Football: 67-0, 79-0: A mind Boggling Show of Shame Indeed!

Though the kind of scandalous scores have been seen in the past, was in a tiny southern African country, Madagascar, when a team lost by an unbelievable score of 149-0 in 2002.

Below are some of them:

1885: Arbroath 36-0 Bon Accord (Scotland)

1995: Man Utd 9-0 Ipswich Town (Premier League record)

2001: Australia 31-0 American Samoa (World Cup qualifier)

2002: AS Adema 149-0 Stade Olympique L'Emyrne (Madagascar)

You wouldn't expert a country like Nigeria with its ranking in both African and world football to be stained by such a scandal. Well we had it and by two clubs playing simultaneously.

The owner that lost 67-0 has since disowned disowned and disbanded the club.

Bubayaro lost heavily to Police Machine, who were looking to secure promotion to the lowest tier of the Nationwide League Division.

Machine's promotion rivals Plateau United Feeder won their match against Akruba, played simultaneously, 79-0.

Nigeria's football authorities have suspended all four clubs involved, calling the results "mind-boggling".

“A mind-boggling show of shame. It is unacceptable - a scandal of huge proportions”



Police Machine and Plateau United Feeder both needed a win to out do each other, but the final results would have seen the latter promoted on goal difference.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has imposed an indefinite ban on the four clubs and struck the results from the records, with further investigations promised.

Plateau United Feeder scored 72 of their goals in the second half, while Police Machine found the net 61 times after the second half.

Bubayaro owner Shuaibu-Gara Ahmed Gombe, said he had ordered the team not to play the match but he was ignored by team officials.

"As soon as I heard the result, I disbanded the team,"

"It's disappointing that some people would bring the game to disrepute out of desperation."

He added: "I have written a petition to the (state) police in Bauchi to investigate this shame and arrest anyone found to be involved."


Some who attended the two matches reported incidents including questionable refereeing decisions, inexplicable added time and club officials rather than ball boys returning balls into play immediately after goals had been scored.


One of the journalists reported thus: "In the second half, we started witnessing outrageous own goals, free-kicks and terrible goalkeeping.

"Feeders blasted goal after goal past Bubayaro. Officials of the club turned into emergency ball boys, instead of retrieving the ball from the net, they quickly threw another ball into the centre circle.

"It was ridiculous, because the losing side didn't make any effort and the officiating was abysmal, with controversial calls being made and unaccounted additional minutes played.

"Some people were on their mobile phones updating officials at the other venue."

The NFF called the situation a "mind-boggling show of shame" and said players, match officials and the tournament coordinator will be investigated for match-fixing.

NFF's organising committee chairman Mike Umeh said: "It is unacceptable - a scandal of huge proportions. The teams are suspended indefinitely, pending further sanctions.

"We will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it."

Now, those who keep clamouring for involvement of Nigerian referees in CAF and FIFA competition will surely have a second think.

Nigeria Vs Namibia in Nigeria’s Tourism Capital- Calabar

I know I should not let the way I feel or my own personal misgivings affect the way I analyze matters concerning the super eagles. I have abandoned this blog for so long ever since Samson Siasia was sacked and I really felt like there was nothing to talk about Nigerian football.

Now you need to understand with me. I am not a football journalist but a blogger and not just that, a football fan and I support my team with the bias you would expect from a football fan. I liked Siasia and for me, he was really unto something with the super eagles despite failing to qualify Nigeria for the last ANC. Maybe what I need to learn is that, as a fan, I need to understand I’m gonna have to live with much more knee jerk reactions and bullocks from the NFA and so, I’m just going to face my job of supporting and blogging about Nigerian football.  This is the only place in the world where it is acceptable to live in a Glass House, and throw stones.

Fast forward to June 2012.

Steven Keshi , a.k.a the ‘Big Boss’ as was known by team mates in the westerhof era is a coach that will take more than a couple of wins to win my support (Not that it matters in anyway). But I can be sure I am not the only one feeling that way. Granted that a lot of us fans were not happy Siasia failed to qualify us for the Nations cup, but then, he appeared to have bungled his way right into the left ventricles of our hearts. I mean some of us.

