World Cup 2010

[Auspicious]

*



So, I was never going to rout for the Super Eagles this year mainly for a political reason (besides that the Eagles didn't seem to deserve a slot in the contest due to their sloppy qualification anyways): I was determined not to join the then notoriously inept government of the late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua (along with his hatchet man cum Attorney-General Michael Aondoakaa) in hoping and cheering for the best from the national soccer team. To be specific, I dreaded a scenario where these men in power would exploit the usually unpredictably brilliant performance of the Eagles to distract or hoodwink Nigerians from the own shameful failures of a failed government.

But now that Yar'Adua and his henchmen have been summarily moved out of the way, now that a tiny ray of hope is filtering through the clouds, I am allowing myself to dream of a surprise performance from the Super Eagles in South Africa. Of course one is very much aware that things may turn out terribly awful out there, but I have chosen to hope against all odds that they might do well, just as I am now hoping that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would act very much unlike Olusegun Obasanjo and use the divine blessing of sizable goodwill that he has enjoyed from Nigerians since he rose to become President of Nigeria, to do what is right by Nigerians.

Perhaps, on this upcoming 50th Anniversary of the independence of this long-suffering country come October the 1st, we all might behold the advent of Nigeria's days of glory - when things will begin to take a new course in Nigeria. President Jonathan himself said something similar while hosting the Super Eagles to a send-forth dinner on Friday evening, when he said that a win from the Super Eagles "will be a birthday gift for our country and set the stage for a golden jubilee celebration of our independence as a nation". I hope, that just as he implored the Super Eagles to do well, Mr. Jonathan will work hard make the landmark of Nigeria's golden jubilee since independence a worthy birthday gift.

There is too much hopelessness in the land, and it won't hurt to look and find something to inspire Nigeria and Nigerians to work and hope for the best once in a while. Things just can't keep being the way they are; something has got to give at some point. It is either everything collapses like a pack of cards, or at some decisive moment in our history as peoples and nation, something ticks somewhere and we will begin to discover why we should cease taking our blessings and potentials for granted. We have enough resources to be a rich nation. We have enough talent to run credible elections. And by Ogunlakaaye Oshinmole, we sure have enough talent to win a soccer world cup!

I am Auspicious..and I am reporting for duty as a Super Eagles supporter!

[Auspicious]

*

Well said, Jo!

Remember, you too can set this country right!

Don't aim for the tree-tops, aim for the skies above!
--

You can win World Cup, Jonathan tells Eagles
By Ben Efe
Sunday, May 23, 2010.
Vanguard


Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan with Nwamkwo Kanu at the send forth
organised for the team at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Holel, Abuja.

President Goodluck Jonathan has told the Eagles to win the World Cup trophy in South Africa 2010.

Jonathan gave the national team this tall order at the weekend after bidding the coach Lars Lagerback-tutored Eagles goodbye and good luck as he hosted the team prior to their departure to England to start their final World Cup preparations.

“This is a call to national duty and I expect the Eagles to prepare well and win this trophy.

“That will be a birthday gift for our country and set the stage for a golden jubilee celebration of our independence as a nation,” said Jonathan who will grace the opening ceremony of the SA 2010 World soccer fiesta on June 11. He will also watch the Eagles play their group B opening game against Argentina in Durban.

Jonathan shook the Eagles one by one with his good luck hand and said: “Play, win and we will make you smile.”

The Eagles will have a feel of competition on Tuesday when they play a friendly game against Saudi Arabia, and they will remain in London to train and keep another date with Colombia, before jetting to South Africa to play their last friendly against North Korea on June 5.
--

[Auspicious]

Argentina should worry about us – Lagerback
By Tony Ubani
Monday, May 24, 2010.
VANGUARD


WE NEED RESULT ... President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in a handshake
with Coach Lars Lagerback at the send forth organised for the team at
the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Holel, Abuja. Photo: Sylva Eleanya.

Eagles gaffer, Lars Lagerback, said moments after their send forth party that he was tired of the many questions and apprehensions about Argentina, one of their group opponents they play on June 12.

“Why is everybody talking about Argentina or Messi?”, he asked in an unfriendly tone. “They (Argentina) should be afraid of the Eagles. They should be afraid that I am coming with the Eagles to play against them. They are under pressure and jittery, not us”, the Swede said.

He informed that he beat Argentina during Korea/Japan 1-0 and also beat Eagles 2-1 in the World Cup.

“I am in a better position to know the teams and their players. They should worry about me and Eagles. There is no doubt that they have very quality players just like the Eagles. You have good players but it appears you don’t believe in them. Not to worry. I have a team and I am not bothered about Argentina or any team. They should be the ones to worry about the Eagles”, Lagerback emphasised

Nigeria is in the same group with the South American powerhouse, including Korea and Greece.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/2...%93-lagerback/
--

[Auspicious]

*


Nigeria aim for semifinals
Super Eagles' coach says you have to believe
May 23, 2010 10:13 PM | By Samm Audu, Sapa-AFP
http://www.timeslive.co.za/


STRIKE ACTION: Osaze Odemwingie of Locomotiv
Moscow and Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations
quarterfinal match between Zambia and Nigeria in
Lubango, Angola. He is expected to be one of the
Super Eagles' stars at the World Cup
Picture: LEFTY SHIVAMBU/GALLO IMAGES

Nigeria have set an ambitious semifinal target at the World Cup.

The Super Eagles, as the Nigerian team are nicknamed, are drawn in Group B along with Argentina, Greece and South Korea.

"We have a great chance to do well in the World Cup," said Nigeria coach Lars Lagerbäck.

"Even the time I coached a small country like Sweden, I have always had the ambition and the belief that we can win matches and do well at the World Cup.

"If you don't believe that you can win matches in a tournament as a team and as a coach, then you don't deserve to be at the competition.

"Playing football at this level is all about winning. I think there is a realistic chance for Nigeria to go a long way in the World Cup."

This will be Nigeria's fourth World Cup. They reached the knockout rounds in 1994 and 1998, but failed to go beyond the group stage at the 2002 tournament, held in South Korea and Japan.

The west Africans are notorious for their chaotic preparations for major tournaments, the World Cup being no exception.

They fired the coaches who qualified them for both the 1998 and 2002 competitions barely months before the big kick-off, and it is the same story with this World Cup.

Nigerian coach Shaibu Amodu was replaced in February by former Sweden coach Lagerbäck soon after the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

Under Amodu, who suffered a similar fate before the 2002 World Cup, the Eagles were far from convincing, even against minnows like Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Nigeria only secured World Cup qualification on the final day of qualifying action, after Mozambique did them a huge favour by upsetting group leaders Tunisia. The Eagles then edged past Kenya 3-2 in Nairobi.

