Finishing third at Africa Cup of Nations wasn't enough for the Nigerian FA to keep hold of Shaibu Amodu. The man, who's now combined been in charge of the Flying Eagles 4 separate terms, already had his chair shaking before the tournament and with the team not reaching the final in Angola, offered the FA the chance to finally get rid of him.
With the qualifying process being surprisingly tough for the teams, names were already popping up near the end of last year. Roberto Mancini looked like the most certain one the succeed Shaibu, but the Italian as we know has now taken the reigns at Manchester City. So who could be the man to lead Nigeria in South Africa?
Guus Hiddink
Of course every time a reputable managerial post opens up the Dutchman is the first one to be linked with it. He' s got a good record with international teams, having lead South Korea and Australia in past two World Cups, but he's still under contract with Russia. The Russians didn't qualify for South Africa and whilst Hiddink might enjoy the challenge of again trying to mould a mediocre side into challengers, it's highly doubtful he will be relived of his duties for Russia, even if it only would be on a temporary basis.
Hassan Shehata
The man behind Egyptian success. The Pharaohs of course didn't make it to South Africa, missing out dramatically against Algeria, and the door might be open for Shehata to leave as his so called mission is completed. Shehata has even said on record that he actually has already been contacted by the Nigerian FA about the job.
Bruno Metsu
The Frenchman, who's currently in charge of the Qatari international team, was the man behind Senegal's success in 2002 quarter-finals place at the World Cup and runners-up place at the Africa Cup of Nations. He's also guided the Guinean international team, so you'd think he might be tempted by Africa once again.
Ratomir Dujkovic
Serbian U-21 manager, was the man who lead Ghana to Germany 2006, where they got past the group stage, even the reign in general was quite shaky and always surrounded by speculation of him getting the sack. After leaving Ghana the Serb lead China at the Beijing Olympics and past summer accepted the post of Serbia U-21 manager. That could lead to be the major obstacle, as the job might have been looked as a long-plan assignment and Dujkovic wouldn't want to quit the post.
Herve Renard
Renard got his not so very good Zambia side through from the group in Angola, so he must have some quality. The man also has said he's already been tracking by bigger and better teams, could Nigeria be one of them?
Jay-Jay Okocha
The former Bolton star and the symbol of Nigerian football could be a very good motivator for the team and no doubt would be a approved appointment by the public, but it's probably too soon for him to enter management. Okocha himself has also said that he's more interested in an administrative job .
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Who will replace Amodu?
Monday, January 18, 2010
African disappointment
Having now watched all of the African team, who will playing at the World Cup, in action in Angola at the Africa Cup of Nations, I have to say i'm very unimpressed.
Hopes were high regarding Ivory Coast, but they still seem to lack something. The Elephants tend to play overly tactical football with too many defensive minded midfielders in their line-up. Also the wings seem to be somewhat disappointing and not able to support Didier Drogba. Not to mention some lapses of concentration in the defense and their main goalkeeper isn't even a regular at his club Beveren, which is near the bottom end of the Belgian league. I'm not very confident they can surpass their group G opponents at the World Cup if there isn't a major improvement in their game.
Algeria need even more improvement. Today's 0-0 draw with hosts Angola, was one of the worst performances by a team I've seen in recent history. They do have potential with Wolfsburg's Karim Ziani offering creativity from midfield, but they just don't seem to want to capitalize this. But today's result at least was a improvement from the opening match 3-0 embarrassment in the hands of the mighty Malawi. Luckily for Algeria Mali again underachieved and so the got through from their group in Angola, but there's no chance in hell they'll do it in South Africa with England and USA being favorites in group C.
A shock defeat by Gabon started Cameroon's campaign and a narrow 3-2 over Zambia followed. No team with Samuel Eto'o on their side shouldn't struggle like this. Begs a question if Paul Le Guen really is the right man for the job. There's every chance the team might even end up being the bottom side in South Africa as all other teams in group E are capable of beating this disjointed side.
And I don't even want to talk about Ghana. Injury troubles, bad atmosphere in the dressing room, uninspiring characters on the field. It's a disaster waiting to happen. Germany, Australia and Serbia are no doubt rubbing their hands as just like with Cameroon in group E, this Ghana team will find it very tough to handle any of them in group D.
Nigeria, with all their attacking talent, are finding it very tough to put the ball into the back of the net. The defence also isn't rock solid, with Egypt easily putting 3 goals past them and Benin getting near with numerous shots, that hit the post and the crossbar. To the Flying Eagles' luck, their opponents in group B, aren't the most stable ones with Argentina and Greece constantly struggling to put together a number of good performances in a row.
