Oliseh's Super Eagles Emerging; Somewhat....

[txj]

Two friendlies against Congo DR and Cameroon begin to show clearer the footprints of Oliseh's tenure as coach of the Super Eagles.

http://africanfutbol.blogspot.com/2015/ ... ewhat.html

[txj]

Two major tactical issues stand out from both matches:

http://africanfutbol.blogspot.com/2015/ ... ewhat.html[/quote]

[metalalloy]

But the flip side of this is that Oliseh must back this up by an aggressive search for the players to match his philosophy of the game. Such an aggressive mindset would need to ignore the club profile of players, or phony classifications of age grades....

Considerable work still remains to be done in organization of the team in the non-possession phase, ...

This has become a mantra for you. Can you give an example of a national side that is excellent at this on a consistent basis?

Good article.

[txj]

But the flip side of this is that Oliseh must back this up by an aggressive search for the players to match his philosophy of the game. Such an aggressive mindset would need to ignore the club profile of players, or phony classifications of age grades....

Considerable work still remains to be done in organization of the team in the non-possession phase, ...

This has become a mantra for you. Can you give an example of a national side that is excellent at this on a consistent basis?

Good article.

Multiple countries bro....multiple.

But SO is still at a very early stage so this is understandable.

[Dammy]

Omeruo is getting regular first team football in Turkey, he is only injured at the moment.

[Otitokoro]

Good write up... however, I would challenge you regarding Sly Igbonu.

I think Sly brings a different dynamic to the central midfield role that has been long absent. I liked the speed and aggression he brought to the role, always challenging the defense and moving the ball forward, while finding mates that were open. Can't recall the numerous amount of fouls he got in the last third for Nigeria.
Yes, he is listed as a forward. However, I thought he played the attacking MF role with aplomb, which tells me he is very versatile. Last time I saw that happen was with Okocha.

Regarding Rabiu, I will maintain that he is way too lightweight for the role - too small and lacks speed. The AM role is not just about the ability to spray passes...it involves taking initiatives atimes. I do commend Oliseh for having the foresight to slide Igbonu into the AM role. Lets see how it pans out over the next couple of games.

Finally, on Mr. Emenike, I would hope Oliseh is scouring for alternatives, as dude doesn't seem to be it (and that has been the case for a while now, even under Keshi). I would like to see Kehinde Fatai tried out, as he has been performing quite well for his club (Sparta Prague), both in the Czech and European League level. Or even Aaron Samuel, who, after reviewing previous games he played in, wasn't as bad as I initially thought, as he brings a dynamic lacking with our strikers now (size - at 6'2", speed and holdup play).
Fact is: Emenike's ball hogging & physical preferences do not necessarily jive with the style of play Oliseh is trying to posit for this team.

Two friendlies against Congo DR and Cameroon begin to show clearer the footprints of Oliseh's tenure as coach of the Super Eagles.

http://africanfutbol.blogspot.com/2015/ ... ewhat.html

[green4life]

I won't be too hasty to throw away Emenike. Yes he hasn't scored in ages but he all around contribution in terms of work rate, hold up play, linking with teammates and also very importantly, ability to handle physical punishment from defenders/markers (especially in Africa) is still unmatched by any SE striker currently on the books. Odion is a sharp finisher with good movement but is not physical. Same applies to Martins. At worst, the trio of Martins, Odion and Emenike should be called up for the next fixture. Also, Emenike can be effective from wide positions where he routinely delivers quality balls into the box. He need not start but can be effective off the bench against weary defenders.

As for Igbonu, he's put in a good shift vs the Lions but overall, the quality is lacking in various attributes expected of an AM. Did someone compare him to JJ? Please leave story. For one thing they're totally different players in addition to the fact that he hasn't exhibited a fraction of JJ's overall quality on the ball. That said, his effort was commendable but that position is very much up for grabs and Oliseh will have to look downwards to the u23 level at the likes of Kelechi and perhaps, Yahaya, for long term answers.

On the wing, Vic Mo needs return asap. Defensively, options are emerging by way of Balogun and Efe in central defense to complete against Kenneth and oboabona. Though the fat gap at RB still remains. Oliseh will have to scour the earth for one. Good luck boss.

In goal, I'm not sold on Ikeme compared against Enyeama. The two of them will have to sit down and patch up the differences in the interest of Nigeria. Ikeme has tried but you cannot put a value on Vince experience and Vince is still active and in his prime.

