Kelechi Iheanacho sent a strong warning to Super Eagles opponents ahead of next month’s AFCON, after scoring and setting up two goals as Manchester City pipped Leicester City 6-3 in a thrilling Boxing Day fixture at the Etihad.
It was Iheanacho’s second goal in 13 Premier League appearances for Leicester this season. The last time he scored for Leicester was on October 3rd, 2021, in a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.
Also, he has taken his assist in the English top flight this campaign to three.
Iheanacho’s Nigerian teammate Ademola Lookman was on target for the Foxes while Wilfred Ndidi was benched.
City, on 47 points, now extend their lead over Liverpool to six points in the league standing.
Also Read: Villarreal Confirm Chukwueze’s 2021 AFCON Call-up
For Leicester they have lost three of their last five Premier League games (one win, one draw) and are in 10th position on 22 points.
A lightning start by Man City yields a smart goal on 5th minute as Kevin De Bruyne controlled from Fernandinho’s pass and rifled in a low left-foot finish.
In the 14 minute City doubled their lead after Riyad Mahrez scored from the spot following a foul on Aymeric Laporte.
City continued to press for more goals and were rewarded on 21 minutes as they went 3-0.Ilkay Gundogan tapped in the loose ball after Kasper Schemichel parried Joao Cancelo’s low cross.
Things went from bad to worse for Leicester as Raheem Sterling made it 4-0 on 25 minutes from the spot after he was fouled inside the box.
Leicester pulled a goal back on 55 minutes. A beautiful touch from Maddison on the half way line, passed to Iheanacho who delayed well to play it back to him, and he slotted home easily.
In the 59th minute Leicester got a second goal to make it 4-2 after Iheanacho played in Lookman to slot home.
Iheanacho then made it 4-3 on 66 minutes, tapping home after Maddison’s long range shot bounced off the crossbar into the path of the Nigerian.
The goals kept coming this time to City thanks to Aymeric Laporte in the 69 minute, after the Spaniard rose to send a looping header into the top corner bringing the score to 5-3.
And with three minutes left, City snuffed out any hope of a comeback as Sterling tapped in from a Ruben Dias downward header to end the game 6-3.
And in other Boxing Day fixture, Arsenal thrashed Norwich City 5-0 at Carrow Road, Tottenham Hotspur overcame 10-man Crystal Palace 3-0 while Southampton beat West Ham 3-2 away.
By James Agberebi
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
78 Comments
The assists he made were superb. The goal he scored, he calculated against the wood-work, and he struck the goal in the opposie direction of the goalkeeper.
I must say, i was part of those that criticised Nacho form, and I can tell that, this is due to lack of game time, and I also think Nacho let things get into his head.
Let me submit that, if well guided by a good coach, Nacho will excel. Although, he didin’t play in his actual position today but, was instrumental in all the three goals scored by Leicester City.
Iheanacho’s drop in form is largely due to lack of opportunities. When he was given such opportunities past season, he made it count. The coming of Daka is making Rogers look down on Nacho. This has nothing to do with his from. Let him just keep on working hard, and let the coach regret the time he has made him waste on the bench.
I never doubted his abilities. It was due to coaches who have not been fair to him. The few cgances he got under pellengrini he made them count. I remember his fist Manchester derby under Guadiola he shone in that very match. The next thing was shipping him out and replacing with Gabriel Jesus
Rodgers is also tolling the same line as Guadiola. I guess he probably brought him on after going 4:0 down
lookman played better.
No, he played 90mins today. Kelechi, Madison and Lookman, were really sharp today and almost completed the comeback of the year. Ihanacho’s second attempt that was saved by the keeper was about to do just.
I think, Kelechi atimes allows his performance to enter his head, especially when he plays in the SE. He should drop the Senior man title and give those beautiful assists he is known for to his fellow Super Eagles Strikers. When in form and played as a support striker, Kelechi can cause damage to any team. He is not a No.10 or 9, but performs best as 8. But should be warned not to be competing with Osimhen but rather complimenting Osimhen or any No 9 chosen.
@Ikeben Kelechi Iheanacho has performed well as a pointman than he has as a no 8.
I think people still judge him from his youth days but he has grown into a centre forward.Kelechi struggles to adapt in the midfield when he’s tasked to fall back to assist from behind he makes lots of passing inaccuracies and losing possession in dangerous areas.
He is safer for his team as the lead man in attack,that was where he excelled in Manchester city as well Leicester city.If you observe when he’s paired with Vardy he’s not one that plays behind Vardy rather the opposite.Vardy has to do all the running from the wings and behind.
Apparently,super eagles started struggling when Rohr resulted to playing Nacho in the midfield behind Osimhen.I think Osimhen/Ighalo’s pairing was more dangerous .
Iheanacho should change club, he should look for a club that would give him regular playing time. Iheanacho is a very good player.
