SE moving forward to WCQ in June and Beyond.

[vancity eagle]

Congrats to our boys, this FIFA window has brought much joy in contrast to the last. So where is the team today after these 2 matches and what should be done moving forward towards World Cup qualifying in June.

We have established that Onuachu is a good option off the bench, he has finally come of age (we hope) it seems he is a clinical finisher, while not offering much else to the team play, but that in itself is a deadly weapon that needs to be used effectively.

Ebuehi finally played a match, and while he did well, it wasn't the great performance some are suggesting, I wanted more offensively to be honest.

Sanusi had an off day today, but he is our undisputed left back. With Aina's ability to also play LB, as far as I am concerned Jamilu Collins is surplus to requirements. He is not SE quality.

Ndidi is a certified baller, and has added some creativity to his game. The guy controlled the midfield, and frankly Rohr needs to find a deputy, in case of injury or suspension, because we will suffer without him. Rohr needs to look at Yusuf AlHassan or even some of the top DM's or combatative 2 way midfielders in the NPFL.

We have not figured out our best system, and what is good is that Rohr has experimented with 433, 352, and 442, and I think it will be good if our team can change system depending on opponents or the personnel available.

433 : Our most used system, which allows Iwobi to play #10 however does not utilize the number of deadly strikers at our disposal

442: Brings in the extra striker, however both Iwobi and Chukwueze are much worse in this system than in a 433. Iwobi isn't as good on the wings, and Chukwueze is further away from goal and starts to run into culdesacs.

352: IMO this may be our best formation currently, as we can utilize the Nacho Osimehn pairing without compromising Iwobis central attacking position. We can also utilize an extra CB as we have plenty of them. Only downside is we may lose out on Chuks, Kalu, etc.

Rohr needs to figure out which system is best. I'm really not sold on this 442, I think it will be a disaster against stronger teams as well as the midfield will be lightweight. The 352 can allow Iwobi to do most of the creating and Ndidi and Aribo or Etebo can sit back more and put more emphasis on defending.


Going forward IMO, Troost Ekong must be benched. He is a disaster waiting to happen. It doesn't help that he and Musa are captain and vice captain, because those are the 2 weakest links at the moment, and Rohr is too sentimental. Ndidi personally should be made captain.


If I were the NFF I would look to play an additional 1 or 2 friendlies this summer to test out some players like Sadiq Umar, Alhassan Yusuf, and new arrivals like Ejaria, Lookman, Olise etc. Things are going to get very competative when those 3 are finally cleared.

All in all I am happy with the progress of the team. Haters can hug transformers, the team is looking good, but still needs tweaking. We will get there.

[vancity eagle]

God willing all players are healthy and approved by FIFA I will like to see the following players called


STRIKERS

Victor Osimehn
Kelechi Iheanacho
Paul Onuachu
Sadiq Umar

WIDE FORWARDS

Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Kalu
Ademola Lookman
Moses Simon
Paul Mukairu

MIDFIELDERS

Alex Iwobi
Michael Olise
Ovie Ejaria
Joe Aribo
Wilfred Ndidi
Etebo
AlHassan Yusuf

DEFENDERS

Leon Balogun
Kevin Akpoguma
Troost Ekong
Semi Ajayi
Chidozie Awaziem
Ola Aina
Tyrone Ebuehi
Zaidu Salisu

GOALKEEPERS

Maduka Okoye
Francis Uzoho
Yakubu

[Tobi17]

Enough said

[ohenhen1]

Need to fix the defense. Uzoho should be the starting goalkeeper. Need to be creative and efficient going forward. The Eagles have actually regressed from the last Afcon.

