Hull City close in on Ajayi

[Damunk]

ChatGPT,
Strictly in terms of quality, would the Russian national football team be considered as a ‘top’ national team in 2025?

Dear Damunk
As of 2025, strictly in terms of footballing quality, the Russian national team would not be considered a ‘top’ national team.

Here’s why:

1. Competitive Absence
Russia has been largely excluded from international competitions (e.g., UEFA and FIFA events) since early 2022 due to geopolitical sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. This lack of regular high-level competition has significantly hindered squad development, match sharpness, and global benchmarking.

2. FIFA Rankings
While current rankings can fluctuate, Russia has dropped in FIFA rankings due to inactivity or lower-tier fixtures (friendlies and regional tournaments outside UEFA). Top-tier teams—like Argentina, France, Brazil, Germany, England—maintain high rankings through sustained performance against strong opposition.

3. Player Pool and Club Competitiveness
The Russian Premier League is now relatively isolated, and Russian players rarely feature in top European leagues.
This isolation affects player development, tactical exposure, and international scouting.

4. Tactical Evolution
Top national teams evolve tactically through exposure to varied footballing styles and high-stakes competition.
Russia’s current situation has limited their tactical progression and experience against elite teams.

5. Recent Form and Talent
Even before the suspension, Russia was a solid mid-tier team, capable of good results (e.g., 2018 World Cup quarter-finalists), but not at the elite level.
As of 2025, there’s no evidence of a generational talent surge that would vault them into top-tier status.

Summary:
Russia may still have a competitive core, but in current global football terms, they are not among the top national teams. Their absence from elite tournaments, decline in opposition quality, and limited player export have significantly eroded their standing.

And there you have it.
Nor be only me talk am.
But you are obviously free to stick with your opinion.
Nobody will fight you.

So even after the above ChatGPT report, they are still ranked above us in 2025. What does that tell you?

Guy, what are you saying?

[Lolly]

ChatGPT,
Strictly in terms of quality, would the Russian national football team be considered as a ‘top’ national team in 2025?

Dear Damunk
As of 2025, strictly in terms of footballing quality, the Russian national team would not be considered a ‘top’ national team.

Here’s why:

1. Competitive Absence
Russia has been largely excluded from international competitions (e.g., UEFA and FIFA events) since early 2022 due to geopolitical sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. This lack of regular high-level competition has significantly hindered squad development, match sharpness, and global benchmarking.

2. FIFA Rankings
While current rankings can fluctuate, Russia has dropped in FIFA rankings due to inactivity or lower-tier fixtures (friendlies and regional tournaments outside UEFA). Top-tier teams—like Argentina, France, Brazil, Germany, England—maintain high rankings through sustained performance against strong opposition.

3. Player Pool and Club Competitiveness
The Russian Premier League is now relatively isolated, and Russian players rarely feature in top European leagues.
This isolation affects player development, tactical exposure, and international scouting.

4. Tactical Evolution
Top national teams evolve tactically through exposure to varied footballing styles and high-stakes competition.
Russia’s current situation has limited their tactical progression and experience against elite teams.

5. Recent Form and Talent
Even before the suspension, Russia was a solid mid-tier team, capable of good results (e.g., 2018 World Cup quarter-finalists), but not at the elite level.
As of 2025, there’s no evidence of a generational talent surge that would vault them into top-tier status.

Summary:
Russia may still have a competitive core, but in current global football terms, they are not among the top national teams. Their absence from elite tournaments, decline in opposition quality, and limited player export have significantly eroded their standing.

And there you have it.
Nor be only me talk am.
But you are obviously free to stick with your opinion.
Nobody will fight you.

So even after the above ChatGPT report, they are still ranked above us in 2025. What does that tell you?

Guy, what are you saying?

That they are a top opposition. Maybe you can spell out what you mean by top opposition.

[Damunk]

ChatGPT,
Strictly in terms of quality, would the Russian national football team be considered as a ‘top’ national team in 2025?

Dear Damunk
As of 2025, strictly in terms of footballing quality, the Russian national team would not be considered a ‘top’ national team.

Here’s why:

1. Competitive Absence
Russia has been largely excluded from international competitions (e.g., UEFA and FIFA events) since early 2022 due to geopolitical sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. This lack of regular high-level competition has significantly hindered squad development, match sharpness, and global benchmarking.