In March, Lagerbäck was given a five-month contract, ahead of several seasoned coaches such as Sven Goran-Eriksson and Glenn Hoddle.

With a limited amount of time to do so, he monitored Nigeria's top stars scattered around Europe, and his choice was a predictable 30-man preliminary squad.

Former international Garba Lawal defended Lagerbäck's choices, arguing the coach could not afford to experiment in South Africa.

"A new coach does not mean an entirely new team, especially for a country like Nigeria, where we are not patient because we expect results immediately and all the time," said Lawal, who played in both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

Locomotiv Moscow striker Osaze Odemwingie, who is the Eagles' top star, is one of the chosen.

The 28-year-old striker, (who holds dual nationality with a Nigerian father and Russian mother), stood out in the qualifiers with pace as well as a whole-hearted commitment to the cause.

Nigeria will also rely on the experience of skipper Nwankwo Kanu, who at 33, will make his third World Cup appearance, and players like Rabiu Afolabi, John Utaka, Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo, who all played in the 2002 World Cup.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soc...for-semifinals
--

[Dapxin]

3 or 4 things.

- I will not allow myself to join this party of fire-for-fire illusionary support; Its patriotism gone unrealistic but anyways.

- That has to be 1st time I would see GJ smiling. It amazing what confidence and time can do....

- shey na this over 30+s go reach for the skies for nigeria ? Even if na for inside jet, the thing go alarm over-weight/old...

and finally,

I will be watching all games anyways so I get to see Nigeria; And every step of the way, I willl be shepe-ing for the NFA buffons who hired laggingBehind to reap where he did not sow - in the most represenatitve of colo mentality sickness to come of Nigeria - the kleptomanic banana republic (na fox talk am so o _ of late.

-----------
This world cup will throw many shockers! but that Nigeria wont fumble is never gonna be one of them. doesnt make me feel good but its reality...

[omaks]

Against all odds Nigeria's Super Eagles will do well at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Yes. They will do well. Why? Well, you see just when everyone writes the Super Eagles off, they have this knack of surprising us all. That's the real reason why they are loved by many. The talent is there, no doubt. If they play to their potentials, they can do well. What stage they will reach is irrelevant at this moment. Even Brazil and Argentina will tell you that nothing is set in STONE. Good luck, our dearest SUPER EAGLES!!!

[Mikky jaga]

I looked into my crystal ball and what did I see?

I saw a Lagerbeer that looked like a scarecrow in the National colours

I saw a thick cloud gathering to dim the shine of the Eagles

I saw a ray of light from Jonathan trying to unsuccessfully dispel the cloud

I saw Amodu in one corner crying: which injustice is this?

I saw NFF and PTF standing by to block any chance of Nigeria ever progressing in the World Cup.

I saw Nigeria coming home early because the genii that bring goodluck did not favour Nigeria, so Nigeria kept losing games they should have won by stroke of ill luck.

[NoLongThing]

I see the Eagles coming back home as early as the first round, - that is my prediction. Sorry to douse your optimism but guys the truth is clear for alll to see and I see no reason why I should think any differently.

[Auspicious]

+

I feel your disappointment and pain, fellas.

But me, I am singing that Old Spiritual:

I have decided, to rout for Eagles

I have decided, to rout for Eagles

I have decided, to rout for Ealges

No turning baaaack, No turning baaack.

Lissen to my man Banky W do his thing:

Heart of a Lion, yes we would triumph
Yes we are soaring, Super Eagles flying
If we believe it, we can achieve it
If we work harder, we would receive it
Dem nor fit take us, dem nor fit break us
[----------------?------------------]
Reppin' for Naija, Pride of our Nation
Standing together, our voices raisin'
Naija Forever, Strong Naija:
One World, One Hope, One Song..

[Auspicious]

..I will not allow myself to join this party of fire-for-fire illusionary support. Its patriotism gone unrealistic..

I am sorry but you're wrong about me, Dapxin.

I am NOT so much displaying "patriotism" here as I am celebrating the enduring spirit of that Nigerian at home and abroad, who in spite of all his encumbrances and limitations and deprivations, continues to persevere long enough to earn the attention and respect of a world whose negative predictions he continues to defy.

Granted such passionate display of hope may appear "illusionary" to some, but the truth is that many a success start from such so-called illusions. I sense the Eagles are hurting to prove the world wrong again. Hear Omaks: "just when everyone writes the Super Eagles off, they have this knack of surprising us all".

I could be wrong, but I suspect that an Eagles' surprise awaits us all. Watch.
--

[Lalakokofefe]

I have a question... Why is Kanu on the team?

[Auspicious]

I have a question... Why is Kanu on the team?

A friend of mine here answers your question thus, Boss:

To fall inside the Box 18 and earn us some penalty shots.

[Auspicious]

*

Granted, the performances and preparations in the lead up to the Nigerian Super Eagles' qualification for the World Cup leaves much to be desired. But I believe in something which Barack Obama once called the "fierce urgency of now". It is that moment when one identifies and understands one's precarious situation - the urgency of the moment - and becomes desperate and determined to emerge successful against all odds.

I don't know why, but I get the sense that Coach Lagerback and his Super Eagles squad understand the urgency of the challenge that confronts them in South Africa, knowing full well that they may not be as prepared as they should probably be. I see Lagerback as a rational-thinking and level-headed man whose is not given to unnecessary theatrics for effect. Therefore I expect his choices and decisions to be guided by his noteworthy experience, tempered by a genuine desire to manage a highly-talented team to victory.

Of course it must hurt both Shuaibu Amodu and his most ardent admirers alike that he didn't get the privilege to enjoy the fruit of his labor of bringing the Eagles as far as he did. But given the manner of their qualification for the World Cup (it looked like an absolute fluke!), I am not too sure that I trust him to manage the Eagles in the tournament. It is my opinion that Lagerback is a better choice given his experience on the international scene. The world should probably prepare for a shocking humbling of the Argentinians on June 12.
--

I know how to stifle Argentina - Lagerback
2010-05-24 | 18:04
kickoffnigeria.com



Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback has suggested that the opening World Cup Group B match between his team and Argentina on June 12 will be full of intrigue.

The Swede, who took the coaching job in March and has yet to take charge of any games with the team, says that Nigeria have as much talent as any of the other teams on parade at the World Cup and will only need to put a sound frame work in place in order to stop their more illustrious opponents.

“I see a team with a great deal of physical presence and individual skill. I’d go as far as to say that, man for man, Nigeria have more pure technical talent than most. I don’t think we need to worry about a lack of flair and match-winning ability,” Lagerback told Complete Sports.

The much awaited contest between Nigeria and Argentina is one of the highlights of the preliminary phase of the tournament and the Swede dispelled any anxiety, instead drawing on his experience against the Argentinians as Sweden coach in 2002 when his men held the star studded team to a draw.