Could it be that it will be the hosts, South Africa, who'll offer the most threat to European and South-American teams at the World Cup?
Bafana-Bafana have the luxury of not having to concentrate on two major competitions in a year. It's doing wonders for Egypt, who look very likely to go on and pick up their historic third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title. Group A also looks a very nice prospect for them considering the fixtures list.
And what's the story with African goalkeepers? Are they the worst ones in the entire world or are they just making fun? You decide. Here's Mozambique's Joao Rafael Kapango.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Another change for Nigeria
With the deadline for announcing teams for Angola 2010 just about to fall, Nigeria manager Shaibu Amodu made yet another change.
The exclusion of Hoffenheim's striker Chinedu Obasi was a shock at first, with the team known strugglers in front of goal, but the 23-year old has now replaced Michael Eneramo in the squad. The decision came after a three day training camp in Durban, South Africa. Yet another African player with disciplinary problems?
Anyways, here's my look on how the Flying Eagles might set up in Angola.
Odiah ---- Yobo ---- Nwereri -- Taiwo
-------- Olofinjana --- Mikel ---------
----------------- Kanu ---------------
-- Martins --- Yakubu -- Odemwingie
Probably too offensive, but it would offer some great attacking play. Most likely somebody from the forward line will have to settle for a impact role from the bench. Also Taiwo might not get the nod ahead of Onyekachi Apam, as the Marseille man hasn't been regular for his side this season. Danny Shittu might be drafted in for Nwereri if Mr. Amodu would want more experience or if Yobo isn't 100% fit for the start of the tournament.
The tournament starts at the end of this week. Can't wait for it. The African players natural talent and at some parts tactical incompetence, always make African Cup of Nations a very exciting tournament to watch. A perfect appetiser for the World Cup.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Nigeria squad for Angola 2010
Nigeria manager Shaibu Amodu delayed announcing his team until the last minute to get the go-ahead regarding the fitness of striker Obafemi Martins. And to his luck, the Wolfsburg marksman passed a late fitness test and is now included in the Flying Eagles squad.
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel) Bamidele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel) Austin Ejide (unattached)
Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Danny Shittu (Bolton, England) , Obinna Nwaneri and Yusuf Mohammed (both FC Sion, Switzerland) Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France) Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Onyekachi Apam (Nice, France).
Midfielders: Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England) Sani Kaita (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia) Yusuf Atanda Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Oluwaseyi George Olofinjana (Hull City, England), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain).
Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Michael Eneramo (Esperance, Tunisia), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany).
Key defenders, such as Joseph Yobo and Danny Shittu are also returning from injury. Nwankwo Kanu will be putting his club miseries behind, and it will be his 6th appearance in the African Cup of Nations. The choice of goalkeepers is the same as it was in 2008, even though Austin Ejide is lacking match practise being without a club, since leaving Bastia in the summer.
Other teams haven't been lucky with injuries, though. Cameroon's Benoit Assou-Ekotto picked up a serious injury in the last league game for Tottenham. He's replaced by Neuchatel Xamax's Augustin Binya.
Ghana were dealt a blow when Fulham's John Pantsil got injures. At first he was set to be replaced by Getafe's Derek Boateng, but the club forbid it. Now the replacement is Ransford Osei (FC Twente). Another defender John Mensah is replaced by his namesake Jonathan Mensah. It's worth noting that both Osei and Mensah are U-20 World Champions 2009. So there's now 8 members of the successful team in the senior squad. But with the Michael Essien not yet fully fit from an hamstring injury and the story of Sulley Muntari, it might turn out to be tough for the Black Stars to even get past the group stage.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Learning from past mistakes
In 1998 Nigeria had a great World Cup campaign in France. The Flying Eagles topped their group and played some breathtaking football. It all turned sour soon though. After the group stage, the players started demanding bigger bonus payments for their performance. Focus was lost and 4-1 exit came in the next round versus Denmark.
This time around, the Nigerian FA wants to avoid the same thing happening and talks are already going on regarding the tournament still over half a year away.
Spokesman Ademola Olajire has gone on record saying: "It is crucial to have this meeting with the players to prevent any form of misunderstanding which could derail preparations and execution of this tournament. Unfortunately many people have already started talking about the money and referring to past incidents - but everything will be sorted out before we get to South Africa for the World Cup. This is a positive step forward for a successful campaign".