Tayo: Big up for calling a spade a spade. Some of my countrymen vile criticism of this young man sometimes makes my stomach sick.
Ihenacho keeps reminding those nay sayers again and again of his talent and footballing abilities.
‘Class is permanent
Kelechi is on fire!!!
Anyone who doubts Iheanacho’s footballing abilities should stop watching football and watch cricket or judo. He has virtually scored against every big team in England. He may not be the best ball-carrier but very clever in passing, shooting and positioning. His anticipation is top-class, seems to be at the right place and at the right time. He’s very clinical too
But his best position is #8, just behind the main striker.
We doubt his consistency not his ability. Hopefully he would be given more playing time to sharpen his consistency
That’s the point! Playing time. Rodgers plays him today and dumps him on the bench tomorrow
@Respect is reciprocal’
I doubt you practice what you preach? Your moniker and statements are worlds apart. The inconsistencies in your criticism of Senior man is as hypocritical as your writeup. You lots needs to show some respect to the wonderful talent of Iheanacho.
Kelechi performed only when he is hungry to play, when he find game time difficult to come by.
I don’t think anyone doubted his ability but instead his unserious nature ( he is not hungry enough for success, and it gets to his head easily) is his problem.
That’s why I have suggested he switch to comedy as he will be successful in that.
You think clinching EPL player of the month is a joke? How many Nigerians has achieved that? EPL is arguably the most competitive league in Europe. A league which many talented players has flopped in. Leicester’s acquisition of Lukman and Daka shows their ambition (although Rogers is currently clueless and out of sorts). Not many Nigerian footballers can tie-down a regular spot in this current Leicester attack. So Nacho is doing great considering the amount of time he has being given.
Is he doing badly? NO! Can he do better? Yes!
If Nacho should switch to German, Dutch or Italian league (less competition), he’ll probably score an average of 25 goals a season. He’s that clinical and smart.
Lol…instead of you guys to encourage this man to be more consistent, you are here calling him what he’s not.We all know Kelechi has got huge potential, but the guy has never been consistent. We all watched him some months ago, he wasn’t himself. He has the talent to go places, but he needs to do away with distractions, to be more consistent. Some of you were talking about playing times, he has had some quality time this season, his performances were hard to describe in those games. Another performance like he had today will secure him a place ahead of Daka. Kelechi please be more consistent.
That is why we always tell you to stop criticising someone when the going is bad for him or her. Had it been the headline was like Iheanacho struggle this place would have been flooded with comments and the truth of it is that the guy has not been doing badly. Was it not the same guy that played well against Man u at the beginning of the season or that match in Europa League where he and Daka shown like a million stars even in national team I could remember our first match in WQC with his brace but some lazy Nigerians are quick to judge when one is going through a temporary setback. Just some days ago some people were saying here that he should be dropped from nations cup so that their hard-working players like Ndah,Izuchukwu etc can make the team wicked people
Tayo- Well said bro. Nacho has 11 National team goals already (still counting). He even scored a brace during the qualifiers. It makes me ponder what these persistent raucous is about lol
IF A PLAYER DOES NOT PERFOM IN CLUB IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR SUCH A PLAYER TO BE RECALL TO NATIONAL TEAM. KELECHI IS ONLY LUCKY WE HAVE A NIGERIA COACH MANAGING THE TEAM PRESENTLY OTHERWISE IF IT WERE TO BE A NEW FOREIGN COACH HE MIGHT NOT BE CONSIDERED ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE DESSER BUT BECAUSE WE NIGERIAN BELIEVES IN HIM THAT IS WHY WE GO WITH HIM. THEN NO RIGHT THINKING COACH WOULD ALWAYS BENCH HIS BEST PLAYERS SO KELECHI SHOULD IMPROVE HIS PERFORMANCE AT TRAING ,HE SHOULD ALSO REDUCE HIS CALORIES AS THIS WILL ALLOW HIM MOVE FASTER.
THE REASON HE WAS USED TODAY WAS BECAUSE HE WAS ONCE A CITY PLAYER
Was he not used in the last game against Liverpool? People just speak without facts. Kelechi was ill two weeks ago, that’s why he missed Leicester matches. Do some research before posting!
Kelechi was subbed in at 2nd half against Liverpool and did nothing meaningful for the time he was on. He scored his penalty kick for Leicester during the shootout..
So you are the one that needs to do your research better
@John-1: ask them bad bellies the reasons for their off the track criticism? Iheanacho had been one of the best homegrown footballing talent exported out of our country in recent years. I don’t know what’s wrong with the blackman always dragging their own down?
Their bad-belle has no basis. None of their favorites (aside great Victor Osimhen) can make Leicester bench!
Tayo: Big up for calling a spade a spade. Some of my countrymen vile criticism of this young man sometimes makes my stomach sick.
Ihenacho keeps reminding those nay sayers again and again of his talent and footballing abilities.