“[The] first match of a tournament can condition the rest. Argentina have fantastic individuals, but I’m not fearful or intimidated by the thought of facing Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Aguero and all the others.

“I think I know how to stifle Argentina. Sweden did it at the 2002 World Cup. You couldn’t say we had the better players but we still drew 1-1 with them. Messi is extraordinary, but Argentina are not Barcelona.”

The gaffer does not underrate his other opponents in the group.

“I have a lot of respect for the work of Otto Rehhagel with Greece. They play tight, are spirited and are not in the habit of selling themselves short. South Korea’s strength is their energy and total commitment. You have to match them there,” Lagerback said.
--

[Mikky jaga]

*

Of course it must hurt both Shuaibu Amodu and his most ardent admirers alike that he didn't get the privilege to enjoy the fruit of his labor of bringing the Eagles as far as he did. But given the manner of their qualification for the World Cup (it looked like an absolute fluke!), I am not too sure that I trust him to manage the Eagles in the tournament. It is my opinion that Lagerback is a better choice given his experience on the international scene. The world should probably prepare for a shocking humbling of the Argentinians on June 12.
--
--

Yes, their manner of qualification was a fluke!! Thanks indeed. Is that why we are here rooting for a guy that could not qualify his team for the WC in any manner, whether fluke or flunk?

Yes, we can denigrate our own while we praise failures in other lands. Lager behind my yansh.

[Lalakokofefe]

Maybe we should start an NVS pool for the World Cup...

[Auspicious]

Maybe we should start an NVS pool for the World Cup...

Did you mean POLL (as opposed to POOL) Lala?

If yes, there's one on the frontpage already.
--

[Lalakokofefe]

I meant POOL.....

[Auspicious]

I meant POOL.....

Eh Bros, oun naa lo je ki n bere.

E saa mo pe Ara Oko ni mi abi?

Yup, I hada ask Bro, as per Bushman consign.

[Auspicious]

Yes, their manner of qualification was a fluke!! Thanks indeed. Is that why we are here rooting for a guy that could not qualify his team for the WC in any manner, whether fluke or flunk?

Yes, we can denigrate our own while we praise failures in other lands. Lager behind my yansh.

Denigration is a contemptuous put-down of another, Mikky Jaga. Whatever I said up there cannot in any way be deemed to be contemptuous of Shuaibu Amodu and the men he trained. Rather, what I said was an inconvenient truth that almost everyone accepts here and elsewhere: the Super Eagles' qualification for the World Cup was hardly impressive, much less deserved.

But now that they are there, we are all routing for those talented men - at least I am anyways. I believe Lars Largerback has what it takes to take the Super Eagles there in the general sense - in terms of requisite experience and exposure on the international level, which Shaibu Amodu may not have. It would be foolhardy if we simply based our choice of Amodu's feeble feat.

If we are going to make an issue of Lagerback's inability to qualify his erstwhile teams, we most take into account the availability of talent in the teams he coached viz-a-viz the abundance of superb talent in the Eagles' camp. All things being equal, his skills as a seasoned coach probably has a heck of a lot more chance of yielding results here than with other teams out there.

We Pray. We Hope. We Believe.

[Mikky jaga]

Denigration is a contemptuous put-down of another, Mikky Jaga. Whatever I said up there cannot in any way be deemed to be contemptuous of Shuaibu Amodu and the men he trained. Rather, what I said was an inconvenient truth that almost everyone accepts here and elsewhere: the Super Eagles' qualification for the World Cup was hardly impressive, much less deserved.

But now that they are there, we are all routing for those talented men - at least I am anyways. I believe Lars Largerback has what it takes to take the Super Eagles there in the general sense - in terms of requisite experience and exposure on the international level, which Shaibu Amodu may not have. It would be foolhardy if we simply based our choice of Amodu's feeble feat.

If we are going to make an issue of Lagerback's inability to qualify his erstwhile teams, we most take into account the availability of talent in the teams he coached viz-a-viz the abundance of superb talent in the Eagles' camp. All things being equal, his skills as a seasoned coach probably has a heck of a lot more chance of yielding results here than with other teams out there.

We Pray. We Hope. We Believe.

Auspy, you obviously came late on this.

Lagerbeer has no achievement that Amodu did not have more. It is on record that Lagerbeer never won any continental championship in all his coaching careers. Amodu did. Lagerbeer never went beyond the quarter finals in any international competition, Amodu did. You can search all relevant threads in this sports section for an upgrade.

The manner of Lagerbeer losing out of the World Cup was nothing but shameful. If Amodu had lost that way, none of you here would call him a coach not to talf of a World Cup Coach. Sweden was rated a favorite to clinch a spot in his group, yet he failed woefully coming a distant third.

It is the same mentality. An African must perform ten times better to be given a chance against a white man. If you regard qualifying Nigeria twice for the World Cup a "feeble feat", little wonder we cannot talk when the white look down on our achievements. Afterall nothing good can come from those nigas.

[Mikky jaga]

If we are going to make an issue of Lagerback's inability to qualify his erstwhile teams, we most take into account the availability of talent in the teams he coached viz-a-viz the abundance of superb talent in the Eagles' camp. All things being equal, his skills as a seasoned coach probably has a heck of a lot more chance of yielding results here than with other teams out there.

What you call "abundance of superb talent in the Eagles' camp" was what Amodu detractors called "same tired legs". Lagerbeer too claimed Nigeria had better talents all over the world before settling for the same people Amodu had been using.

The problem of many here is they have been dwarfed by the prospect of the World Cup that they would go any length to ensure no Nigerian leads us there. Just like many felt that Nigeria, under Amodu, would be roasted facing a full strength France Team. Amodu beat France on their soil.

I believe Amodu can do better than anything any Lagerbeer will achieve in this World Cup at a lesser cost to Nigeria.

[Dapxin]

You see, Auspicious, It would would have made sense, if we are the clones that learn.

No. Its the same cycle every single hour.

As Mikki Jagga pointed out, you are late to this. Boy! was Nigeria's qualifiers hopeless - general play ? You bet It was. But ! Hey, Maradona's Argentina's qualifiers was 50x worse! - I saw the games.

Maradona had one task as head coach argentina. qualify argentina. I dont particularly like the face of Amodu as I dont understand a man who gets hired and fired and rehired in an endless loop - but he had same task. All he had to do was qualify and he did.

It is a 100% of a disgrace to fire him, at that time, and like that, only to then go hire one who actually failed to qualify. It nonsense!

Enough rehash there.
--------

Listen, motivation and the adrenaline-of-I-have-got-a-point to prove can only take you so far, and how pathetic it came to that for a country where talent abounds - but in the world cup, It wont take you beyond the usual gate of 'was there', also ran.