2. FIFA Rankings
While current rankings can fluctuate, Russia has dropped in FIFA rankings due to inactivity or lower-tier fixtures (friendlies and regional tournaments outside UEFA). Top-tier teams—like Argentina, France, Brazil, Germany, England—maintain high rankings through sustained performance against strong opposition.

3. Player Pool and Club Competitiveness
The Russian Premier League is now relatively isolated, and Russian players rarely feature in top European leagues.
This isolation affects player development, tactical exposure, and international scouting.

4. Tactical Evolution
Top national teams evolve tactically through exposure to varied footballing styles and high-stakes competition.
Russia’s current situation has limited their tactical progression and experience against elite teams.

5. Recent Form and Talent
Even before the suspension, Russia was a solid mid-tier team, capable of good results (e.g., 2018 World Cup quarter-finalists), but not at the elite level.
As of 2025, there’s no evidence of a generational talent surge that would vault them into top-tier status.

Summary:
Russia may still have a competitive core, but in current global football terms, they are not among the top national teams. Their absence from elite tournaments, decline in opposition quality, and limited player export have significantly eroded their standing.

And there you have it.
Nor be only me talk am.
But you are obviously free to stick with your opinion.
Nobody will fight you.

So even after the above ChatGPT report, they are still ranked above us in 2025. What does that tell you?

Guy, what are you saying?

That they are a top opposition. Maybe you can spell out what you mean by top opposition.

You know I don’t like to laugh at you.
I prefer to laugh with you.
But your doubling down on this small matter makes it hard to believe you are being serious.
Russia is barely four or five places above us on the FIFA rankings and on that basis you reckon they are “top opposition”?

Someone stole your handle bro.

[ahidjo2]

Good news for him that a club wants to sign him!

Hopefully, he can concentrate on his club and not be invited to the national team. His former club, West Brom, that released him finished 9th in Div 2. Hull City finished 21st out of 24 spots in Div 2 (i.e, they finished the season in the last slot just before the 3 who were relegated to Div 3).

While most Nigerian fans will immediately feel a warm moist feeling in their heart at hearing "Div 2" and "almost relegated to Div 3," I plead with Chelle to PLEASE move on and move forward. Let Ajayi focus on his club career.

There isn't any evidence to justify the constant attack on Ajayi. Ajayi has done well for the Super Eagles and continues to do so. Until we find significantly better central defenders, he will continue to serve his fatherland faithfully as he has always done

Why do you call it an ‘attack.’?
If we are talking about attacks on SE players (none of which I approve of) then he doesn’t come close.
Ajayi shouldn’t be free of criticism just because he has subjectively “done well”.
What does that even mean?

He is mostly anonymous in the SE defence in many people’s opinion, including mine. Not good enough for an ambitious side.
It should concern all of us that his club career is virtually over, yet we are still holding him up as if some untouchable defence icon.
Him and Ekong are bad news for our central defence against top opposition.
Let’s not FAFO when it’s too late.

Well, I know Nigerians too well. If they don't like one for any reason, nothing one does impresses them. You see, I am all for having the very best for the SE. We are indeed happy to have two fantastic additions in the central defense in the shape and mould of Ogbu (whom I think was better than Ozornwafor that he partnered with at the 2019 U-20 World Cup) and Fredericks. I insist that the decision to choose or drop a player should be purely based on data and statistics and not on emotions and sentiments. That's how football has gone scientific. For instance, to compare two central defenders, factors such as aerial duels, ability, positioning, tackles, possession, accuracy of passes, game reading, marking ability, strength ...should be the deciding factors. I/we watched the game Ajayi played against Ghana and Russia, and bar the own goal conceded, I barely saw what Ajayi did wrong in both games. He did his work well. People who attended the Ghana game in London attested to his solidity in that game. I have come to realize that most Nigerians never rewatch games to get a clearer perspective on player performance and games. As soon as we find or have any player significantly better, based on STATS, I will have no problem with replacing the player.

[ahidjo2]

Good news for him that a club wants to sign him!

Hopefully, he can concentrate on his club and not be invited to the national team. His former club, West Brom, that released him finished 9th in Div 2. Hull City finished 21st out of 24 spots in Div 2 (i.e, they finished the season in the last slot just before the 3 who were relegated to Div 3).

While most Nigerian fans will immediately feel a warm moist feeling in their heart at hearing "Div 2" and "almost relegated to Div 3," I plead with Chelle to PLEASE move on and move forward. Let Ajayi focus on his club career.

