Nigerian Football
Opinion: The Rude Awakening
BY EMMANUEL NYABAM
Dear Mr Rohr and fellow Nigerians. This is an open letter on the Nigerian game. A lot has been said about Nigeria’s loss to South Africa last weekend. I won’t bother you with the drama that we used South African balls to play the match.
Ha! Maybe they had ‘jazzed the balls sef?’ Sikes! If I hear! I must commend Rohr as I am firmly one of those who did not want a foreign coach for our national team.
No doubt, the man has brought some stability to the Super Eagles and this was just one big bad day at the office.
The truth is that we did not prepare well for this game and we underestimated the resolve of Stuart Baxter and his boys. This game we should quickly forget and move on.
To Rohr, let me state my personal position to you sire. Nigerians cannot defend for their goal area and what we know how to do is attack with zest. Even that is now quite eroded with half baked players we now parade. They merely warm benches in their various clubs across the globe.
Let’s chronicle this fact. Nigeria has produced just one world class defender. His name sire, is Mr Terrible, oh sorry (in 1996 Olympics the commentator called him so) Taribo West.
Since his departure we have been graced by nearly ‘Champions and Omeruo’ the most recent after Tonight, has lost his way content to just play average football in some obscure club.
Let me push this treatise further; today how many quality centre backs are within our league or Europe now?
This means there is a dearth and the drought continues unabated. The likes of Elisha Gilbert are too slow though can be trained to improve.
Mr Rohr, the next thing I must state to you is that Nigeria and its players are dam too used to fire brigade approach so you must camp the players in a strict regimented camp.
I have found that Rhor needs to understand that he must treat our footballers like kids who need direction. It is how we are toned and it shows in our expansive bit useless play.
We are flamboyant and elaborate in painting the ball practically playing football at snail pace or better explained in the Nigerian lingo ‘go-slow’.
Herein, players who are late without reason must be kept out so discipline is holistic. He also needs this to speak to our arrogant mindsets that make us feel superior to our opponents.
With these two foregoing matters out of the way, it is time we build our philosophy of football. We can’t defend period.
In 1994 at the World Cup, Austin ‘Jay Jay” Okocha (the dancer who never fully blossomed) and should have played keep away so we knock out Italy gifted them the ball and they went on to beat Nigeria.
That set of players jokingly call themselves World Cup stars and for me they can enjoy their boast as the first to take us forward into the World Cup but their collective ignorance led to our ouster at the World Cup.
A quick roll forward we lost to Brazil in the first round with defensive posture. When we met again, and we had no option in a game we were losing we reverted to a back-three line and attacked which we understand like the air we breathe.
We went on to win the Olympic gold attacking and not defending. When the white witch doctor, Pillippe Trousier came, and with our team playing against Guinea, even a rampaging Titi Camera ended up playing central defence to escape Nigeria’s raving rampaging play playing with a back three line.
Alas some bungling ignorant chaps who had access to the then Head of State stage-managed Troussier’s ouster. Keshi played a loose four back system wherein he allowed for our expansiveness and passing freeing up Mikel Obi to play and lead us to a Africa Cup of Nations victory.
Lastly Siasia beat France in a friendly playing with a three-man back line which shocked France.
Sire, am I making sense now? Mr Rhor I appreciate your desire to rebuild our national team for longevity. My take sire, use the home-based Eagles team to bring in and train players who can adapt to your desired plans for a youthful team.
I ask you to look inwards and work with academies and help rebuild youth system. Sire, keep a data base because we lie too much about our ages. However there are drills you can use that help you expose the age cheats without necessarily doing medical tests.
Be empirical in your testing regiment and also sit with players individually placing your philosophical approach into their heads.
I would let you rest now and be back with my further thoughts on the way forward. Thank you for patiently enduring to read my missive sire.
Sporting Regards,
- Emmanuel Nyabam Esq. ©2017
CLAPAI orphanage
Laconoscenza Ltd UK/Nig
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on the rise and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI Group. By laying down robust structures for transparency and accountability, GTI Group has significantly helped to improve the integrity and reputation of the elite league, ensuring that every dime from sponsors and investors of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) are meticulously utilised and accounted for.
GTI’s initiative to enhance transparency in the NPFL goes beyond mere intentions; it involves concrete actions that laid the groundwork for accountability. This commitment not only bolsters the league’s financial health but also promotes confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.
One of the critical challenges that faced the NPFL before the coming of GTI Group in the 2022/2023 season was crowd violence. However, the financial investment firm and the NPFL Board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have worked harmoniously and tackled this issue head-on by implementing measures to curb this menace at match venues.
The placement of trained security personnel, implementation of zero tolerance to crowd violence and the issuance of fines against erring clubs cum their fans have fostered a safer environment for lovers of the beautiful game in the country. As a result, match attendance has astronomically increased, allowing for a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
The enhanced transparency in match operations by NPFL has also sparked renewed hope and a sense of friendly competition among clubs. With the increase in fair play and adherence to regulations, fans and players alike are experiencing a new wave of excitement. This was exemplified on Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, where the league witnessed an impressive display of five-star performance: five away wins, three draws, and two home wins. This feat has never happened in the history of the elite league and reflects the blossoming football economy of Africa’s most populous nation.
GTI Group and NPFL’s relentless effort has laid the foundation for a prosperous league that attracts local and international talents from neighboring countries in the round-leather game. By focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are not just transforming the league but creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive.
As we celebrate these positive changes, it is essential to acknowledge the role of every stakeholder in this journey. The NPFL is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it is a thriving business-oriented industry with the potential to inspire future generations.
The transformation of the NPFL, championed by GTI Group, reflects a brighter future for Nigerian football. With the ongoing commitment and collaboration, the NPFL will continue to flourish, bringing glory to clubs and excitement to fans across the world.
Nigerian champions, Enugu Rangers have been beaten 4-3 by visiting Kano Pillars in the Match Day 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The visitors went into the lead in 15th minute when Rabiu Ali converted a penalty kick. They doubled the lead in the 28th minute through Zulkifilu Rabiu before Rabiu Ali extended the lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute after converting another penalty kick.
The game turned into a nightmare for Rangers as Ahmed Musa made it 4-0 in the first minute of the added time.
Rangers began a fight back in the opening minutes of the second half as Isaac Saviour pulled a goal back in the 47th minute. Twelve minute later he scored a second goal to reduce the tally to 4-2. Emmanuel Silas Nenrot made the score line a more respectable for Rangers when he scored a third goal in the added time.
The miserable run of Akwa United and Ikorodu City came to an end after six games in the Nigerian Premier League this season. Both teams were initially glued at the bottom of the league table.
They now got respite as Akwa United beat Kano Pillar by 2-0 while Ikorodu City even did what could be considered an upset, beating Bendel Insurance 3-0.
Remo Stars bounced back to the top of the log after a 3-0 defeat of Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars are yet to get their rhythm this season, playing a barren draw with Enyimba in Ibadan.
Kwara United who got their first full points of the season last week after a 1-0 defeat of Remo Stars could not consolidate as they were beaten 1-0 by Abia Warriors.
Heartland under Emmanuel Amuneke are gradually recovering as they got a valuable away draw against El-Kanemi Warriors.
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