Class is permanent
Rogers always like using Iheanacho when he is panicking or when his team is sinking……Rogers uses him as emergency and when things are going well he simply sends him back to the bench……. Iheanacho is been used as an emergency goal getter which is not fair at all…….He has salvaged two seasons for lecester now and Rogers does not want to reward him with a permanent spot in the team…….Kelechi will always give you goals but kele should not always be all about getting goals….. Kelechi should be allowed to enjoy himself and play without the Borden of getting goal always.
I laugh when some forum member here suggesting kelechi be drop from AFCON team, class is permanent for. Might drop sometime, kelechi have class and football sense than most of out current players, no coach will drop such an intelligent player, give him time and make him feel among them watch him do wonder.
@ Femi: tell them bro ‘class is permanent ‘
I think we should make a case for Lookman Ademola. Why has this guy not be invited to the national team? Are his papers not ready yet? Was he not on the original 40-man list? This guy is very good. I see him as more mature than Chukwueze. His intelligence on the ball is so cool. We are becoming notorious for convincing foreign born players and throw them away before even giving them enough opportunities. I see no reason why he shouldn’t be in Cameroon if Ahmed Musa and Sheu Abdullahi could make.it
“Lookman, more mature than Chukwueze”? In the national team setup??
Hmm, that’s a controversial one bro…..if you ask me, I’d just say they’re both thriving in their positions, and nothing more. Any other basis for comparison is just based on personal opinions, which everyone is strictly entitled to
Brodaman, put that question up to the criminal gang amongst the NFF lead by Shehu Diko. Has anyone bothered to ask while SE chief scout Adelakun who had been scouting all our foreign born players, got booted out and also why these five deserving SE; Ademola Lookman, Dessers, AKPOGUMA, Calvin Bassey, Ejaria got overlooked? These criminals are gradually returning to their EVIL status quo of relying on home grown talents for SE with the aim of marketing them to foreign leagues. WORST STILL THE BEST HOMEBASED ALREAY SIGNED ON WITH AGENCY OUTSIDE THEIR CONFINES WILL NEVER GET A LOOK-IN. John Noble is just the first, while lots more are on their way especially if Eguavoen goes on to win the AFCON. SHEHU DIKO N HIS FACTION IN THE NFF IS THE REAL PROBLEM OF NIGERIA FOOTBALL.
Nigeria’s best finisher anywhere is Kelechi. His finishing precision is in the level of Christiano, Messi, Lewandowski and co. He could’ve scored two yesterday if not for Enderson. Playing right on the shoulder of any of Osimhen Awoniyi and Sadiq will really benefit us in Cameroon. I’m leaning on players like Kelechi, Dennis Osimhen Awoniyi and Sadiq to wreck havoc in Cameroon.
And Nigeria really need Ademola Lookman in the SuperEagles ASAP. That boy is a joy to watch. He reminds of Hazard when he was at Chelsea. A delight with the ball on his feet.
@Ayphillydegreat… If Ahmed Musa does not bow out of the team,how can you accommodate Ademola Lookman?
Well… frankly speaking I don’t see Musa and Ighalo playing for Nigeria beyond 2022. Hopefully then we can blood-in the likes of Lookman whom we actually need as an upgrade to Musa, Simon… in my opinion!
@Jimmyball,Ahmed Musa don’t need to bow out for Lookman to be part of the team instead the gaffer should grow some balls to make decisions necessary for the good of the team going forward.
@Greenturf… Knowing Nigeria and a knack for denying the truth that stare then in face. It would have been hard to name a foreign born straight into the team who Nigerians are yet to see in action in the national team…
We cried for long for Ejaria, Lookman to be introduced gradually, I am one of those who kept saying the mobility, stamina,passing, intelligence and shooting skills of Ademola Lookman makes him a good fit for several roles for Super Eagles in the attacking third of the field.
When Iwobi was struggling in attacking midfield and Iheanacho was being trying and later Ejuke, I kept saying why don’t we invite and try Ejaria or Lookman?
Then the story was always their switch is yet to materialize or some bogus claims which we kept hearing for eternity why those two were not yet ready.
We know what Lookman can bring to any team… infact what that guy played for Fulham last season was enough to earn him a fast-tracked for Nigeria’s gains but alas, it appeared the slow nature of their switch was deliberate.
We kept hearing Rohr saying they should write letter and then you read the switch is through and Rohr will come and say it is not through, at last we did not know who to believe anymore.