[Tobi17]

God willing all players are healthy and approved by FIFA I will like to see the following players called


STRIKERS

Victor Osimehn
Kelechi Iheanacho
Paul Onuachu
Sadiq Umar

WIDE FORWARDS

Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Kalu
Ademola Lookman
Moses Simon
Paul Mukairu

MIDFIELDERS

Alex Iwobi
Michael Olise
Ovie Ejaria
Joe Aribo
Wilfred Ndidi
Etebo
AlHassan Yusuf

DEFENDERS

Leon Balogun
Kevin Akpoguma
Troost Ekong
Semi Ajayi
Chidozie Awaziem
Ola Aina
Tyrone Ebuehi
Zaidu Salisu

GOALKEEPERS

Maduka Okoye
Francis Uzoho
Yakubu

Olise and Ejaria will bring some quality creativity to the team no doubt, enough defence splitting passes to the wide forwards and Center-forwards to pounce on.

The problem however is that defence, I can't trust Ekong against the top European and South American teams we will face in the world cup should we qualify... maybe Akpoguma can be the upgrade over Ekong but it remains to be seen.

[Tobi17]

Need to fix the defense. Uzoho should be the starting goalkeeper. Need to be creative and efficient going forward. The Eagles have actually regressed from the last Afcon.

The lack of creativity especially in the midfield should be addressed when Ejaria and Olise join. Also remember that we play up to the level of the oppositions we will face in the world cup, then factor in the quality pitches, atmosphere etc that will make our football better.

[vancity eagle]

God willing all players are healthy and approved by FIFA I will like to see the following players called


STRIKERS

Victor Osimehn
Kelechi Iheanacho
Paul Onuachu
Sadiq Umar

WIDE FORWARDS

Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Kalu
Ademola Lookman
Moses Simon
Paul Mukairu

MIDFIELDERS

Alex Iwobi
Michael Olise
Ovie Ejaria
Joe Aribo
Wilfred Ndidi
Etebo
AlHassan Yusuf

DEFENDERS

Leon Balogun
Kevin Akpoguma
Troost Ekong
Semi Ajayi
Chidozie Awaziem
Ola Aina
Tyrone Ebuehi
Zaidu Salisu

GOALKEEPERS

Maduka Okoye
Francis Uzoho
Yakubu

Olise and Ejaria will bring some quality creativity to the team no doubt, enough defence splitting passes to the wide forwards and Center-forwards to pounce on.

The problem however is that defence, I can't trust Ekong against the top European and South American teams we will face in the world cup should we qualify... maybe Akpoguma can be the upgrade over Ekong but it remains to be seen.

Rohr is just so stubborn in many ways.

Akpoguma should never smell that RB position, and he should be used to partner Balogun, but again stubborn Rohr will not bench his vice captain.

[ohenhen1]

Uzoho is more composed in goal.

Ebeuhi is better than Aina. Hopefully he can take the next step in his development. Ebuehi is a defender first. He did his job.

Ekong has lost a step. It is time to look for a replacement.

Balogun is getting old. He has at most 1 to 2 year remaining.

Sanusi need to get better defensively

Aribo should be allowed to attack more
Ndidi is great.
Need a creative midfielder. Iheanacho can't do it. Iwobi is not the answer. Move him to the wings.

Chukwuze need to look to pass first. Maybe do some team building activities to build chemistry among the strikers. Sometimes they play like they haven't practiced together. Also some selfish na me score am is on display.

[Dammy]

My observations from yesterday's match in Port Novo. It was a very dominant performance from the SE and fully deserving of victory. Rohr seems to be listening to criticism and the SE played to Onuachu's strengths for once by sending balls into the box.
I think we really need to get Ehizibue, Adarabioyo, Adedamola Lookman and one of Olise/ Ejaria and we are set. Just watching Zaidu on the left, with his pace, power and crosses reminds me of what Ehizibue can do on the right side. Imagine if we had 2 full-backs like that?
We need CDs who can carry the ball forward and this is where Adarabioyo comes in. Balogun did it late in the game yesterday and that put added pressure on Benin's defence. I hope we can get the right people to talk to this players and convince them to play for Nigeria. It shouldn't be too difficult.
This was my observations after the first match on Saturday.
After, the 2nd match against Lesotho I believe Onuachu has staked a claim for the big man role, Simy and Sadiq have their work cut out. I foresee all 3 making big moves in the summer and that would further complicate Rohr's work.
I will not bash Ekong especially after the shenanigans of Tomori and Adarabioyo and hopefully Watford can get promoted to the EPL. I believe that level would add to his game.
Kelechi Iheanacho, over the 2 matches was selfless and sacrificed himself for the team. He created scoring opportunities for the strikers especially Osimhen. I would like to see that combination in a tougher match.
I hope Rohr keeps an open mind about the goalkeeping situation as Uzoho looked more assured than Okoye IMO.
All in all, we have the foundation to build on for the future.

