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...

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. 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nigeria took a shock 9th minute lead through Terem Moffi who is slowly taking grip of the second striker position beside the #1 stri...

Agadir, MOROCCO : 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. ________________ 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. ________________ Nigeria clearly outclassed the Islanders and the losers must now dread a visit to Nigeria to complete the second l...

Abuja, NIGERIA : 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. Moses Simon ______ 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. _____ 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 absolutel...

Harrison, NJ : ....Nigeria 0 Ecuador 1 ___________  THE GAME _______________ 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. ________________________________________________________ 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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...