TEAM LIST OUT FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS.

[Cellular]

The mistake Awaziem made was caused by indicipline by the defence starting with Nwabali. They were trying to act like they are Man City, passing the ball around the 18 with opposing players within 5 feet of the ball. We were even lucky Mali did not have players like Osimhen that puts serious pressure on the defence. I hope Finidi fixes this or we will concede more goal from pressure by opponents.

Having said that, whom would you have invited in his place, with Ekong and Omeruo out injured? Sometimes, experience matters. Rohr learnt this the hard way trying to play all young and inexperienced player against the same South Africa in Abuja.

Here's my IX(3-5-2):

Nwabali
Bassey (LCD)
Awazeim (CD)
Ajayi (RCD)
Yusuf (DM)
Ndidi (DM)
Iwobi (AM)
Osayi-Samuel (LWB)
Tella (RWB)
Osihmen(CF)
Lookman (CF)

Awaziem shouldn't have been invited much more start.
I keep telling you guys if you watch games without knowing the names of the players you will see players who routinely play like they don't belong but for some reason because of their name, they keep getting invited and even playing.

Imagine if it was Tanimu that made the mistake Awaziem made. Do you think he will be invited back?
Do you think if it was Tanimu that was clearing the ball anyhow and into touch he will be invited back?
Or can't pass out of the back?
Could Awaziem have been able to recover and track down a striker who was about to score?

Oga, the problem wasn't playing the ball from the back but I was shocked a professional player will make the kind of cardinal error Awaziem made in that game. It is not the first time he makes such mundane error. He is too casual for me. He switches off at times.

[ohenhen1]

All players make mistakes. Even Ekong has made mistakes in the past while playing for Nigeria. The ocah obviously likes him. Will build him up after the mistake. Players appreaciate that from their manager.

[1naija]

The highlight is still there na. Even the game thread is there also. You have to look beyond the end result sometimes.

BTW, what unprofessional mistake did he make. Is an own goal an unprofessional mistake? He tripped while trying to get rid of the ball causing the ball to fall to the Mali player. I am not making excuses for him, but it wasn't as bad as it looked when you watch it closely.

The mistake Awaziem made was caused by indicipline by the defence starting with Nwabali. They were trying to act like they are Man City, passing the ball around the 18 with opposing players within 5 feet of the ball. We were even lucky Mali did not have players like Osimhen that puts serious pressure on the defence. I hope Finidi fixes this or we will concede more goal from pressure by opponents.

Having said that, whom would you have invited in his place, with Ekong and Omeruo out injured? Sometimes, experience matters. Rohr learnt this the hard way trying to play all young and inexperienced player against the same South Africa in Abuja.

Here's my IX(3-5-2):

Nwabali
Bassey (LCD)
Awazeim (CD)
Ajayi (RCD)
Yusuf (DM)
Ndidi (DM)
Iwobi (AM)
Osayi-Samuel (LWB)
Tella (RWB)
Osihmen(CF)
Lookman (CF)

Awaziem shouldn't have been invited much more start.
I keep telling you guys if you watch games without knowing the names of the players you will see players who routinely play like they don't belong but for some reason because of their name, they keep getting invited and even playing.

Imagine if it was Tanimu that made the mistake Awaziem made. Do you think he will be invited back?
Do you think if it was Tanimu that was clearing the ball anyhow and into touch he will be invited back?
Or can't pass out of the back?
Could Awaziem have been able to recover and track down a striker who was about to score?

Oga, the problem wasn't playing the ball from the back but I was shocked a professional player will make the kind of cardinal error Awaziem made in that game. It is not the first time he makes such mundane error. He is too casual for me. He switches off at times.

[wiseone]

Very solid list. The best and most logical SE list in a long time. I am glad that Moffi was included. Is Bruno Onyemaechi injured?

