Nigeria 1-1 Brazil (FT) Int. Friendly/Learning Experience

[pajimoh]

I would like to read Brazilian journos take on the match. Our own fans are denigrating our performance

[mcal]

I would like to read Brazilian journos take on the match. Our own fans are denigrating our performance

...as usual, win lose or draw, dem no like.

[mcal]

It is a friendly and Brazil was not really in full gear. But overall good game.

...saw the match, they were in the last gear, huffing and puffing.

[Eaglezbeak]

Nigeria will be back to square once they start looking for a new coach, hopefully we make the next Afcon and qualify to the World Cup with their next coach or two.

[Damunk]

This was a much better defensive performance than the Ukraine game where we were cut through time and time again by 1 pass. I see now the refrain has changed to "them hit bar" . We were promised that "against better opponents" we would not get away with miscues, abi Brazil is not one of those better team?
Some of you clowns behave as if we should never get attacked. Unless you are blind or simply daft, the way Rohr organizes his team is to sit back, soak up pressure and counter, Of course we will get attacked. Whether you like it or not, that is how he wants his team to play. If you think you can do a better job, submit your CV, otherwise quit whining like a Christmas goat and watch your team like the clueless fan that you are.

This team is good. We need to shore up a few areas, particularly the LB, RB , CF (once Osimhen is taken off) and a sub for Iwobi once he goes off or has an off day . Once they get more consistent on how they break on the counter, this team can be a force to reckon with.

I remember that quote from several ITKs after the Ukraine game. They can't say that today cos like you said, who comes better than Brazil?

Bottom line is, like I've always said, the majority of our fans haven't got the liver to go thru a transition process and if they're not calling and cursing for the sack of the coach, they're calling for the chopping and changing of the players - all at the drop of a hat.

Iwobi was "world class" v Ukraine.....see what they're saying about him today after a bad day at the office.

[txj]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

[metalalloy]

For me the best players

Aribo - Gaddemit this cockney boy can ball. One of those players that glides around. His first goal was pure class

Awaziem - Honestly this guy is a pure baller. I'd like to see him in CD and perhaps Aina moving to RB. I believe he is better than Ajayi.

Uzoho - He has improved a lot. Love his confidence

Chukwueze - He wan kill dem for the first half but then got sorted in the second half

Osimhen - Pure hustler

Worst performers

Collins - Gabriel took his soul
Iwobi - Too many giveaways
Ajayi - Didn't do anything wrong but I expected him to dominate more aerially. The guy got beaten too many times

I'm sorry Onuachu should not be playing for us...

I agree with the above. Omeruo and even Balogun should def keep Ajayi deep on the bench. As for Chukwueze, they dropped a midfielder and even a striker to provide help to the left back in the second half. Heck they even switched the CB on his side because of the problems he caused. rohr suppose adjust to those moves as he seemed to be a big part of our attack. They continually fed the ball to him.

The same Ajayi that saved our bacon with that goal line clearance? OK !
Ajayi was one of our best players today, winning many headers and interceptions.
Collins had a hit and miss game, despite being beaten a few times, he made vital interceptions.
Aribo is a class act and should be in the EPL next season. His vision and movement were top notch and he took his goal with aplomb.
Uzoho has finally come of age, what we need is a top quality back-up for him
Ekong was solid but had a few rash clearances and missed passes
Awaziem continued from where he left off at AFCON. Top quality player
What are we going to do about Iwobi? He gave away too many balls, easily outmuscled off the ball and looks dead on his feet. By now he should be dominating the SE midfield but even his place in the starting XI is not assured.
Osimhen was a handful all throughout the match and forced Ederson into 2 good saves. We have finally found a top quality international striker.
Simon Moses despite the assist was a huge downgrade on Samuel Kalu and offered little or nothing in attack or defence.
Chukwueze was a handful for the Brazilians in the first half and spent more time in defensive duties in the 2nd half. He only sparked back to life when Dennis came on.
Ndidi was a boss in the middle of the park, breaking up many Brazilian attacks but seem to tire off towards the end of the game.
It was a solid performance against the South American champions and if we could get hold of a couple of solid midfielders, the SE will be difficult to beat.
The SE seem to be gradually improving with the addition of better players and players moving to better leagues. It's still a work in progress.