C-A-L-A-B-A-R : Come And Live And Be At Rest

The scenery of Calabar could tempt anyone to want to go around town and have a couple of drinks and sight see in some of the very attractive pubs around. But that will be the last thing on Keshi’s mind as Namibia come to town. If it is the same Calabar I have known, then the team wouldn’t have to do too much to get the support of the team. One thing they can be sure of, is, there will be no booing the team during their lows in the match. The pitch is good and so they can play if they want to.

I know nothing about the Namibians. I can’t say how much Steven Keshi knows. While we are supposed to worrying more about how we play, I think it will hurt no one if we find out what the strengths of the enemy are and try to neutralize them. For all I care, this team isn’t there yet. I expect us to win but then I am keeping my fingers very crossed!

"The players need to perform," said Keshi, appointed after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup.
"There is always pressure because the fans still feel disappointed with the last Nations Cup.
"I'm not going to make excuses. They need to play good football and win the fans back. That's what Nigerians want."

I am glad the Big Boss knows that. All I can add to that is, the fans also expect the coach to perform. His selection vs Namibia will show intent and signs of things to come

He has also said there is no starting 11 yet and I wasn’t expecting any. All that is important for now is to pull our resources together and get a result and that is, WIN! I plan to be at the stadium to do what I’ll like to call tweet commentary. So if you aren’t there and you are not watching or you are watching but just love twitting like me, follow me on @emmanuelekanem 

So that’s that for now. Let get this stuff buzzing. Come on Eagles!

African Players: How They Performed At The Weekend

PARIS — Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye out performed all other Africa footballers in top European football leagues at the weekend with a brace for French club Sochaux.

Ideye, who played in his homeland and Switzerland before joining the club from the eastern France industrial city, struck the first and last goals in a 4-0 win at Bordeaux that boosted hopes of a Europa League slot next season.

Nigerian Peter Odemwingie of West Bromwich Albion and Ivorian Yaya Toure of Manchester City scored in England, but their clubs lost at Wolves and Everton respectively in the Premiership.

ENGLAND

PETER ODEMWINGIE (West Brom)

The Nigerian striker maintained his rich vein of scoring form, netting his 15th goal of the season from the penalty spot. But it was not enough to prevent the Baggies from slipping to a 3-1 defeat against Wolves in the Black Country derby.

YAYA TOURE (Man City)

The Ivorian midfielder took his tally to 10 goals for the season at Goodison Park, but it was a disappointing afternoon for Manchester City as their bid to secure fourth place suffered a setback in a 2-1 defeat by Everton.

DIDIER DROGBA (Chelsea)

The veteran striker was restored to the centre of Chelsea's attack as the Blues attempted to score a decisive victory over Manchester United in the title race. But Drogba endured a frustrating afternoon, picking up a second-half booking and finishing goalless as United ran out 2-1 winners.

FRANCE

BROWN IDEYE, RYAD BOUDEBOUZ (Sochaux)

Striker Ideye scored a double in Sochaux's 4-0 success at Bordeaux which could seal his side's Europa League berth. The Nigerian broke the deadlock in the ninth minute and then out-paced Bordeaux right-back Mathieu Chalme before teeing up Franco-Algerian midfielder Ryad Boudebouz for their third in the 22nd minute. Ideye claimed the fourth goal on the half-hour mark following a header from Marvin Martin's cross.

SOULEYMANE DIAWARA (Marseille)

A foul by Senegalese defender Diawara on Argentine striker Lisandro allowed Lyon to open the scoring after 25 minutes at their Gerland Stadium. Lisandro stepped up and netted the penalty and the hosts won 3-2.

YOUSSOUF HADJI (Nancy)

Moroccan striker Hadji wasted third-bottom Nancy's best chance of sharing the points with an effort that went wide in injury time, allowing visiting Lille to scrape a 1-0 victory and move four points ahead.

FOUED KADIR (Valenciennes)

Algerian midfielder Kadir opened the scoring for Valenciennes in their 2-0 success over Rennes which gave his side their first home win in three months and lifted them to 12th, four points above the drop zone.

GERMANY

ISAAC VORSAH (Hoffenheim)

The Ghana defender played the full 90 minutes of his side's 2-1 win at Nuremburg as they came from behind to beat the hosts for a victory which leaves them eighth in the Bundesliga.

PAPISS CISSE (Freiburg)

The Senegal striker had a terrible Saturday as his side suffered a shock 2-0 defeat by relegation-threatened Borussia Moenchengladbach which leaves them eighth in the table and outside the European berths for next season. To make matters worse, Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez netted a hat-trick which virtually guarantees he will finish as the season's top scorer. Gomez has 27 league goals, five more than Cisse.

