While reviewing the performance of the of the Super Eagles in their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup® in 1994 the monthly football journal Complete Football predicted that Nigeria will make a habit of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup®, like traditional superpowers Brazil, Italy, Germany and even African power house Cameroun if we can build on that performance and also if we work on getting a few factors right.
This assertion was made based on the credible performance of the Eagles and mostly on the array of talent available to us at the time. Nigerians had just seen arguably their best team ever come within two minutes of eliminating Italy in the second round and qualifying for the quarter final.
Building on that performance the Eagles went on to qualify for the next two editions of the competition in France and in Korea/Japan, as well wining the Olympic football gold, the first by an African team.
Then in 2005, we failed to qualify for the 2006 world cup on Germany, in what many consider a blip in the expected dominance of the African qualifying competition by the Super Eagles. The reasons for that failure are numerous , not least the lack of commitment shown by the players, especially in honoring away matches and the alarming level of ineptitude displayed by the NFA in managing the qualifying competition.
So the question is, can we become consistent qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup® just as was predicted inn 1994? The answer of course is yes, but we have to start with next one to be held in South Africa and forget about previous successes and indeed failures in the qualifying campaign, which were mainly achieved by capitalising on kind draws into weak groups and also the a huge slice of luck in 2002 campaign when Liberia slipped up in the final hurdle. When such luck deserted us in 2006, the result was clear to all, failure to qualify.
So far in this campaign, we have shown that we have learned a lot from the 2006 campaign. The Eagles and NFF have performed their tasks diligently in wining all their matches as well as conceding just the single goal. While we have enjoyed some luck, scoring in the last minute to see off Sierra Leone in the Free Town, as well as wining in Johanesburg after being outplayed by South Africa, we have also been ruthless when they had the chance to be, dispatching Sierra Leone in Lagos 4-1 in a game that should have seen them win by a greater margin but for the referee’s decision to disallow two legitimate goals late on.
As the second round commences in March, 2009, the competition will no doubt become tougher especially as Nigeria has been drawn in the same group with Tunisia, who have a habit of knocking Nigeria out of the FIFA World Cup®, as well a history of qualifying for the three FIFA World Cup® competitions, mostly at the expense of the bookmakers choices for the ticket. They also have a knack for getting the job done against smaller teams in their group, while doing just enough against their main rivals to earn the ticket. What then do we need to do then to make sure that this doesn’t happen?
Do you know?
That Nigeria has lost out to Tunisia on two of the three occasions they have met in FIFA World Cup® qualifying competition. In 1977, Nigeria needed just a draw in Lagos in the penultimate match of the final group stage to qualify for the 1978 edition in Argentina, after holding them to a goalless draw in Tunis, but we lost 1-0 in what remains the last time we lost a competitive in regulation time at home (the other loss was on penalties to Cameroun in the Final of 2000 ANC). Godwin Odiye scored an own goal just five minutes into the match and there was no way back for Father Tiko’s Eagles.
In 1985, Nigeria also lost out to Tunisia, 2-1 on aggregate in the penultimate round of the 1986 qualifiers. Okey Isima scored in Lagos to give the Eagles coached by the late Christopher Udemezue a 1-0 lead going into the second leg, but goals by … and … ensured that Tunisia won 2-0 in Tunis in the return leg to end Nigeria’s ambitions.
The only time the Eagles have over come Tunisia was in first round of the 1982 qualifying campaign.The Eagles won on penalties in Lagos after both legs finished 2-0 to either side.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Nigerian Factor...Again
Over the years the fact the Nigerian nation constitutes of so many tribes and culture has been more of a curse rather than a blessing to our National development. This has resulted in the need to keep everybody happy in terms of appointments to jobs in the Federal government and to an extent in the state government level as well.
Otherwise known as the Federal character, it has come to be known as one of the many "Nigerian Factors", some of those things we just have live with.As a result we are made to live with a system where mediocrity is upheld as more qualified people have been over looked for jobs because their quota has been taken up in other positions. We do not just lose a chance to benefit from such talents and may end up losing them to the private sector or even to other countries, but of course end up with the worst available people for vital jobs.
Football like other sectors of our national life has suffered from this anomaly, especially in appointment of coaches for the national teams. In the last two months, Nigeria has performed poorly in different competitions for both men and women. These performances were all down to poor coaching.
In keeping with the federal character, the coaching job in Nigeria has been distributed across the political zones of Nigeria without putting their abilities into consideration. As such there is no room for respected and successful coaches as long as there quota is already taken up.
Take the women teams, when Effiom Ntiero, who has been the most successful coach in women football in Nigeria was sacked(for reasons still unclear to us), Jossy Lad, who if I recall correctly hasn't done anything significant in football since wining the league with Leventis Utd in 1986, was appointed, in order to make up for the lack of western representation. The result is that the Super Falcons failed to win the African women Championships for the first time since 1991, with the same group of players who won the championships so convincingly two years ago.
Again, after sacking Eaglets’ coach Alphonsus Dike was sacked, the NFF appointed Henry Nwosu, who has no history of working with young players, just to make sure that the Eastern quota doesn't end up in different political zone. Granted we have not really seen him work as yet, but if reports of his approach to the job so far are anything to go by, he has already taken the wrong steps (he is reported to be watching NPL league matches to scout for U-17 players!).
The fact remains that Nigerian football will not make any significant progress if we don't start making appointments ON MERIT.
Otherwise known as the Federal character, it has come to be known as one of the many "Nigerian Factors", some of those things we just have live with.As a result we are made to live with a system where mediocrity is upheld as more qualified people have been over looked for jobs because their quota has been taken up in other positions. We do not just lose a chance to benefit from such talents and may end up losing them to the private sector or even to other countries, but of course end up with the worst available people for vital jobs.
Football like other sectors of our national life has suffered from this anomaly, especially in appointment of coaches for the national teams. In the last two months, Nigeria has performed poorly in different competitions for both men and women. These performances were all down to poor coaching.
In keeping with the federal character, the coaching job in Nigeria has been distributed across the political zones of Nigeria without putting their abilities into consideration. As such there is no room for respected and successful coaches as long as there quota is already taken up.
Take the women teams, when Effiom Ntiero, who has been the most successful coach in women football in Nigeria was sacked(for reasons still unclear to us), Jossy Lad, who if I recall correctly hasn't done anything significant in football since wining the league with Leventis Utd in 1986, was appointed, in order to make up for the lack of western representation. The result is that the Super Falcons failed to win the African women Championships for the first time since 1991, with the same group of players who won the championships so convincingly two years ago.