[olu]

I like 3-5-2 or 4-2-1-3. I agree we definitely need two CMs with an AM above them when we are playing a high pressing or more offensive team. I don't think a 4-4-2 would work against the likes of Brazil, Spain, Germany, Algeria, Senegal, etc.

If we play a 3-5-2, we could probably even move Aina or Awazeim to RCB in the back 3 since they are both good passers and are comfortable on the ball, and will make playing out from the back easier. In a 3-5-2 we could play Zaidu or Simon as the LWB and Ebuehi or even Kalu as the RWB.

I also like 3-5-2 because it gives us the chance to continue to play Osimhen and Kelechi up top but doesn't sacrifice defensive shape.

[olu]

With all the attention Olise is getting from big clubs, I'll be surprised if France doesn't snap him up. The NFF needs to get its act together and get his switch sorted out.

[Damunk]

With all the attention Olise is getting from big clubs, I'll be surprised if France doesn't snap him up. The NFF needs to get its act together and get his switch sorted out.

Damn.
Man City, Bayern, West Ham and Chelsea all reported in the last three days to be on the hunt for the kid.
I said it ooooooo.......its gonna be a real coup if we win this one. A genuine creative midfield talent destined for the very top.

Ibitoye sounded pretty confident during our zoom meeting, but you just never know.
It's not done till it's done.
Chai. Diaris God sha.

[Tobi17]

With all the attention Olise is getting from big clubs, I'll be surprised if France doesn't snap him up. The NFF needs to get its act together and get his switch sorted out.

Damn.
Man City, Bayern, West Ham and Chelsea all reported in the last three days to be on the hunt for the kid.
I said it ooooooo.......its gonna be a real coup if we win this one. A genuine creative midfield talent destined for the very top.

Ibitoye sounded pretty confident during our zoom meeting, but you just never know.
It's not done till it's done.
Chai. Diaris God sha.

The way I see it now, we are 100% certain of getting Ademola and Ejaria... Micheal Olise is a very fluid one at the moment and for good reasons... I see France perching on the kid soon.

[Next]

With all the attention Olise is getting from big clubs, I'll be surprised if France doesn't snap him up. The NFF needs to get its act together and get his switch sorted out.

Damn.
Man City, Bayern, West Ham and Chelsea all reported in the last three days to be on the hunt for the kid.
I said it ooooooo.......its gonna be a real coup if we win this one. A genuine creative midfield talent destined for the very top.

Ibitoye sounded pretty confident during our zoom meeting, but you just never know.
It's not done till it's done.
Chai. Diaris God sha.

The way I see it now, we are 100% certain of getting Ademola and Ejaria... Micheal Olise is a very fluid one at the moment and for good reasons... I see France perching on the kid soon.

I think I posted it last week or so(can't remember on which thread here) and he has already made up his mind that he wants to play for the SE. In fact the French U23 coach tried to talk him over but according to him, he told him he ain't changing his mind. That was last week. So anything could have happened between then and now!!

[ANC]

With all the attention Olise is getting from big clubs, I'll be surprised if France doesn't snap him up. The NFF needs to get its act together and get his switch sorted out.

Damn.
Man City, Bayern, West Ham and Chelsea all reported in the last three days to be on the hunt for the kid.
I said it ooooooo.......its gonna be a real coup if we win this one. A genuine creative midfield talent destined for the very top.

Ibitoye sounded pretty confident during our zoom meeting, but you just never know.
It's not done till it's done.
Chai. Diaris God sha.