All in all, I feel Oliseh is onto something but he needs to improve his management of personnel and stay away from unnecessary drama in order to enjoy the fruits of his vision.

[Otitokoro]

G4L,
Just to clarify...
I didn't 'compare' Igbonu to JJ. I only made a reference to a particular component Sly exhibited, which was driving hard at the opponents defense and forcing them on their heels (he did the same in the Congo game).
That was a key component of the SE that has been missing since JJ left.

I won't be too hasty to throw away Emenike. Yes he hasn't scored in ages but he all around contribution in terms of work rate, hold up play, linking with teammates and also very importantly, ability to handle physical punishment from defenders/markers (especially in Africa) is still unmatched by any SE striker currently on the books. Odion is a sharp finisher with good movement but is not physical. Same applies to Martins. At worst, the trio of Martins, Odion and Emenike should be called up for the next fixture. Also, Emenike can be effective from wide positions where he routinely delivers quality balls into the box. He need not start but can be effective off the bench against weary defenders.

As for Igbonu, he's put in a good shift vs the Lions but overall, the quality is lacking in various attributes expected of an AM. Did someone compare him to JJ? Please leave story. For one thing they're totally different players in addition to the fact that he hasn't exhibited a fraction of JJ's overall quality on the ball. That said, his effort was commendable but that position is very much up for grabs and Oliseh will have to look downwards to the u23 level at the likes of Kelechi and perhaps, Yahaya, for long term answers.

On the wing, Vic Mo needs return asap. Defensively, options are emerging by way of Balogun and Efe in central defense to complete against Kenneth and oboabona. Though the fat gap at RB still remains. Oliseh will have to scour the earth for one. Good luck boss.

In goal, I'm not sold on Ikeme compared against Enyeama. The two of them will have to sit down and patch up the differences in the interest of Nigeria. Ikeme has tried but you cannot put a value on Vince experience and Vince is still active and in his prime.

All in all, I feel Oliseh is onto something but he needs to improve his management of personnel and stay away from unnecessary drama in order to enjoy the fruits of his vision.

[Siddonlook11]

Omeruo is getting regular first team football in Turkey, he is only injured at the moment.

just to make una laugh oh..yak is getting starting time and is even capito of a turkish team.

[platinum]

Omeruo is getting regular first team football in Turkey, he is only injured at the moment.

just to make una laugh oh..yak is getting starting time and is even capito of a turkish team.

Yup. Saw him against Fenerbache yesterday

[BAP]

I won't be too hasty to throw away Emenike. Yes he hasn't scored in ages but he all around contribution in terms of work rate, hold up play, linking with teammates and also very importantly, ability to handle physical punishment from defenders/markers (especially in Africa) is still unmatched by any SE striker currently on the books. Odion is a sharp finisher with good movement but is not physical. Same applies to Martins. At worst, the trio of Martins, Odion and Emenike should be called up for the next fixture. Also, Emenike can be effective from wide positions where he routinely delivers quality balls into the box. He need not start but can be effective off the bench against weary defenders.

As for Igbonu, he's put in a good shift vs the Lions but overall, the quality is lacking in various attributes expected of an AM. Did someone compare him to JJ? Please leave story. For one thing they're totally different players in addition to the fact that he hasn't exhibited a fraction of JJ's overall quality on the ball. That said, his effort was commendable but that position is very much up for grabs and Oliseh will have to look downwards to the u23 level at the likes of Kelechi and perhaps, Yahaya, for long term answers.

On the wing, Vic Mo needs return asap. Defensively, options are emerging by way of Balogun and Efe in central defense to complete against Kenneth and oboabona. Though the fat gap at RB still remains. Oliseh will have to scour the earth for one. Good luck boss.

In goal, I'm not sold on Ikeme compared against Enyeama. The two of them will have to sit down and patch up the differences in the interest of Nigeria. Ikeme has tried but you cannot put a value on Vince experience and Vince is still active and in his prime.

All in all, I feel Oliseh is onto something but he needs to improve his management of personnel and stay away from unnecessary drama in order to enjoy the fruits of his vision.

What about Ujah ? are we done with him ?

