10 changes we are likely to see ahead of the WC qualifiers

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

The mere mention of a “Targetman”, highlights the ever archaic, decade in delay, mindset of Nigeria. The era of the big, hold up play CF is dead to most. United are desperate to rid themselves of that rudimentary element Lukaku...the age of free-floating, shape shifting strikers is nigh, those capable of dropping deep to ten, shifting wide to 7 or 11 and darting into the box to 9. Simply standing up top as the immovable lump is more detrimental than destructive. Evolve FFS.

Kpom! The young players all seem to fit that description. Onyekuru,chukwueze,Osihmen, okereke, bonaventure and Kalu can all play as modern striker.

[Ayo Akinfe]

The mere mention of a “Targetman”, highlights the ever archaic, decade in delay, mindset of Nigeria. The era of the big, hold up play CF is dead to most. United are desperate to rid themselves of that rudimentary element Lukaku...the age of free-floating, shape shifting strikers is nigh, those capable of dropping deep to ten, shifting wide to 7 or 11 and darting into the box to 9. Simply standing up top as the immovable lump is more detrimental than destructive. Evolve FFS.

So you think but anyone who watches the modern game will know that the likes of Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero are excellent hold up players and also have the ability to "float" as you put it. In tough games, when you are under pressure, you need a man who can hold the ball up to enable you get out of your half.

Serious teams that want to win anything will always have this kind of player in their squad. Take Fermino out of the Liverpool team and see if Mane and Sallah score as many goals.

[nzeogwu]

Thank God for Ighalo. Thank God for Yekini. However, the days of the strong, burly, lone striker and the 4/2/3/1 are over. What we need now are twin mobile forwards, less physical that can play in a 3/5/2.

What are the benefits? Playing Any two of the following (When fit and in full form)

Musa
Iheanacho
Onyekuru
Okereke
Abraham (If he joins)
Awoniyi

Allows for mobility, movement and an end to slow calculated build ups with a back to the goal. We need more of the Mane, Salah forward and less of the Battistuta, Torres, Osimhen, Yekini, Ighalo, Yeboah, Drogba, Lukaku type. Those days are extinct.


In defensive midfield, Azubuike, Bonke are better natural box to box midfielders than Etebo. That being said, Etebo has more value depending on the coaches imagination and tactics.


In the playmaking role: Eze and Aribo should be added to compete with Iwobi. If we play a 3/5/2, one central midfielder can play while two and athletic & attacking midfielders can play as well. You don’t need two holding midfielders. In essence, Iwobi and Eze could play with Ndidi or Azubuike. This is possible because the three would have two added wingers in Kalu and Chukwueze and two forwards. This style is best suited to a mobile team with speed.
Our wide players are (And can be) the best in the world. Both at wing play and full backs. This may be the best combination in Nigerian history.


Wide forwards: (In a 4/4/2)

Musa
Okereke
Dennis
Onyekuru

Wingers:

Ojo
Kalu
Chukwueze


Wing backs:

Ebuehi
Odubajo
Aina
Collins


As for goalies, we have a bright future: we have four that I tip to become Africa’s best and world class. They will improve just as Nkomo improved from 1977 to 1990. Those that watched him against Rangers in the 1977 final and at the 1982 and 1990 Mundial know exactly what I mean. These four goalies are:

Maduka Okoye
Dele Alampasu
Francis Uzoho
Arthur Okonkwo

If all these integrations are made to the team and the foundation is as is with solidarity, organization and discipline (and continuity), Nigeria will dominate Africa and eventually the world for the next few decades.

Coaching: If we don’t want the head coach changed, his assistant must be just like Bonfrere. Someone who allows expressive, transitional football. I’m not sure that Rohr is ready to get away from the physical, bruising center forward or the idea of conservative and slow build ups.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Thank God for Ighalo. Thank God for Yekini. However, the days of the strong, burly, lone striker and the 4/2/3/1 are over. What we need now are twin mobile forwards, less physical that can play in a 3/5/2.

What are the benefits? Playing Any two of the following (When fit and in full form)

Musa
Iheanacho
Onyekuru
Okereke
Abraham (If he joins)
Awoniyi

Allows for mobility, movement and an end to slow calculated build ups with a back to the goal. We need more of the Mane, Salah forward and less of the Battistuta, Torres, Osimhen, Yekini, Ighalo, Yeboah, Drogba, Lukaku type. Those days are extinct.


In defensive midfield, Azubuike, Bonke are better natural box to box midfielders than Etebo. That being said, Etebo has more value depending on the coaches imagination and tactics.


In the playmaking role: Eze and Aribo should be added to compete with Iwobi. If we play a 3/5/2, one central midfielder can play while two and athletic & attacking midfielders can play as well. You don’t need two holding midfielders. In essence, Iwobi and Eze could play with Ndidi or Azubuike. This is possible because the three would have two added wingers in Kalu and Chukwueze and two forwards. This style is best suited to a mobile team with speed.
Our wide players are (And can be) the best in the world. Both at wing play and full backs. This may be the best combination in Nigerian history.


Wide forwards: (In a 4/4/2)

Musa
Okereke
Dennis
Onyekuru

Wingers:

Ojo
Kalu
Chukwueze


Wing backs:

Ebuehi
Odubajo
Aina
Collins


As for goalies, we have a bright future: we have four that I tip to become Africa’s best and world class. They will improve just as Nkomo improved from 1977 to 1990. Those that watched him against Rangers in the 1977 final and at the 1982 and 1990 Mundial know exactly what I mean. These four goalies are:

Maduka Okoye
Dele Alampasu
Francis Uzoho
Arthur Okonkwo

If all these integrations are made to the team and the foundation is as is with solidarity, organization and discipline (and continuity), Nigeria will dominate Africa and eventually the world for the next few decades.

Coaching: If we don’t want the head coach changed, his assistant must be just like Bonfrere. Someone who allows expressive, transitional football. I’m not sure that Rohr is ready to get away from the physical, bruising center forward or the idea of conservative and slow build ups.

Should Spurs do away with harry Kane then?

[john12]

Just play a striker that can Score goals and create chances. Do not discriminate on their height or physique because football has produced great short forwards like el kun, Villa, raul, martins etc and make sure that you play the ball on the floor. Currently, Musa should be the one to naturally hold that 9 jersey

[cchinukw]

Just play a striker that can Score goals and create chances. Do not discriminate on their height or physique because football has produced great short forwards like el kun, Villa, raul, martins etc and make sure that you play the ball on the floor. Currently, Musa should be the one to naturally hold that 9 jersey

You realise that by 2022, Musa's real age will be catching up with him.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Just play a striker that can Score goals and create chances. Do not discriminate on their height or physique because football has produced great short forwards like el kun, Villa, raul, martins etc and make sure that you play the ball on the floor. Currently, Musa should be the one to naturally hold that 9 jersey

It was tried with Obafemi martins and failed woefully as he did not have the strength to hold up play. Can you imagine Musa playing centreforward against the Indomitable Wrestlers of Cameroon?