pain clutching their heads as the
Liberian defenders sent the message of a rough house day. But match referee
Yousef Essrayn of Tunisia was not going to have that inside the box and it was
clear with the two penalty kicks he awarded to Nigeria. That he let the vicious
display off outside the box did not mean he would do the same inside the box.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Both Osimhen and Awaziem wreathed in pain clutching their heads as the Liberian defenders sent the message of a rough house day. But match referee Yousef Essrayn of Tunisia was not going to have that inside the box and it was clear with the two penalty kicks he awarded to Nigeria. </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">After 13 minutes,
Essrayn had awarded his first spot kick as the Liberian keeper upended Osinhen
in the box. Osimhen stepped up to strong strike the spot kick home. Nigeria was
on the way. But expecting a feast turned pout too much to ask. Too be clear,
the Liberians had a fair share of possession and were by no means awed by the
star-studded Nigerian team.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first half was not top notch with the pace unremarkable.
The second looked like Nigeria was about to make amends but find the critical
pass through the defense frequently eluded them. This is now a critical
problem. With a more inventive midfield, Osimhen could well be let loose. He
runs constantly seeking for opportunities but hardly any creative passes come
through. In this game, it was a constant problem. An in such situation, the
defense for Nigeria must be clinical but as we learned in the home game against
Central Africa that is hardly the case. In today’s game, another slip-up occurred
with Ekong heading g poorly back and only an alert Maduka Okoye prevented
Nigeria from conceding in the 72<sup>nd</sup> minute. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>This time, skipper Ahmed Musa, scoreless in his last 24 internationals dating back to October 2018, stepped up to convert.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With Nigeria increasingly frustrated by the lack of goals,
defender Awaziem unleashed a long-distance attempt that portended opportunity
in the 74<sup>th</sup> minute. At least it harkened back to Iheanacho’s note
that the team had spent time practicing these attempts. As the game petered
out, Nigeria finally doubled its score. Yet, it did not come from open play.
Instead, it came from the spot as Osimhen was once again hauled down deep in
the box by the hapless Liberian goalkeeper. This time, skipper Ahmed Musa,
scoreless in his last 24 internationals dating back to October 2018, stepped up
to convert.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">Line Up (<i>Apps in red italics</i>)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Maduka Okoye (1) <i>11</i>–Chiedozie Awaziem (2)<i> 25</i>,
William Ekong (cpt-5) <i>53</i>, Leon Balogun (6) <i>42</i>– Wilfred Ndidi (4) <i>43</i>--
Moses Simon (15) <i>42</i>, Joseph Aribo (10) <i>10</i>, Alex Iwobi (18) <i>50</i>
(61<sup>st</sup> Chidera Ejuke (17) <i>6</i>), Jamilu Collins (3) <i>24</i> --
Kelechi Iheanacho (14) <i>37</i> (86<sup>th</sup> Ahmed Musa (7) <i>102</i>),
Victor Osimhen (9) <i>18</i>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red;">Ratings</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Maduka Okoye</b> - 7.0 – Assured performance in goal. He commanded
his area astounding in the opening half snuffing out any inkling of a Liberian
opportunity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Chiedozie Awaziem</b> – 7.0- Again, the strongest Nigerian
defender defending or attacking. How long can Manager Rohr keep him out of a
starting position? Made his own attempts from far after it increasingly became
apparent of inability to set up Osimhen with many opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>William Ekong</b> – 6.3 – Was good but had little to do quite
often. However, one hoopla in the opening half required a quick decision by
Okoye to save his face.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Leon Balogun</b> – 6.8 – Leon had a solid game despite his usual
slalom from defense petering out quickly as the Liberian s converged.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Wilfred Ndidi </b>– 6.2 – This was an unremarkable day for
Ndidi. He was very quiet but won his share of contests. However, he gave up a
freekick in a dangerous spot in the opening half, but Nigeria survived as the
ball came off the wall.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Moses Simon</b> – 6.5 – Simon was aggressive going forward and
his attention to defensive position provided more solid defending on the right
compared to the left side.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Joseph Aribo </b>– 7.0 – This may be Aribo’s best performance
yet against an African side. He was full of activity and battled the tackles
and gave as much as he took. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Alex Iwobi</b> – 6.2 – not one of Alex’s best days. He was
surprisingly quiet for long periods and some of his long balls came off
searching fruitlessly. He was finally rescued with a substitution. Clearly,
Alex has had much better days for Nigeria.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Chidera Ejuke </b>– 6.8 – Ejuke brings energy and he showed that