Again, after sacking Eaglets’ coach Alphonsus Dike was sacked, the NFF appointed Henry Nwosu, who has no history of working with young players, just to make sure that the Eastern quota doesn't end up in different political zone. Granted we have not really seen him work as yet, but if reports of his approach to the job so far are anything to go by, he has already taken the wrong steps (he is reported to be watching NPL league matches to scout for U-17 players!).
The fact remains that Nigerian football will not make any significant progress if we don't start making appointments ON MERIT.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Is this this Really Love?
The Super Eagles concluded the first group stage of the World cup qualifying campaign on a high, beating Sierra Leone 4-1 and putting up a display that went a long way to repairing their relationship with the fans.
Goals by Chris Obodo,Victor Obinna and Osaze Odemwingie meant the Eagles went in for the interval with a two goal lead. Chidi Odiah completed the rout in the second half, with left foot shot from the 25 yards, after cutting from right.
Nigeria's coach made a few changes in personnel and tactics,dropping Yakubu while handing Chris Obodo a first start in one and half years, in a 4-3-3 formation that suggested an intention to play attacking football.
The Eagles started brightly and had Leone stars keeper Christian Caulker off his line in the second minute to cut out a Taye Taiwo cross, with Osaze odemwingie lurking. Caulker then dropped Osaze's free-kick, but Joseph Yobo's shot was blocked and Osaze missed the right post by inches from the rebound.
In the nineteenth minute, Caulker again denied Nigeria, getting his hand to a Taye Taiwo free-kick to take it beyond Danny Shittu who was well placed to score from three yards.But the break through came from the resultant corner.
Christian Obodo, re-payed his manager's faith in him by side-footing from six yards after Caulker kept out Kalu Uche's initial effort.
Sierra Leone had a legitimate penalty shout turned by Zambian referee Wellington Kaoma after Dele Aiyenugba brought down Sheriff Suma in the box.But they equalised in the thirty-first minute when Yobo lobbed Aiyenugba,under pressure from Kaiansu Kamara, after a mixup with Shittu.
Parity lasted only three minutes.Kalu Uche did well to create space for himself but his shot came off Caulker's right post, but Victor Obinna was on hand to bury the rebound from six yards.
Odemwigie extended Nigeria's lead just before half-time.Obinna's glorious pass cut through the Sierra Leone defence and Odemwingie had just the keeper to beat from twelve yards.
Just after the break,Ike Uche and Chidi Odiah combined well on the right to set up Ike Uche,but Caulker blocked his shot.A minute later a brilliant move involving Sani Kaita,Osaze Odemwingie,Ike Uche and Victor Obinna, saw Ike Uche miss Caulker left post by a few inches.
Nigeria continued to dominate, as the dynamism and constant positional interchange of forwards Uche,Odemwingie and Obinna gave the Sierra Leone defence a lot of head-ache. Full backs Taiwo and Odiah also pushed forward to provide additional width from deep to the Nigerian attack.
With fifty minutes gone,Chidi Odiah cut in from the right turned Ibrahim Kargbo inside out and unleashed a powerful left foot shot to score his first international goal.After that the Leone stars had to apply damage limitation exercises to avoid conceded more goals.
That did not stop the Eagles, Ike Uche had two goals chaulked off for off-side.The first on seventy-three minutes was a tight call,it saw Uche run on to substitute Chinedu Obasi's pass to score from six yards.The second,three minutes later,should have stood,once again he ran on to a wonderful through ball by Obasi, went round the Caulker to score.The flag stayed down,but the referee ruled otherwise.
In the end it didn't matter as the Eagles were comfortable winners on the day, thus going into the next round with maximum points and thus improving their chances of being one of the seeded teams for the draw. It also saw the fans cheering the Eagles' every move and thus suggesting that the fans are again warming up to the Eagles.Or are they?
Do you know?
That this is the first time, since the group stages were introduced for the world cup qualifiers in Africa, that the Eagles have earned maximum points at any stage.
Also Joseph Yobo became the first Nigerian player to score an own goal at home in a world cup qualifying match,since Godwin Odiye's own goal against Tunisia in 1977 in Lagos.
Goals by Chris Obodo,Victor Obinna and Osaze Odemwingie meant the Eagles went in for the interval with a two goal lead. Chidi Odiah completed the rout in the second half, with left foot shot from the 25 yards, after cutting from right.
Nigeria's coach made a few changes in personnel and tactics,dropping Yakubu while handing Chris Obodo a first start in one and half years, in a 4-3-3 formation that suggested an intention to play attacking football.
The Eagles started brightly and had Leone stars keeper Christian Caulker off his line in the second minute to cut out a Taye Taiwo cross, with Osaze odemwingie lurking. Caulker then dropped Osaze's free-kick, but Joseph Yobo's shot was blocked and Osaze missed the right post by inches from the rebound.
In the nineteenth minute, Caulker again denied Nigeria, getting his hand to a Taye Taiwo free-kick to take it beyond Danny Shittu who was well placed to score from three yards.But the break through came from the resultant corner.
Christian Obodo, re-payed his manager's faith in him by side-footing from six yards after Caulker kept out Kalu Uche's initial effort.
Sierra Leone had a legitimate penalty shout turned by Zambian referee Wellington Kaoma after Dele Aiyenugba brought down Sheriff Suma in the box.But they equalised in the thirty-first minute when Yobo lobbed Aiyenugba,under pressure from Kaiansu Kamara, after a mixup with Shittu.
Parity lasted only three minutes.Kalu Uche did well to create space for himself but his shot came off Caulker's right post, but Victor Obinna was on hand to bury the rebound from six yards.
Odemwigie extended Nigeria's lead just before half-time.Obinna's glorious pass cut through the Sierra Leone defence and Odemwingie had just the keeper to beat from twelve yards.
Just after the break,Ike Uche and Chidi Odiah combined well on the right to set up Ike Uche,but Caulker blocked his shot.A minute later a brilliant move involving Sani Kaita,Osaze Odemwingie,Ike Uche and Victor Obinna, saw Ike Uche miss Caulker left post by a few inches.
Nigeria continued to dominate, as the dynamism and constant positional interchange of forwards Uche,Odemwingie and Obinna gave the Sierra Leone defence a lot of head-ache. Full backs Taiwo and Odiah also pushed forward to provide additional width from deep to the Nigerian attack.
With fifty minutes gone,Chidi Odiah cut in from the right turned Ibrahim Kargbo inside out and unleashed a powerful left foot shot to score his first international goal.After that the Leone stars had to apply damage limitation exercises to avoid conceded more goals.
That did not stop the Eagles, Ike Uche had two goals chaulked off for off-side.The first on seventy-three minutes was a tight call,it saw Uche run on to substitute Chinedu Obasi's pass to score from six yards.The second,three minutes later,should have stood,once again he ran on to a wonderful through ball by Obasi, went round the Caulker to score.The flag stayed down,but the referee ruled otherwise.
