Soccer Gurus, A look down memory lane..

Hard Man · Post by **Hard Man** » Sat May 08, 2004 12:24 am

1983 team: controlled pace of game, kept ball on ground, moved around and passed the ball. Outplayed by Holland, but drew 0-0, beat Russia. Supremely talented: Siasia, Okorowanta, Agbonavbare, Ehilegbu, Okoku, Sofoluwe, Edobor, Akinlotan, Olukanmi (S), Olukanmi (F), Anigala, Otti, Jeje, Disu ... the bulk of them progressed to the Green Eagles, and as early as 1984, Ehilegbu, Sofoluwe and others were playing for Nigeria in the Nations Cup Final, a young, inexperienced side but supremely talented.

The 1985 team: spearheaded by killer scorer Monday Odiaka, with Agu, Eke, Onye, Uwe, Osaro Obabaifo (RIP), Igbinabaro, Adeleye, Siasia, Anunobi, had a steely streak that the 1983 side lacked. They were skilful, well-coached (Paul Hamilton), and challenged by the Eaglets' earlier World Cup wining feat. Psychologically, they were determined to win, and they had the confidence that the 1983 side, being debutants at that level, perhaps lacked.

The 1987 team was also talented; but flawed selections and deployments were its achilles' heel. Ladi Babalola with Ahmed Abdullahi --2 sweepers, however classy, paired in central defense-- was never going to work, and Brazil, Italy and Canada all demonstrated that fact; while up front Lawrenec Ukaegbu, who scored nothing in the qualifiers, continued firing blanks. Apart from that, individual players like Etim Esin, Nosa Osadolor, Thompson Oliha and Adeolu Adekola did themselves justice.

The 1989 team was, from a purist's perspective, the worst in cohesion terms. Harum scarum football was their hallmark, and the FIFA technical gurus were never able to figure out how they drew level from 0-4 down to Russia with 30 minutes to go! But they had some really exquisite players, like Mutiu, Ohenhen, Dimeji Lawal, Bawa Abdullahi, Christopher Nwosu. The likes of Sam Elijah, Charity Ikhidero (RIP), Jimoh Balogun came with considerable experience.

My all-time favorite are the 1985 team; followed closely by the 1983 side.

furiously frank · Post by **furiously frank** » Sat May 08, 2004 12:32 am

1983 team: controlled pace of game, kept ball on ground, moved around and passed the ball. Outplayed by Holland, but drew 0-0, beat Russia. Supremely talented: Siasia, Okorowanta, Agbonavbare, Ehilegbu, Okoku, Sofoluwe, Edobor, Akinlotan, Olukanmi (S), Olukanmi (F), Anigala, Otti, Jeje, Disu ... the bulk of them progressed to the Green Eagles, and as early as 1984, Ehilegbu, Sofoluwe and others were playing for Nigeria in the Nations Cup Final, a young, inexperienced side but supremely talented.

That team contains some of the best talents out of Naija, if only they had exposures to a good foreign coach, it would have made all the difference...not that Udemezue didn't try his best...but we all know Naija technical know how then is limited...

Hard Man · Post by **Hard Man** » Sat May 08, 2004 12:45 am

furiously frank wrote: That team contains some of the best talents out of Naija, if only they had exposures to a good foreign coach, it would have made all the difference...not that Udemezue didn't try his best...but we all know Naija technical know how then is limited...

You can say that again ... they showed the depth of their quality with the way they neatly disposed of fellow qualifiers Ivory Coast. Verve, panache and ruthlessness combined! Of course they went to Mexico not believing they could do much considering the antecedents of other African teams hitherto ... and they could have done more with much more belie fin themselves.

Toxicarrow · Post by **Toxicarrow** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:13 pm

furiously frank wrote:
1983 team: controlled pace of game, kept ball on ground, moved around and passed the ball. Outplayed by Holland, but drew 0-0, beat Russia. Supremely talented: Siasia, Okorowanta, Agbonavbare, Ehilegbu, Okoku, Sofoluwe, Edobor, Akinlotan, Olukanmi (S), Olukanmi (F), Anigala, Otti, Jeje, Disu ... the bulk of them progressed to the Green Eagles, and as early as 1984, Ehilegbu, Sofoluwe and others were playing for Nigeria in the Nations Cup Final, a young, inexperienced side but supremely talented.
That team contains some of the best talents out of Naija, if only they had exposures to a good foreign coach, it would have made all the difference...not that Udemezue didn't try his best...but we all know Naija technical know how then is limited...

