Football Nigeria -- Eagles Etcetera

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.         -   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 F...

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! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++...

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. 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  ******************************************** 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.  ******************************************** realistically only 3 unaccounted spaces for all places. Now, if you include Iheanacho, which is highly l...