In the end it didn't matter as the Eagles were comfortable winners on the day, thus going into the next round with maximum points and thus improving their chances of being one of the seeded teams for the draw. It also saw the fans cheering the Eagles' every move and thus suggesting that the fans are again warming up to the Eagles.Or are they?
Do you know?
That this is the first time, since the group stages were introduced for the world cup qualifiers in Africa, that the Eagles have earned maximum points at any stage.
Also Joseph Yobo became the first Nigerian player to score an own goal at home in a world cup qualifying match,since Godwin Odiye's own goal against Tunisia in 1977 in Lagos.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
An Old Wound Reopens!
As the Super Eagles prepare for their next match, the world cup qualifier against Sierra Leone, a problem that we have been lucky to deal with over the years has come up for discussion, a lack of competition for our full backs, especially at left back.
Lucky because,since Celestine Babayaro departed the international scene, we've quite had suitable candidates for that position- Ifeanyi Udeze,Taye Taiwo and even Garba Lawal(whenever he deputised). Before him, we had Ben Iroha who was right footed and converted from midfield by Westerhof and of course Michael Emenalo who was recalled from a nine year international wilderness as back up for Iroha at USA '94.
It was so bad that at Senegal 92 ANC we had no proper left back since Iroha was injured.Emeka Ezeugo,Nduka Ugbade and Augustine Eguavone all right footed took turns to fill that position.
The Solution?
I suggest Amodu takes a cue from Westerhof and Siasia and convert someone to that position.This will mean that he will have to apply all the coaching and man management skills he has acquired over the years to get the job done.
The Candidates?
Obvious one is Chibuzo Okonkwo.We all saw him at the Olympics. I think he not international class yet, but he has potential and will surely improve with good coaching. He can also get a look in at right back.Monday James(to my surprise, I must confess) did quite well too when he played there in China, but he will have to work really hard to join the Eagles set up.
The best(and maybe long-term) candidate could be Uwa Elderson Echiéjilé of RC Rennes.He was called up to Amodu first squad, but hasn't returned since.He also missed the cut for the Olympics.Maybe the fact he's not a regular at Rennes didn't help,but I thought he was solid at the WYC in Canada. I think he might benefit(in terms of his confidence) from being in the national team set up now(Samuel Eto'o made his debut for Cameroun while paying in the Real Madrid academy, see where he is today).
If none these guys will suffice then we have to work really hard to solve the problem.
Do you know?
That Finidi George started his career as a central midfielder for Calabar Rovers?
He was converted to a winger by Clemens Westerhof. He reverted to central midfield in the later part of career.
Lucky because,since Celestine Babayaro departed the international scene, we've quite had suitable candidates for that position- Ifeanyi Udeze,Taye Taiwo and even Garba Lawal(whenever he deputised). Before him, we had Ben Iroha who was right footed and converted from midfield by Westerhof and of course Michael Emenalo who was recalled from a nine year international wilderness as back up for Iroha at USA '94.
It was so bad that at Senegal 92 ANC we had no proper left back since Iroha was injured.Emeka Ezeugo,Nduka Ugbade and Augustine Eguavone all right footed took turns to fill that position.
The Solution?
I suggest Amodu takes a cue from Westerhof and Siasia and convert someone to that position.This will mean that he will have to apply all the coaching and man management skills he has acquired over the years to get the job done.
The Candidates?
Obvious one is Chibuzo Okonkwo.We all saw him at the Olympics. I think he not international class yet, but he has potential and will surely improve with good coaching. He can also get a look in at right back.Monday James(to my surprise, I must confess) did quite well too when he played there in China, but he will have to work really hard to join the Eagles set up.
The best(and maybe long-term) candidate could be Uwa Elderson Echiéjilé of RC Rennes.He was called up to Amodu first squad, but hasn't returned since.He also missed the cut for the Olympics.Maybe the fact he's not a regular at Rennes didn't help,but I thought he was solid at the WYC in Canada. I think he might benefit(in terms of his confidence) from being in the national team set up now(Samuel Eto'o made his debut for Cameroun while paying in the Real Madrid academy, see where he is today).
If none these guys will suffice then we have to work really hard to solve the problem.
Do you know?
That Finidi George started his career as a central midfielder for Calabar Rovers?
He was converted to a winger by Clemens Westerhof. He reverted to central midfield in the later part of career.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
While I was away...
I have been on a long overdue vacation for the past two weeks.I haven't taken one since 2006, so I decided to do this one right...get away from it all.
Well, I'm back!
I did keep track of all the happenings in the world of football and a lot did happen.Charity they say begins at home(a cliche,I know, but I'm allowed one of those once in a while), so I will start with events in Nigeria.
The Amodu/Siasia debate, like most exercises in futility, has died down at least until the Super Eagles play their next match against Sierra Leone in October.I think it will be resurrected, especially if the Super Eagles do not win the match in convincing fashion(by this I mean by scoring more than two goals).
Meanwhile coach Amodu has released the squad for next month's match.The only surprise being that Seyi Olofinjana was left out,given that he has being ever present for his club Stoke City in the EPL.He lost his place to Sani Kaita who was excellent in China.There were also recalls for five other dream team members, while not surprisingly given his current form John Utaka was left out, along with Obinna Nwaneri and Haruna Lukman who have featured in all of Amodu's squad since his return in April.
The national U-17 team,rather to the dismay of whole nation, lost to Benin 3-2 on aggregate to crash out of the African Championships.This has set the alarm bells ringing and there have calls for the coach Alphonsus Dike to be sacked.
To be honest,I think too much is being read into the issue.At the U-17 level, the focus should be on developing players,helping them to improve their technical skills as well improving their tactical approach to the game. Also it is at this stage that they learn the football culture,mentality and style traditional to Nigerian football teams.If they happen to win a silverware along the line, then good, otherwise it should make no difference.
In fact it is in failure that people learn how to win.Four members of the Olympic team-Vanzekin, Isaac, Ogbuke and Solomon Okoronkwo, were also in the U-17 team that went to the 2003 world championships in Finland.The team also included Mikel,Kola Anudi,Emmanuel Sarki and Ezekiel Bala who were part of the Dream Team at some stage during the qualifiers or final stages of preparations for the Olympics. It was the first team from Nigeria that failed to go beyond the group stages at the U-17 level. They were considered a failure, but they since proved otherwise.
I believe in second chances and I think we might be better served in the future if the NFF allowed Mr Dike to complete the job. I believe he would have learned that Nigerians demand nothing but the ultimate prize.Thankfully he has years of experience from managing teams in the football league.