Haba....Which kinda jargons you dey talk, Oga FF? If "Naja technical know how then is limited", how come FIFA wrote this about Nigerian team in the 1985 edition:

Tactical know-how and mental resolve helped make Nigeria the first ever African side to reach the semi-final stage in this tournament. Paul Hamilton's men adapted their 4-3-3 formation to each game, including a gritty fight-back from two goals down against Australia to win 3-2. The Flying Eagles' boldest performance came against Mexico, when, full of running, they edged out the much fancied Tricolores by the slimmest of margins (2-1). SOURCE: FIFA NEWS

MI5 · Post by **MI5** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:16 pm

Cheii nice one and i go come back come add more juice to this thread. Cheii memories...

fatty · Post by **fatty** » Wed May 12, 2004 4:13 pm

Hard Man wrote:1983 team: controlled pace of game, kept ball on ground, moved around and passed the ball. Outplayed by Holland, but drew 0-0, beat Russia. Supremely talented: Siasia, Okorowanta, Agbonavbare, Ehilegbu, Okoku, Sofoluwe, Edobor, Akinlotan, Olukanmi (S), Olukanmi (F), Anigala, Otti, Jeje, Disu ... the bulk of them progressed to the Green Eagles, and as early as 1984, Ehilegbu, Sofoluwe and others were playing for Nigeria in the Nations Cup Final, a young, inexperienced side but supremely talented.

The 1985 team: spearheaded by killer scorer Monday Odiaka, with Agu, Eke, Onye, Uwe, Osaro Obabaifo (RIP), Igbinabaro, Adeleye, Siasia, Anunobi, had a steely streak that the 1983 side lacked. They were skilful, well-coached (Paul Hamilton), and challenged by the Eaglets' earlier World Cup wining feat. Psychologically, they were determined to win, and they had the confidence that the 1983 side, being debutants at that level, perhaps lacked.

The 1987 team was also talented; but flawed selections and deployments were its achilles' heel. Ladi Babalola with Ahmed Abdullahi --2 sweepers, however classy, paired in central defense-- was never going to work, and Brazil, Italy and Canada all demonstrated that fact; while up front Lawrenec Ukaegbu, who scored nothing in the qualifiers, continued firing blanks. Apart from that, individual players like Etim Esin, Nosa Osadolor, Thompson Oliha and Adeolu Adekola did themselves justice.

The 1989 team was, from a purist's perspective, the worst in cohesion terms. Harum scarum football was their hallmark, and the FIFA technical gurus were never able to figure out how they drew level from 0-4 down to Russia with 30 minutes to go! But they had some really exquisite players, like Mutiu, Ohenhen, Dimeji Lawal, Bawa Abdullahi, Christopher Nwosu. The likes of Sam Elijah, Charity Ikhidero (RIP), Jimoh Balogun came with considerable experience.

My all-time favorite are the 1985 team; followed closely by the 1983 side.

You said it all, I really enjoy your piece

Chief Ogbunigwe · Post by **Chief Ogbunigwe** » Wed May 12, 2004 4:39 pm

MI5 and Gotti????????????

MI5:

come on, what did Gotti say to warrant insults? Cant we just all get along? All he did was disagree with your opinions!

Chief Ogbunigwe · Post by **Chief Ogbunigwe** » Wed May 12, 2004 4:47 pm

1983 team: controlled pace of game, kept ball on ground, moved around and passed the ball. Outplayed by Holland, but drew 0-0, beat Russia. Supremely talented: Siasia, Okorowanta, Agbonavbare, Ehilegbu, Okoku, Sofoluwe, Edobor, Akinlotan, Olukanmi (S), Olukanmi (F), Anigala, Otti, Jeje, Disu ... the bulk of them progressed to the Green Eagles, and as early as 1984, Ehilegbu, Sofoluwe and others were playing for Nigeria in the Nations Cup Final, a young, inexperienced side but supremely talented.

The 1985 team: spearheaded by killer scorer Monday Odiaka, with Agu, Eke, Onye, Uwe, Osaro Obabaifo (RIP), Igbinabaro, Adeleye, Siasia, Anunobi, had a steely streak that the 1983 side lacked. They were skilful, well-coached (Paul Hamilton), and challenged by the Eaglets' earlier World Cup wining feat. Psychologically, they were determined to win, and they had the confidence that the 1983 side, being debutants at that level, perhaps lacked.