[txj]

Okoye

Awazien Ajayi Bassey

Osayi. . Iwob....ndidi onyeka ..Tella

Vic. Lookman

Okoye in goal? It ain't happening, bros. You think say dis na friendly? No sane manager will do that unless Nwabali is injured. Okoye has to chop bench for a short while.

EII,

You do know that CE is chuck full of uniquely unrealistic people and ideas. Haven’t you noticed that most CEs are projecting Tella as a starter over Iheanacho. Does anyone really believe that’s what Finidi would do


Cheers.

So you would play Nacho as a wing back over Tella just because he is senior man ?

I know Finidi is not that stupid.

Finidi is not at all stupid and the wide man in a 4-3-3 is not a wing back. You are advocating that Lookman should play wide left in the 4-3-3. Since when did Lookman become a wing back? You are just desperately losing yourself in your ignorance and mindless bias


Cheers.

But Iheanacho is not a wide player. In a 4-3-3 there's no question he's better suited to start over Kele...

That is your opinion and yours alone. Iheanacho has played the wide attacking role for both Leicester and Nigeria even though he’s more comfortable in the support striker and line lead roles. Nathan Tella has only played a bit part for Bayer Leverkusen. No coach worth his salt would start Tella over Nacho in any conceivable role. Take that to the bank


Cheers.

The facts are clear for anyone who follows and understands the game. Kele has never been effective at the senior level in a wide role. Never!

And anyone who says Tella has only played a bit part role for Leverkusen clearly doesn't know what they are talking about.

[Dammy]

Okoye in goal? It ain't happening, bros. You think say dis na friendly? No sane manager will do that unless Nwabali is injured. Okoye has to chop bench for a short while.

EII,

You do know that CE is chuck full of uniquely unrealistic people and ideas. Haven’t you noticed that most CEs are projecting Tella as a starter over Iheanacho. Does anyone really believe that’s what Finidi would do


Cheers.

So you would play Nacho as a wing back over Tella just because he is senior man ?

I know Finidi is not that stupid.

Finidi is not at all stupid and the wide man in a 4-3-3 is not a wing back. You are advocating that Lookman should play wide left in the 4-3-3. Since when did Lookman become a wing back? You are just desperately losing yourself in your ignorance and mindless bias


Cheers.

But Iheanacho is not a wide player. In a 4-3-3 there's no question he's better suited to start over Kele...

That is your opinion and yours alone. Iheanacho has played the wide attacking role for both Leicester and Nigeria even though he’s more comfortable in the support striker and line lead roles. Nathan Tella has only played a bit part for Bayer Leverkusen. No coach worth his salt would start Tella over Nacho in any conceivable role. Take that to the bank


Cheers.

The facts are clear for anyone who follows and understands the game. Kele has never been effective at the senior level in a wide role. Never!

And anyone who says Tella has only played a bit part role for Leverkusen clearly doesn't know what they are talking about.

Is Tella not a substitute at Leverkusen? How many matches did he start? He came on with 5 minutes to go when his club were already 3 goals down in the Europa League final and was brought on in injury time yesterday against Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final, if that is not bit part please explain the meaning, so I can understand what you’re talking about

[Otitokoro]

Oh, with the exception of Okoye, right?
The epitome of hypocrisy on your part.

All players make mistakes. Even Ekong has made mistakes in the past while playing for Nigeria. The ocah obviously likes him. Will build him up after the mistake. Players appreaciate that from their manager.

[TonyTheTigerKiller]

EII,

You do know that CE is chuck full of uniquely unrealistic people and ideas. Haven’t you noticed that most CEs are projecting Tella as a starter over Iheanacho. Does anyone really believe that’s what Finidi would do


Cheers.

So you would play Nacho as a wing back over Tella just because he is senior man ?

I know Finidi is not that stupid.

Finidi is not at all stupid and the wide man in a 4-3-3 is not a wing back. You are advocating that Lookman should play wide left in the 4-3-3. Since when did Lookman become a wing back? You are just desperately losing yourself in your ignorance and mindless bias


Cheers.