Yes that very same Ajayi. He was beaten several times in the air and his positioning was off as a CB on several occasions, and he also gave away the ball like you accused Ekong, who most certainly had a better game than him. Again, he is a good squad player, but Omeruo and Balogun have nothing to fear from him.

You are in a minority regarding your opinion about Ajayi in today's match. All Nigerian football online outlets have rated him highly, a lot voted for him as our best defender. Visit ratings at owngoalnigeria, completesportsnigeria, football 360 etc.

Complete sports rates him the same as Ekong which I insist is too high. Goal's rating is more in line with what I saw.

#4 Semi Ajayi: 5.5/10

Solid performance from the West Brom man. Gave the ball away on a few sorties forward, and rightly got his ear chewed off. However, when he kept it simple and focused on his defensive fundamentals, he was strong in the tackle and largely attentive in position (except on one occasion in particular). His partnership with Ekong looks a promising one.

https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/player ... qsfys73gul


Go back and look at the highlights and you can even see some of the miscues, even in the goal we conceded, he was beaten in the air once again. He is not bad, but at best is a squad player behind Omeruo and Balogun IMO.

[metalalloy]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

Some things you read and keep moving oh...

[maceo4]

For me the best players

Aribo - Gaddemit this cockney boy can ball. One of those players that glides around. His first goal was pure class

Awaziem - Honestly this guy is a pure baller. I'd like to see him in CD and perhaps Aina moving to RB. I believe he is better than Ajayi.

Uzoho - He has improved a lot. Love his confidence

Chukwueze - He wan kill dem for the first half but then got sorted in the second half

Osimhen - Pure hustler

Worst performers

Collins - Gabriel took his soul
Iwobi - Too many giveaways
Ajayi - Didn't do anything wrong but I expected him to dominate more aerially. The guy got beaten too many times

I'm sorry Onuachu should not be playing for us...

I agree with the above. Omeruo and even Balogun should def keep Ajayi deep on the bench. As for Chukwueze, they dropped a midfielder and even a striker to provide help to the left back in the second half. Heck they even switched the CB on his side because of the problems he caused. rohr suppose adjust to those moves as he seemed to be a big part of our attack. They continually fed the ball to him.

The same Ajayi that saved our bacon with that goal line clearance? OK !
Ajayi was one of our best players today, winning many headers and interceptions.
Collins had a hit and miss game, despite being beaten a few times, he made vital interceptions.
Aribo is a class act and should be in the EPL next season. His vision and movement were top notch and he took his goal with aplomb.
Uzoho has finally come of age, what we need is a top quality back-up for him
Ekong was solid but had a few rash clearances and missed passes
Awaziem continued from where he left off at AFCON. Top quality player
What are we going to do about Iwobi? He gave away too many balls, easily outmuscled off the ball and looks dead on his feet. By now he should be dominating the SE midfield but even his place in the starting XI is not assured.
Osimhen was a handful all throughout the match and forced Ederson into 2 good saves. We have finally found a top quality international striker.
Simon Moses despite the assist was a huge downgrade on Samuel Kalu and offered little or nothing in attack or defence.
Chukwueze was a handful for the Brazilians in the first half and spent more time in defensive duties in the 2nd half. He only sparked back to life when Dennis came on.
Ndidi was a boss in the middle of the park, breaking up many Brazilian attacks but seem to tire off towards the end of the game.
It was a solid performance against the South American champions and if we could get hold of a couple of solid midfielders, the SE will be difficult to beat.
The SE seem to be gradually improving with the addition of better players and players moving to better leagues. It's still a work in progress.

Yes that very same Ajayi. He was beaten several times in the air and his positioning was off as a CB on several occasions, and he also gave away the ball like you accused Ekong, who most certainly had a better game than him. Again, he is a good squad player, but Omeruo and Balogun have nothing to fear from him.

