WETIN MY EYE SEE FOR STADIUM

[deanotito]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

[airwolex]

. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

Bros...Modric was sublime especially in the second half. Some of his one time passes were incredible. But yes Etebo is Wilson Oruma reincarnated.

[ohenhen1]

The same Simy Nwankwo that didn't doanything DR Congo, oh please stop.

Give Ighalo a partner upfront. That is the solution we should explore.

[wanaj0]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

And you don't think it was the SE/Coach that made them look ordinary????

[Tbite]

The most dangerous Croatian player IMO was Rebic.

Modric was easily handled, even by Mikel! Rebic was something else, he pressed Nigerian into making silly errors and stiffled many of our attacks.

he is only 24 yars old and plays for Frankfurt. A wise team would get hold of him!

[Cellular]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

That is why when I hear about the pedigree of the Croatians I blow a gasket.

They actually respected our players and played cautiously.

I didn't see the vaunted Midfield

[Dammy]

Ighalo is finished at the top level. Watford realized that and offloaded him to China. He has been living off his goal against Cameroon for far too long .

[wanaj0]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

That is why when I hear about the pedigree of the Croatians I blow a gasket.

They actually respected our players and played cautiously.

I didn't see the vaunted Midfield

But 'WE' fans dont show respect! We think we are so good that we can beat any team even though our best players are playing in the Chinese league, our keeper is 19 year old 3rd choice keeper etc. What's the basis of our confidence?

[txj]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

That is why when I hear about the pedigree of the Croatians I blow a gasket.

They actually respected our players and played cautiously.

I didn't see the vaunted Midfield

Our people need to understand the game...

The game was played entirely on their terms and the focus was on avoiding having the game played in “disorder”, to echo Mascherano.

They played well within themselves until after the second goal when the Nigerian players abandoned all semblance of organization and went for self help...

[9jaMan]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

That is why when I hear about the pedigree of the Croatians I blow a gasket.

They actually respected our players and played cautiously.

I didn't see the vaunted Midfield

But 'WE' fans dont show respect! We think we are so good that we can beat any team even though our best players are playing in the Chinese league, our keeper is 19 year old 3rd choice keeper etc. What's the basis of our confidence?

Go look in your mirror and see what a coward looks like. The SE have always been giant killers, do your research.

[Oguleftie]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

.............. "Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close" .......
Are you serious; you mean you don't watch SE play?

[marko]

Nigeria lost due to concentration, thats how they lost since 1994 till 2018, does Nigeria have the mentality to turn a loss into winning its next 2 games? This is when you expect players to step up, i lost confidence after watching 15 mins of the england game, i still have not recovered, unless they have something up their sleeves, they will be out this time next week

[Cellular]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

That is why when I hear about the pedigree of the Croatians I blow a gasket.

They actually respected our players and played cautiously.

I didn't see the vaunted Midfield

Our people need to understand the game...

The game was played entirely on their terms and the focus was on avoiding having the game played in “disorder”, to echo Mascherano.

They played well within themselves until after the second goal when the Nigerian players abandoned all semblance of organization and went for self help...

Because they know the element our coach will bring. They were not made to play outside their comfort zone.

There are many ways to play this game. You can't outplay a style folks play at all levels of their football...

The sad realization is that the friendlies were indeed a true indication of how bad we are.

[mcal]

...I wonder what Victor Moses pecking order of free kick taking is at his club.
That at the national level he is our main fk taker.
I have never seen him take one at Chelsea.
Goes to show we are very mediocre in all departments.
Good in Africa, not at the world.

[Cellular]

1. I think Nigeria’s biggest problem is Ighalo’s inability to play as a lone striker. Being the first time I’ve seen him play up close, had a chance to see how he controlled the ball etc. Let’s just say that elite technical skills are lacking. I now see why he thrived partnering with Troy Deeney. He needs a foil. Without one, he gets crowded out while still trying to control the ball...and our moves essentially die at his legs. Simy seems technically more gifted so I say start with him.