ADIL CHIHI (Cologne)

The Morocco striker netted his first goal of the season for Cologne to help them to a 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old has played 10 league matches this season and the victory guarantees Cologne's Bundesliga survival.

SPAIN

DEREK BOATENG (Getafe)

Getafe picked up three vital points with a 2-0 win over Almeria and Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng played an important role in breaking Almeria?s play and launching attacks. The win saw Almeria relegated while Getafe moved clear of the bottom three.

PIERRE WEBO (Mallorca)

Mallorca drew 0-0 with high-flying Villarreal in a slow-moving game of few chances for either side. Cameroonian striker Webo had little service in attack and only one real chance with a header from close range at the start of the second half which goalkeeper Diego Lopez parried.

Kini Big Deal about Siasia's N3M/Month Salary?

Oh yeah! What's the big deal? 


What's all the noise about Siasia earning N3M/month? When did we start hating to love ourselves so much? I know we can draw similarities from Europe, though we have seen some of them employing austerity measures, but common.

Siasia for all i care has got more to offer Nigerians than the so-called honourable Senators in Abuja, even more than Mr. Goodluck Jonathan with due respect. If there is anything that makes Nigerians genuinely happy and love to be called "Nigerian", it is the success of the Super Eagles. For me, what makes Nigerians happy is all that matters.

You can not blame a people for seeking solace in football, when everything else in the country smacks of sorrow and hopelessness.

Samson Siasia will earn $20,000 a month if he accepts the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) offer to handle the Super Eagles for the next four years. Surprisingly, some people have come out to say it is too much. I bet Siasia's annual salary doesn't come near to the take home of an obscure senator in a month in the National Assembly who since 2007 has contributed nothing of note to national development.


“Siasia actually asked for a sign-on fee of $1million, monthly salary of N15 million, a house, a brand new car with a driver and a cook too. He was accompanied by his lawyer in the discussion with the board.

“After much pressure he reduced the amount to N12 million but the board said they can't pay more than N2million but later increased it to N3millon.

“He however said he would come back to meet with us after his CAF Champions League assignment in Egypt with Heartland.

“He cited the contracts of Lars Largerback, the one of Berti Vogts and Shuaibu Amodu too. He said he is coming to handle a national team and he is confident and ready to do a good job so his case should not be different,” a top NFF official said.

Another official said: “Sincerely speaking, I think the N3 million is too small compared with what others before him were paid.

“But there is now a three-man committee set up by the board to discuss with his lawyer on the way forward.”?

I will wager on siasia. He's better than all the people mentioned above. Its simple, siasia has achieved more for Nigeria than any of the above mentioned names. The NFF should motivate him to perform. That N3/M is too meagre for the burden of responsibility. We all can recall how Siasia funded the under-20 team with his personal money. Let's not put him in a situation where he'll have to do that again. I believe if Siasia is given a free hand and enough time, we all will be happy with the outcome.

Lagerback took home $300,000 (about N45 million) for each of the five months he was in charge of the Eagles, while Shuaibu Amodu was on N2million a month . Amodu was also entitled to double the players' win bonuses. Now, can someone tell me what the heck is so special about Lars Lagerback? Is it just the skin? How can you have such a difference in pay for two men doing the same job.
Gimme a break! Common Sia One. You are the man!

Another Sun Set at Dawn for Nigerian Football?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went online this morning for the usual ritual of FaceBooking and I came across a friend’s status update where he was particularly impressed by the U-20 Eagles success. The argument that drew my attention was that, this was just another set of over-aged players set to keep us in perpetual sadness as far as football competitions exist.

I didn’t immediately understand what that meant, but then after going through several other comments, it was clear that this guy was very futuristic in his assertion.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Green eagles may have performed excellently now but it will be interesting to see how the same set of players cope when the chips are down in 5 years time when they all move up to the senior team. The argument is that, because they are already over-aged, they would have faded out in 5 years time when their opponents would be arriving their peak.

It is not out of place to have such reservations especially when one looks back at the recent show of shame at the just concluded FIFA world Cup in South Africa 2010. We saw that the best teams were mainly those teams with plenty of age on their side.