once again. He was full of running, helping, circulating the ball. He is giving
notice to the Manager that he deserves a starting point. Chukwueze watch out!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jamilu Collins</b> – 6.2 – Something is certainly amiss. How is it
that a defender is constantly found wanting in 1 v 1 situations? There was
ample evidence of this today. Going forward? He sems more comfortable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Kelechi Iheanacho </b>– 6.3 – His quickness won the opening
penalty kick, but he seemed lost vacillating at the top of the midfield and further
up with Victor. Rohr in bid to prove a point about the field affecting
Iheanacho’s goal scoring left him on till very late. To no avail.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ahmed Musa</b> – 6.2 – Musa started by losing his first two
balls but quickly settled in with the rest of the team. He eventually scored his
first goal after over 20 games. Albeit from the penalty spot. It was quite a
drought.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Victor Osimhen</b> – 7.0 – Afgain, full of running seeking for
the right service. Perhaps, one day Nigeria will get the personnel to provide
the constant service to match this talent. Until now, no uhuru.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>MANAGER</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Gernot Rohr </b>– 6.2 – In spite of his puffing about how poor
the home ground has affected his team, his team did not much better on a surface
he had acknowledged as impeccable. What gives. However, he showed some gumption
to try out the 3 at the back in a competitive game. But even at that, he kept
Iheanacho vacillating between the striker and midfield positions to mark his safety
first approach.<o:p></o:p></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-56108297961604551382021-10-10T08:49:00.003-07:002021-10-10T08:50:58.637-07:00Nigeria Bounces Back with 2-0 win in Douala v Central Africa Republic<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Douala, CAMEROON</b> -- Despite the general gloom that crowded the calamity in Lagos following a shock 0-1 loss to unremarkable Central Africa Republic (CAR), Nigeria was able to recover to win the rematch 2-0 in Douala, Cameroon today. It was enough to put a world Cup campaign back on track but it is questionable whether it has assuaged the anger of Nigerian fans.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was clear that Nigeria was determined to teach the Central Africans a lesson from the first whistle. Nigeria controlled affairs immediately and it was clear that the team was on a mission. The difference in seriousness was evident. In Lagos, Nigeria huffed and puff to create chances. In Yaounde, the chances came much quicker and the cuts more incisive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Manager Gernot Rohr, a septuagenarian, had been feeling intense pressure from Nigerians after the disastrous image and home loss but he choose to make two changes. Bringing in the intense Chiedozie AWaziem to replace Ola Aina at right back and the ageing Ahmed Musa for Chiedozie Awaziem. Although many may have questioned the choice of the aging captain but the reality is that he had been involved in previous spirited bounce backs by this Nigerian team. Today called for such a bounce back. He may well not be as young as he had been in previous battles but his leadership may have been just enough.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptb2A4U50TfcG2laLICimSD09U2_fi_vs2S7BzmwUxEUpfZQ8hncVTuy7pOyHuPY-WTpBrPnPhEf8pP7HI6OWmvKuaJr0q0Ig1NiQv02RxgXZ12pcOViBNjvrvnDPnfbN2KiGfgIJbDth/s677/Leon-Balogun.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="618" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptb2A4U50TfcG2laLICimSD09U2_fi_vs2S7BzmwUxEUpfZQ8hncVTuy7pOyHuPY-WTpBrPnPhEf8pP7HI6OWmvKuaJr0q0Ig1NiQv02RxgXZ12pcOViBNjvrvnDPnfbN2KiGfgIJbDth/w667-h637/Leon-Balogun.jpg" width="667" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">But it was not Musa that led to a bounce back. Leon Balogun, clearly at fault for the Lagos debacle, needed a reprieve. Balogun delivered. It was he who struck Nigeria's opener after 28 minutes. It was his first-ever goal or Nigeria and it was needed. He needed it and Nigeria needed it. It restored the balance of power and hope. Not only did it reestablish the gulf between both teams but it brought the hope and vision that Nigeria could yet obliterate the upstarts from Bangui.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Central Africans buoyed by the unexpected win in Lagos and the hopes of their compatriots felt unhinged at the first sign of trouble. In desperation, they resorted to some exceptional challenges that forced match referee Hakizama from Rwanda to issue three cautions before the interval. Then it forced the Central Africans to make a substitution before the rest period and they had completed three substitutions before the clock counted 52 minutes. It was clearly desperation time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, Nigeria did not relent. Before the halftime whistle, Victor Osimhen smashed home his eighth international goal for Nigeria in 17 games and it placed him at a clip of 0.471goals per game, among Nigeria's historical leaders in goals per game.