2. Moses...I get what he’s trying to do. Win free kicks in dangerous areas...but his decision making is faulty. With such a strategy, you need to constantly optimize when to fall and when to stay on your feet. Let’s just say that his optimization is poor.

3. Etebo na baller. Probably MoM, albeit in a game where neither set of players covered themselves in glory.

4. Finally I have come to accept what many had accepted long time ago. This Mikel as playmaker thing does not work. He was slow and ponderous and the Croatians knew it. They attacked him quickly and dispossessed him A LOT while he’s trying to think up an attacking move. He needs to be back there...I am partial to Ndidi, but a Mikel-Etebo central/defensive partnership is more dynamic than a Mikel-Ndidi partnership. Etebo is a true all round midfielder. The only playmaker option we have is Iwobi, and so we should use him there.

5. Musa was a favorite of the Russians and he got a loud cheer but he had a hard time making good decisions. I was disappointed with his impact

6. For all the noise I have heard about Modric, Rakitic etc, they are eminently ordinary players. Again, Etebo was the best midfielder on that field.

7. We’re most likely out, but I say we go with 3-5-2 going forward. None of our defenders did bad in the run of play. In fact, they all did pretty well. Ekong screwed up mightily on the set pieces and I think he should be replaced. I would also replace Shehu with Ebuehi cause he overlaps better.

That is why when I hear about the pedigree of the Croatians I blow a gasket.

They actually respected our players and played cautiously.

I didn't see the vaunted Midfield

But 'WE' fans dont show respect! We think we are so good that we can beat any team even though our best players are playing in the Chinese league, our keeper is 19 year old 3rd choice keeper etc. What's the basis of our confidence?

Why not send Ghana?

Or even Togo?

Maybe send our local league players who will just be happy to be there and enjoy the atmosphere of participating in the World Cup.

I hate loser talk!

[jette1]

all of una are clueless; everyone desperately trying to sound like they know something

[scholl]

It’s simple. Nigeria sucks!! No quality and world class soccer IQ is lacking. I usually don’t comment on these but it’s been a decades since the opppsite was, generally, demonstrated by the SE.

Then comes in the so called fans, who spend their emotions, energy, time and money on top European club sides. They get accustomed to the quality and expect the same from the SE. It does not matter how you permutate or change the line up/formation, the squad has a depth... of mediocre players. Despite the reality in plain sight, a lot of you folks have overreaching expectations. TBH, Y’all are some deluded folks.

[Synopsis]

Ighalo is finished at the top level. Watford realized that and offloaded him to China. He has been living off his goal against Cameroon for far too long .

[Synopsis]

Besides the Cameroon game, what good has Ighalo done in a Nigeria Jersey?

Some people have forgotten that he was once dumped for Ideye Brown. I would prefer Brown as a lone striker. He doesn’t score but at least he contributes in other areas like involving others in the game. Ighalo just stands like a tree in an offside position.

[ohenhen1]

Ighalo is not the problem. You are not addressing the real problem.

[theYemster]

The same Simy Nwankwo that didn't doanything DR Congo, oh please stop.

Give Ighalo a partner upfront. That is the solution we should explore.

So what? Not everyone lights it up at their very first attempt.

[guest83]

all of una are clueless; everyone desperately trying to sound like they know something

I can't get enough of this forums. It's hilarious

[ohenhen1]

The same Simy Nwankwo that didn't doanything DR Congo, oh please stop.

Give Ighalo a partner upfront. That is the solution we should explore.

So what? Not everyone lights it up at their very first attempt.

We have to learn how to properly diagnose the disease before we can treat it.

Our problem is we don't play as a team offensively. We don't have enough creative players. We lack imagination. Ighalo is the scapegoat. While we choose not to address the real problems with the squad. Remove ighalo, play Iheanacho or Simy Nwanwkwo while choosing to play the same way we played against Croatia, nothing will improve.