Not that I have anything against experience, but we have also seen that youth and experience can come in one package. Ready examples will be seen in the Spanish team-Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique. We can also point at players like Lionel Messi, Ozil, Miroslav Klose, Muller etc.

These are players who were not only aided by youth but by experience of competing at the highest level. Young players can garner the needed experience if they are exposed early enough. This is only possible if there is a well thought out youth development system in our football. Other wise, what we just saw isn’t really uhuru but just another sunset at dawn.

Nigeria vs Argentina: Vincent Enyeama Steals the show

Lionel Messi’s  Argentina no doubt was the better side of the encounter but the man everyone is talking about is Vincent Enyeama. I was still a student at the college of medical sciences, University of Calabar, when I heard the Peoples Elephants, Eyimba of Aba was to play some of their CAF Champions League group stage fixtures at the U.J. Esuene stadium in Calabar, and since the gate fee was pittance, I decided it was a rare opportunity to see the team that was fast consolidating a reputation as the best Club side in the country.

I can’t remember the scores but I remember Eyimba won that game after a beautiful display of football. The type that is rare in the Nigerian Premier League of today. That team for me was a master piece. A conglomeration of excellent young players through the good will of the then Governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu. My attention was particularly drawn to the young man who was Eyimba’s safe hands for the day. One particular safe he made with so much finesse made me conclude, though hurriedly, that this was a great player to be. How right I was!

Enter Vincent Enyeama!

Vincent Enyeama, a graduate of biochemistry from the University of Uyo has since then snowballed into one of the safest hands in the world by every standard.  He made the world cup party first time in 2002 at Japan-Korea straight from the local league and like he did to Messi yesterday, he made David Beckam and Paul Scholes look ordinary. He seems to have something with the big names. The confidence he exudes was primarily the reason he toppled Austin Ejide who was rather jittery in a pre-world cup friendly game against Ireland in Dublin.  Ever since he has become the undisputable Nigeria’s No. 1.

The last time I heard a goalkeeper won best player in any league was Paraguay’s  Chilavert. Vincent Enyeama is  hero at Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel where he plays, so much that he was the best player in that league last year. That is a rare achievement for a goalie. Nigerians keep wondering why the big European clubs don’t think he’s good enough. Once he was linked with Bolton, but with due respect to Bolton, we are tired of having our players play for small teams. What happens to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or even Arsenal. For God’s sake, Arsenal needs a goalie and Vincent Enyeama is far better than Manuel Almunia, Fabiansky and Vito Mannone and more so will cost very little. At 27 he’s got 10 more years to play at the top if he stays injury free most of the time.  If he can reproduce what we all saw against the Albeceleste, the sky could be the super Eagles limit in this world cup.

Maradona: "Nigeria is rough". Is he scared already?

In 1994, Maradona's tactics was to fall at every touch and that earned Nigeria so many yellow cards i lost count. With his current antics, it seems to me maradona has instructed messi to adopt that method.
Maradona is quoted to have described african teams as rough. Is this a bid to gain favour from the referees? Lagerback should better watch out! Maradona has already started the match off pitch. Lars Lagerback has also promptly responded by playing down the legends pedigree as a coach. I guess Lars is trying to say, you may have better players, but i am a better coach.

Kanu immediately responded at the post training press conference.

”African teams are tough and not rough. We all play professional football abroad and we know what obtains all over the world.

”On Saturday, we have a job to do and we are going to go all out to get that job done the best way we can. Maradona can say whatever but that cannot change our team pattern or style.”

The Portsmouth player stressed that the match is very crucial for both sides and Nigeria has a good chance of winning.

”Football is football any day. The Argentines should be afraid of us because we have no respect for big names. We have good players who can make things happen for Nigeria

”We have been working well to ensure we do well in the World Cup.” Kanu added.

Lagerback, however, added that he does not know Maradona at all as a coach.

”I only know him as a player and he is entitled to his opinion on whatever issue. All we have done is to prepare well and I can say we are 100 per cent ready for not just the match but the competition

”The players have worked so hard. Argentina has great team but we have to counter all of that I can tell you we are ready for the team no matter what Maradona says. His views will not change the outcome of the match in any way,” Lagaerback noted.

Is 2010 World Cup Truly Cuased?