Talking about the league...it kicked off this month...with the return of Warri Wolves to top flight football.They held Gateway of Abeokuta to 1-1 draw in the first match of the season. FA cup finalists in 1969, they have been in coma until the government of Delta State bought former NPA of Warri/Lagos(the Marines? first FA cup winners) and renamed it Warri Wolves.It's a shame we do not actually pay attention these details of our football history, these could be selling points for our clubs.Well that's a topic for another day.
Newly promoted Kaduna United and Enugu Rangers are the early pace setters, both have a 100% record after three rounds of matches.Defending champions Kano Pilars have just one win and are currently in 12th position.Niger Tonadoes,JUTH and Akwa United are yet to earn any points and they prop-up the league.
So far we have seen signs that another exciting season is on the cards, with a few surprise results recorded so far.Heartland FC were held by new boys FC Abuja at Owerri on the first day of the season.They in turn lost at home to Sunshine of Akure 3-1 in the following round of matches.Enugu Rangers and Kaduna also recorded away wins, at Akwa United Niger Tonadoes respectively.
Enyimba are yet to play any league match this season due to their involvement in Africa were they have qualified for semi-final of the CAF champions league.I am looking forward to an exciting season and will like to commend the NFL for a great job done so far.There is more to be done, especially in relation to facilities,curbing match fixing and other corrupt practices in the league.They will also do well to encourage owners to restore some of the more traditional clubs like Stationary Stores of Lagos and Calabar Rovers while we hope Bendel Insurance returns to the top flight as soon as possible. These clubs with their rich history could be key to selling the league.
This leads me to the next major occurrence of the past weeks, the news that a Nigeria consortium is planing to buy Newcastle United.I must say that the only reason why I'm commenting this is the fact that I think that Nigerian football will be better served if they bought one the clubs mentioned above that need a huge injection of cash to come to back to life and transform them into a top club.
While the money is theirs to spend in the manner they deem fit, I do hope they realize what they're buying.The baggage that comes with buying an EPL club is enormous in terms of debt,operational costs etc. If you add the extra baggage peculiar to Newcastle United, you will understand were I'm coming from.
Finally, the UEFA champions league group phase kicked off with only three of the seven Nigerians registered for the UCL playing for their various cubs involved.
Taye Taiwo and Mikel both played the full ninety minutes for as Marseilles lost to Liverpool and Chelsea beat Bordeaux.Dynamo Kyiv's Yusuf Ayinla could not prevent Arsenal from snatching a late equalizer in their 1-1 draw in Kiev,but Emmanuel Okuduwa was out injured. Stefano Okaka Chuka-who was born in Italy,but is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents-was on bench as Roma lost to Romanian minors CFR Cluj.FC Steaua Bucureşti's Ifeanyi Emeghara was not involved in his club 1-0 loss to FC Bayern Munich. Inter won 2-0 away at Panathinaikos, but youngster Joel Chukwuma Obi not invloved,Victor Nsofor and Rabiu Ibrahim were not registered for Inter and Sporting Lisbon respectively.
Do you know that? Finidi George and Kanu were the first(and so far only) Nigerians to win the UEFA champions league.They achieved this feat when they helped Ajax win in 1995.Since then Jon Obi Mikel is the only player to have gone close to wining it when his club Chelsea lost to Man Utd in the 2008 final in Moscow.Kanu and Finidi also came close again in 1996 when Ajax lost to Juventus in Rome.
Karibe Ojigwe's club Bayer Leverkusen lost to Real Madrid in 2002, but he was not in the squad for the final.
Daniel Amokachi was the first Nigerian to play in the UCL.He played for Club Brugges in 1992/93 season the the first time the league format was adopted.
Well, I'm back!
I did keep track of all the happenings in the world of football and a lot did happen.Charity they say begins at home(a cliche,I know, but I'm allowed one of those once in a while), so I will start with events in Nigeria.
The Amodu/Siasia debate, like most exercises in futility, has died down at least until the Super Eagles play their next match against Sierra Leone in October.I think it will be resurrected, especially if the Super Eagles do not win the match in convincing fashion(by this I mean by scoring more than two goals).
Meanwhile coach Amodu has released the squad for next month's match.The only surprise being that Seyi Olofinjana was left out,given that he has being ever present for his club Stoke City in the EPL.He lost his place to Sani Kaita who was excellent in China.There were also recalls for five other dream team members, while not surprisingly given his current form John Utaka was left out, along with Obinna Nwaneri and Haruna Lukman who have featured in all of Amodu's squad since his return in April.
The national U-17 team,rather to the dismay of whole nation, lost to Benin 3-2 on aggregate to crash out of the African Championships.This has set the alarm bells ringing and there have calls for the coach Alphonsus Dike to be sacked.
To be honest,I think too much is being read into the issue.At the U-17 level, the focus should be on developing players,helping them to improve their technical skills as well improving their tactical approach to the game. Also it is at this stage that they learn the football culture,mentality and style traditional to Nigerian football teams.If they happen to win a silverware along the line, then good, otherwise it should make no difference.
In fact it is in failure that people learn how to win.Four members of the Olympic team-Vanzekin, Isaac, Ogbuke and Solomon Okoronkwo, were also in the U-17 team that went to the 2003 world championships in Finland.The team also included Mikel,Kola Anudi,Emmanuel Sarki and Ezekiel Bala who were part of the Dream Team at some stage during the qualifiers or final stages of preparations for the Olympics. It was the first team from Nigeria that failed to go beyond the group stages at the U-17 level. They were considered a failure, but they since proved otherwise.
I believe in second chances and I think we might be better served in the future if the NFF allowed Mr Dike to complete the job. I believe he would have learned that Nigerians demand nothing but the ultimate prize.Thankfully he has years of experience from managing teams in the football league.
Talking about the league...it kicked off this month...with the return of Warri Wolves to top flight football.They held Gateway of Abeokuta to 1-1 draw in the first match of the season. FA cup finalists in 1969, they have been in coma until the government of Delta State bought former NPA of Warri/Lagos(the Marines? first FA cup winners) and renamed it Warri Wolves.It's a shame we do not actually pay attention these details of our football history, these could be selling points for our clubs.Well that's a topic for another day.
Newly promoted Kaduna United and Enugu Rangers are the early pace setters, both have a 100% record after three rounds of matches.Defending champions Kano Pilars have just one win and are currently in 12th position.Niger Tonadoes,JUTH and Akwa United are yet to earn any points and they prop-up the league.
So far we have seen signs that another exciting season is on the cards, with a few surprise results recorded so far.Heartland FC were held by new boys FC Abuja at Owerri on the first day of the season.They in turn lost at home to Sunshine of Akure 3-1 in the following round of matches.Enugu Rangers and Kaduna also recorded away wins, at Akwa United Niger Tonadoes respectively.