I thinkn they call it, fumble and womble....and LAggingBehind gets to earn his x20 of Amodu worth in pay (and then he will get sacked again.. It fcking absoulutely annoys.
Lets not even begin to think the laggingbehinder promised a semi-final outing, I mean who gets to get to a semi-final wihtout a chance of winning it ?

And how can you already not be heading into a plane with the idea that you are good enough, and will apply yourself enough to win it ? I could actually go as to say laggingbind takes us for a fool, and he is playing 41 10 with us - and he's got follower, specially at that brainless NFA in abuja...

Its about time we learnt real lessons and stick to applying them ; at whatever cost, It might be to us, and our sense of "now".

[Auspicious]

*

Hi, Mikky Jaga/Dapxin.

I won't in any way make light of the points that you folks have so far raised; I consider them genuine, along with your disappointment with the way things played out, culminating in the appointment of Lars Lagerback Eagles' coach.

I however take strong exception to the notion that people like me only support the installation of Lagerback as coach because of the color of his skin - that is, he is a better coach because he is a white man. That is just patently false.
--

[Auspicious]

+

Who better to speak about coaches..

Than the players themselves?

Again, I believe there's a certain exposure

A certain exposure that, winnings or not,

Amodu may not necessarily have.
--

Osaze: Amodu Eagles were predictable
Posted: 2010-05-25 07:25
kickoffNigeria.com



Osaze Odemwingie says Nigeria became too predictable under former coach Shuaibu Amodu and Lars Lagerback has already created a buzz around the squad.

Osaze, 29, was one of the more outspoken critics of Amodu's regime but he told KickOffNigeria.com that he did so without malice.

"For the past two years, with Amodu, we've been easy to predict. We have to have more variety in our tactics and our attack.

"There's not much negative or bad about his coaching. It's just that its not enough if we are aspiring to go up there. It's the difference between good, and better."

After four training sessions with Lagerback, Odemwingie says things are already looking up, with the Swede instilling a fear no foe confidence in his new team.

"He doesn't look like someone who doubts his own quality and I think he can bring a result that Nigerians expect. I see him relaxed, as someone with a plan, who took this job after watching our games and knowing that he can do better than where we were.

"From the first training, he is looking at attacking football. He is looking at a passing game. He is looking at the penetrating pass, a pass that creates danger, less square passes and more forward passes. He keeps reminding us that we have to play beautiful football and that results are also very important.

"At the same time, you can see that he doesn't want to play a game where Nigeria is scared of the opponent, any opponent."

Odemwingie says already the atmosphere in camp is different.

"You could feel it. You cannot deny it. Like our people say, oyibo na oyibo. There is a touch they add to Africans when they bring their ideas, their calculations, their tactics, their organisation, their way of being more effective on the field. That is going to be added for sure.

"The training so far has been good, the build-up and the movement. I think Lagerback is the best choice Nigeria made."

More importantly, the forward says Nigeria have to return to their attacking traditions.

"We need to be more ourselves. I think that is what we were denied these past few years. We were not playing like Nigeria. We were more defensive minded. That is why we didnt score so much goals lately, and that is also why we have been struggling even with the average African teams.

"But we could also understand that choice of tactics because it looks like there was a little bit of lack of confidence in our defence line.

"A few times we conceded silly goals, but at the same time, we needed the result and changes had to be done.

"We hope now that things will be better."

On his first day at work with his squad, Lagerback showed the players individual videos and Osaze said it came as a bit of a surprise.

"I was surprised because we never had that before in our coaching.

"That's another little thing. Those little things make a difference. Europe has gone far. I am not here to criticise our situation. Its just that right now we have to admit that we are still a little bit behind. In our clubs we see that those things are important. Here, he showed us a few highlights, pointed out some things and everybody is commending it."

He is under no illusions though, as to how much work remains to be done, but says there is a positive feeling about.

"We have a lot of work to do. The whole team have been commending the training sessions, and we hope to continue for the remaining days.

"We are getting a positive feeling now about ourselves, because it is in the hands of the coach how he motivates his team."

Ultimately though, he says it will be up to the players to do the business on the pitch.

"We have to believe in ourselves, and in what we can do and go out there on the pitch and show it for the love our country. There are a lot of people who just want a chance to play and that means that if you are lucky enough to be selected, you have to give your best at all times."

[Auspicious]

*

I laughed myself to chokes when I read the ff comment on a Forum out there:

Osaze Odemwingie, some fools in this forum said Nigerians don't support and encourage there own coach, how can we support whom we know that don’t know the job. I started from day one saying that Amodu is a pig not a coach. It is only Osaze Odemwingie can say the problem out to the public because of the little white man blood he has, other players will be dying in agony without even joining hand and beat up Amodu. Amodu, God punish you anywhere you are eating Nigeria money and still want to be a head coach. Lulu and co, I hope you people heard what Osaze Odemwingie said. Country 5, I greet. How can somebody compare Whiteman with Blackman (darkness?)

Nigerians!!!!

We are such..hilariously funny people.

Nobody can yab pesin like a Nigerian can!

They yab so crazy, they don't even spare themselves!

Or how can a blackman comepare blackman to darkness??

Nero Africanus must not jam this kinda person; he'd kill him!

[Auspicious]

*

I don't know meen..

I just got the feeling he'd surprise everybody.

He and the Boys that is.
--

Lagerback wants to see untested players
Posted: 2010-05-25 08:24
kickoffnigeria.com

Lars Lagerback says Tuesday's friendly against Saudi Arabia, and the next one against Colombia on May 30 will give him a chance to see players who haven’t had much playing time.

But the Swede added that his objective would be to try out his basic ideas on the team in a competitive atmosphere.

"You can say that I have two goals with them (the two friendly games)," he told Swedish newspaper Expressen. "I want to see some more of those players that I have not seen and I want to try some different things - but the important thing is to play the team together and get them to play what I want."

This will be the Technical Adviser's first game in charge of the Eagles, and with time running short before the World Cup, he says he wants to get acquainted with as many players as possible.

"Yes, there is a combination. If you take this first practice match, we have looked for a bit of playing time for the players. It's just as I have done previously with the Swedish team. If we had Swedish players who hadn't been playing that much then we prioritized them, and that will be a factor now as well.

"But now it's also about to become acquainted with as many players as possible. We have quite a few offensive players in this group so maybe we can test them a little bit to see if they can cope with both the offensive and defensive."

The Full interview:

How has the training sessions been?
The first training sessions we've had has been good. Good attitude, good will, good concentration. So I am pleased.

After previously mostly been watching the players on video, how well would you say that you that you these days has learned which strengths and weaknesses there is in the squad?
What you lose when you don't see them live very much is perhaps their whole image and their way of reading the game. But otherwise, I think that as football players, individually, you know them well already.

Then comes the next step and that is to see some more behind the football player - the character and how they react in slightly different situations. But after the two or three weeks to come, I think I will know them pretty well.