You are in a minority regarding your opinion about Ajayi in today's match. All Nigerian football online outlets have rated him highly, a lot voted for him as our best defender. Visit ratings at owngoalnigeria, completesportsnigeria, football 360 etc.

Complete sports rates him the same as Ekong which I insist is too high. Goal's rating is more in line with what I saw.

#4 Semi Ajayi: 5.5/10

Solid performance from the West Brom man. Gave the ball away on a few sorties forward, and rightly got his ear chewed off. However, when he kept it simple and focused on his defensive fundamentals, he was strong in the tackle and largely attentive in position (except on one occasion in particular). His partnership with Ekong looks a promising one.

https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/player ... qsfys73gul


Go back and look at the highlights and you can even see some of the miscues, even in the goal we conceded, he was beaten in the air once again. He is not bad, but at best is a squad player behind Omeruo and Balogun IMO.

Yep, Ekong chewed his ear off for those plays, he did the same vs Ukraine and lost the ball also, I'm not sure what he was thinking.

[Dammy]

For me the best players

Aribo - Gaddemit this cockney boy can ball. One of those players that glides around. His first goal was pure class

Awaziem - Honestly this guy is a pure baller. I'd like to see him in CD and perhaps Aina moving to RB. I believe he is better than Ajayi.

Uzoho - He has improved a lot. Love his confidence

Chukwueze - He wan kill dem for the first half but then got sorted in the second half

Osimhen - Pure hustler

Worst performers

Collins - Gabriel took his soul
Iwobi - Too many giveaways
Ajayi - Didn't do anything wrong but I expected him to dominate more aerially. The guy got beaten too many times

I'm sorry Onuachu should not be playing for us...

I agree with the above. Omeruo and even Balogun should def keep Ajayi deep on the bench. As for Chukwueze, they dropped a midfielder and even a striker to provide help to the left back in the second half. Heck they even switched the CB on his side because of the problems he caused. rohr suppose adjust to those moves as he seemed to be a big part of our attack. They continually fed the ball to him.

The same Ajayi that saved our bacon with that goal line clearance? OK !
Ajayi was one of our best players today, winning many headers and interceptions.
Collins had a hit and miss game, despite being beaten a few times, he made vital interceptions.
Aribo is a class act and should be in the EPL next season. His vision and movement were top notch and he took his goal with aplomb.
Uzoho has finally come of age, what we need is a top quality back-up for him
Ekong was solid but had a few rash clearances and missed passes
Awaziem continued from where he left off at AFCON. Top quality player
What are we going to do about Iwobi? He gave away too many balls, easily outmuscled off the ball and looks dead on his feet. By now he should be dominating the SE midfield but even his place in the starting XI is not assured.
Osimhen was a handful all throughout the match and forced Ederson into 2 good saves. We have finally found a top quality international striker.
Simon Moses despite the assist was a huge downgrade on Samuel Kalu and offered little or nothing in attack or defence.
Chukwueze was a handful for the Brazilians in the first half and spent more time in defensive duties in the 2nd half. He only sparked back to life when Dennis came on.
Ndidi was a boss in the middle of the park, breaking up many Brazilian attacks but seem to tire off towards the end of the game.
It was a solid performance against the South American champions and if we could get hold of a couple of solid midfielders, the SE will be difficult to beat.
The SE seem to be gradually improving with the addition of better players and players moving to better leagues. It's still a work in progress.

Yes that very same Ajayi. He was beaten several times in the air and his positioning was off as a CB on several occasions, and he also gave away the ball like you accused Ekong, who most certainly had a better game than him. Again, he is a good squad player, but Omeruo and Balogun have nothing to fear from him.

You are in a minority regarding your opinion about Ajayi in today's match. All Nigerian football online outlets have rated him highly, a lot voted for him as our best defender. Visit ratings at owngoalnigeria, completesportsnigeria, football 360 etc.

Complete sports rates him the same as Ekong which I insist is too high. Goal's rating is more in line with what I saw.