Enyimba are yet to play any league match this season due to their involvement in Africa were they have qualified for semi-final of the CAF champions league.I am looking forward to an exciting season and will like to commend the NFL for a great job done so far.There is more to be done, especially in relation to facilities,curbing match fixing and other corrupt practices in the league.They will also do well to encourage owners to restore some of the more traditional clubs like Stationary Stores of Lagos and Calabar Rovers while we hope Bendel Insurance returns to the top flight as soon as possible. These clubs with their rich history could be key to selling the league.
This leads me to the next major occurrence of the past weeks, the news that a Nigeria consortium is planing to buy Newcastle United.I must say that the only reason why I'm commenting this is the fact that I think that Nigerian football will be better served if they bought one the clubs mentioned above that need a huge injection of cash to come to back to life and transform them into a top club.
While the money is theirs to spend in the manner they deem fit, I do hope they realize what they're buying.The baggage that comes with buying an EPL club is enormous in terms of debt,operational costs etc. If you add the extra baggage peculiar to Newcastle United, you will understand were I'm coming from.
Finally, the UEFA champions league group phase kicked off with only three of the seven Nigerians registered for the UCL playing for their various cubs involved.
Taye Taiwo and Mikel both played the full ninety minutes for as Marseilles lost to Liverpool and Chelsea beat Bordeaux.Dynamo Kyiv's Yusuf Ayinla could not prevent Arsenal from snatching a late equalizer in their 1-1 draw in Kiev,but Emmanuel Okuduwa was out injured. Stefano Okaka Chuka-who was born in Italy,but is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents-was on bench as Roma lost to Romanian minors CFR Cluj.FC Steaua Bucureşti's Ifeanyi Emeghara was not involved in his club 1-0 loss to FC Bayern Munich. Inter won 2-0 away at Panathinaikos, but youngster Joel Chukwuma Obi not invloved,Victor Nsofor and Rabiu Ibrahim were not registered for Inter and Sporting Lisbon respectively.
Do you know that? Finidi George and Kanu were the first(and so far only) Nigerians to win the UEFA champions league.They achieved this feat when they helped Ajax win in 1995.Since then Jon Obi Mikel is the only player to have gone close to wining it when his club Chelsea lost to Man Utd in the 2008 final in Moscow.Kanu and Finidi also came close again in 1996 when Ajax lost to Juventus in Rome.
Karibe Ojigwe's club Bayer Leverkusen lost to Real Madrid in 2002, but he was not in the squad for the final.
Daniel Amokachi was the first Nigerian to play in the UCL.He played for Club Brugges in 1992/93 season the the first time the league format was adopted.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Folly,before disaster
To say that Nigerians are an excitable people my be the understatement of the century,more so when it comes to football. This is the major reason why we have current Amodu vs Siasia debate.
After leading the Olympic Eagles to a silver medal finish at Beijing, a lot of people have called for Siasia to take over as the Super Eagles' coach, or as most people put it, to be "drafted" to the Super Eagles and more ridiculously, for for the Olympic team to replace the current Super Eagles team.
As the debate rages on,some people have come up with a compromise,which to have them form a joint coaching team.This was first suggested by former Eagles' winger Segun Odegbami in his column for sports journal Complete sports. This suggestion has also being picked up former coach Paul Hamilton.
In the present age of video games(football manager,premier league manager etc) and fantasy league, we all have day dreams and fantasies of what the national team set up should look like.Sometimes we convince ourselves that these concoction can become realities and if we are in a position to influence things, we can take steps to making it so.
There is no doubting Odegbami and Hamilton's credibility and achievements in football, but with all due respect, I think the suggestion is rubbish.It is nothing but a theory, that can only work on paper.
There are loads of reason's why this will not work. First, the personality of the people involved are too similar. In spite of his "nice guy" demeanor and his apparent willingness to bend to authorities, Shuabu Amodu, like Samson Siasia has a very strong personality who likes to be on top of things.The only difference is that Amodu being older and more experienced in dealing with the NFF has devised subtle ways of getting things done.
He can also be temperamental, just like Siasia showed with his criticism of the Olympic team even after the beat the USA in their last group game in China.It was him who famously(or infamously, depending on how you see it) ,suggested that we employ a foreigner as sports minister when the then minister suggested we hire a foreign coach to replace him.
Again both coaches have different ideas as to how to approach the game.While Siasia is more cautious and likes to have players play exactly to his instructions, while Amodu gives free reign to his players to improvise.
Ultimately the success of Olympic team was due to it a solid defence helped by Siasia deploying two holding midfielders, while Amodu so far has played with one holding midfielder, thus giving the team a more attacking outlook.
Historically, joint management have never been a success.The most famous of these was the appointment of Roy Evans and Gerrard Houllier at Liverpool in the 1998-99 season.
The partnership ended in disaster with Evans resigning a mere four months into their tenure.
Finally, Mr Siasia has stated in several interviews that he has no intention of working under(or with) Mr Amodu. Ultimately if the NFF acts upon these suggestions ,by "well meaning" Nigerians and Siasia declines, there is a chance he will be labeled unpatriotic.Thereby undoing all the good work he has done in the eyes of feeble Nigerian fans.
I do hope the NFF is not so naive as to fall for these follies, as it can only lead to disaster for Nigeria on the road to South Africa 2010. Amodu has done well,in fact better than most expected.It will only be logical to allow him to do his job and if he along the line he decides that Mr Siasia's services will be useful towards acheieving his goals, then he can request for them. It's no use use flogging a dead horse.
Short and simple!
After leading the Olympic Eagles to a silver medal finish at Beijing, a lot of people have called for Siasia to take over as the Super Eagles' coach, or as most people put it, to be "drafted" to the Super Eagles and more ridiculously, for for the Olympic team to replace the current Super Eagles team.
As the debate rages on,some people have come up with a compromise,which to have them form a joint coaching team.This was first suggested by former Eagles' winger Segun Odegbami in his column for sports journal Complete sports. This suggestion has also being picked up former coach Paul Hamilton.
In the present age of video games(football manager,premier league manager etc) and fantasy league, we all have day dreams and fantasies of what the national team set up should look like.Sometimes we convince ourselves that these concoction can become realities and if we are in a position to influence things, we can take steps to making it so.
There is no doubting Odegbami and Hamilton's credibility and achievements in football, but with all due respect, I think the suggestion is rubbish.It is nothing but a theory, that can only work on paper.
There are loads of reason's why this will not work. First, the personality of the people involved are too similar. In spite of his "nice guy" demeanor and his apparent willingness to bend to authorities, Shuabu Amodu, like Samson Siasia has a very strong personality who likes to be on top of things.The only difference is that Amodu being older and more experienced in dealing with the NFF has devised subtle ways of getting things done.