I only saw the 1983 and '85 teams. Well said, nothing to add. The '85 boys were my favorite. kai, come see Igbinabaro, Obabaifo (RIP), Anunobi and of course, Okosieme! Who remembers how they demolished Cameroon 5-1 after losing 0-3 in Yaounde? And of course, Christian Obi who stood between the Soviets and Bronze Medals? I believe that team was captained by Uwe. And I remember the late Ernest Okonkwo chastising Kingsley Onye "Kingsley Onye is a foolish boy"

during the match vs Australia where we needed a draw to move on, but conceded 2 quick goals. We later nacked them 3 more sha.

And Waidi Akanni was good too!

Chief Ogbunigwe · Post by **Chief Ogbunigwe** » Wed May 12, 2004 4:49 pm

1983 team: controlled pace of game, kept ball on ground, moved around and passed the ball. Outplayed by Holland, but drew 0-0, beat Russia. Supremely talented: Siasia, Okorowanta, Agbonavbare, Ehilegbu, Okoku, Sofoluwe, Edobor, Akinlotan, Olukanmi (S), Olukanmi (F), Anigala, Otti, Jeje, Disu ...

Any relation to our Gotti?

wanaj0 · Post by **wanaj0** » Wed May 12, 2004 5:25 pm

When you look at the 1983 team and the hope that they represent, you feel bad thet we do not have professional football in Nigeria then. Quite a number of the players decided to go to svhool and further their education. That robbed Nigeria of the talents.

For me, the 1983 team was the best. They had all it takes. However, being the first time, they unfortunatley crashed out in the first round.

Gotti · Post by **Gotti** » Wed May 12, 2004 5:26 pm

Chief Ogbunigwe wrote:MI5 and Gotti????????????

MI5:

come on, what did Gotti say to warrant insults? Cant we just all get along? All he did was disagree with your opinions!

OGBUNIGWE:
Apparently "pessimism" is now a curse word or some kind of insult.

Anyway, as I had previously told GBENGA on another thread, I pointedly refuse to rise to his bait. Nevertheless, it did not escape my attention that the cabal of Hypocritical Indignants have assidiously kept mute as usual -- until I choose to RESPOND in kind.

khalela · Post by **khalela** » Wed May 12, 2004 7:00 pm

Chief Ogbunigwe,
Please remove that avatar.You are scaring some of us here!!!!

Hard Man · Post by **Hard Man** » Thu May 13, 2004 4:37 am

Chief Ogbunigwe,
thanks for this nice reminder ... looks like something will hit the forum in July or thereabouts, to be called "Memory Match" .. featuring Flying Eagles' "cataclysmic" victories, including the "Miracle of Damman", Mexico in 1985, 5-1 versus Cameroon Lionceux (forcing Emile Mbouh's "tell the Flying Eagles 'bonjour', we are here to complete our qualification" which he uttered before reporters on arrival at MMA down his throat).

Bottom-line, the Nigeria team of the early to mid 1980's was the Flying Eagles rather than the then-called "Papa Eegus", and their game spilled over with thrills, spills and chills.

Yup, Uwe skippered the 1985 squad.

Chief Ogbunigwe wrote:
1983 team: controlled pace of game, kept ball on ground, moved around and passed the ball. Outplayed by Holland, but drew 0-0, beat Russia. Supremely talented: Siasia, Okorowanta, Agbonavbare, Ehilegbu, Okoku, Sofoluwe, Edobor, Akinlotan, Olukanmi (S), Olukanmi (F), Anigala, Otti, Jeje, Disu ... the bulk of them progressed to the Green Eagles, and as early as 1984, Ehilegbu, Sofoluwe and others were playing for Nigeria in the Nations Cup Final, a young, inexperienced side but supremely talented.

The 1985 team: spearheaded by killer scorer Monday Odiaka, with Agu, Eke, Onye, Uwe, Osaro Obabaifo (RIP), Igbinabaro, Adeleye, Siasia, Anunobi, had a steely streak that the 1983 side lacked. They were skilful, well-coached (Paul Hamilton), and challenged by the Eaglets' earlier World Cup wining feat. Psychologically, they were determined to win, and they had the confidence that the 1983 side, being debutants at that level, perhaps lacked.

I only saw the 1983 and '85 teams. Well said, nothing to add. The '85 boys were my favorite. kai, come see Igbinabaro, Obabaifo (RIP), Anunobi and of course, Okosieme! Who remembers how they demolished Cameroon 5-1 after losing 0-3 in Yaounde? And of course, Christian Obi who stood between the Soviets and Bronze Medals? I believe that team was captained by Uwe. And I remember the late Ernest Okonkwo chastising Kingsley Onye "Kingsley Onye is a foolish boy" during the match vs Australia where we needed a draw to move on, but conceded 2 quick goals. We later nacked them 3 more sha.