There isn't any evidence to justify the constant attack on Ajayi. Ajayi has done well for the Super Eagles and continues to do so. Until we find significantly better central defenders, he will continue to serve his fatherland faithfully as he has always done

Can we address what you mean by well? This current SE are the most trophyless set . They haven't won anything for Nigeria. They failed to qualify for the last worldcup, are like 4th in the current WCQs.. currently cannot win a football match at home. Depends on just one player in a game.

They've done nothing in green white green except Snapchat fc

What has he not done well on the field? Be specific so we can address. I was focused on a player who is being hounded without evidence. The discussion on trophy-winning is about the team and administration, and there are numerous other factors influencing the inability to achieve these goals. And let me say that even if we do everything right, winning every trophy or game, and qualifying for every World Cup will be unrealistic. SO we will have to do everything right a hope that other uncontrollable factors go our way. Italy has better quality players and always ranked higher than us, but they have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. What could be the problem?

[Enugu II]

Good news for him that a club wants to sign him!

Hopefully, he can concentrate on his club and not be invited to the national team. His former club, West Brom, that released him finished 9th in Div 2. Hull City finished 21st out of 24 spots in Div 2 (i.e, they finished the season in the last slot just before the 3 who were relegated to Div 3).

While most Nigerian fans will immediately feel a warm moist feeling in their heart at hearing "Div 2" and "almost relegated to Div 3," I plead with Chelle to PLEASE move on and move forward. Let Ajayi focus on his club career.

There isn't any evidence to justify the constant attack on Ajayi. Ajayi has done well for the Super Eagles and continues to do so. Until we find significantly better central defenders, he will continue to serve his fatherland faithfully as he has always done

Can we address what you mean by well? This current SE are the most trophyless set . They haven't won anything for Nigeria. They failed to qualify for the last worldcup, are like 4th in the current WCQs.. currently cannot win a football match at home. Depends on just one player in a game.

They've done nothing in green white green except Snapchat fc

What has he not done well on the field? Be specific so we can address. I was focused on a player who is being hounded without evidence. The discussion on trophy-winning is about the team and administration, and there are numerous other factors influencing the inability to achieve these goals. And let me say that even if we do everything right, winning every trophy or game, and qualifying for every World Cup will be unrealistic. SO we will have to do everything right a hope that other uncontrollable factors go our way. Italy has better quality players and always ranked higher than us, but they have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. What could be the problem?

ahidjo2,

Many on CE do not select players based on how they actually play for Nigeria. Their selection is simply based on the clubs for whom they play. As baffling as it sounds, it is their reality.

[Dammy]

Good news for him that a club wants to sign him!

Hopefully, he can concentrate on his club and not be invited to the national team. His former club, West Brom, that released him finished 9th in Div 2. Hull City finished 21st out of 24 spots in Div 2 (i.e, they finished the season in the last slot just before the 3 who were relegated to Div 3).

While most Nigerian fans will immediately feel a warm moist feeling in their heart at hearing "Div 2" and "almost relegated to Div 3," I plead with Chelle to PLEASE move on and move forward. Let Ajayi focus on his club career.

There isn't any evidence to justify the constant attack on Ajayi. Ajayi has done well for the Super Eagles and continues to do so. Until we find significantly better central defenders, he will continue to serve his fatherland faithfully as he has always done

Why do you call it an ‘attack.’?
If we are talking about attacks on SE players (none of which I approve of) then he doesn’t come close.
Ajayi shouldn’t be free of criticism just because he has subjectively “done well”.
What does that even mean?

He is mostly anonymous in the SE defence in many people’s opinion, including mine. Not good enough for an ambitious side.
It should concern all of us that his club career is virtually over, yet we are still holding him up as if some untouchable defence icon.
Him and Ekong are bad news for our central defence against top opposition.
Let’s not FAFO when it’s too late.