When the chance came to invite Ejaria, Rohr said he was down in his pecking order of midfield players. I am afraid we will have to wait until some players announce retirements again for some of these great prospects to pull-on our jersey…
@JimmyBall that will not happen regarding retirement of old players. In Africa honour and dignity is foreign to us.I keep saying the SE is a synopsis of of our society in a broader sense. When you know you are not the best for the job but you adopt the “I die there approach”. you start to hear funny rationale like ” Who is he going to bench?” “He is too young, let him start from the u23″ or if it had to do with a political office they will let him start from ” councillor ( When it is clear he has ideas and intellect beyound that level)”. When will we start judging people based on their competence and not on their age. Barring Trump, most oyibo will resign honourably when they know they can not deliver as expected, paving way for a more competent person. Pele was 17 at his first world cup, mbappe was still in his teens when France won the world cup. For oyibo, it is about competence and not quota system or about past achievements. Having made decisions based on sentiments , we Africans now expect to dominate the world….lol. Our current state is not an accident but well deserved.
Exactly, the guy’s intelligence is another level, more like the Edge (Wrestler) of football. At some point in Man City, he had one of best goals per munites ration in entire Europe, even ahead of Messi and Ronaldo. A lot of folks may think the goal he scored against City was easy but it wasn’t. A normal striker would’ve looked for left-corner but Nacho Nacho chose the direction the ball was coming from, making Ederson and Laporte dance ‘Makosa’ and ‘Mambebe’ on the flour. Most of his goals look so easy due his technique and shooting-sense.
But can he do better? Yes! His talent is innate
Lookman is fantastic. He has pace, skill and intelligence. He’s a joy to watch.
@ John-1
I like your football writeup. Yes! Lookman is certainly a good prospect. His talent is not in question. His situation in regards to Eagles call up is akin to Kanus prior to the 1994 nations cup buildup. His time will come soon.
@Ayphilllydegreat nice observation there, this is what i am talking about in other headlines why ighalo, musa, noble etc while not lookman, Bassey making the team
This is Olisa Ndah, the defender that some people have written off as having no business in the SE list to the upcoming Afcon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tH6kteSE04
Thanks Pompei. For every compilation of a player’s shortcomings, there are also clips out there showcasing their strengths and unique selling points.
His chief critic albeit, is your right hand man @Dr. Drey o. Lol
See a clip of Ndah’s time at Akwa United, before he was signed by Orlando Pirates.
He uses both feet, comfortable on the ball, good in the air. Has the qualities you would expect in a typical rugged African defender. Very good at long range passing, and ball distribution.
Of course, the argument that he hasn’t been tested in a top 5 league is valid.
Justifying his selection ahead of Akpoguma and Izuchukwu is left for Eguavoen to explain.
However, his performances with Orlando Pirates this season demonstrate that his invitation may not be as crazy as most people think. He does appear to be quite decent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2QveKOo1Ww
Ndah’s inclusion in the Super Eagles is fraudulent and there’s no gainsaying about that. However, Ndah can cover himself in glory if he puts up a fine showing at Afcon, he could be a revelation who knows.
Personally, Olisa Ndah is not my cup of tea. I would have preferred Isreal based Anthony Izuchukwu whom I feel has better defensive movements and greater possibilities with ball to feet. However to give a parti pris account of Ndah’s capabilites is gravely misleading.
From what I gather, Ndah, with his physical approach which suits African football, possesses adequate marking, tackling, interception and shielding skills.
I think he is a bit rigid and either slow or rash in his reactions at times. However all defenders have their strengths and weaknesses.
Olisa Ndah in my view does not deserve to be written off. It is the coaches’ judgement that he will add value to their tactical intentions for the Super Eagles’ approach in Cameroon.
I would definitely not have picked Ndah ahead of the likes of Ajayi, Ozornwafor or even Ebuehi (whom I will happily experiment as a centre back). In the same breath I will not deride his invitation either because I respect the judgement of the coaching crew more so as Ndah is fit, experienced and capable.
Some say he hasn’t been part of the Super Eagles set up but this also applies to Sadiq Umar who last represented Nigeria at Under-23 level almost 5 years ago.
Olisa Ndah is a decent defender who deserves to be given the opportunity to show what he offers the Super Eagles at a high level.
Deo, I also think Ebuehi would make a good center back. And he’s already a good full back, who can play in both positions.
Regarding Olisa Ndah, the evidence suggests that he is a capable defender and can perform, if the opportunity arises. Whether he deserves to be selected ahead of other options like Bassey, Akpoguma, etc is another matter, and I refrain from delving into that.
There are a few selections in this list that I don’t understand. And the exclusion of Dessers, Bassey, and especially Amoo is tough to justify, in my opinion. But as you said, it’s the coach’s judgment, and he will be held responsible if things do not work out.
Hahahaha….Clips of Olisah Ndah against his fellow heavy NPFL strikers who cannot shoot their teams to common group stages of CAF competitions nor get good deals in good clubs in strong leagues abroad.