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria's dominance continued after the interval but there were no further goals. Osimhen could have completed a brace but he mysteriously fluffed an easy chance when Aribo, seeking his first international assist before this encounter, had sent him through. Then, the new-Okocha, Chidera Ejuke had his attempt blocked twice before he performed his jig through the defeated CAR defense. In the end, Nigeria had cemented the leadership of its group onwards to the final phase of the World cup qualifiers. But in truth, the questions about Gernot Rohr's management are likely to remain.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Line-Up</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Maduka Okoye (1) -- Chidozie Awaziem (20), William Ekong (5), Leon Balogun (6) (74th Kenneth Omeruo (22)), Jamilu Collins (3) --- Frank Onyeka (5) (<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Caution</span> 52) -- Moses Simon (15), Joseph Aribo (10), Ahmed Musa (7) (57th Chidera Ejuke (11)) ---Kelechi Iheanacho (14) (76th Innocent Bonke (8)) --- Victor Osimhen (9).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332648240504790378.post-38420180943292374472021-10-07T12:34:00.028-07:002021-10-07T12:44:56.704-07:00Monumental Shock as Nigeria Crashes at home 0-1 to No. 124 Central Africa Republic<p style="text-align: justify;">Lagos - The shock of a home loss to Central African Republic (CAR) is a deep wound that will take ages to ameliorate. In this World Cup qualifier, no one was expecting Nigeria to share points in any of the scheduled two games against CAR and yet, at home, Nigeria collapsed. Gratefully, they have a few days to rest before red-encountering CAR but this time in Cameroon. Thankfully, the game will be in neighboring Cameroon and not CAR where the crowd would have been rabid and making amend more difficult given the result obtained in Nigeria by CAR.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">----------</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The shock of a home loss to Central African Republic (CAR) is a deep wound that will take ages to ameliorate. . . . Gratefully, they have a few days to rest before red-encountering CAR but this time in Cameroon. Thankfully, the game will be in neighboring Cameroon and not CAR where the crowd would have been rabid and making amend more difficult given the result obtained in Nigeria by CAR.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">------------</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eX0MC1fYy0zxobtIfw_BtVSpORK-BRupX-UQf-G_NLlbgC-V495drz3663QptxNeLNoTuToSBRoOLOuOPxQrE7c8dwPKHVftiZcYTHIcQvGy50cnbKuz9CLuQBUwece56j8AjNIgiDu0/s1648/Super-Eagles-%2540thenff.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1648" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eX0MC1fYy0zxobtIfw_BtVSpORK-BRupX-UQf-G_NLlbgC-V495drz3663QptxNeLNoTuToSBRoOLOuOPxQrE7c8dwPKHVftiZcYTHIcQvGy50cnbKuz9CLuQBUwece56j8AjNIgiDu0/w677-h411/Super-Eagles-%2540thenff.jpeg" width="677" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The unfortunate result demonstrated Gernot Rohr's inability to solve a packed defense that closed out any meaning fully Nigerian attack down the spine. The CAR central defenders dominated the air and massed on top of their box as they fended any attack generated by the home team. To make matters worse, Nigeria generated very little opportunities, surprisingly, in the opening half. This was clearly demonstrated when one of the few notable opportunities was a 20 yard strike, opportunistic at best, by Osimhen midway in the opening half. In the wide areas, the Central Africans easily dealt with crosses from wide. But even such crosses were few and far between with Ejuke choosing mostly to cut in from wide and Collins offering nothing going forward. It harkens back to Manager Gernot Rohr who had told Nigerians that he was not going to change his system for any one when asked about varying his method for the masterful header of the ball -- Paul Onuachu. Yet, on this day, it came back to haunt Rohr.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">---</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">It harkens back to Manager Gernot Rohr who had told Nigerians that he was not going to change his system for any one when asked about varying his method for the masterful header of the ball -- Paul Onuachu. Yet, on this day, it came back to haunt Rohr.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">---</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But Rohr did recognize what needed to be done when he sent on the tall Awoniyi early in the second half with Onuachu unavailable because of injury. But did Rohr then change the tactics? No. It made one wonder what was the thinking of sending Awoniyi in? But truthfully, the Nigerians did become more inventive at the start of the second half. They upped the energy and the quest. Rohr called in the old veteran Ahmed Musa and also pushed on Samuel Kalu but all were in vain. Nigeria did have mo0re opportunities to be certain but none was anywhere near as clear as had been envisaged.