I am propmted to make this post following the current perception
of some commentators claiming the world cup 2010 is probably caused.  
This statement came up as a result of so many stars getting injured just days to the first ever world cup in Africa Continent. It started with Rio Ferdinand, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Mikel Obi and just today, the latest star to join this long list of casualty is Arjen Robben.Dutch boss Bert Van Marwijk says:

"It doesn't look too good with Robben" 
Robben was helped to the dressing room by Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt.

    Van Marwijk said: "What my thoughts were when I saw Robben? This can't be true! I thought about this a few times the last weeks. Actually it went very good. And then this happened.

    "I think it was an unnatural move of Robben. He felt a kind of a stitch. I think it will be bad."

Not that i believe this or that i am superstitious in anyway but i can't just help but ponder. The tournament brightest seem to be dropping off the train one-by-one.
What's your take?

All Goals on VIDEO: Chelsea 7-0 Stokes

Watch Chelsea's 7-goals spanking of Stokes.

Lionel MESSI, Youngest Player To Score 100 Goals For Barcelona-Complete Video

Some people believe that Lionel MESSI is one of the best ever.However still has to achieve things that others before him achived to be considered a legend.

Messi is surrounded by one of the most talented squads in in the world and the talent at Barcelona is a key factor in his constant rise and rise unlike Maradona. That is not to take anything away from the current world Player of the year.

However, MESSI has already scored 101 goals for Barcelona, becoming the youngest ever player in the history of the club to do so. Messi is truly great and has the talent and chance to be the best of the best but only time will tell.

Last week he became the youngest ever player in Barcelona’s history to score 100 goals for the club. He then bagged his 101st goal, in the 4-0 demolition of Sevilla.

In my opinion, MESSI is already a Legend. Those who keep comparing him with Maradona and claiming he has achieved nothing yet, should not expect him to win the wrold cup before he can earn their respect. I think what he has achieved so far, individually is enough to give him the respect he deserves. Barcelona Gaffer Pep GUARDIOLA has showered praises on the player when he paid tribute to the Argentine.

Checkout Videos of Messi's 101 GOALS For Barcelona:


More Video Below:

“I congratulate him. It’s outrageous to have done what he has at his age. It only depends on him to break all possible records. He has some very, very high numbers.

“What we like most is that his ambition has no limit. I feel that he wants more. He is a wonderful example to the future generations.”

Outrageous indeed. There can be no doubt that Messi is currently the finest attacking player in the world. Period!

Team List: Lagerback's 40 Thieves+4

Again Kanu Nwankwo made the 44-man list of the new coach, at a time every football fan in Nigeria thinks he should call it quits. Utaka resurfaces following his last minute flashes these season and as promised 6 home based players join the party.

Portsmouth's John Utaka, FC Zurich's Onyekachi Okonkwo and Salzburg's Rabiu Afolabi have been handed Nigeria recalls by Technical Adviser Lars Lagerback.

Outside of that, there were no surprises in Lagerback's list of 44, released by the NFF on Sunday, with only three players getting first time call ups.

Those who advocates for more players from the domestic league would be placated after the Swede included six players from the Nigeria Premier League,and this was led by top scorer Ahmed Musa who plays for Kano Pillars.Whether Musa can replicate his league for m for the national team is a topic for the future, especially as Nigeria Premier League strikers are not known to stay consistent.

Chibuzor Okonkwo, seems to be the major casualty as he was upstaged in the home-based Super Eagles team by the impressive Terna Suswan of Lobi Stars. This could be good for competition.

Rising midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim's lack of club action also counted against him, as he was not included. But Haruna Lukman, who has locked down a place in the Monaco midfield, gets a chance to impress the new coach in camp.

The players are to report to camp in the United Kingdom from April 27 and 28. Well Lagerback and the 40 thieves plus 4. Just how well he can make a good team from this lot is yet to be seen. For now, let's just wish them well.

FULL LIST:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa) and Bassey Akpan (Bayelsa United, Nigeria)

Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille, France), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Onyekachi Apam (OG Nice, France), Olubayo Adefemi (US Boulogne, France), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Daniel Shittu (Bolton Wanderers, England), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Michael Odibe (Siena, Italy), Sam Sodje (Charlton Athletic, England), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg, Austria) and Terna Suswan (Lobi Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders/Forwards: Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe (Everton, England), Chinedu Obasi (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), Nwankwo Kanu, John Utaka (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany), Brown Ideye (FC Sochaux, France), Femi Ajilore (Groningen, Netherlands), Joseph Akpala (FC Brugge, Belgium), Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), Michael Eneramo (Esperance, Tunisia), Ikechukwu Uche (Real Zaragoza, Spain), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England), Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia), Haruna Lukman (AS Monaco, France), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Seyi Olofinjana (Hull City, England), Onyekachi Okonkwo (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Omatsone Aluko (Aberdeen, Scotland), Gabriel Reuben (Enyimba, Nigeria), Ahmed Musa, Solomon Okpako (Kano Pillars, Nigeria), Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Heartland FC).