With players like John Obi Mikel, Yakubu and Yobo, no doubt the side has the quality to go far. Everybody are looking at Ivory Coast to upheld the African honour in the continent's first ever World Cup, but in my opinion, Nigeria are just as capable. If they only could avoid off the pitch distractions, like the bonus payments from disrupting the dressing room.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Donovan off to Everton?
USA superstar Landon Donovan has been linked with a loan move to Everton in the English Premier League.
It it thought the forward would be keen on joining Everton to keep himself match fit after the end of the MLS season, like the case with David Beckham joining AC Milan in January.
Everton would also welcome the deal as there's an injury crisis and also star striker Yakubu will join up with the Nigeria squad in January for the African Cup of Nations.
It wouldn't be the first time Donovan would make a switch to Europe. As a youngster he was part of Bayer Leverkusen and past January he was also on loan from LA Galaxy at FC Bayern.
But his adventures in Europe haven't been a great success. Whilst on his day he's a unstoppable player in the MLS, he's struggled to leave his mark in European football. Maybe this time.
Meanwhile Donovan's possible future teammate Joseph Yobo, who recently said the African Cup of Nations is an ideal test before the World Cup, has been ruled out until the New Year with a hamstring injury and is in danger of missing out on the Angola 2010 squad.
Nigeria manager Shaibu Amodu will already have to do without Real Zaragoza striker Ikechukwu Uche, with a host of players, including Wolfsburg's Obafemi Martins, doubtful for the tournament starting on 10 January.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Yobo and Odemwingie call for focus
Two Nigeria's most experienced players, captain Joseph Yobo and Peter Odemwingie, who's recently started to use his other first name Osaze, have called for commitment and focus from their younger teammates.
Nigeria made it through to South Africa in the last minute, winning their last match and so edging out Tunisia, costing me some betting money (not bitter at all, he-hee).
Yobo wasn't happy with the teams performance through out the qualifying process and now wants better performance in the finals. "We have to now change our attitude and mentality so it won't be a disastrous World Cup for this generation. Nigerians want to see a change in approach, see a change in commitment", said the Everton player, who today injured himself in his teams 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Odemwingie seconds these thoughts. The striker also reckons the teams should start building their team-spirit with the African Cup of Nations next month. He said: "A brilliant outing at the World Cup will depend largely on what happens between now and then. Angola provides us with a platform to fix the problems affecting us and that should help mould us into a team that will be able to represent Nigeria effectively."
Have to agree with them. Nigeria haven't won anything since the Olympics in 1996. That was seen a big rise to the nation, but the generation failed and players like Sunday Oliseh, Jay-Jay Okocha and Finidi couldn't deliver neither Nations Cup glory nor World Cup success.
And the topic in hand is spot on. While the team has always had talented players, they've always failed to perform as a team, with individuals taking over matches and causing unrest in the dressing room.
The current side is quite youthful and no doubt Yobo and Odemwingie amongst the senior members have to bond the group and you might even say teach the younger players to work as a unit.
Group B overview
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
Fixtures:
12/06/2010, Johannesburg - JEP, Argentina vs Nigeria
12/06/2010, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, South Korea vs Greece
17/06/2010, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Greece vs Nigeria
17/06/2010, Johannesburg - JSC, Argentina vs South Korea
22/06/2010, Durban, Nigeria vs South Korea
22/06/2010, Polokwane, Greece vs Argentina
Much like France in group A, Argentina are here looked like the one, who will run away with the group win here. And it can happen, if Maradona can get things right. Big part of this group's outcome will depend on the 1st round of matches. If the better teams, at least according to FIFA rankings, Argentina and Greece can win their first matches, then it would be very hard to dislodge them.
Again, I don't want to offer any predictions here, but I do think that Argentina will make it through. They've got a very nice fixtures list, even though all the teams are good here.
This group is linked with group A, so the winners will meet group A 2nd and runner-up the winner of group A.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
African Cup of Nations 2010 groups drawn
Group A: Angola, Mali, Algeria, Malawi.
Group B: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso.
Group C: Egypt, Nigeria, Benin, Mozambique.
Group D: Cameroon, Tunisia, Zambia, Gabon.
Group B looks like the most competitive group with two of African powerhouses, Ivory Coast and Ghana, involved along side Germany 2006 debutant's Togo and an ever improving Burkina Faso. But all groups should be tight and there's no doubt a lot of mouthwatering matches installed.
It's interesting to note that Egypt, who have won this competition a record 6 times (currently two times defending Champions), haven't managed to carry that form over to World Cup qualifying, as they haven't made it to the finals since 1990.