#4 Semi Ajayi: 5.5/10

Solid performance from the West Brom man. Gave the ball away on a few sorties forward, and rightly got his ear chewed off. However, when he kept it simple and focused on his defensive fundamentals, he was strong in the tackle and largely attentive in position (except on one occasion in particular). His partnership with Ekong looks a promising one.

https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/player ... qsfys73gul


Go back and look at the highlights and you can even see some of the miscues, even in the goal we conceded, he was beaten in the air once again. He is not bad, but at best is a squad player behind Omeruo and Balogun IMO.

This is Brazil we are talking about, with some of the most fearful strikers in the world. IMO, Ajayi, had a very good game and being beaten once or twice against the awesome Brazilian attack, takes nothing away from him. Show me a defender in the world that will win all challenges against a team as strong as Brazil, then I will keep quiet.
Compare his performance to that of £80 million Harry Maguire and his multi million pound fellow defenders against unknown Czechs including a 30 year old debutant who ran rings around them puts Ajayi's performance against Brazil in proper perspective.
Even the highly rated Maquinhus and Thiago Silva were beaten to balls and misplaced some passes during the game and I don't understand why Ajayi has to score 100% before being rated.

[Flex Swift]

For me the best players

Aribo - Gaddemit this cockney boy can ball. One of those players that glides around. His first goal was pure class

Awaziem - Honestly this guy is a pure baller. I'd like to see him in CD and perhaps Aina moving to RB. I believe he is better than Ajayi.

Uzoho - He has improved a lot. Love his confidence

Chukwueze - He wan kill dem for the first half but then got sorted in the second half

Osimhen - Pure hustler

Worst performers

Collins - Gabriel took his soul
Iwobi - Too many giveaways
Ajayi - Didn't do anything wrong but I expected him to dominate more aerially. The guy got beaten too many times

I'm sorry Onuachu should not be playing for us...

I agree with the above. Omeruo and even Balogun should def keep Ajayi deep on the bench. As for Chukwueze, they dropped a midfielder and even a striker to provide help to the left back in the second half. Heck they even switched the CB on his side because of the problems he caused. rohr suppose adjust to those moves as he seemed to be a big part of our attack. They continually fed the ball to him.

The same Ajayi that saved our bacon with that goal line clearance? OK !
Ajayi was one of our best players today, winning many headers and interceptions.
Collins had a hit and miss game, despite being beaten a few times, he made vital interceptions.
Aribo is a class act and should be in the EPL next season. His vision and movement were top notch and he took his goal with aplomb.
Uzoho has finally come of age, what we need is a top quality back-up for him
Ekong was solid but had a few rash clearances and missed passes
Awaziem continued from where he left off at AFCON. Top quality player
What are we going to do about Iwobi? He gave away too many balls, easily outmuscled off the ball and looks dead on his feet. By now he should be dominating the SE midfield but even his place in the starting XI is not assured.
Osimhen was a handful all throughout the match and forced Ederson into 2 good saves. We have finally found a top quality international striker.
Simon Moses despite the assist was a huge downgrade on Samuel Kalu and offered little or nothing in attack or defence.
Chukwueze was a handful for the Brazilians in the first half and spent more time in defensive duties in the 2nd half. He only sparked back to life when Dennis came on.
Ndidi was a boss in the middle of the park, breaking up many Brazilian attacks but seem to tire off towards the end of the game.
It was a solid performance against the South American champions and if we could get hold of a couple of solid midfielders, the SE will be difficult to beat.
The SE seem to be gradually improving with the addition of better players and players moving to better leagues. It's still a work in progress.

Yes that very same Ajayi. He was beaten several times in the air and his positioning was off as a CB on several occasions, and he also gave away the ball like you accused Ekong, who most certainly had a better game than him. Again, he is a good squad player, but Omeruo and Balogun have nothing to fear from him.

You are in a minority regarding your opinion about Ajayi in today's match. All Nigerian football online outlets have rated him highly, a lot voted for him as our best defender. Visit ratings at owngoalnigeria, completesportsnigeria, football 360 etc.