Super Eagles 2010: Third Time Lucky with‘The Messiless One’?

Lionel MESSI has become a phenomenon of some sort in recent times. Followers of the Primera Liga have always known him to be impossible but what was left of the gen pop who new him not came to the know a few weeks ago when in his characteristic displays, he single handedly took Arsenal FC to the cleaners at the Camp Nou during the return leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final. While so many football followers were amazed by the possibilities of a MESSI romance with the round leather, Nigerian Football fans are not new to his torments. In two occasions Messi has been a cause of heartbreak to Nigerians. First in 2005 @ Holland when the Mikel OBI lead Siasia’s team put up a performance that was something to be proud of at the U-20 world cup that took them to the final only to be undone by Messi.

As usual, Argentina weren’t really in it as the Nigerians looked better in every department. However, Messi’s skills were too much for us to cope with and we lost 2-1 conceding the title to the Argies.

At the last Olympic games, Nigeria found their way to the Final again. Unlike in 1996 when we won the Gold at the expense of the Argentines, it was not to be especially with Messi in the side. For the duration of the game, We were able to keep him quiet but it took just 2 seconds of magic for Messi to create the decider and that was that. Two time unlucky against Messi. Are we going to be third time lucky here?

We have been drawn against Argentina in our first group match just like in Japan-Korea 2002. In 2002, though the Argentines paraded the likes of Crespo, Sebastin VERON and BATISTUTA who of course were very big names at the time and were regarded as top favourites for the championship, we predictably lost though 1-0. This time, they do not just have a formidable team of players like Higuain, Aguero, Carlos TEVEZ, Riquelme, to mention but just a few, but they also have the almighty MESSI. The reigning world footballer of the year is even more deadly now that when he won the Ballon D’ Or and with his help, Barcelona has gone on to win six trophies in one year. What a perfect time to be in such devastating form. If that doesn't scare you, then nothing will. Unfortunately Lars Lagerback will be the first gaffer to attempt to outwit this wizkid in his own game and i’m sure every other manager will be hoping to learn a thing or two from Lagerback. Will he succeed? Twice we have been unable to stop this man when he was just a budding talent. Can the Super Eagles stop this Mature Messi on the third attempt?

Nedum Onuoha: Lars LAGERBACK'S Master Stroke?

Nigerian football has lost several talented Nigerians to other countries and it is not as if this is a new trend. The likes of Osadebe, Emmanuel Adebayor, Omotosho, and many others to mention just a few. In those days, we did not really care as a nation, the rate at which we were losing players to even fellow African Countries because, in those good old days Nigeria could afford to present two Super teams for any competition. In fact i remember once, Nigeria was said to have the highest number of professional footballers after Brazil.

But things have really gone bad since then and we now go scrapping for players in Europe's amateur division and our players now play in some of the most ridiculous leagues in the world. For Pete's sack why should Nigeria's national team goalie play his football in Isreal?
We now have players in Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, Oman, and won't be too shocked to hear Nigerians also play in Afghanistan.

When you consider the dearth of quality players for the national team, you find it very hard to take fwhen players like Gabriel Agbonlahor, Nedum Onuoha, Victor Moses which are some of the finest footballers in the Premier League today prefer to play for England Instead. Don't get me wrong, i am not saying there is anything wrong with playing for whatever country one chooses, but it is just hard to take when you are a die hard fan of the Super Eagles and know very well what difference these players could make in the team.

This is probably one of the reasons why foreign coaches will always be preferred. Gabby is all but gone, there is nothing we can do about it. But if we can nick it, and have Nedum and Victor Moses declare for Nigeria, it will be a very big achievement for the new Super Eagles Gaffer.
The Super Eagles defence is yearning for fresh legs and more competition and the introduction of one or two very good players may just be the master stroke.