And Waidi Akanni was good too!

MI5 · Post by **MI5** » Thu May 13, 2004 5:48 am

Chief Ogbunigwe,

Goatti deserves all the insults that he gets from me. This is not about disagreeing with what i said. This #$%$ thought he could smear me on CE.

Chief Ogbunigwe wrote:MI5 and Gotti????????????

MI5:

come on, what did Gotti say to warrant insults? Cant we just all get along? All he did was disagree with your opinions!

MI5 · Post by **MI5** » Thu May 13, 2004 5:50 am

George Goatti,

Those who live in a glass house should not throw stones. That shouldn't be hard for you to understand...

Gotti wrote:
Chief Ogbunigwe wrote:MI5 and Gotti????????????

MI5:

come on, what did Gotti say to warrant insults? Cant we just all get along? All he did was disagree with your opinions!
OGBUNIGWE:
Apparently "pessimism" is now a curse word or some kind of insult.

Anyway, as I had previously told GBENGA on another thread, I pointedly refuse to rise to his bait. Nevertheless, it did not escape my attention that the cabal of Hypocritical Indignants have assidiously kept mute as usual -- until I choose to RESPOND in kind.

Sir V · Post by **Sir V** » Thu May 13, 2004 6:06 am

I am sorry guys, I cannot debate with you guys when it comes to naija soccer between 1983-1992, I was not in Nigeria during this period.

Africana · Post by **Africana** » Thu May 13, 2004 6:34 am

1985 side, hands down.

By no means the most talented, but they had enough determination and confidence to make whatever they had count. The did not dribble unecessarily, did not pass sideways and did not showboat--just business,

---------------------.S. Siasia------M. Odiaka-------------------

M. Anunobi-------W. Akani------A. Ibinabaro-----O. Obabaifo

K. Onye (Mature)------A. Uwe-----M. Odu----G. Eke

-------------------------A. Agu--------------------

Corrections:
1. Okon Ene was in the ’87, not ’85, team. The guys in the heart of the midfield were Waidi Akani, Augustine Ibinabaro and Osaro Obobaifo.
2. Okosieme was on the bench and came in as Odiaka’s replacement in our last match.
3. The team was so good that the Ethiopians literally panel-beat the players in their last qualifying match in Addis Ababa.

The 1987 side had so much talent and they played "champaigne soccer." They had extremely skillful players, notably Etim Esin, Nosa Osadolor, Adeolu Adekola, and Okon Ene. Ladi Babalola has been one of the most skillful and most flexible central defender I have seen in Nigerian colors--made the ball speak his language. The team also had Nduka Ugbade and Peter Ogaba (both from the golden U-17 side of '85. Their problen, I think, was their tendency to lose concentration at crucial junctures.

MI5 · Post by **MI5** » Thu May 13, 2004 6:37 am

Sir V,

Kaii you missed one of the best decades of Naija futbol at it's highest peak when we were clicking on all cylinders at all levels. Home, Away, abroad, Continental competitions in the whole Africa. Beating everyone left and right.

1988 was our best year ever when we made to the finals of the ANC, African Champions Cup, Cup winners cup and WAFU Cup. Unfortunately we lost all four cupsn to different teams. Cheii very painful but you had to admire our futbol then for reaching that level.

I don't think our soccer will ever reach that peak again unless a new era comes in and cleans out the rot that has eaten all the good things we had back then.

Sir V wrote:I am sorry guys, I cannot debate with you guys when it comes to naija soccer between 1983-1992, I was not in Nigeria during this period.

anikulapo · Post by **anikulapo** » Thu May 13, 2004 7:21 am

I think the 1983 squad was the most talented, but the 1985 team had a lot of gutsy, solid individuals..........I mean, that team survived the horror of being attacked in Addis Ababa and still came out on top.......I still remember Kingsley Onye playing with a bandaged head in the next series against Cote D Iviore with the injury he received from the attack in Ethiopia........

And hell, that was the team that defeated the Russians in their own background in a thrilling encounter for third place..........If Christian Obi had played in net, instead of an injured Alloy Agu, we probably would have taken Brazil in the semis.......And even then, we still missed too many chances in that game and should have won anyways

Sir V · Post by **Sir V** » Thu May 13, 2004 7:38 am

MI5 wrote:Sir V,

Kaii you missed one of the best decades of Naija futbol at it's highest peak when we were clicking on all cylinders at all levels. Home, Away, abroad, Continental competitions in the whole Africa. Beating everyone left and right.