Well, I know Nigerians too well. If they don't like one for any reason, nothing one does impresses them. You see, I am all for having the very best for the SE. We are indeed happy to have two fantastic additions in the central defense in the shape and mould of Ogbu (whom I think was better than Ozornwafor that he partnered with at the 2019 U-20 World Cup) and Fredericks. I insist that the decision to choose or drop a player should be purely based on data and statistics and not on emotions and sentiments. That's how football has gone scientific. For instance, to compare two central defenders, factors such as aerial duels, ability, positioning, tackles, possession, accuracy of passes, game reading, marking ability, strength ...should be the deciding factors. I/we watched the game Ajayi played against Ghana and Russia, and bar the own goal conceded, I barely saw what Ajayi did wrong in both games. He did his work well. People who attended the Ghana game in London attested to his solidity in that game. I have come to realize that most Nigerians never rewatch games to get a clearer perspective on player performance and games. As soon as we find or have any player significantly better, based on STATS, I will have no problem with replacing the player.

We are fans joor! we are more emotional driven in our analysis rather than data-driven

[Bigpokey24]

He has signed. I saw a video earlier

[Dammy]

On a serious note, when is the appropriate time to transition from the old guard?

[Lolly]

On a serious note, when is the appropriate time to transition from the old guard?

A good example is how we are transitioning from Ndidi to Onyedika.

[Damunk]

On a serious note, when is the appropriate time to transition from the old guard?

The time is now.

I feel the risk of unforced errors and/or exploitation of natural weaknesses like poor speed, poor form, and general aging is greater than the risk of any errors arising from the relative inexperience of the younger defenders.
So I will inject Ogbu in place of Ajayi immediately and then continue to ‘manage’ Ekong for a few more games with Fredericks and Torunarhiga on standby.

It’s not hard.
Ekong is not as indispensable as many think.

[Enugu II]

In my view, this is not the optimal time to make change in central defense eventhough these recent internationals clearly point to Chelle looking to make changes. Here is why it isn't optimal:

1. Teams rarely want to make changes in central defense because the risk often outweighs gains.

2. The replacement should be clearly better. The recent internationals prove otherwise. Nigeria was clearly the dominant team in recent 2 of 3 friendlies with the CDs given acres of space. Yet, those defenders conceded shocking goals from crosses. The WCQs will present far greater challenges.

3. While Ajayi is not optimal at CD and neither is Ekong, none of the guys recently tested proved better. Thus best to stick with what you have and further test for new CDs in none crucial situations.

4. Ajayi specifically has proven advantageous in set piece situation in opponents' half. Nigeria will not only need Osimhen but the likes of Ajayi in such situations in South Africa where Nigeria is likely going to be on the back foot for large part of the game.

5. The only inkling of a chance for a new CD, as risky as it is, will be if Nigeria moves to a 3 person CD and even then it presents huge challenges with any of the new CDs who did not really standout against poorly rated opposition in recent tests.

Overall, I do not feel that these changes are needed as the WCQs present little room for risk and errors. Certainly, not with new guys that barely moved the needle against inferior opposition in friendlies.

[Lolly]

In my view, this is not the optimal time to make change in central defense eventhough these recent internationals clearly point to Chelle looking to make changes. Here is why it isn't optimal:

1. Teams rarely want to make changes in central defense because the risk often outweighs gains.

2. The replacement should be clearly better. The recent internationals prove otherwise. Nigeria was clearly the dominant team in recent 2 of 3 friendlies with the CDs given acres of space. Yet, those defenders conceded shocking goals from crosses. The WCQs will present far greater challenges.

3. While Ajayi is not optimal at CD and neither is Ekong, none of the guys recently tested proved better. Thus best to stick with what you have and further test for new CDs in none crucial situations.

4. Ajayi specifically has proven advantageous in set piece situation in opponents' half. Nigeria will not only need Osimhen but the likes of Ajayi in such situations in South Africa where Nigeria is likely going to be on the back foot for large part of the game.

5. The only inkling of a chance for a new CD, as risky as it is, will be if Nigeria moves to a 3 person CD and even then it presents huge challenges with any of the new CDs who did not really standout against poorly rated opposition in recent tests.

Overall, I do not feel that these changes are needed as the WCQs present little room for risk and errors. Certainly, not with new guys that barely moved the needle against inferior opposition in friendlies.

One of the few times I am in agreement with you.

[Babalawo]

In my view, this is not the optimal time to make change in central defense eventhough these recent internationals clearly point to Chelle looking to make changes. Here is why it isn't optimal:

1. Teams rarely want to make changes in central defense because the risk often outweighs gains.

2. The replacement should be clearly better. The recent internationals prove otherwise. Nigeria was clearly the dominant team in recent 2 of 3 friendlies with the CDs given acres of space. Yet, those defenders conceded shocking goals from crosses. The WCQs will present far greater challenges.