...About the two upcoming friendly games...
You can say that I have two goals with them. I want to see some more of those players that I have not seen and I want to try some different things - but the important thing is to play the team together and get them to play what I want.


How will these friendly matches be different from friendly games when you have been coach for a while? Then maybe you try some new, younger players and new ways of playing. Now it´s more about playing the starting eleven together?
Yes, there is a combination. If you take this first practice match, so we have looked a bit of playing time for the players. It's just as I have done previously with the Swedish team. If we had Swedish players who had'nt been playing that much then we prioritized them, and that will be a factor now as well.

But now it's also about to become acquainted with as many players as possible. We have quite a few offensive players in this group so maybe we can test them a little bit to see if they can cope with both the offensive and defensive.


To have trained a team like Sweden for a long time and had a clear playing philosophy for many years there - how does your thoughts on the game idea and tactics change when you get to a new environment like this?
It's like I have said to the players now when we have talked about how we're going to play: The way of playing is always a combination between that you want a well organized way of playing and then, you must take into your account the player's individual skill.

There is always a degree of flexibility - even if you have the same combination of numbers you can change the game by putting players with different qualities in different positions.


Nigeria has in recent years most played 4-3-3. Is the 4-4-2 despite that the set-up we will see from you?
These players come from 27 clubs in 12 countries so they are familiar with, and come from, different game styles.

I think most of them today, without beeing 100-percent sure, play with a centre forward. And then some different variations of that. But they are used to playing in both one and the other way.


But you are pretty sure about how you want to play?
Yes, we have a basic idea. Then we will be working with the players and see how it works. But it would surprise me enormously if the basic ideas we have will not be the ones we will follow.

Do you see this as a more skilfull national team than Sweden?
It's so hard to compare. It is possible that this might be a little more ... there is definitely more offensive players who have qualities to choose from than defensive.


How do you think you should play to get the best out of this squad?
It's a good question. This applies as always to find a good balance between defensive and offensive - and depending on how skilled they are individually so you can weigh over a bit more one way or the other.

And then put it in relation to the opponent as well. Now that we have three opponents who play in slightly different ways we will probably change a bit in the balance - between the offensive and defensive qualities - between the games we have in the group stage.

How ready are you feeling - after this short period - to lead this team in the World Cup?
It feels good, exciting and fun in every way.

I have never ever been in a Champions League final but I do not think there can be anything greater than to be part of a World Cup.

[Mikky jaga]

+

Osaze Odemwingie says Nigeria became too predictable under former coach Shuaibu Amodu and Lars Lagerback has already created a buzz around the squad.

Osaze, 29, was one of the more outspoken critics of Amodu's regime but he told KickOffNigeria.com that he did so without malice.

"For the past two years, with Amodu, we've been easy to predict. We have to have more variety in our tactics and our attack.

I guess that was exactly the opponents of Lagerback said about him when he was playing the qualifier for the World Cup. Hence they were able to provide an antidote for his tactics. The fact is that Amodu was playing African teams and he had the strategy to beat them, which he did.

+

"There's not much negative or bad about his coaching. It's just that its not enough if we are aspiring to go up there. It's the difference between good, and better."

After four training sessions with Lagerback, Odemwingie says things are already looking up, with the Swede instilling a fear no foe confidence in his new team.

"He doesn't look like someone who doubts his own quality and I think he can bring a result that Nigerians expect. I see him relaxed, as someone with a plan, who took this job after watching our games and knowing that he can do better than where we were.

"From the first training, he is looking at attacking football. He is looking at a passing game. He is looking at the penetrating pass, a pass that creates danger, less square passes and more forward passes. He keeps reminding us that we have to play beautiful football and that results are also very important.

"At the same time, you can see that he doesn't want to play a game where Nigeria is scared of the opponent, any opponent."

Odemwingie says already the atmosphere in camp is different.

What did Amodu instill in his players that made them beat France in their country? I believe any player angling to be picked out of the initial 30 could not have said anything different from the above about his coach. Eye service? you are correct.

They have not even played a single match together, he has started singing the praise of the man because he showed them videos. Na wah.

+


"You could feel it. You cannot deny it. Like our people say, oyibo na oyibo. There is a touch they add to Africans when they bring their ideas, their calculations, their tactics, their organisation, their way of being more effective on the field. That is going to be added for sure.

Yes, Oyibo na oyibo. That was the sentiment that informed the hiring of Lagerback. Those behind the decision never believed an African can successfully lead the Eagles to the World Cup and they were influenced by people like these that look down on African as incapable of doing great. If in ordinary football we cannot rely on our people to lead us, little wonder our best brains move abroad where their abilities are more valued.

Yes Oyibo man will do thing differently from a Nigerian. But the question remains, after all the cosmetics of different approaches, who achieved the result? All the Oyibos that Amodu defeated to clinch the tickets, maybe those were no Oyibos.

+


More importantly, the forward says Nigeria have to return to their attacking traditions.

"We need to be more ourselves. I think that is what we were denied these past few years. We were not playing like Nigeria. We were more defensive minded. That is why we didnt score so much goals lately, and that is also why we have been struggling even with the average African teams.

"But we could also understand that choice of tactics because it looks like there was a little bit of lack of confidence in our defence line.

"A few times we conceded silly goals, but at the same time, we needed the result and changes had to be done.

So, where will the confidence in the defence come from? The same Yobo that scores own goals, the same Taiwo that runs forward leaving the back open for opposing attackers; the same Enyeama that gets jittery once his defence men have been displaced? Yes, Amodu was under the pressure to win and he employed the tactics needed to win.

+

"We hope now that things will be better."

He is not so sure again. I thought he wanted to swear by the name of Lagerback before now!!

+

On his first day at work with his squad, Lagerback showed the players individual videos and Osaze said it came as a bit of a surprise.

"I was surprised because we never had that before in our coaching.

"That's another little thing. Those little things make a difference. Europe has gone far. I am not here to criticise our situation. Its just that right now we have to admit that we are still a little bit behind. In our clubs we see that those things are important. Here, he showed us a few highlights, pointed out some things and everybody is commending it."

It still boils down to different tactics. If we continue to insist on doing things Oyibo way, we will never catch up. We will always need Oyibo man in charge of our affairs till kingdom come. Those that clamoured for independence for Nigeria were never under any illusion that they would run the country like Oyibo. We have been running our politics our own way since independence never calling for an Oyibo man to take over from Goodluck.

+
Ultimately though, he says it will be up to the players to do the business on the pitch.

So, it means after all the videos and the little things, if the players do not play to instructions on the field they would not win? Then what is the hoopla about the coach and his tactics all about?

+

"We have to believe in ourselves, and in what we can do and go out there on the pitch and show it for the love our country. There are a lot of people who just want a chance to play and that means that if you are lucky enough to be selected, you have to give your best at all times."