We saw him LIVE when he faced TOGOLESE home-based strikers….LMAOoooo….We saw him LIVE when he faced CIV U23s at U23 AFCON….LMAOooo. If you claim those were 2 years ago, multiple vidoe evidences from highlights of his games at Orlando pirates has shown how he has directly contributed to and can be held responsible for close to 6 out of 8 goals his club has conceded in 13 matches with him starting at the back this season plus his 4 yellow cards already. If all these are not against same “Africa Strikers” against whom his marketers claimed he can cope…LMAOOooo? Imagine him against the very creame de la creame of African strikers imported from top clubs in Europe for AFCON…..LMAOoo. That means 1 more prayer point has been added to our long list of prayer points heading into cameroon…..LORD PLEASE PROTECT BALGOUN AND AWAZIEM FOR US…..LMAOoo, Otherwise….???
He wasn’t our best defender in the U23 team, he wasnt our best defender in the WAFU team, We played Mexico recently and his class was as far to the level of top level international football as the heavens are from the earth, He wasnt our best defender on the night either. The rangers defender was, and even drew praises of the Mexican technical crew. The highlights of that one too is on YouTube and it wasn’t played “many years” ago….LMAOooo
The fact that Olisah is CURRENTLY nursing a knee injury which has kept him out of his club’s last 2 league games and would be resuming camp UNFIT makes it all even more laughable.
South African League over German Bundesliga/Europa League.
South African League over Scottish PL/Europa league.
A slow and rigid CB over mobile players who can, and are proven to play multiple positions in defense.
Currently Injured player over players who are 101% fit.
A player who was never shortlisted over those who were.
We should simply have dropped Awoniyi in the Bundesliga too for Stanley Dimgba in the same South African league…..LMAOooo….since Stanley Dimgba too is rugged and fit for rugged African defenders……LMAOoooo
Some people really think they can sell a monkey to us as a dog….LMAOooo.
I am loving this new-found repentance of many of those who claimed to be “liberation fighters fighting for the truth”….LMAOooo. All of a sudden, we now see the need to “respect the judgement of the coaching crew”
Na sidon look we still dey o.
If them like make dem pack Egwuekwe dem put for defence, we will not tolerate excuses come March 2022 if they don’t show us the AFCON trophy and WC ticket they paid almost $2m (if not more) for.
@Dr.Drey… Can you now atleast apologize to me for once mocking me that I suggested we can play Ebuehi as a RIGHT CENTRAL DEFENDER in a three man defence?
I well never forget the hell I went through with your derision and taunting just for liking Ebuehi’s physicality to Diego Godin of Uruguay and at that time Inter Milan, even pointing you to the fact that they were almost in equal in height and that central defence is more of intelligence(which Ebuehi has in abundance) than muscle…
You see how two wildcard players (Nwakali & Ndah) I have always pointed this forum to, Ndah’s case, only recently has rippled through to pinch squad places from those we thought were hitherto, more deserving?.
I am more convinced you will start taking some of serious now that you will desist from trying to always antagonize…
…Check statements of @Deo and @Pompei whose views I know you love and often respect above regarding what they think about Tyrone Ebuehi and possible deployment as a centre back… the dude is even 187cm.
I have NEVER had any discussions with you over the ability of Ebuehi to play as a centre back….NEVER.
I simply asked you to tell us where you have EVER seen any coach play a 3 man central defense with only 1 NATURAL Centre back, when you lumped your Olayinka and Chukwueze as wingbacks to flank a back 3 of Zaidu, Balogun and Ebuehi…..LMAOooo…..in your imaginary and highly flawed BEST SE starting XI….LMAOoo.
Till today you are yet to show us anywhere in the world where such a tactic has ever been deployed….LMAOooo…Only 1 natural CB in a back 5…..LMAOooo.
Things have degenerated so badly now that we now have WILD CARD players (ie players that do not actually qualify or meet benchmarks) making our tournament squad lists over top performers. Phone call products…LMAOooo.
Please what happened to “…only an INSANE coach like ROHR leaves players like DESSERS, NWAKAEME, OLAYINKA, AMOO out his team….” LMAOoooo.
I guess the insanity in our football is even worse now that the likes of EBUEHI, AKPOGUMA AND BASSEY cannot make a 28 man squad and we are now having vocabularies like “wild card” and “failure” as common place in our discussions…..LMOAOOOooo
Read the comments section of this video, and see what Orlando Pirates fans are saying about Ndah.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kt0Z4Q069I
Just imagine the painting of Iheanacho on the posts, Iheanacho that can’t score on African soil, I know he score one or 2 goals but Afcon is different and no coach will take risk. If I mention Musa now they will say because he is my brother or we are from the same place but look at home they allow sentiments to becloud their comments. Musa has more hunger to play as forward when on Nigerian colored jersey, that is truth. What about Ighalo? He is the reigning African golden boot holder and still scoring goals for his club till last week, highest goal scorer. Sentiments apart, if we can get Osimhen and Ighalo as forwards, Iwobi, Aribo, Ndidi for middle field, Shehu, Balogun, Omirua as defenders Egypt will be a walk over. But here we call ourselves Nigerians but only pushing for our brother even if he is not the best. We must think Nigeria first. This is Ighalo, play it and see.
https://youtu.be/FC28gNusQdw?t=13
@Shehu. I remembered Afcon 2019 very well and I still watch the clips till date. That was a very difficult game for us and it was Ighalo that rescued us. We need experience in our games and not to gamble. Our first game against Egypt will decide how far will can go .