The way I see it now, we are 100% certain of getting Ademola and Ejaria... Micheal Olise is a very fluid one at the moment and for good reasons... I see France perching on the kid soon.

I think I posted it last week or so(can't remember on which thread here) and he has already made up his mind that he wants to play for the SE. In fact the French U23 coach tried to talk him over but according to him, he told him he ain't changing his mind. That was last week. So anything could have happened between then and now!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBeoZancCF0[/video]

He is good, but I dont see him benching Iwobi or Aribo

[Damunk]

With all the attention Olise is getting from big clubs, I'll be surprised if France doesn't snap him up. The NFF needs to get its act together and get his switch sorted out.

Damn.
Man City, Bayern, West Ham and Chelsea all reported in the last three days to be on the hunt for the kid.
I said it ooooooo.......its gonna be a real coup if we win this one. A genuine creative midfield talent destined for the very top.

Ibitoye sounded pretty confident during our zoom meeting, but you just never know.
It's not done till it's done.
Chai. Diaris God sha.

The way I see it now, we are 100% certain of getting Ademola and Ejaria... Micheal Olise is a very fluid one at the moment and for good reasons... I see France perching on the kid soon.

I think I posted it last week or so(can't remember on which thread here) and he has already made up his mind that he wants to play for the SE. In fact the French U23 coach tried to talk him over but according to him, he told him he ain't changing his mind. That was last week. So anything could have happened between then and now!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBeoZancCF0[/video]

He is good, but I don't see him benching Iwobi or Aribo

Iwobi and Aribo that are already under threat of being benched by what we already have? Even Anayo could bench Iwobi depending on the type of game. That for me is the beauty of having options and a strong bench.

This Olise kid...hmmm.
If the hype is true and he continues to develop as he gets older, he is the kind of player you build a team around. Already he is something else and Nigerians would love him. Him sef no go believe.

I just don't want to get caught up in the high expectations right now becos they say when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Congrats to our boys, this FIFA window has brought much joy in contrast to the last. So where is the team today after these 2 matches and what should be done moving forward towards World Cup qualifying in June.

We have established that Onuachu is a good option off the bench, he has finally come of age (we hope) it seems he is a clinical finisher, while not offering much else to the team play, but that in itself is a deadly weapon that needs to be used effectively.

Ebuehi finally played a match, and while he did well, it wasn't the great performance some are suggesting, I wanted more offensively to be honest.

Sanusi had an off day today, but he is our undisputed left back. With Aina's ability to also play LB, as far as I am concerned Jamilu Collins is surplus to requirements. He is not SE quality.

Ndidi is a certified baller, and has added some creativity to his game. The guy controlled the midfield, and frankly Rohr needs to find a deputy, in case of injury or suspension, because we will suffer without him. Rohr needs to look at Yusuf AlHassan or even some of the top DM's or combatative 2 way midfielders in the NPFL.

We have not figured out our best system, and what is good is that Rohr has experimented with 433, 352, and 442, and I think it will be good if our team can change system depending on opponents or the personnel available.

433 : Our most used system, which allows Iwobi to play #10 however does not utilize the number of deadly strikers at our disposal

442: Brings in the extra striker, however both Iwobi and Chukwueze are much worse in this system than in a 433. Iwobi isn't as good on the wings, and Chukwueze is further away from goal and starts to run into culdesacs.

352: IMO this may be our best formation currently, as we can utilize the Nacho Osimehn pairing without compromising Iwobis central attacking position. We can also utilize an extra CB as we have plenty of them. Only downside is we may lose out on Chuks, Kalu, etc.

Rohr needs to figure out which system is best. I'm really not sold on this 442, I think it will be a disaster against stronger teams as well as the midfield will be lightweight. The 352 can allow Iwobi to do most of the creating and Ndidi and Aribo or Etebo can sit back more and put more emphasis on defending.


Going forward IMO, Troost Ekong must be benched. He is a disaster waiting to happen. It doesn't help that he and Musa are captain and vice captain, because those are the 2 weakest links at the moment, and Rohr is too sentimental. Ndidi personally should be made captain.