That Osaze did not believe in Amodu is not because he is not good. It has to do with his background and the fact that NFF too never believed in the man. They put him under pressure from the word go. In spite of that he still met all the targets set for him.

If NFF people were serious minded people, they would have empowered Amodu as Egypt empowered their Soharto (coach) No matter who you are, if the Egyptian coach says you are not playing, that is final. If Amodu was given such power, these boys that never believed an African could teach them anything would play to his instructions and the result would show.

For now, we wait to see what magic his "little things" would do when he gets to the bigger stage.

[Auspicious]

*

Hey Mikky your points are well taken up there, thanks.

Meanwhile, there's news from Saudi Arabia.

I am afraid it's probably the kind of news you'd like to hear.

But then again, it's only preparations yet, eh?
--

B-A-R-R-E-N! Eagles 0 Saudi Arabia 0
By Jacob Ajom
Tuesday, March 25, 2010.
VANGUARD

The national team yesterday held their Saudi Arabian counterparts to a goalless draw in a pre-World Cup warm-up match played in Wattens, Austria.

The team played a cautious game allowing the Saudis better possession of the ball.Lagerback started the match with Yobo Joseph pairing Elderson Echiejile in the defence, while Danny Sh*tu and Peter Suswan manned the central defence. Most of the players were unsettled in the game with occasional faulty passes as the Saudis continued to drill them with deft touches and good dribble runs.

The Nigerian team was playing for the first time as a group and it showed in the way they prosecuted the match. There was no proper coordination in both the midfield and the attack.

Surprisingly, Nwankwo Kanu started the match but his presence failed to make the desired effect as the Eagles continued to simply keep the ball away from the danger zone. Victor Anichebe was however inspiring in the half.

The Saudis too did not fare any better as they failed to make good use of their superior ball possession.

The few times the Eagles went forward saw Kalu Uche’s effort stopped by the Saudi keeper in the 22nd minute. The first half ended goalless.

The second half witnessed a lot of changes, particularly by the Nigerian technical bench. This brought about instant improvement as the Lagerback boys intensified their efforts in their search for goals.

Sani Kaita, Obinna Nsofor, Ikechukwu Uche, Obafemi Martins and Peter Utaka were introduced in quick succession, still the Saudis held their grounds and denied the Eagles any clear chance.

The Saudis were close to scoring in the 85th minute when the Nigerian defence was torn apart but the striker’s last touch saw the ball miss the upright by inches.

They were again on the prowl, just before the final whistle but were denied the late chance by goalkeeper Austin Ejide who tipped the ball over the bar. (Ober the Var)

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/2...audi-arabia-0/
--

[Auspicious]

*

Milton Keynes, anybody??

I am trying not to sigh too loud.

It is well Auspy, it is well. Hmmm.
--

Nigeria make another venue change
Posted: 2010-05-25 21:37


NFF Chief Media Officer Ademola Olajire

Barely 24 hours after announcing that the friendly against Colombia will hold at Luton Town's Kenilworth Road Stadium, Nigeria have announced another switch.

This time, to Milton Keynes, and the NFF also say they are footing the expenses of the South Americans after accusing the match agents of irresponsible conduct.

"This became inevitable after the FIFA–licensed Agent that entered into contract with both countries behaved most irresponsibly by failing to fulfill his obligations to the English FA, the stadium that was publicized to hold the match, and also the two countries," NFF Chief Media Officer Ademola Olajire said.

“The agents that brought the game to us have performed irresponsibly and we and the Colombians have been left to pick up the pieces.

“We found out that match agents, Pro-Global Sports, can no longer be trusted to go ahead with the arrangements. For us, what is important is that the game has to be played on May 30. We cannot afford to allow the discrepancies of a match agent to derail our preparation for the World Cup.”

Olajire went on to say that the NFF had moved in to ensure that the game held as scheduled by meeting all the financial obligations of the Colombians.

"To avoid what would have been a catastrophic blow and a national embarrassment, the NFF have now stepped in, undertaking to meet all financial obligations of organizing the match, including all the costs of the Colombians and the appearance fee that Pro –Global Sports had promised them.

“The agents kept telling us that everything was under control, providing documentation in support of their claims, and it was not until a delegation of the NFF visited London recently that alarm bells started ringing,” he said.

The Colombians play a friendly against Bafana Bafana in South Africa on Thursday, but Olajire said they "are happy to travel to London on the invitation of the NFF to play the match, after their friendly with the Bafana Bafana on Thursday.

"All arrangements have been made, and the match will now be played at the Milton Keynes Stadium, albeit with no commercial crowd attendance due to the short time frame."

The 22,000 -capacity Milton Keynes Stadium is one 15 stadia that has been put forward by England to host the 2018 World Cup finals should their bid be successful.

http://kickoffnigeria.com/2010/news/...nue-change.php
--

[antiobj2007]

The Eagles that played Saudi Arabia lacked luster. The team lacked co-ordination, creativity and most importantly self belief. What is Kanu doing in that team? I believe Lagerbeer should be able to put things right before the game starts. Shake shekeres for the boys Eagles the surprise team of 2010 World cup.

[Mikky jaga]

More importantly, the forward says Nigeria have to return to their attacking traditions.

"We need to be more ourselves. I think that is what we were denied these past few years. We were not playing like Nigeria. We were more defensive minded. That is why we didnt score so much goals lately, and that is also why we have been struggling even with the average African teams.

I hope they are scoring more goals now!!


Argentina rated 7 in the world beat Canada rated 63 by 5 goals to nothing (without Messi)

Nigeria rated 21 in the world played goalless with Saudi Arabia rated 66.

Now they are no longer struggling with average African Teams., but with Average Arabian team.

[NoLongThing]

I hope they are scoring more goals now!!


Argentina rated 7 in the world beat Canada rated 63 by 5 goals to nothing (without Messi)

Nigeria rated 21 in the world played goalless with Saudi Arabia rated 66.

Now they are no longer struggling with average African Teams., but with Average Arabian team.

Hey hey hey, take am easy small and let's stick to the facts which are that Nigeria has a terrible record in friendlies organised prior to any world cup and these friendlies have had little or no bearing on their performances. But having said that though, the truth remains that the Laggerback is not the messiah we are waiting for.

[Mikky jaga]

Osaze got so excited after watching video from Lagerbeer, he declared the Eagles feared no foe. None of una told him he was too optimistic.

Me I watch Eagles struggle to avoid being defeated by a third rate Saudi Arabia (whose exploits in mismanaging Presidential Pericarditis is legendary) and declared this Super chicken cannot even attack a dead cockroach. They say friendly no matter.

Well, I wish the Super Eagles more video watching sessions. I only hope they do not turn to spectators on the field of play.