Brother. If you think the Ighalo we see in this clip is the same Ighalo we have now, then I don’t know what to tell you. The same people compare Musa of those days to the Musa we have now, don’t you guys understand that strength declines with age?? Can’t you see Ighalo in our last match?? Sentiment no go kee people o
@Mirah nice talk some people are too sentimental in my liking or should i say sometimes they don’t observe, look before writing comments
Did Kelechi Iheanacho score his eleven goals for Super Eagles in Mars,Mercury or Jupitar??? A lot of comments here are quite astonishing lol
@ Pompeii, I have followed Ndah long time and my observation about him is, he has got potentials but definitely not in the class of Bassey talkless of AKPOGUMA.
Watch his clip very carefully and you see, he is not quick off his feet, same problem Ekong has, reason opponents arrive to drag balls with him and quite frequently trip him to the ground. Also, he looks very light weight physically; a big drawback for centre half.
If people are dissatisfied with Ekong, I can put my money that Ndah is Ekong downgrade where as we should be looking for an upgrade.
With time though, Ndah can come really good if he can add up more muscles as well as improve on the quickness of feet off the ground doing loads of footwork. This quickness of foot off the ground is one of the most important skills needed for footballers most especially defenders as it helps defenders arrive first on loose ball as well as always being ahead of opponents. Smart attackers are very good at timing defenders movement of feet on the balls, whereby they rush on those defenders that are slow on their feet to cause them to make mistakes. Anyway one positive aspect of Ndah’s game is that he has the intelligence to play as a centre back.
Glory, I hear you. However, it must be said that thousands of Orlando Pirates fans disagree with you. They think he’s a star over there.
They absolutely love the guy. See the comments on the videos I uploaded. For fans to be praising him like that, there has to be a reason for it!
@ brotherman Pompeii, sure they will always praise their players doing well hence they are fans. But Super Eagles ala national team is many miles above Orlando pirates/south African league football. Personally I like Ndah as a player but I honestly don’t think is there yet for SE, where we have the likes of AKPOGUMA, Bassey, Onzuruwafor etc begging to be considered. Anyway this is his chance, he had better prove me wrong.
To be honest, I was also surprised to see his name in the list.
Chances are he may be on the bench throughout the tournament. But if he’s selected to play, then it will be up to him to show his ability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMVQ92WhbYg
Or is this not the same Orlando Pirates vs Maritzburg United (1-1) game in which Ndah should have been send off for a professional foul (tripping a striker through on goal) if the referee knew what his job really was……LMAOooo.
Its not a surprise fans are praising him over there. Who will not praise a 1 eyed man in the midst of the blind. Anyone who is familiar with Kickoff.com knows how SAns praise their local players and league to high heavens even though it cant supply enough quality to their national team to qualify for AFCON and the WC on regular basis. At a time they claimed their goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was the best in Africa….LMAOooo….when Enyeama was keeping record number of clean sheets in the French ligue 1.
Lets all just agree Ndah’s selection is a completely fraudulent one instead of cooking up all these quasi-flaccid justifications which do not fly…..LMAOoooo. We should just intensify our prayers for Balogun and Awaziem before, during and after AFCON……LMAOoo…those 2 must not experience even a headache as things stand now.
This Ndah guy is surely gonna be a calamity in waiting at AFCON should he be called upon to play
@Dr.Drey… are we still on Olisah Ndah and how his sacks are too big that he can’t run properly? Hahaha… bro, na camp stories we the await now o!
The same Akpoguma whose lungs almost busted against Algeria? Same Akpoguma that Sierra Leone bullet strikers almost send him to coma?
We know Akpoguma is decent and will still get more involvements but like I have always told you… people like Eguaveon are not easily deceived by the league a player plays, PSL is not where we want our players to be but it’s a step in the right direction.
In the coming days however, we shall be waiting to confirm this your assertion of Olisah Ndah being injured. Me, I just want to beelieve that the due has massively improved from 2019 U-23 Nations Cup levels.
@Dr.Drey my friend let’s support the team… even Rohr is no longer bitter as I hear and has already sent the team his godwill. If Rohr so believed in Akpoguma he would have handed him team starting spots after Akpoguma’s lack Lustre performance against Sierre Leone…
I want to believe it was Rohr sparing usage of Akpoguma that led NFF to take such drastic decision regarding Kevin Akpoguma.