Victor Moses was like the most sort after youngster in the premiership in January when the likes of Barcelona, Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea were all rumour to be after him. However, he ended up in Wigan FC. Though i have not really watched him play, but if these teams were truly interested, i believe the lad can be a welcome addition to the Super Eagles array of near-stars.
LagerBack is said to have gone after these players and many others.'Nigerian players who should be in the national team are not there.' He had said when he first took over the job. We are told he's going arround locally and internationally looking for more players. We know these players are there. All we need is a coach who knows his job and willing to build his own team without fear of failure. A radical departure from the past is exactly what the team needs.
Most especially, if he can get Onuoha who is currently in a very good form and playing in a team with ambition to achieve things.

When a player plays for a team with ambition, it reflects in everything else. Such players refuse to accept defeat. The current situation where 80-90% of our players play for mediocre teams in Europe, Lagerback will have a big work of instilling the winning mentality.

Lars Lagerback: Profile

Lars Lagerbäck

Lars Edvin "Lasse" Lagerbäck (born 16 July 1948 in Katrineholm, Sweden) is a Swedish football manager and former player. He is currently the manager of the Nigerian Super Eagles.

He is best known as the former manager of the Sweden National Team. ^[1] He managed the Swedish National Team from 1998 until 2009 leading Sweden in five consecutive championships. He resigned as manager in 2009 after Sweden's failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Contents:
1. Career
2. Managing Career
3. References
4. External links

Lasse Lagerbäck

Personal information
Full name	Lars Edvin Lagerbäck
Date of birth	16 July 1948 (age 61)
Place of birth	Katrineholm, Sweden
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1960-1969	Alby FF
1970-1974	Gimonäs CK
Teams managed
1977-1982	Kilafors IF
1983-1985	Arbrå BK
1987-1989	Hudiksvalls ABK
1990-1995	Sweden U21
1996-1997	Sweden B
1998-1999	Sweden (assistant)
2000-2009	Sweden
2010-	Nigeria
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

1. Career

As youth, Lagerbäck played for Alby FF. When he was 13 years-old, he began playing for their P16 team. In 1970, he left and moved to Gimonäs CK under the guidance of Calle Lindelöf. ^[2] He continued to play there until 1974. ^[3] In 1974, he attended Gynastik and Idrottshögskolan (GIH), where he was a classmate of current assistant coach Roland Andersson.

2. Managing Career

2. 1. Club

In 1977, he was called up to the senior team. It was former teammate Kjell Pettersson that recommended him to Kilafors. He coached the Division IV team until 1982. In 1983, he moved to Arbrå IK until 1985. In 1987, he takes over Hudiksvall ABK but leaves by 1989. ^[4]

2. 2. Sweden

In 1990, Lagerbäck takes a job with the Swedish Football Association. He began to coach the junior levels which included Fredrik Ljungberg. He helped Tommy Svensson and Tord Grip with Swedish National Team. ^[5]

In 1996, Lagerbäck takes over Sweden B national team, until 1997. In 1998, Tommy Söderberg takes him on as assistant coach for the Swedish National Team. In 2000, he is promoted to dual-coach, a responsibility he would share with Söderberg until 2004. ^[6] Under his guidance, the Swedish National Team qualified for the Euro 2000 but lost in the group stages.

In 2002, he led Sweden to the World Cup where Sweden was in 'group death'. Sweden lost against Senegal. In 2004, Sweden qualified for their third straight championship. In the Euro 2004, Sweden made it to the quarter-finals where they lost against Holland. ^[7] That same year, Tommy Söderberg left the Swedish National Team to coach the U21 Team.

After the departure of Söderberg, Lagerbäck appointed Roland Andersson as assistant coach. In 2006, Lagerback took Sweden to their fourth consecutive championship, the first time in Swedish history. He led Sweden to the 2006 World Cup, losing against Germany 2-0 in the knockout stage. ^[8] Under Lagerbäck, Sweden also qualified for UEFA Euro 2008, however they were eliminated in the group stage after losing 2-0 against Russia. The team's early dismissal from the tournament led sport columnists to ask Lagerbäck to be sacked.. ^[9] Despite this, he signed an extension, which would keep him until the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign. After Sweden's unsuccessful qualification campaign for this summer's World Cup in South Africa, Lagerbäck resigned. ^[10] .