[omaks]

We have gone past the stage of talking the Super eagles down. They have a world cup to participate in, and we should all rally behind them, support them and wish them all the best. Argentina didn't have the best ofqualifying either, but they are one of the favourites. Senegal was an unknown quantity in world football before they mesmerised the whole world in 1998 world cup. Oue Super eagles are capable of the unexpected. We have all sorts of examples to draw from, and who knows, we may perform better than we all expect. then again, it may all end up in another expensive jamboreee. Whatever the case is, we have 32 matches of football to enjoy this coming month of june. I'm so looking foward to that.

[omaks]

I have a question... Why is Kanu on the team?

The same reason why David beckham, in spite of the fact that he is croacked in in the team (albeit technical team). They are both iconic to there nations, respected the world over for their achievements in the game and are respected and inspitrational to their teams. Okay, Kanu is getting on a bit, but he's still got the skills even if he hasn't got the pace anymore. Even Pele will tell you that nothing ever takes your skills away. He may not be able to play more than 15 minutes a time, but those 15 minutes most definitely will be laced with superlative skills. He still has what it takes to turn a game on its head. Let's not deny a hero of our generation.

[Auspicious]

*

Be afraid - be very afraid.
--
Eagles endure punishing schedule
Posted: 2010-05-27 06:46

Nigeria's Super Eagles endured a punishing schedule after their 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

With time running short before the World Cup kicks off, Lars Lagerback is squeezing every second of training out of the players to whip them into shape.

After Tuesday night's game, the squad left Austria on Wednesday, taking a three-hour drive to Germany, from where they flew nearly an hour and a half to London.

That was followed by a two hour drive to Essex. The players then enjoyed a three-hour rest, before being shepherded to the training ground for one and a half hours of training.

And the pace does not let up on Thursday, when two sessions have been scheduled by Lagerback and his crew, although the players will be broken up into two groups.

One group will train at the morning session, while the other group goes for the afternoon session.

http://kickoffnigeria.com/2010/power...g-schedule.php

[Auspicious]

*

Precisely my position!

Patience guys, patience..

--

Panicking over Lagerback's first steps
Posted: 2010-05-27 10:14


It amused me no end, to see the reactions during and after the Super Eagles international friendly against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

None more so, I must confess with a mischievous chuckle, than that of former junior international Willy Okpara, who was one of the studio guests on SuperSport.

Okpara was so overcome by emotion he could barely get a hold of himself enough to be objective.

It looked like his heart was being broken anew with every misplaced pass, every every mis-kicked ball.

Tragically, in my humble, perhaps slightly jaundiced opinion anyway, that is the feeling that a large number of Nigerians felt during that game, and even after.

Which sort of reminds me of that Bible saying: "My people perish for lack of knowledge."

Maybe if Willy, and those who feel like him were better informed, they would temper their attempts at apoplexy, at least for another few days.

I was going to push this blog out immediately after the game, but I held back a bit to gauge the rest of the reactions.

While it has not been as venom-laced as it would have been under other circumstances, there was enough to suggest that something is simmering impatiently beneath the surface, just waiting to break out.

Which is why that game has to be put into proper perspective.

My verdict, as I have told and continue to tell those who ask me, is that overall, there was plenty to take away from Austria, and no, I don't mean the von Trapp children.

The overriding consideration for that game was two-fold, and the result was not part of it.

The first was to allow Lagerback a chance to eye-ball previously fringe players, and those who do not see regular club action.

The second was to see how the players implemented his new tactical plans as he shifts away from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2.

Prior to the game, Lagerback had made it clear that he wanted to take a look at players he had not seen, either in the tapes of the 2008 and 2010 African Nations Cup that he had reviewed, or from their club games.

And he also wanted to give playing time to players who are not regular starters at their clubs, or who don’t play games at all.

Even if he hadn't said it, his starting selection clearly showed his hand. Only Joseph Yobo, Danny ****tu and perhaps Chinedu Obasi can be said to be Super Eagles starters prior to now, and even that is a stretch. ****tu only came into the starting ANC team by default, and Yobo was injured for the majority of the tournament.

Of the rest, Kanu only played one game, Echiejile has not features for Rennes this season, and Lars has not seen enough of the rest.

So, in effect, this was a chance for him to run a close range rule over them.

A large chunk of the seven players to be chopped from the 30 will come from Tuesday's starting eleven, and Lars needed to give them a fair shake at making their individual cases.

In the end, the likes of Victor Anichebe, Austin Ejide and Yusuf Ayila convinced me, and I hope Lagerback.

Haruna Lukman ensured that despite starting with some nerves, he will get another shot. And Terna Suswan provided much-needed ammunition for the home-based brigade.

Tactically, the switch from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 was interesting for me. It left the team slightly short of bodies in central midfield, with just Ayila and Haruna. But that was compensated for later in the game by the willingness of the two wide players to pinch in centrally.

What stood out for me though, was the zeal with which the wide players, Obasi and Anichebe tracked back to help their fullbacks. And it was also refreshing to see said fullbacks bounding forward to return the favour.

Deeper down, the centre backs were playing the ball out of defence as opposed to booting it 'anywhere belle face'.

Yes, they looked a mite uncomfortable on occasion, but hey, they settled into it later on.

How about the tempo? First, it looked the same old lumbering approach. But towards the end, especially when Obafemi Martins and Ike Uche came on, there was more urgency, more movement and more quickness to the ball.

In effect, we can already see what manner of house Lagerback plans to build.

He wants to play with wide men and attack through the wide areas. And like Osaze said in an interview, he wants to see more quick, forward passes and more urgency in the tackle, movement and passing.

All that didn’t quite happen against Saudi Arabia, but the signs were there.

What is left is how he puts the pieces in place.

This is not significantly different from what Shuaibu Amodu did in his time. Infact, my humble opinion (I doubt it counts for much) is that the 4-3-3 that Amodu favoured is more suited to both the personnel we have, and the ideas that Lars is trying to introduce.

Unfortunately, it is all about backing and confidence, and Amodu never had that from the fans from day one.

Maybe because he is perceived as too haughty, but that is another matter entirely.

In the here and now, my contention is that Willy Okpara and co should take it easy on the self flagellation. If after Colombia and North Korea, the team are still looking as disjointed as they were on Tuesday, then there will indeed be cause to push the red button.

For now, our preparations may be behind schedule, but they are not reason enough to be apoplectic.

Yet.

http://kickoffnigeria.com/2010/news/...irst-steps.php
--

[NoLongThing]

Methinkst Laggerbeck is more than likely to test out the team that would face Argentina in the line up to face Colombia - in which case I would think choosing my final twenty-three from the called up thirty two is the next step to take.