But Iheanacho is not a wide player. In a 4-3-3 there's no question he's better suited to start over Kele...

That is your opinion and yours alone. Iheanacho has played the wide attacking role for both Leicester and Nigeria even though he’s more comfortable in the support striker and line lead roles. Nathan Tella has only played a bit part for Bayer Leverkusen. No coach worth his salt would start Tella over Nacho in any conceivable role. Take that to the bank


Cheers.

The facts are clear for anyone who follows and understands the game. Kele has never been effective at the senior level in a wide role. Never!

And anyone who says Tella has only played a bit part role for Leverkusen clearly doesn't know what they are talking about.

Is Tella not a substitute at Leverkusen? How many matches did he start? He came on with 5 minutes to go when his club were already 3 goals down in the Europa League final and was brought on in injury time yesterday against Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final, if that is not bit part please explain the meaning, so I can understand what you’re talking about

You do know that txj’s calling card is to belittle anyone who has a different opinion from his. To him, Tella’s 2 minutes here and 5 minutes there for Bayer Leverkusen is proof that he should be starting over the 2nd highest active SuperEagles goal scorer


Cheers.

[ANC]

My line up; 4321


-----------------VO9
----Ademola-------Kelechi/Boniface
--------------Iwobi
-------NDIDI-----Frank/?
Samuel---Bassey--Ajayi--Sadiq
-----------Nwabali


I really do not fancy Kelechi, but for his finishing ability.
Nigeria need to get Olise (i have not really seen him play), and your attack and midfield would be first rate.

[txj]

EII,

You do know that CE is chuck full of uniquely unrealistic people and ideas. Haven’t you noticed that most CEs are projecting Tella as a starter over Iheanacho. Does anyone really believe that’s what Finidi would do


Cheers.

So you would play Nacho as a wing back over Tella just because he is senior man ?

I know Finidi is not that stupid.

Finidi is not at all stupid and the wide man in a 4-3-3 is not a wing back. You are advocating that Lookman should play wide left in the 4-3-3. Since when did Lookman become a wing back? You are just desperately losing yourself in your ignorance and mindless bias


Cheers.

But Iheanacho is not a wide player. In a 4-3-3 there's no question he's better suited to start over Kele...

That is your opinion and yours alone. Iheanacho has played the wide attacking role for both Leicester and Nigeria even though he’s more comfortable in the support striker and line lead roles. Nathan Tella has only played a bit part for Bayer Leverkusen. No coach worth his salt would start Tella over Nacho in any conceivable role. Take that to the bank


Cheers.

The facts are clear for anyone who follows and understands the game. Kele has never been effective at the senior level in a wide role. Never!

And anyone who says Tella has only played a bit part role for Leverkusen clearly doesn't know what they are talking about.

Is Tella not a substitute at Leverkusen? How many matches did he start? He came on with 5 minutes to go when his club were already 3 goals down in the Europa League final and was brought on in injury time yesterday against Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final, if that is not bit part please explain the meaning, so I can understand what you’re talking about

He's not a bit part player at Leverkusen. He played in 24 games in the Bundesliga. That's not a bit part role

[ohenhen1]

Oh, with the exception of Okoye, right?
The epitome of hypocrisy on your part.

All players make mistakes. Even Ekong has made mistakes in the past while playing for Nigeria. The ocah obviously likes him. Will build him up after the mistake. Players appreaciate that from their manager.

Okoye was having problems with his passport. Looks like he fixed that problem.

[ohenhen1]

Very solid list. The best and most logical SE list in a long time. I am glad that Moffi was included. Is Bruno Onyemaechi injured?

I agree solid list. The only problem is the defense depth. No natual left back.