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">CAR, sensing Nigeria was ripe to be taken, dared to try the unthinkable. They attacked! They had put the ball in the net in the opening half but an obvious foul on Jamilu ruled that opportunity out. But yet, thy had another opportunity. This time it came late. With a minute left in regulation time, a ball dropped with two Nigerian defenders against a sole CAR attacker. Somewhat, Balogun failed with an attempted header out of danger and the CAR attacker easily shot into the gaping net past goalkeeper Uzoho. But it had not been CAR's lone chance. Beyond the disallowed goal, Uzoho had masterfully prevented another midway in the second half.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">_____</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>CAR, sensing Nigeria was ripe to be taken, dared to try the unthinkable. They attacked! They had put the ball in the net in the opening half but an obvious foul on Jamilu ruled that opportunity out. But yet, thy had another opportunity. This time it came late. With a minute left in regulation time, a ball dropped with two Nigerian defenders against a sole CAR attacker. Somewhat, Balogun failed with an attempted header out of danger and the CAR attacker easily shot into the gaping net past goalkeeper Uzoho</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">_______</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ultimately, this was a game that Nigeria for all its vaunted European talents should have won going away. It dominated play but failed to really present a constant danger to score at home. That the fans turned against Nigeria with the "Eh, Eh, Oooo, ooo" was a sign of disappointment. It was a result of shocking proportion but there is a chance to make amends in Cameroon just a few days from today.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>LINE UP</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Francis Uzoho</b> (23) -- 6.2 -- He made a single save to keep hope alive and could not be faulted for the deciding goal. In reality, he had little to do for much of the day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>--------</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ola Aina </b>(2) -- 6.4 -- Aina had a solid game. Of the defenders, he seemed far more awake on a day when the team did not sense a CAR capable challenge.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>William Ekong</b> (cpt-5) --6.0 -- He had his usual game. Unspectacular but effective. Although, he attempted some dangerous movements with the ball deep in his own half when a simple pass would suffice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Leon Balogun</b> (6) -- 6.0 -- His days with the national tase will likely be examined in the days to come. Good or bad? The fact is that his failure to head a ball out of danger gifted CAR with the goal and three points.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jamilu Collins</b> (3) -- 6.0 --I wonder if he was sleep walking most of the game. He certainly provided very little going forward and seemed out of synch working alongside Ejike on the left.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">------</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Frank Onyeka</b> (4) -- 6.5 -- There was genuine concern about his readiness to deputize for the injured Ndidi. He did quite well with his presence and he was smooth going forward with the ball when the occasion called for it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">_______</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moses Simon</b> (15) -- 6.3 -- Simon played relatively well but not as well as we have seen him play,. His set pieces were quite uneven and no one missed him when he was sent to the showers.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Joseph Aribo </b>(10)-- 6.2 -- H seems increasing able to adjust to the African game and the physical contact but those challenges went a notch up today and eventually he had to be relieved.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kelechi Iheanacho</b> (14) -- 6.4 -- Kelechi was active early and suffered several fouls. That he was eventually taken off was more due to tactical change than anything else beyond his injuries.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Chidera Ejuke</b> (11) -- 6.2 -- Today, his game came down a notch. His penchant for cutting in from the flanks played right into the hands of the CAR defenders who stoutly protected the spine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">------------</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Victor Osimhen</b> (9) -- 6.4 -- No one can fault Victor for his effort. However, he had very few opportunities until the second half when a second striker was brought on. Unfortunately, it was not his day and it was a day of half chances.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Subs</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Taiwo Awoniyi </b>(13) -- 6.2 -- He had two opportunities and his entrance brought the energy to the attack but unfortunately none of those ended up being fruitful.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Samuel Kalu</b> (17) -- 6.0 -- Kalu brought some energy but his sole chance came after he outwitted two defenders only to see his attempt easily saved by the goalie as the game died.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ahmed Musa </b>(7) -- 6.0 -- Ahmed was thrown into the game to energuize the team and he did stamp his presence on the game but little else.</p><p><br /></p>Eagles Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07003545499117418342noreply@blogger.com0