3. While Ajayi is not optimal at CD and neither is Ekong, none of the guys recently tested proved better. Thus best to stick with what you have and further test for new CDs in none crucial situations.

4. Ajayi specifically has proven advantageous in set piece situation in opponents' half. Nigeria will not only need Osimhen but the likes of Ajayi in such situations in South Africa where Nigeria is likely going to be on the back foot for large part of the game.

5. The only inkling of a chance for a new CD, as risky as it is, will be if Nigeria moves to a 3 person CD and even then it presents huge challenges with any of the new CDs who did not really standout against poorly rated opposition in recent tests.

Overall, I do not feel that these changes are needed as the WCQs present little room for risk and errors. Certainly, not with new guys that barely moved the needle against inferior opposition in friendlies.

I agree with you, just too early, and the CD is not where you gamble, just like that. Fredrick “may not” be ready, Ogbu probably is, but jury still out there as he is yet to see a tough & very competitive game.
I would like to see Bassey partner both in friendlies then we decide. For now, Ekong starts and should retire if he has a poor ANC outing.

[Dammy]

On a serious note, when is the appropriate time to transition from the old guard?

The time is now.

I feel the risk of unforced errors and/or exploitation of natural weaknesses like poor speed, poor form, and general aging is greater than the risk of any errors arising from the relative inexperience of the younger defenders.
So I will inject Ogbu in place of Ajayi immediately and then continue to ‘manage’ Ekong for a few more games with Fredericks and Torunarhiga on standby.

It’s not hard.
Ekong is not as indispensable as many think.

I’m inclined to agree with you. What is the value in experience that is error prone. Ekong’s errors led to Rohr’s sacking and even Peseiro had written him off before bringing him back as experienced cover at AFCON 2023, and had to change the formation to accommodate his weaknesses.
What is the value of an experienced defender that has the sort of lapse that led to Zimbabwe’s late equaliser in Uyo?
I would rather take my chances with Frederick, especially if he has started playing top level league football before the WCQs resume.
I wouldn’t mind Ekong being captain from the bench

[Damunk]

In my view, this is not the optimal time to make change in central defense eventhough these recent internationals clearly point to Chelle looking to make changes. Here is why it isn't optimal:

1. Teams rarely want to make changes in central defense because the risk often outweighs gains.

2. The replacement should be clearly better. The recent internationals prove otherwise. Nigeria was clearly the dominant team in recent 2 of 3 friendlies with the CDs given acres of space. Yet, those defenders conceded shocking goals from crosses. The WCQs will present far greater challenges.

3. While Ajayi is not optimal at CD and neither is Ekong, none of the guys recently tested proved better. Thus best to stick with what you have and further test for new CDs in none crucial situations.

4. Ajayi specifically has proven advantageous in set piece situation in opponents' half. Nigeria will not only need Osimhen but the likes of Ajayi in such situations in South Africa where Nigeria is likely going to be on the back foot for large part of the game.

5. The only inkling of a chance for a new CD, as risky as it is, will be if Nigeria moves to a 3 person CD and even then it presents huge challenges with any of the new CDs who did not really standout against poorly rated opposition in recent tests.

Overall, I do not feel that these changes are needed as the WCQs present little room for risk and errors. Certainly, not with new guys that barely moved the needle against inferior opposition in friendlies.

I agree with you, just too early, and the CD is not where you gamble, just like that. Fredrick “may not” be ready, Ogbu probably is, but jury still out there as he is yet to see a tough & very competitive game.
I would like to see Bassey partner both in friendlies then we decide. For now, Ekong starts and should retire if he has a poor ANC outing.

The thing with Ekong for me is this.
It’s not that I ever thought he was a ‘great’ defender in the true sense of the word, but at least he made up for his shortcomings with great leadership and experience.
But moving to Saudi was never going to do his game any good at this stage of his career and whatever abilities he has would probably have waned a little out there. Let’s even say by only 10%. For me, that’s a worry.
He shocked many of us at the last AFCON, and he deserved the laurels. But until proven otherwise, I believe that was more like his last hurrah.

I really don’t know why OPTA are not giving us the detailed player performance stats we need, but I’m pretty sure that for Ajayi and Ekong they won’t be as good as many believe them to be.

If I’m wrong, I’m wrong but I don’t want to just go on feelings.