2. 3. Nigeria

On 26 February, 2010, he signed a 5 month (renewable) contract that would see him lead Nigeria to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa. ^[11]

Strengths: Lagerback earned a good reputation during his time in charge of Sweden, creating a well-drilled, hard-working team that was capable of securing results against sides with superior squads. It is understood that he was given the post after impressing the interview panel with his in-depth knowledge of Nigerian football, suggesting he is as well equipped to deal with the limited preparation time as could be hoped from a foreign candidate arriving a matter of months before the tournament.

Weaknesses: In 2007, Lagerback told the official FIFA website: "Certainly, I believe in continuity, and I think that national teams benefit from it every bit as much as clubs - if not more. After all, we don't work with our players every day like club coaches do, so it's vital to know those players inside-out, and it's only after some time you can achieve that." Although he has clearly done his research, Lagerback has very little time to get to know the players and he will struggle to experiment with tactics should his initial plans fail to succeed. The fact that his contract could well expire after the World Cup also does little to help promote a sense of stability about the side, plus in a country that expects a lot from its team, his conservative brand of football may fail to garner support.

Career high: Sweden were at their best under Lagerback during Euro 2004, when they thrashed Bulgaria 5-0 in their opening match before qualifying for the knockout stage at the expense of Italy, only exiting when they were beaten by Netherlands on penalties in the second round.

Career low: Having reached five successive tournaments in his time with Sweden, he will have been deeply disappointed at the failure to qualify for this year's World Cup, particularly as Scandinavian rivals Denmark topped the group.

Tactics: With Sweden, Lagerback favoured the 4-1-3-2 formation, with one defensive midfielder and three attacking midfielders, using the full backs to supply the width and he could well adopt a similar system in his new role. There is an issue with the lack of creative talent at present, but Lagerback made Sweden a very solid, hard-to-beat side and, given the constant changes and lack of discipline during Shaibu Amodu's recent spell, his approach should be of real benefit.

Quotes: "From what I have seen in Nigerian players, they have good individual skills and I know that the team needs to be organised - it needs to be disciplined - but, for me as a coach, I think the individual skills can do really well in the World Cup."

Trivia: Lagerback is often called 'Lasse', a common nickname for Swedes named Lars.

WC prediction: Lagerback has been set a target of reaching the semi-finals, but he is experienced enough to know that is very ambitious indeed. In a group with Argentina, Greece and South Korea, they have every chance of making it to the second round, but they will have to adapt to their new coach's methods quickly if they are to make any impression on the tournament.

Angola 4-4 Mali: kanoute Inpires a class Come back.

The african nations cup finally took off despite all the hue and cry
by some premiership coaches for the cancellation of the tournament.
While Togo has genuine concernes about further participation in the
biennial event, the same can not be said of these coaches. The fact
that they would prefer all their respective african players remained
with the club than take part in the event holding in Angola is well
documented and as such, the best response to Redknap, Avram and his
likes is a look-away.

Now to real football matters. Angola started like a team set to
fulfill all their pre-tournament threats that this is their turn. In
every department they dominated and though won two quick penalties,
one can not really take anything away from their display. It was a
class performance as they made the star studded malian midfield chase
the game for over 70 minutes. At 4-0, no one could really say the
scoreline wasn't reflective of the game. Real Madrids Diarra was
guilty so many times of lossing the ball carelessly puting consistent
pressure on the Malian defence. It was only a matter of when not how
will the Angolans score. Flavio grap two quick headed goals from
crosses and at half time the game looked settle. The second half
started in the same way the first ended. With the malian defence
jettery and naive in handling Manucho and Flavio. This time they
conceded two penalties in quick successions. After that everyone
except stephen keshi from the malian point of view looked worried. It
was game over. The Angolans thought it was time to pull out attacking
players for a few defensive options to kill off the game. The right
thing in that circumstance. But they failed woefully at it as they
couldn't hold forth, but rather the absence of threat allowed Keshi
throw everything at the Angolans. Kanoute grabbed a brace, keita got
one and a 93rd minuted equalizer left the Angolan crowd in awe and
disbelieve.
A lesson many teams just won't heed, it is not just over until it is
actually over. The Malians got 3 goals in about 8 minutes, what were
the Angolans thinking? The tournament is sure set to bring more of
this kind of excitement. Tha Malians sure can go far in this
tournament but first they need more denfensive lessons.