Hahahaha…Rohr’s sparing usage of Akpoguma is what has made Ndah a better option….LMAOooo. What an assertion….LMAOooo. Rohr must still be whispering into the ears of Eguavoen…..LMAOooo. Since Eguavoen does not believe in the league a player plays, why did he stuff our attack to the teeth with top quality players…..LMAOooo…do we not have “MANY TALENTS” in the NPFL he has been scouting since last year anymore…??? LMAOoooo.
So it is Ndah that Rohr never even as much as invited to come and know the colour of the gates to the SE camp that is head and shoulders above Akpoguma, Bassey and Ebuehi to make our FINAL AFCON squad without making the 40man provisional List that the corrupt NFF NEVER released till date…? More so when he is even carrying a knee injury….and we know how cantankerous knee injuries can be, very prone to relapse if rushed back.
Ndah wasnt even 1st choice CB in any of our 2019 U23 AFCON qualifiers. The only match he started vs CIV, he characteristically pulled down an opponent, conceded a penalty and got sent off for a 2nd bookable offence…..LMAOOoo..and was an integral part of a disastrous CB that couldn’t contain homebased strikers of Togo and Capeverde. So it is a defender who was sparingly used at U23 and has contributed to more than half the goals his team has conceded anytime he starts is the one that is the better option…..LMAOooo. You claim he has “improved”, yet his most recent matches in the last 8-10 weeks still show him hauling down opposition strikers in dangerous areas, conceding penalties and amassing yellow cards like oil wealth in just 13 matches he has played, in a league that cannot supply enough quality to its national team to qualify for major tournaments with ease….LMAOoooo. If that is what you call “massive improvement” then I am still wondering how he made our previous national teams…..LMAooo….Of course what am I saying, through Phone Calls. Olisah Ndah has “Massively improved”. Bassey, Akpoguma, Ebuehi have not….LMAOooooo
I wish it was Rohr that was still in charge to sneak in currently injured and substandard “wild card” players who couldn’t even rightly make a SE 40 man shortlist (and rightly so, based on current performances) through the backdoor….LMAOooo…I would have loved to see if what you would have blurted out would have been “…@Dr.Drey my friend let’s support the team…”…LMAOOooo. Bunch of hypocrites…..LMAOoo. All of a sudden South African League became better than the German Bundesliga….LMAOOo.
“Support” must have a skin colour now I guess…..LMAOooo
The super eagles will never stop having my 100% support, so my support is a given, any day, any time, whether is a white or a black coach, whether its filled with Nigerians born at home or Nigerians born abroad. My support is not and will never be based on skin colour unlike some people who have just suddenly repented and realized we now see the need to “respect the judgement of the coaching crew”….LMAOooo. Everything that used to be a sin before has now become ‘way to go’…including leaving out players like ADELEYE, DESSERS, NWAKAEME, OLAYINKA, AMOO, EBUEHI, AKPOGUMA, EJARIA, LOOKMAN, ALHASSAN IBRAHIM, ALHASSAN YUSUF AND BASSEY for “wild card” players. We can almost name an entire staring XI who do not need “wild cards” who have been left out because they do not have people who can help the make “phone calls”
“Liberation fighters fighting for the truth” indeed….LMAOooo. Black must be the color of Truth now….LMAOooo.
Like I’ve said earlier, Na sidon look we dey.
Its their time and they have not disappointed. If them like make dem pack Egwuekwe and Gabriel Rueben dem put for the team, its their own headache.
Some of us are not failures and are not ready to tolerate failure like some people. We will not tolerate excuses come March 2022 if they don’t show us the AFCON trophy and WC ticket they paid two million dollars plus for.
https://youtu.be/lsnURsuMcyE?t=34
Shehu, I was accused of saying the same thing but I feel our victory in cameroon is lot better than who is picked to play. I like Ihenacho, he can score for Leicester but in the eagles he is weak, most of the time running around the pitch. If we take small a risk against the pharaohs that group will be difficult because we need to win our first match. I will say we Nigerians miss Victor Moses for his experience, it is experience we need at this stage.
@Sehu Damisa:
That Burundi match was our most difficult on Afcon 2019, if not for Odion Ighalo, no way. When some people say it was the semi finals against Algeria, I just laugh. Algeria were lucky to beat us in the dying minute of that Game. What about the game against South Africa 8n the Quarter finals? It was the easiest. Africa football competition is different from EPL club sides. It is unfortunate that Leicester lost that match but Kele did his best and am glad he is on the list of Eguavon but he will need more experience to play on African soil. He will learn.
@ Morah….. Let me say you just want to post for the sake of it. The Teslim Balogun pitch you mentioned apart from being too small, can’t be used to assess good players because it does not allow players to fully express themselves. I think you are not aware that CAF has banned Teslim Balogun. I know how you feel when I said Ighalo has more experience in Afcon. My fear is, without experience, player like Mo Salah will punish us. Iheanacho could come in as a sub than risking him to start against Egypt. Get me right please, he is good.
Ighalo just scored.
