Football Nigeria -- Eagles Etcetera

Here are some milestones to watch as the World Cup Qualifiers proceed for Nigeria. Here we go: Gernot Rohr is yet to give a debut to a player in his first three games and remains second among Nigerian coaches not providing a debut to a player in the first three games. Bora Milutinovic did not provide a debut to player in seven matches. Kelechi Iheanacho's streak of four consecutive goals in as many games was stopped when he failed to score against Algeria. Thus, he stays (along with six others) behind the record of goals in five consecutive games currently held by both Emmanuel Emenike and Yakubu Mambo . Nigeria's five consecutive wins is second only to six consecutive wins set under Shuaibu Amodu in 2008. The five consecutive wins is tied with five also achieved under Shuaibu Amodu in 2001. Ahmed Musa's assist in the Algeria game gave him two assists in World Cup qualifying play tied with four other players since 1994. The four are Mikel Obi, John Utaka, Osaz...

Gernot Rohr and Nigeria took all three points against Algeria in a 3-1 win today in Uyo to extend its lead in its World Cup qualifying group. It was the team's third consecutive win in as many games under Rohr. The team clearly is playing at the height of its ability in several areas. Confidence is high and it was important against Algeria as the Algerians were desperate to take something home from the game. However, one must acknowledge that the Nigerian team took its time to settle down and defensively Balogun provided leadership early to energize a group that seemed lethargic and in the middle it was difficult to believe that this was just Etebo's fifth game for Nigeria. He was everywhere especially in the opening half when Nigeria dominated.  Below is how the team's various units did. GOALKEEPER : Akpeyi's state of mind appeared shaky and Nigeria was lucky that Algeria hardly tested him even when opportunities existed.  This performance is no better than a C . ...

With the picture of Algeria's 2014 World Cup performance still etched in our heads, it is understandable that Algeria would be feared by any team. The fact that it took World Champion Germany overtime to overcome Algeria in Brazil tells the story of a team that is quite capable. But is that really the true story of this Algerian team? At the other end is the Nigerian team that has failed to reach the Cup of African Nations finals for two consecutive competitive cycles? The same question asked of the current state of Algeria's team must also be asked of Nigeria. This piece proceeds to address those questions focusing not just on the teams' current state of readiness but it also takes look at plausible psychological indices that may largely determine the result of the game on November 12 in Uyo, Nigeria. The Current State of the Teams There is temptation to compare the two teams by looking at: (1) their current FIFA rankings where Algeria stands tall at No. 3 ...