If I were the NFF I would look to play an additional 1 or 2 friendlies this summer to test out some players like Sadiq Umar, Alhassan Yusuf, and new arrivals like Ejaria, Lookman, Olise etc. Things are going to get very competative when those 3 are finally cleared.

All in all I am happy with the progress of the team. Haters can hug transformers, the team is looking good, but still needs tweaking. We will get there.

Sound analysis. Unfortunately, Rohr is still playing the 2018 World Cup at the moment.

Our best 11 would be:

************************Osimhen*************************

************Lookman****************Kalu****************

****************************Ebere*************************

*************Aribo*****************Ndidi******************

***Sanusi****Adarabioyo*****Awaziem****Ebuehi****

*****************************Okoye***************************

Subs:
Francis Uzoho
Yakubu Matthew
Ola Aina
Calvin Bassey
Felix Akpoguma
Leon Balogun
Oghene Etebo
Alhassan Yusuf
Alex Iwobi
Paul Onuachu
Samuel Chukwueze
Kelechi Iheanacho

[ohenhen1]

-----------------------Uzoho------------------------------
Ebuehi---- Awaziem-----Akpoguma/Adekunle------- Sanusi
---------------------------Ndidi----------------------------

------------Anayo------------------------Aribo---------------------

---Chukwuze-----------Osimhen--------Iheanacho---

Maybe too late to replace Balogun and Ekong before World cup qualifiers. But there has got to be plan in place to find replacements. They have lost a step or two and will be a liability against faster, more creative strikers. Can't go to the World cup with Balogun and Ekong starting for Nigeria, it would be a disaster.

[ANC]

-----------------------Uzoho------------------------------
Ebuehi---- Awaziem-----Akpoguma/Adekunle------- Sanusi
---------------------------Ndidi----------------------------

------------Anayo------------------------Aribo---------------------

---Chukwuze-----------Osimhen--------Iheanacho---

Maybe too late to replace Balogun and Ekong before World cup qualifiers. But there has got to be plan in place to find replacements. They have lost a step or two and will be a liability against faster, more creative strikers. Can't go to the World cup with Balogun and Ekong starting for Nigeria, it would be a disaster.

Balogun is suspect when it comes to speed, but the man has a way of properly positioning himself. He should start. Ekong, I am not a fan of. Awaziem should be ahead of him! Aina should be ahead of Sanusi any day!

[Ayo Akinfe]

Wait until we face teams that play the high press and Balogun and Ekong have to play the ball out of the back. That is when we will realise their limitations. This team is going nowhere with Rohr and his conservatism. He is still playing the 2018 World Cup in 2021!

[ohenhen1]

-----------------------Uzoho------------------------------
Ebuehi---- Awaziem-----Akpoguma/Adekunle------- Sanusi
---------------------------Ndidi----------------------------

------------Anayo------------------------Aribo---------------------

---Chukwuze-----------Osimhen--------Iheanacho---

Maybe too late to replace Balogun and Ekong before World cup qualifiers. But there has got to be plan in place to find replacements. They have lost a step or two and will be a liability against faster, more creative strikers. Can't go to the World cup with Balogun and Ekong starting for Nigeria, it would be a disaster.

Balogun is suspect when it comes to speed, but the man has a way of properly positioning himself. He should start. Ekong, I am not a fan of. Awaziem should be ahead of him! Aina should be ahead of Sanusi any day!

What is Balogun age?

[gochino]

With all the attention Olise is getting from big clubs, I'll be surprised if France doesn't snap him up. The NFF needs to get its act together and get his switch sorted out.

Damn.
Man City,
Bayern, West Ham and Chelsea all reported in the last three days to be on the hunt for the kid.
I said it ooooooo.......its gonna be a real coup if we win this one. A genuine creative midfield talent destined for the very top.

Ibitoye sounded pretty confident during our zoom meeting, but you just never know.
It's not done till it's done.
Chai. Diaris God sha.