Lolzzzzzz… Hold me Lord. Hahaha…
That’s good news, he scored a brace last week.
onwajunior, that means Ighalo is now the leading goal scorer in Saudi Arabia league. That is a warning signal to the camp of Egypt.
@Shehu Damisa, how can I upload the video? My boy likes it.
Dr. Drey, you are the only one who knows what yeye FREEDOM you are fighting for.
Your god ROHR had almost 6 years and he persisted with the likes of SHEHU, Samuel Kalu, Simon, retired Ighalo, div 2 Collins, div 2 Omeruo, apere AKPEYI, clubless Musa etc regardless whether other players were in top form or not.
Imagine a coach who will ask the whole world who a player playing regularly and scoring was coming to replace.
All these years, with ROHR labouring to beat the likes of Benin, Lesotho, CV, SL, CAR etc you kept urging him on.
Eguavoen and co are less than a month and just named their first squad, yet you will not allow people hear word.
Your foolish and childish pride is so woubded and battered that you are so shoxked you cannot just move on and embrace change like your co-travelers in the ROHR train; @Pompei, @Glory, @Greenturf, @Ayphilly etc (considering you were running your loud mouth here threatening and daring NFF to sack your god.) Now, like a wounded bull in a China shop, you are fighting even your most ardent supporters for choosing to be objective and for accepting their fate.
You can question NDA but have no qualms with SHEHU, IGHALO, NOBLE…Yeye dey smell.
You go just get hypertension for this matter.
Thank God you have no influence whatsoever anywhere to effect any change to whatever the NFF decides.
You can siddon look or jump from one side of a cage to another like a tamed orangutan for all we care. A new SHERIFF is in town and the last I checked, his name is EGUAVOEN and not ROHR. So, chill boy, go get busy on where you earn your daily bread. This is where NFF and EGUAVOEN earn theirs; FOOTBALL.
Well rounded
Spot on brother
The Drey will soon be here again with his usual “Hehehehe” comment. I don’t know what’s hard in moving on
Hahahaha……Please what happened to
“…only an INSANE coach like ROHR leaves players like DESSERS, NWAKAEME, OLAYINKA, AMOO out his team…..” LMAOoooo.
Ire tun ti pada si’ahin pelu aso loju. O kan dun mahuru mahuru, ire o po wipe ire gan ni baba obo. S’ebi mo ti ra’wo ebe sio wipe bi o ba da awon alale re loju ki o fo pelu mi l’ede larubawa wa. Bi o ba da awon babanla re l’oju je a fo lede wa kin tu asiri re si gbangba walia…..LMAOooo.
Continue hobnobbing around in deceit at you age…..LMAOOoo.
Ire o se je’a tusu de’sale ikoko boya idi re o ni jona….LMAOoooo
Mo ti so fun e nibiyi pe obsession e pelu JIMMYBALL ma si e lese. Age wise am not mates eith you and Jimmyball. Eon o kin san eo fun eni kankan wa fun comments wa nibi. I have told you that repeatedly. Lets restrict our conversation to football and desist from childish shenanigans. Gbogbo oro ti o lori to n so kiri yen o le ran e lpwo. Glpry o, Pompei o, Greenturf ati bebeo ti sun. Last time you were up in arms against POMPEI for posting and airing his opinion in favour of NDA. The other time it was Glory you were agaijst. These same people were in your lai pe but as matured adults won mo wipe opon ti dun and so awon na ti ya ara won ni brain.
I will prefer you engage me me in FOOTBALL matters rather than mumu talk.
I urge you to grow up for once.
Go read the beautiful piece written by POMPEI and applauded by the respected DEO on SE probable line ups and formations. Thats the kind of discourse I love being involved in.
Mi o tun ni da e lohun ti o ba nise pelu football
Hahahahah….Opuro aye ati orun….LMAOoo. Odidi wakiti merinlelogun lo fi damilohun…LMAOooo….lehin to ti lo wa eni to gbo apapandodo yoruba lati tu ede fun e…..LMAOoo
Iwo o se dami lohun ni’seju aaya ti o ka ipenija mi lana….LMAoooo. Odaran eye ti n musan….LMAooo….Owo palaba e ti se’gi.
O lo wakati merinlelogun lati fo ni ede larubawa lehin ipenija keta…..LMAOOoo.
Opuro boloku. Sebi o ni egbe agbaboolu iko 1989 ni iwon nse……LMAOOoo….o daruko gbogbo omo egbe no, o o duruko opuro bi tie tamuno offiali ti e jo wa ni ori eka CSN yi…..LMAOoo. Opuro buruku ti gbagbe….LMAOooo.
Lo sun fun eni ti o n tumo ede si o wipe mo so’pe adagbamadanu nio. Omo odun ogoji le, ton puro kaakiiri igboro….LMAOO
Owo ti ba a. Asiri e ti tu fun gbogbo aaye bayii…..LMAOO.
Opuro ara galatia……LMAOOO