He can also be temperamental, just like Siasia showed with his criticism of the Olympic team even after the beat the USA in their last group game in China.It was him who famously(or infamously, depending on how you see it) ,suggested that we employ a foreigner as sports minister when the then minister suggested we hire a foreign coach to replace him.
Again both coaches have different ideas as to how to approach the game.While Siasia is more cautious and likes to have players play exactly to his instructions, while Amodu gives free reign to his players to improvise.
Ultimately the success of Olympic team was due to it a solid defence helped by Siasia deploying two holding midfielders, while Amodu so far has played with one holding midfielder, thus giving the team a more attacking outlook.
Historically, joint management have never been a success.The most famous of these was the appointment of Roy Evans and Gerrard Houllier at Liverpool in the 1998-99 season.
The partnership ended in disaster with Evans resigning a mere four months into their tenure.
Finally, Mr Siasia has stated in several interviews that he has no intention of working under(or with) Mr Amodu. Ultimately if the NFF acts upon these suggestions ,by "well meaning" Nigerians and Siasia declines, there is a chance he will be labeled unpatriotic.Thereby undoing all the good work he has done in the eyes of feeble Nigerian fans.
I do hope the NFF is not so naive as to fall for these follies, as it can only lead to disaster for Nigeria on the road to South Africa 2010. Amodu has done well,in fact better than most expected.It will only be logical to allow him to do his job and if he along the line he decides that Mr Siasia's services will be useful towards acheieving his goals, then he can request for them. It's no use use flogging a dead horse.
Short and simple!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Fear of the unknown
In the light of Super Eagles' 1-0 win over South Africa at the weekend in what was considered a poor team performance,most commentators have expressed doubt on the ability of the Eagles to beat stronger teams in the next round of the World/Nations cup qualifiers.
According to FIFA, Nigeria is currently ranked 5th,below Cameroun,Ghana,Egypt and the Ivory Coast. Morocco, Guinea,Tunisia,Senegal and Mali make up the top ten in the African ranking.
These presumably, are teams that pundits have in mind in their arguments.But the truth is there is very little chance of the Eagles meeting the teams in the top five of the current FIFA ranking. According to the criteria set out by CAF for seeding teams in the 3rd round of the World/Nations cup qualifiers,the likely top seeds for the second group phase are Cameroun (51points), Egypt (48 points), Nigeria (48 points),Ghana(45 points) and Ivory Coast (41 points).
This calculation is based on the assumption that these teams will win their final matches in this stage of qualifying and maintain their current FIFA rankings (both of which are attainable).Only Tunisia and Morocco have a good chance of overtaking any of these teams in the FIFA ranking,but they can still fall short due to their poor performances in Ghana 2008.
In the final analysis, the fact that Nigeria will likely avoid the afore mentioned teams does not mean that they cannot end up in group of death.In fact Nigeria could still end in group that contains Tunisia,Senegal and Rwanda, while the there is a chance they might end up in a relatively easy group with Guinea(inconsistent),Benin(we have never lost to them in a competitive match) and Cape Vade(never won a match against a top ranking team).
Whoever they end up with,there is no denying the fact that Nigeria will have to be on top of their game if they want qualify for the next FIFA World Cup.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Killing us softly...
After Nigeria were knocked out of the 1998 world at the second round stage by Denmark,Pele was reminded of his prediction made in 1989 that predictions that an African team will win the world by the turn of the last century. Since that was the last World for that century and Nigeria being the last African team standing up to that point, he was asked to defend his predictions.
While Pele, like FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been known to make comments that are off the mark,which most no longer take too seriously, he made a valid one in the same interview. He said the reason his prediction failed was that African leagues are not strong.While it's a known fact,it is one nobody seems to want to do anything about.
With the availability of the English Premier League to viewers in Africa,it has become even more difficult to remedy the situation.These facts are well documented and I will not want to bore you by repeating them.
But I will talk about it's effects on the national team.Apart from the obvious drain of talents, there has been marked change in the style of play of the national team since the team's key players moved to England.
The English game is built on speed and physical play,with very little technique. The players are not allowed to express themselves as tackles fly in as soon you get the ball.And so in order not get caught on possession you release the ball as soon as you get it.
In international football, you have very little time prepare for matches and get used to your teammates.So teams slow games down in order not make mistakes with their their passing.The Spanish are masters at this with Xavi at the center of things.They are also always quick to spot runs by the forwards and provide those killer through passes.In Argentina, Juan Roman Requilme does the same for them.
In the past, Nigeria relied on Jay Jay Okocha to play this role, but of the current bunch Mikel seems to be man most suited for job.But you will agree with me that Mikel has not hit high notes of his performances at the WYC in 2005 as well at the ANC in Jan 2006.The same can be said of Seyi Olofinjana since move to Wolves and subsequently Stole City.
At the last nations cup the Ivory Coast midfield completely dominated a Nigeria midfield comprising the above mentioned players and Kanu who is also based in England.
Essentially, the English game does not suit the Nigerian style, were we rely on patient build ups in the middle and quick release of the wingers.And as the Olympic team showed last month, that style is still very effective.I will mention here that none of the midfielders used in China were based in England at the time.
So what is the solution? We need to make our league stronger and more attractive so that players are not tempted to leave after just one good season.In some cases players completely bypass the league and move to Europe as teenagers.
By playing up to three or four seasons in the NPL, players get used to the "Nigerian system" and it will not be easy for them to forget.Another solution is to set up a national football center, where the Nigerian football philosophy is taught to young players while they play for the national youth teams.In this way no matter what they learn later in life, they will know that once they pull on the Nigerian green they are expected to play a certian way.
Do you know?
That while Enugu Rangers have not won the FA cup since 1983 or the league since 1984, they are Nigeria most successful club domestically.They have won the league 6 times, more than any other club including back to back titles twice in 1974 and '75 and again in 1981 and '82.
They have also won the FA cup 5 times, as well as the doing double in 1974,1975 and 1981.
While Pele, like FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been known to make comments that are off the mark,which most no longer take too seriously, he made a valid one in the same interview. He said the reason his prediction failed was that African leagues are not strong.While it's a known fact,it is one nobody seems to want to do anything about.
With the availability of the English Premier League to viewers in Africa,it has become even more difficult to remedy the situation.These facts are well documented and I will not want to bore you by repeating them.
But I will talk about it's effects on the national team.Apart from the obvious drain of talents, there has been marked change in the style of play of the national team since the team's key players moved to England.
The English game is built on speed and physical play,with very little technique. The players are not allowed to express themselves as tackles fly in as soon you get the ball.And so in order not get caught on possession you release the ball as soon as you get it.