The way I see it now, we are 100% certain of getting Ademola and Ejaria... Micheal Olise is a very fluid one at the moment and for good reasons... I see France perching on the kid soon.

I think I posted it last week or so(can't remember on which thread here) and he has already made up his mind that he wants to play for the SE. In fact the French U23 coach tried to talk him over but according to him, he told him he ain't changing his mind. That was last week. So anything could have happened between then and now!!

Why is he so quiet about the whole thing sef? According to own goal he dodged the question when asked about it in a recent interview.

[Tobi17]

Congrats to our boys, this FIFA window has brought much joy in contrast to the last. So where is the team today after these 2 matches and what should be done moving forward towards World Cup qualifying in June.

We have established that Onuachu is a good option off the bench, he has finally come of age (we hope) it seems he is a clinical finisher, while not offering much else to the team play, but that in itself is a deadly weapon that needs to be used effectively.

Ebuehi finally played a match, and while he did well, it wasn't the great performance some are suggesting, I wanted more offensively to be honest.

Sanusi had an off day today, but he is our undisputed left back. With Aina's ability to also play LB, as far as I am concerned Jamilu Collins is surplus to requirements. He is not SE quality.

Ndidi is a certified baller, and has added some creativity to his game. The guy controlled the midfield, and frankly Rohr needs to find a deputy, in case of injury or suspension, because we will suffer without him. Rohr needs to look at Yusuf AlHassan or even some of the top DM's or combatative 2 way midfielders in the NPFL.

We have not figured out our best system, and what is good is that Rohr has experimented with 433, 352, and 442, and I think it will be good if our team can change system depending on opponents or the personnel available.

433 : Our most used system, which allows Iwobi to play #10 however does not utilize the number of deadly strikers at our disposal

442: Brings in the extra striker, however both Iwobi and Chukwueze are much worse in this system than in a 433. Iwobi isn't as good on the wings, and Chukwueze is further away from goal and starts to run into culdesacs.

352: IMO this may be our best formation currently, as we can utilize the Nacho Osimehn pairing without compromising Iwobis central attacking position. We can also utilize an extra CB as we have plenty of them. Only downside is we may lose out on Chuks, Kalu, etc.

Rohr needs to figure out which system is best. I'm really not sold on this 442, I think it will be a disaster against stronger teams as well as the midfield will be lightweight. The 352 can allow Iwobi to do most of the creating and Ndidi and Aribo or Etebo can sit back more and put more emphasis on defending.


Going forward IMO, Troost Ekong must be benched. He is a disaster waiting to happen. It doesn't help that he and Musa are captain and vice captain, because those are the 2 weakest links at the moment, and Rohr is too sentimental. Ndidi personally should be made captain.


If I were the NFF I would look to play an additional 1 or 2 friendlies this summer to test out some players like Sadiq Umar, Alhassan Yusuf, and new arrivals like Ejaria, Lookman, Olise etc. Things are going to get very competative when those 3 are finally cleared.

All in all I am happy with the progress of the team. Haters can hug transformers, the team is looking good, but still needs tweaking. We will get there.

Sound analysis. Unfortunately, Rohr is still playing the 2018 World Cup at the moment.

Our best 11 would be:

************************Osimhen*************************

************Lookman****************Kalu****************

****************************Ebere*************************

*************Aribo*****************Ndidi******************

***Sanusi****Adarabioyo*****Awaziem****Ebuehi****

*****************************Okoye***************************

Subs:
Francis Uzoho
Yakubu Matthew
Ola Aina
Calvin Bassey
Felix Akpoguma
Leon Balogun
Oghene Etebo
Alhassan Yusuf
Alex Iwobi
Paul Onuachu
Samuel Chukwueze
Kelechi Iheanacho

Ayo.

The Ebere ship has sailed already, his heart and soul is with England, and in the event he sees he has no chance of making the England world squad (as is likely to be the case), he will definitely start to romance Naija but he will have to earn his place by fighting for a shirt! personally I feel Olise is more talented than Ebere even though I wouldn't mind both players donning the gwg on the evidence of their qualities.