Complete sports rates him the same as Ekong which I insist is too high. Goal's rating is more in line with what I saw.

#4 Semi Ajayi: 5.5/10

Solid performance from the West Brom man. Gave the ball away on a few sorties forward, and rightly got his ear chewed off. However, when he kept it simple and focused on his defensive fundamentals, he was strong in the tackle and largely attentive in position (except on one occasion in particular). His partnership with Ekong looks a promising one.

https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/player ... qsfys73gul


Go back and look at the highlights and you can even see some of the miscues, even in the goal we conceded, he was beaten in the air once again. He is not bad, but at best is a squad player behind Omeruo and Balogun IMO.

This is Brazil we are talking about, with some of the most fearful strikers in the world. IMO, Ajayi, had a very good game and being beaten once or twice against the awesome Brazilian attack, takes nothing away from him. Show me a defender in the world that will win all challenges against a team as strong as Brazil, then I will keep quiet.
Compare his performance to that of £80 million Harry Maguire and his multi million pound fellow defenders against unknown Czechs including a 30 year old debutant who ran rings around them puts Ajayi's performance against Brazil in proper perspective.
Even the highly rated Maquinhus and Thiago Silva were beaten to balls and misplaced some passes during the game and I don't understand why Ajayi has to score 100% before being rated.

m

Kpom !!!!some football fans don’t know how to read the game ....... all the players put in a shift we just need Iwobi & Chuk to make better decisions when in procession. The players that don’t belong have shown themselves.

[metalalloy]

This is Brazil we are talking about, with some of the most fearful strikers in the world. IMO, Ajayi, had a very good game and being beaten once or twice against the awesome Brazilian attack, takes nothing away from him. Show me a defender in the world that will win all challenges against a team as strong as Brazil, then I will keep quiet.
Compare his performance to that of £80 million Harry Maguire and his multi million pound fellow defenders against unknown Czechs including a 30 year old debutant who ran rings around them puts Ajayi's performance against Brazil in proper perspective.
Even the highly rated Maquinhus and Thiago Silva were beaten to balls and misplaced some passes during the game and I don't understand why Ajayi has to score 100% before being rated.

He does not, the highlighted is not an statement I made. He was rated, but rated about average. He has played two games in a row for Nigeria and was error prone in both. I simply said that between the three options, (Balogun, Ajayi and Omeruo) he is third of my list. You are free to disagree.

[kalani JR]

I would like to read Brazilian journos take on the match. Our own fans are denigrating our performance

Disappointed and wondering if they should fire the coach.

[Senator WIRES]

We are seriously "peppered" by Brazil

[Molue Conductor]

We are seriously "peppered" by Brazil

Dominated, but not peppered

[Dammy]

This is Brazil we are talking about, with some of the most fearful strikers in the world. IMO, Ajayi, had a very good game and being beaten once or twice against the awesome Brazilian attack, takes nothing away from him. Show me a defender in the world that will win all challenges against a team as strong as Brazil, then I will keep quiet.
Compare his performance to that of £80 million Harry Maguire and his multi million pound fellow defenders against unknown Czechs including a 30 year old debutant who ran rings around them puts Ajayi's performance against Brazil in proper perspective.
Even the highly rated Maquinhus and Thiago Silva were beaten to balls and misplaced some passes during the game and I don't understand why Ajayi has to score 100% before being rated.

He does not, the highlighted is not an statement I made. He was rated, but rated about average. He has played two games in a row for Nigeria and was error prone in both. I simply said that between the three options, (Balogun, Ajayi and Omeruo) he is third of my list. You are free to disagree.

Let's agree to disagree. Oluwasemilogo IMO was a colossus against Brazil. The evidence before my eyes that has watched football for over 40 years is enough for me.

[theYemster]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

What exactly were you expecting?

[cchinukw]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

What exactly were you expecting?

To flog this Brazilian team without Neymar for most of the match.

Unlike you, I expect my SE team to play to win. Not turn up to learn!