In international football, you have very little time prepare for matches and get used to your teammates.So teams slow games down in order not make mistakes with their their passing.The Spanish are masters at this with Xavi at the center of things.They are also always quick to spot runs by the forwards and provide those killer through passes.In Argentina, Juan Roman Requilme does the same for them.
In the past, Nigeria relied on Jay Jay Okocha to play this role, but of the current bunch Mikel seems to be man most suited for job.But you will agree with me that Mikel has not hit high notes of his performances at the WYC in 2005 as well at the ANC in Jan 2006.The same can be said of Seyi Olofinjana since move to Wolves and subsequently Stole City.
At the last nations cup the Ivory Coast midfield completely dominated a Nigeria midfield comprising the above mentioned players and Kanu who is also based in England.
Essentially, the English game does not suit the Nigerian style, were we rely on patient build ups in the middle and quick release of the wingers.And as the Olympic team showed last month, that style is still very effective.I will mention here that none of the midfielders used in China were based in England at the time.
So what is the solution? We need to make our league stronger and more attractive so that players are not tempted to leave after just one good season.In some cases players completely bypass the league and move to Europe as teenagers.
By playing up to three or four seasons in the NPL, players get used to the "Nigerian system" and it will not be easy for them to forget.Another solution is to set up a national football center, where the Nigerian football philosophy is taught to young players while they play for the national youth teams.In this way no matter what they learn later in life, they will know that once they pull on the Nigerian green they are expected to play a certian way.
Do you know?
That while Enugu Rangers have not won the FA cup since 1983 or the league since 1984, they are Nigeria most successful club domestically.They have won the league 6 times, more than any other club including back to back titles twice in 1974 and '75 and again in 1981 and '82.
They have also won the FA cup 5 times, as well as the doing double in 1974,1975 and 1981.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Bend it Like Beckham...win like the Germans.
It was ex-England captain, Gary Lineker who once said,"Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win".
He made this comment after West Germany beat England to advance to the final of the 1990 world cup,in a match the English played so well and should have won.
I will beg to add Italy,Argentina and in Africa Cameroun to that group of teams that find a way to win matches after playing poorly.Has Nigeria joined this group after beating South Africa in the latest round of the world and nations cup qualifiers without really playing well?
This is the third time , in these qualifiers, they have won a game after being second best to the opposition all match. In the previous rounds they found ways to dispatch Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea away from home after playing below par ,with Joseph Yobo supplying the goals on both occassions. This time it was Ike Uche who scored as Nigeria ran away 1-0 winners in Port Elizabeth.
Nigeria's Christian Obodo(R) and South Africa's Teko Modise vie for the ball.
Historically it is out character for the Super Eagles to win matches they had no business winning.We've often heard fans make comments to the effect of "...Nigeria played,while Ghana won...",emphasising the fact that Nigeria dominated their opponents. Notable examples include losing to Ghana 2-1 in the semi-final of the 1992 Nations cup and to Cameroun in the final eight years later on penalties after dominating most of the match on both occassions.
Playing without Kanu,Yobo,Mikel and Martins, who were out injured, as well as Nsofor,Anichebe and Odemwingie, who were left out after their the exertions at the Olympics, Nigeria were awful. Their midfield was completely played off park by the South African par of Siphiwe Tshabalala and Siyabonga Nkosi.It took a combination of dogged defending by the back four led by Danny Shittu,herioc goal keeping by Dele Aiyenugba and woeful finishing to keep the Bafana Bafana out.In the end, South Africa had 16 shots to Nigeria's 4, with two of those being on target.But it was the Eagles who came away with all three points as Ike Uche made use of one of the two chances he had in the game to score the decisive goal,after running on to a Taye Taiwo pass.
“Football matches aren’t decided on ball possession. South Africa were expected to come at us with home advantage and the fans behind them, but we were resolute,” said Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu.
"They created a lot of chances but we came to win and so I'm delighted. Winning becomes a habit and that is what I want to instill in my players."
Is this the new attitude in the Super Eagles? Has the coach Amodu finally instilled a winning mentality in the team? Do the Eagles now have the ability,like true champions to scrape results from very difficult matches? Or were the opposition in this group simply too weak for them?
These questions will surely be answered in the next round of World cup and Nations cup qualifies where they are bound to meet tougher teams.Especially as fans and commentators who are used to having the Eagles win with style, while scoring loads of goals, are yet to be convinced.
While he knows he there is still a lot of work to be done on the team,coach Amodu will no doubt be happy with the team's results so far,five wins from five matches,seven goals scored and none conceded.
With results like these, who needs style?
Do you Know?
Spare a thought for the South Africans. Do you know that Bafana Bafana won the African cup Nations in 1996,finished runners-up in 1998,got to the semi-final and quarter-final in 2000 and 2002 respectively. Ever since they failed to go beyond the group stages and now they are on the verge of not qualifying!
An alarming fall from grace for team once considered a power house of African football.
He made this comment after West Germany beat England to advance to the final of the 1990 world cup,in a match the English played so well and should have won.
I will beg to add Italy,Argentina and in Africa Cameroun to that group of teams that find a way to win matches after playing poorly.Has Nigeria joined this group after beating South Africa in the latest round of the world and nations cup qualifiers without really playing well?
This is the third time , in these qualifiers, they have won a game after being second best to the opposition all match. In the previous rounds they found ways to dispatch Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea away from home after playing below par ,with Joseph Yobo supplying the goals on both occassions. This time it was Ike Uche who scored as Nigeria ran away 1-0 winners in Port Elizabeth.
Nigeria's Christian Obodo(R) and South Africa's Teko Modise vie for the ball.Historically it is out character for the Super Eagles to win matches they had no business winning.We've often heard fans make comments to the effect of "...Nigeria played,while Ghana won...",emphasising the fact that Nigeria dominated their opponents. Notable examples include losing to Ghana 2-1 in the semi-final of the 1992 Nations cup and to Cameroun in the final eight years later on penalties after dominating most of the match on both occassions.
Playing without Kanu,Yobo,Mikel and Martins, who were out injured, as well as Nsofor,Anichebe and Odemwingie, who were left out after their the exertions at the Olympics, Nigeria were awful. Their midfield was completely played off park by the South African par of Siphiwe Tshabalala and Siyabonga Nkosi.It took a combination of dogged defending by the back four led by Danny Shittu,herioc goal keeping by Dele Aiyenugba and woeful finishing to keep the Bafana Bafana out.In the end, South Africa had 16 shots to Nigeria's 4, with two of those being on target.But it was the Eagles who came away with all three points as Ike Uche made use of one of the two chances he had in the game to score the decisive goal,after running on to a Taye Taiwo pass.
“Football matches aren’t decided on ball possession. South Africa were expected to come at us with home advantage and the fans behind them, but we were resolute,” said Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu.