1988 was our best year ever when we made to the finals of the ANC, African Champions Cup, Cup winners cup, WAFU Cup. Unfortunately we lost all four cups. Cheii very painful but you had to admire our futbol then for reaching that level.

I don't think our soccer will ever reach that peak again unless a new era comes in and cleans out the rot that has eaten all the good things we had back then.

Sir V wrote:I am sorry guys, I cannot debate with you guys when it comes to naija soccer between 1983-1992, I was not in Nigeria during this period.

My broda,

There was no Eurosport to show those matches, that was the painful thing.

I saw the late Osaro Obabaifo for the first time when he was about 11 or 12years old, then he was playing for a junior team called Samco FC.

wanaj0 · Post by **wanaj0** » Thu May 13, 2004 7:48 am

Thought it's difficult to pin point the best team because the basis will be subjective, I'll however go for the 1983 team. I love teh Uwe led team. They had players with flair. Obobaifo, Igbinabaro controlled the midfield quite well. Fired on by the U-16 victory in China, their confidence rose and they aimed for the best. Add that to teh experience of Siasia in 1983.

Even then, I'll always root for the 10983 team. For me, that was a talented and complete team. Yes they crashed out of the first round but that can be explained. It was our first time. Some of the players were held up due to their WASC exam. But even then, they refuse to crumble in the face of opposition.

For you to appreciate that team, you need to see how they graduated into the Senior team and dealt with Ghana in Kumasi during the Olympic qualifiers!

Though I could not vouch for the age of the players, the fact that they're still secondary school students speaks volume! Also most of them were playing in lower divisions of the National league. That tends to indicate that they are really green horns. The only unfortunate thing was the decision of most of them to further their education hence we never got ot see them developed to their potential!

How I wish YSFON can be ressurected to take over the running of our youth football. They really did well! NFA just sabotaged them after the U-16 victory in China because they felt that YSFON was taking all the limelight.

Hope those good old days will return.

TD · Post by TD » Thu May 13, 2004 8:31 am

Africana wrote:1985 side, hands down.

By no means the most talented, but they had enough determination and confidence to make whatever they had count. The did not dribble unecessarily, did not pass sideways and did not showboat--just business,

---------------------.S. Siasia------M. Odiaka-------------------

M. Anunobi-------W. Akani------A. Ibinabaro-----O. Obabaifo

K. Onye (Mature)------A. Uwe-----M. Odu----G. Eke

-------------------------A. Agu--------------------

Corrections:
1. Okon Ene was in the ’87, not ’85, team. The guys in the heart of the midfield were Waidi Akani, Augustine Ibinabaro and Osaro Obobaifo.
2. Okosieme was on the bench and came in as Odiaka’s replacement in our last match.
3. The team was so good that the Ethiopians literally panel-beat the players in their last qualifying match in Addis Ababa.

The 1987 side had so much talent and they played "champaigne soccer." They had extremely skillful players, notably Etim Esin, Nosa Osadolor, Adeolu Adekola, and Okon Ene. Ladi Babalola has been one of the most skillful and most flexible central defender I have seen in Nigerian colors--made the ball speak his language. The team also had Nduka Ugbade and Peter Ogaba (both from the golden U-17 side of '85. Their problen, I think, was their tendency to lose concentration at crucial junctures.

O.K, just to put things in perspective here. The 1985 team was not always "businesslike". At the beginning, before the debacle in Yaounde, the team had a lot of flair in it, with Ndubuisi Okosieme on the right wing, Wasiu Ipaye of the sweet left foot in central midfield and Friday Elaho on the left wing. It was after that 0-3 loss to Cameroon that a major reshufle was made to the team leading to players like Mike Dominic, Osaro Obobaifo and Mark Anunobi becoming bona-fide first teamers. In addition, Samson Sia Sia with his performance in the second leg became known as the X-factor, the man who could make things happen, on that team.

The "87 team had probably the best midfield tandem of any Nigerian junior side EVER in Ene Okon, Ikponwosa Omoregie, Thompson Oliha and Etim Esin. However, they were never any good at the rear, or even much good in front of goal. On the contrary, the 1983 team was well-rounded, had many talented individuals and played great football from the African qualifiers to the finals.

mufu baba iyabo · Post by **mufu baba iyabo** » Thu May 13, 2004 8:41 am

Chief OGBUNIGWE, if that na your true face

then Naija dey in trouble

BASH ALI; "Trouble dey oooooooooh

Wahala plenty""