Football Nigeria -- Eagles Etcetera

International Games in September 2018 -- Nigeria played two international matches in September against Seychelles Islands and Liberia. Here are some statistical nuggets that emerge after those games. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nigeria's often-vilified goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi , has now played 10 games for the national team but is yet to keep a goal out in each of those 10 games. This is an infamous statistic that appears to support the fan backlash against Akpeyi. His current per game rate for conceding goals is at 1.25 per game. Samuel Kalu debuted as an "A" team starter in a competitive match to join a list of nine players to do so for Nigeria in the last 10 years. The most recent player to do so is Anthony Nwakaeme against Algeria in a World Cup qualifier 2017. Odion Ighalo converted a penalty award against Seychelles Islands to break his streak of eight (8) consecutive games without scoring...

On September 8, Nigeria plays its most lopsided encounter ever. Opponent? Seychelles in a 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Victoria. Since Nigeria played its first game in 1949, it has never been involved in a mismatch as the Victoria game portends. Thus, the recent statement by Coach Gernot Rohr, that Nigeria cannot afford to lose in Victoria is a major understatement. The fact is that Nigeria must win and by a big margin. Anything else will be considered underwhelming. Already, one of Nigeria's group contenders for a place in the 2019 AFCON finals -- Libya -- has whipped Seychelles 5-1. This game should not even be a contest. A low-populated archipelago, such as Seychelles, has no chance and for good reasons. Comparing both countries (see Table 1) informs you of all you need to know about the upcoming contest. What is realistic is that this is the game where the likes of Ighalo and Iheanacho should use in filling out their goal scoring statistics. Make no mis...