[Tobi17]

Not that it matters, but Ukraine (a team we nearly beat last month) just beat a Ronaldo led Portugal in the Euros 2020 qualifiers, they qualified from their group unbeaten... I know it was just a friendly when we met them... but in context, it still showed our team can on their day hang with some of the best teams in the world.

[charlie]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

What exactly were you expecting?

To flog this Brazilian team without Neymar for most of the match.

Unlike you, I expect my SE team to play to win. Not turn up to learn!

Ol boy, no one can ever acuse you of having realistic expectations.

Did you watch copa America? This same Brazil didnt need Neymar to trash most of South Americas big teams. And even when Neymar was injured, Coutinho stepped in and was the best player on the field for the rest of the game.

You expecting Nigeria to flog Brazil is just nonsensical.
Just saying.

[theYemster]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

What exactly were you expecting?

To flog this Brazilian team without Neymar for most of the match.

Unlike you, I expect my SE team to play to win. Not turn up to learn!

Flog?

Even without Neymar they had Continuo, Firminho, Jesus, Casemiro, Richarlison, Dani Alves, Ederson, Fabinho and Thiago Silva, all of whom position for position are arguably more established players than any of ours. Also don't forget they're currently both Olympic and Copa America champs.

Does that mean we couldn't/shouldn't try to win regardless? No. But you need to match your expectation with realty not hubris. Barely two years ago we couldn't qualify for back to back AFCONs, not to mention we were missing a few players as well including Uzoho which rightfully would make them more cautious knowing Okoye is playing his first game. Couldn't risk exposing him.

[cchinukw]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

What exactly were you expecting?

To flog this Brazilian team without Neymar for most of the match.

Unlike you, I expect my SE team to play to win. Not turn up to learn!

Flog?

Even without Neymar they had Continuo, Firminho, Jesus, Casemiro, Richarlison, Dani Alves, Ederson, Fabinho and Thiago Silva, all of whom position for position are arguably more established players than any of ours. Also don't forget they're currently both Olympic and Copa America champs.

Does that mean we couldn't/shouldn't try to win regardless? No. But you need to match your expectation with realty not hubris. Barely two years ago we couldn't qualify for back to back AFCONs, not to mention we were missing a few players as well including Uzoho which rightfully would make them more cautious knowing Okoye is playing his first game. Couldn't risk exposing him.

The same fantastic team that was beaten by Peru last month?

I am not talking of the Brazil of the COPA America. I am talking of the team that we played against this weekend. It was a much weakened side.

[theYemster]

Only the most disingenuous fan will look at this performance with any hint of positivity.

I mean look at the bloody stats and compare with our learning experience over 2 tournaments. Wtf has changed?

Absolutely nothing!

They had 20 shots on target. We had 9. We couldn't even keep a clean sheet after scoring first.

Goodluck with making an impact in any future competitions.

We ain't going nowhere near a trophy with our lifelong learning coach in charge.

What exactly were you expecting?

To flog this Brazilian team without Neymar for most of the match.

Unlike you, I expect my SE team to play to win. Not turn up to learn!

Flog?

Even without Neymar they had Continuo, Firminho, Jesus, Casemiro, Richarlison, Dani Alves, Ederson, Fabinho and Thiago Silva, all of whom position for position are arguably more established players than any of ours. Also don't forget they're currently both Olympic and Copa America champs.

Does that mean we couldn't/shouldn't try to win regardless? No. But you need to match your expectation with realty not hubris. Barely two years ago we couldn't qualify for back to back AFCONs, not to mention we were missing a few players as well including Uzoho which rightfully would make them more cautious knowing Okoye is playing his first game. Couldn't risk exposing him.

The same fantastic team that was beaten by Peru last month?

I am not talking of the Brazil of the COPA America. I am talking of the team that we played against this weekend. It was a much weakened side.

How was it much weakened? Because Neymar went out early?

I listed their players compared to ours. Position for position, which of our players is more established?

Interesting you conveniently ignored Peru's two blowout losses just prior to that narrow win.

This is not to absolve Rohr of criticism cos I believe he waited too long to make subs, but the notion that a draw was a horrible result is one that I refuse to accept.