"They created a lot of chances but we came to win and so I'm delighted. Winning becomes a habit and that is what I want to instill in my players."
Is this the new attitude in the Super Eagles? Has the coach Amodu finally instilled a winning mentality in the team? Do the Eagles now have the ability,like true champions to scrape results from very difficult matches? Or were the opposition in this group simply too weak for them?
These questions will surely be answered in the next round of World cup and Nations cup qualifies where they are bound to meet tougher teams.Especially as fans and commentators who are used to having the Eagles win with style, while scoring loads of goals, are yet to be convinced.
While he knows he there is still a lot of work to be done on the team,coach Amodu will no doubt be happy with the team's results so far,five wins from five matches,seven goals scored and none conceded.
With results like these, who needs style?
Do you Know?
Spare a thought for the South Africans. Do you know that Bafana Bafana won the African cup Nations in 1996,finished runners-up in 1998,got to the semi-final and quarter-final in 2000 and 2002 respectively. Ever since they failed to go beyond the group stages and now they are on the verge of not qualifying!
An alarming fall from grace for team once considered a power house of African football.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Olympics... a postmortem
The Olympic Games football tournament, like all age group tournaments organized by or in conjunction with FIFA has given us a chance to measure the health of our football. By all indications it's healthy!
Looking to add Olympic gold to the U-17 world cup won last year, Nigeria once again showed that there are talents abound in the country...not just playing talent, but coaching talent as well.
For me the biggest positive from the Olympics football tournament is the emergence of Samson Siasia as potential world class coach.Never before have I seen a Nigerian play with so much discipline and tactical guile .For the first time in Nigeria's football history, we have a team that combined all the positive attributes of Nigerian football, skill, strength, speed, attacking through both wings and excellent technical ability, while adding a high level tactical discipline never before seen in an African team. In the process they cut out some of the ills of Nigerian football.
Apart from the two times when the goalkeeper lost concentration and conceded silly errors in the games against Japan and the USA and in the final when the midfield failed to deal with Messi in the lead up to Argentina's goal, the team was excellent. As work in progress, the team is not yet vintage, but like the best French wine, it will get better with age (2014 perhaps?).
Unlike the 1996 team that won gold in Atlanta, this team did not have any stars(Olubayo plays in the Israeli 2nd division, while Efe Ambrose plays in the 2nd tier of the Nigerian league).In fact there was only one star in team, the coach Samson Siasia.
The best managers of the game are known for their ability to get the best out of the players they have...their man management skills and also for their ability to see hidden talents and of course their high tactical awareness among other skills.Siasia seemed to master both and much more!
A colleague in the office (who is not Nigerian, if I may add) pointed out after the semi-final that the team played for Mr. Siasia, the fact they always ran across to him after scoring each goal in the tournament showed that fact. This was in spite of the fact the he criticized them for a poor performance against the USA in the last group game. This shows a man management ability some of the best exponents like Luis Filipe Scolari and Jose Mourinho will be proud of.
His use of players was exemplary. His ability to successfully convert Solomon Okoronkwo, who is a center forward by trade ,to a right winger is straight from Arsene Wenger's book of tricks.
Tactically he set up the team uniquely to deal with each opponent. Their formation was not set on stone especially going forward while each player adapted well to their given role for each match. Chinedu Obasi for example, a forward by trade, was given a free role behind Osaze Odemwingie in the quarter final, while Osaze took over that role in the semi final with Obinna nsofor pushing up further than his always done in previous matches, to set up a rather unique system that can be described as 4-2-4 or 4-3-3 when they have the ball and converts to a 4-2-3-1 when they lose it. His substitution in the semi-final against Belgium bringing in Ekpo for Ajilore, was the main reason why the team scored four goals instead of just one.
Perhaps the one mistake he made in was starting with Isaac Promise in the final. Promise had a rather disappointing tournament and in the final failed to bridge that gap between attack and midfield effectively.
This meant Femi Ajilore had to go forward quite a lot. Maybe be the team could have played dealt with Argentina better if he had started with Emma Ekpo in a 4-2-3-1.This way Ajilore would have stayed back more to keep a closer eye on Messi. Kaita did the same on Requielme, even though it did little to nullify his overall influence, it stopped him from been a major treat going forward for Argentina. Again Ekpo plays in the MLS in the USA were games sometimes are played in mid-afternoon in the summer heat. I believe he would have adapted to the conditions better than most of his team mates.
In summary, it was great tournament for Nigeria and just like the win in the U-17 World last year in South Korea showed, the future of Nigeria football is very bright.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Gabby for Super Eagles?
I was informed by a Ghanaian colleague that Ghana's Sulley Muntari is of Nigerian decent. While I'm unable to confirm that,It's interesting that important players in many countries have links to Nigeria .
I must confess that when I first heard of Michael Essien about 5 years ago, I thought he was Nigerian as well, mainly because of his name.
This brings me to the on going debate on Gabriel Agbonlahor decision to play for England.
Without any doubt, Nigeria is blessed with a lot of talent, and commentators never fail to remind us of this fact especially when some players do not show commitment to the Super Eagles programs. This fact has also been repeated in the case of Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has decided to play for England .
While we cannot use all these talented players at the same time, we surely need to know that they're available for us whenever we need them. This cannot be achieved by simply sending out invitation letters to them simply because they have a link to Nigeria . At the moment we have fair few players who can be become eligible to play for us if we work on them. I will use Gabby,Nedum Onuoha of Man City and Sunny of Valencia as example.
International football at the moment is a lot like club football -as a result globalization
players now have a lot of options. As a result, you need to convince a player on the merits of playing for you, just like you do when you want to sign a player for a club. The manager needs to work hard with the support of the FA Chief executive or the FA secretary to "sign" a player for your federation. This may include presenting your programs, your targets and the marketing opportunities that will come from playing for you.
With this in mind and looking at the needs of the Super Eagles at the moment in terms of personnel, they,in my opinion includes but not limited to, a left winger(Agbonlahor),a right wing back(Onuoha) and a sitting/holding midfielder(Sunny), we need to talk to Gabby, Onuoha and Sunny to convince them to change allegiance to Nigeria. While coach Amodu has done well with his tactics to take care of these needs at the moment, I'm sure his tactics is not set in stone and that he will make changes depending on the opposition and players available, therefore the availability of these players, will surely expand his options.
We must also note that these three players are representative of whom to look for. We need to do further research on clubs in Europe to find players of Nigerian decent. Thankfully with the internet, it’s a lot easier to identify them and make enquiries about them.
Do you know?
That Shuaibu Amodu was the first coach to make Joseph Yobo captain of the Super Eagles. The match was an ANC qualifier in June 2001 against Namibia in Windhoek . Nigeria won the game 2-0.
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