[ohenhen1]

I don't expect to see Iheanacho starting. He has not been playing for his club and he wan't a starter at last Afcon. But who knows Kele could ball out in training. He has the talent to do that.
Chukwuze too has the talent to hit a good streak. The same streak Lookman is currently on.

[ANC]

[ohenhen1]

Nathan Tella does look like a wing back in a 352 formation. He can play both left or right wing back.

[Damunk]

Where did this list emanate from?
Neither the NFF nor the SE official media channels have posted this.
Cos from the list above, we don't have anyone on the left side of defence or he's planning to play Bassey as LB?

This is the real question.
Even the link provided by the OP doesn’t lead to the story.
E be like the list is 4-One-9.

[Damunk]

Where did this list emanate from?
Neither the NFF nor the SE official media channels have posted this.
Cos from the list above, we don't have anyone on the left side of defence or he's planning to play Bassey as LB?

This is the real question.
Even the link provided by the OP doesn’t lead to the story.
E be like the list is 4-One-9.

Okay, thanks Damunk.

[ohenhen1]

They should drop one striker and add a natural left back.

[Dammy]

I’m currently watching the Scottish FA Cup final between arch rivals Rangers and Celtic.
Leon Balogun is having his good game for Rangers and I believe he should be called up to replace the injured experienced duo of Omeruo and Ekong as a stop gap over the 2 WCQs.
He’s experienced, played well with Bassey at Rangers, injury fee and in form. It’s a no brainier

There is no need to recall Balogun, there are a lot of defenders that deserve a call up like:
- Igoh Ogbu
- Olisa Ndah
- Jordan Torunarigha
- Gabriel Osho (i read he is elegible)

It’s meant to be a stop gap for the 2 WCQs. Balogun is not new to the team and he will plug the experience gap in the central defence.
He’s fit and in form, so it should be a shoo in

Balogun has just been given a new one year contract by Glasgow Rangers

[ANC]

They should drop one striker and add a natural left back.

Wow, they listened to you.

[Paveman]

I’m surprised no one has mentioned Kingsley Ehizibue given all the injuries in defence. He has been very solid both as a central defender and as a right wing back in Serie A, especially since Cannavaro took over Udinese (who should know a thing or two about defending). He was also switched to LwB at times when required.

[Dammy]

I’m surprised no one has mentioned Kingsley Ehizibue given all the injuries in defence. He has been very solid both as a central defender and as a right wing back in Serie A, especially since Cannavaro took over Udinese (who should know a thing or two about defending). He was also switched to LwB at times when required.

I didn’t know that Ehizibue played at central defence! That’s a bonus for us as we are short of quality central defenders but my fear is that we don’t seem to be interested in foreign born players under Finidi like we used to in the past.
The likes of Ehizibue and the Werder Bremen LWB have publicly indicated their interest in playing for Nigeria but there doesn’t appear to be any follow up. It’s like getting home based players into the national team is now the focus

[Paveman]

I’m surprised no one has mentioned Kingsley Ehizibue given all the injuries in defence. He has been very solid both as a central defender and as a right wing back in Serie A, especially since Cannavaro took over Udinese (who should know a thing or two about defending). He was also switched to LwB at times when required.

I didn’t know that Ehizibue played at central defence! That’s a bonus for us as we are short of quality central defenders but my fear is that we don’t seem to be interested in foreign born players under Finidi like we used to in the past.
The likes of Ehizibue and the Werder Bremen LWB have publicly indicated their interest in playing for Nigeria but there doesn’t appear to be any follow up. It’s like getting home based players into the national team is now the focus

Dammy, yes he spent a good chunk of the season playing wide right in a 3 man defence, although recently he has moved to full back-right wing back. If he remains injury free, he is very solid. Granted at 29 not a future SE prospect, but could serve SE well as a stop-gap solution. He was quite good last Sunday playing in such a high pressure game (do or die relegation battle) so I’m sure he can handle world cup qualifiers. His confidence also seems to have improved since Cannavaro came in a couple of months ago.