These are NLT's final 23
1.VINVENT EYEAMA
2.EJIDE
3. BASSY

DEFENCE

4.YOBO
5. APAM,
6. AFOLABI
7ADELEYE
8 ODIAH
9.SUSWAN
10. TAIWO
11.ECHEJILE OR


MIDFIELD

12.MIKEL
13.HARUNA
14. AYILA
15. ETUHU
16.OSAZE
17.KALU
18. UCHE

ATTACK

19.YAKUBU
20. ANICHEBE
21. OBASI
22. OBINNA,
23. UCHE OR EMEKA FROM ESPERANCE!

[Auspicious]

Odemwingie seeks revenge against Argentina
The Nation | May 28, 2010.

Nigeria international striker Osaze Odemwingie has said he looks forward to the Super Eagles avenging their previous losses to Argentina on June 12 in an opening World Cup Group B match.

Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 at the 1994 World Cup and then again 1-0 when the two teams clashed at the 2002 edition in Korea and Japan.

Odemwingie was also on the losing side when Argentina defeated their Nigerian counterparts in the final of the football event of the Beijing Olympics two years ago.

However, the Locomotiv Moscow star, who has again been linked with a big-money transfer to the English Premier League, has expressed confidence Nigeria can reverse their fortunes against the highly-rated South Americans.

"We need to take our own pound of flesh against Argentina," said Odemwingie, who narrowly missed the cut for the final squad to the 2002 World Cup.

"There was something lacking in our game before, but this time around I hope we can do better because we have never lost 3-0 or 4-0 to Argentina. I hope this time around we can give them a good fight and hopefully score some goals.

"Football is a team game and I think lately we have seen a lot of teams having big stars but who failed to win games. I sincerely believe we have the players who can beat Argentina."

The 29-year-old striker, who can also play on the wings, also predicted a superb tournament in South Africa.

"The World Cup is coming to Africa for the very first time. African players have proven themselves all over the world and now Africa will get even more attention from the rest of the world because South Africa will organise a massive tournament," he said.

[Mikky jaga]

*

Precisely my position!

Patience guys, patience..

--

Panicking over Lagerback's first steps
Posted: 2010-05-27 10:14


It amused me no end, to see the reactions during and after the Super Eagles international friendly against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

None more so, I must confess with a mischievous chuckle, than that of former junior international Willy Okpara, who was one of the studio guests on SuperSport.

Okpara was so overcome by emotion he could barely get a hold of himself enough to be objective.

It looked like his heart was being broken anew with every misplaced pass, every every mis-kicked ball.

Tragically, in my humble, perhaps slightly jaundiced opinion anyway, that is the feeling that a large number of Nigerians felt during that game, and even after.

Which sort of reminds me of that Bible saying: "My people perish for lack of knowledge."

Maybe if Willy, and those who feel like him were better informed, they would temper their attempts at apoplexy, at least for another few days.

I was going to push this blog out immediately after the game, but I held back a bit to gauge the rest of the reactions.

While it has not been as venom-laced as it would have been under other circumstances, there was enough to suggest that something is simmering impatiently beneath the surface, just waiting to break out.

Which is why that game has to be put into proper perspective.

My verdict, as I have told and continue to tell those who ask me, is that overall, there was plenty to take away from Austria, and no, I don't mean the von Trapp children.

The overriding consideration for that game was two-fold, and the result was not part of it.

The first was to allow Lagerback a chance to eye-ball previously fringe players, and those who do not see regular club action.

The second was to see how the players implemented his new tactical plans as he shifts away from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2.

Prior to the game, Lagerback had made it clear that he wanted to take a look at players he had not seen, either in the tapes of the 2008 and 2010 African Nations Cup that he had reviewed, or from their club games.

And he also wanted to give playing time to players who are not regular starters at their clubs, or who don’t play games at all.

Even if he hadn't said it, his starting selection clearly showed his hand. Only Joseph Yobo, Danny ****tu and perhaps Chinedu Obasi can be said to be Super Eagles starters prior to now, and even that is a stretch. ****tu only came into the starting ANC team by default, and Yobo was injured for the majority of the tournament.

Of the rest, Kanu only played one game, Echiejile has not features for Rennes this season, and Lars has not seen enough of the rest.

So, in effect, this was a chance for him to run a close range rule over them.

A large chunk of the seven players to be chopped from the 30 will come from Tuesday's starting eleven, and Lars needed to give them a fair shake at making their individual cases.

In the end, the likes of Victor Anichebe, Austin Ejide and Yusuf Ayila convinced me, and I hope Lagerback.

Haruna Lukman ensured that despite starting with some nerves, he will get another shot. And Terna Suswan provided much-needed ammunition for the home-based brigade.

Tactically, the switch from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 was interesting for me. It left the team slightly short of bodies in central midfield, with just Ayila and Haruna. But that was compensated for later in the game by the willingness of the two wide players to pinch in centrally.

What stood out for me though, was the zeal with which the wide players, Obasi and Anichebe tracked back to help their fullbacks. And it was also refreshing to see said fullbacks bounding forward to return the favour.

Deeper down, the centre backs were playing the ball out of defence as opposed to booting it 'anywhere belle face'.

Yes, they looked a mite uncomfortable on occasion, but hey, they settled into it later on.

How about the tempo? First, it looked the same old lumbering approach. But towards the end, especially when Obafemi Martins and Ike Uche came on, there was more urgency, more movement and more quickness to the ball.

In effect, we can already see what manner of house Lagerback plans to build.

He wants to play with wide men and attack through the wide areas. And like Osaze said in an interview, he wants to see more quick, forward passes and more urgency in the tackle, movement and passing.

All that didn’t quite happen against Saudi Arabia, but the signs were there.

What is left is how he puts the pieces in place.

This is not significantly different from what Shuaibu Amodu did in his time. Infact, my humble opinion (I doubt it counts for much) is that the 4-3-3 that Amodu favoured is more suited to both the personnel we have, and the ideas that Lars is trying to introduce.


Unfortunately, it is all about backing and confidence, and Amodu never had that from the fans from day one.


Maybe because he is perceived as too haughty, but that is another matter entirely.

In the here and now, my contention is that Willy Okpara and co should take it easy on the self flagellation. If after Colombia and North Korea, the team are still looking as disjointed as they were on Tuesday, then there will indeed be cause to push the red button.

For now, our preparations may be behind schedule, but they are not reason enough to be apoplectic.

Yet.

http://kickoffnigeria.com/2010/news/...irst-steps.php
--

First off, it had not been as venomous at it would have been if it was a Nigerian in charge. The same crowd would have called for a foreign coach to avoid being disgraced. The same old tune.

Yes, he wanted, he wants, he wants...but it did not quite happen.

And I just wish they will leave Amodu out of their PR job for Lagerbeer. It is his baby now. He was the one that invited players that were not playing regularly ahead of others like Mike Emenalo of Tunisia. Thank you.