[theYemster]

I won't be too hasty to throw away Emenike. Yes he hasn't scored in ages but he all around contribution in terms of work rate, hold up play, linking with teammates and also very importantly, ability to handle physical punishment from defenders/markers (especially in Africa) is still unmatched by any SE striker currently on the books. Odion is a sharp finisher with good movement but is not physical. Same applies to Martins. At worst, the trio of Martins, Odion and Emenike should be called up for the next fixture. Also, Emenike can be effective from wide positions where he routinely delivers quality balls into the box. He need not start but can be effective off the bench against weary defenders.

As for Igbonu, he's put in a good shift vs the Lions but overall, the quality is lacking in various attributes expected of an AM. Did someone compare him to JJ? Please leave story. For one thing they're totally different players in addition to the fact that he hasn't exhibited a fraction of JJ's overall quality on the ball. That said, his effort was commendable but that position is very much up for grabs and Oliseh will have to look downwards to the u23 level at the likes of Kelechi and perhaps, Yahaya, for long term answers.

On the wing, Vic Mo needs return asap. Defensively, options are emerging by way of Balogun and Efe in central defense to complete against Kenneth and oboabona. Though the fat gap at RB still remains. Oliseh will have to scour the earth for one. Good luck boss.

In goal, I'm not sold on Ikeme compared against Enyeama. The two of them will have to sit down and patch up the differences in the interest of Nigeria. Ikeme has tried but you cannot put a value on Vince experience and Vince is still active and in his prime.

All in all, I feel Oliseh is onto something but he needs to improve his management of personnel and stay away from unnecessary drama in order to enjoy the fruits of his vision.

And at best? Cos I'm picky like that.

[bushboy]

^^

The SE frontline is easy to pick. Success. Ighalo. Ujah. Iheanacho. Simple.

[txj]

Its always a mistake to bring JJ into these kinds of discussions as it inevitably invites unfair comparisons...

I have watched Sly for quite a few years, esp in Denmark. He is no attacking MF; doesn't have the attributes. Driving forward at the opposition defence is only a segment of the role, a quality he exhibits better from his more natural wide forward role...

I think Oliseh is wasting time using him there. He should bring Kelechi into that role without more....

@G4L,

I am less worried about the attacking roles than about the defence. But I agree that we should persist a little bit more with Emenike. Not sure there's a need for Martins when Success is showing such encouraging signs...

G4L,
Just to clarify...
I didn't 'compare' Igbonu to JJ. I only made a reference to a particular component Sly exhibited, which was driving hard at the opponents defense and forcing them on their heels (he did the same in the Congo game).
That was a key component of the SE that has been missing since JJ left.

I won't be too hasty to throw away Emenike. Yes he hasn't scored in ages but he all around contribution in terms of work rate, hold up play, linking with teammates and also very importantly, ability to handle physical punishment from defenders/markers (especially in Africa) is still unmatched by any SE striker currently on the books. Odion is a sharp finisher with good movement but is not physical. Same applies to Martins. At worst, the trio of Martins, Odion and Emenike should be called up for the next fixture. Also, Emenike can be effective from wide positions where he routinely delivers quality balls into the box. He need not start but can be effective off the bench against weary defenders.

As for Igbonu, he's put in a good shift vs the Lions but overall, the quality is lacking in various attributes expected of an AM. Did someone compare him to JJ? Please leave story. For one thing they're totally different players in addition to the fact that he hasn't exhibited a fraction of JJ's overall quality on the ball. That said, his effort was commendable but that position is very much up for grabs and Oliseh will have to look downwards to the u23 level at the likes of Kelechi and perhaps, Yahaya, for long term answers.

On the wing, Vic Mo needs return asap. Defensively, options are emerging by way of Balogun and Efe in central defense to complete against Kenneth and oboabona. Though the fat gap at RB still remains. Oliseh will have to scour the earth for one. Good luck boss.

In goal, I'm not sold on Ikeme compared against Enyeama. The two of them will have to sit down and patch up the differences in the interest of Nigeria. Ikeme has tried but you cannot put a value on Vince experience and Vince is still active and in his prime.

All in all, I feel Oliseh is onto something but he needs to improve his management of personnel and stay away from unnecessary drama in order to enjoy the fruits of his vision.

[txj]

Just saw the piece about Emenike retiring from international football.

Presents opportunities for others IMO.

And for SO to look towards Success in tandem with Ighalo...