Sports

2014 W/Cup: Posers For Keshi, S’Eagles

Published

12 years ago

April 7, 2014

With about two
months to go until Nigeria’s opening World Cup game against Iran, a number of unanswered questions still exist for Stephen Keshi and his Super Eagles.
Many fans, had hoped that the recent international friendly against Mexico would answer some of the issues that still linger around the squad and the Big Boss’s approach.
Unfortunately, the friendly largely failed to elucidate the watching world on some of the enduring questions that Nigeria faces ahead of the World Cup.
In fact, it was more a case of “like a bathroom wall, the more you look, the more you see” as, rather than questions being answered, a whole new set of potential problems now swirl ahead of the trip to Brazil.
The most pressing questions surrounding the expected performance of the Super Eagles at the World Cup include the followings among others;
Who Will Score the Goals?
Okay, okay, so the immediate answer here should be apparent to everyone. Who will score Nigeria’s goals? Well, Emmanuel Emenike will, right? Well yes, he will, as he has done so often, and so regularly, for Nigeria in the past.
But is that enough?
The dismissal of Ideye Brown and the inclusion of new boys Michael Uchebo and Imoh Ezekiel was a revealing window into Keshi’s concerns about the team’s ability to produce goals.
Beyond Emenike, who was the side’s saviour against Ethiopia in the World Cup play-off, and who scored four goals during the Cup of Nations, it is hard to see who can be considered a regular source of goals for the Super Eagles.
This may well be the issue that is making the Big Boss fret as Brazil draws near. It is one he cannot afford to ignore ahead of the World Cup – solutions, however, do not come without their own individual concerns.
Will a lack of playing time affect some of the squad’s Big Names?
This issue has emerged from the shadows and now, with its ogre’s sneer, represents a genuine concern for Keshi and his staff.
It is a problem that has come in the form of Nemanja Matic, of Layvin Kurzawa, and of Raheem Sterling. Too many of Nigeria’s would-be superstars are playing second fiddle at club level and not receiving the game time that might be considered necessary preparation for the World Cup.
To a point, this might not necessarily be a grave concern; many a fine World Cup side have, after all, been derailed by a fatigue and burnout.
No danger of that for Keshi’s current collective but, as was evidenced against Mexico, the lack of minutes has left the likes of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses battling ring rust ahead of the world’s greatest sporting event.
How will Keshi configure the midfield?
The fact that this concern is even being raised is, probably, a good sign.
Nigeria’s preparation for their last two forays to the World Cup were both undermined by issues graver than this and many of us would probably accept Keshi facing one key tactical conundrum ahead of the sojourn to Brazil.
The identity of the would-be ‘Third Man’ or Keshi’s alternate midfield configuration remain mysteries and with no more pre-squad-naming friendlies left to play, they will remain works in progress until Keshi has at least identified his 30.
Against Mexico, the Big Boss appeared to be leaning towards a 4-4-1-1 formation, while the inclusion or continued ignoring of the likes of Sunday Mba, Nosa Igiebor and Nnamdi Oduamadi might also give clues as to the manager’s ultimate intention here.
Can any of the new additions secure a starting role?
By ‘new additions’ in the title, I refer not just to the likes of Ramon Azeez, Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo – all of whom made their international debuts against Mexico – but also to the likes of Ejike Uzoenyi, who was recalled to the squad for the friendly after a long period of absence.
Keshi’s decision to shuffle the pack ahead of that match at least demonstrated the manager’s keenness to assess a broad range of options ahead of the trip to Brazil.
His move to start Uchebo was a sign of great faith in the Belgium-based youngster, who, up to that point, had largely been overlooked by the majority of the media covering Nigerian football. In his brief cameo he showed the energy and creativity to suggest that he might be a genuine option for the Super Eagles behind Emenike in a 4-4-1-1 formation.
I was one journalist who had often taken the occasion to call for the inclusion of Imoh Ezekiel but, in truth, when his international recognition finally came, my attention had moved on to Olympiakos’s Michael Olaitan.
Had Leon Balogun not been injured so unfortunately, he might have been a contender for a starting berth but, as it stands, the Dusseldorf man needs an incredible change in fortunes just to make the plane.
It may be, then, that Ramon Azeez, championed by several of my colleagues as a midfield anchorman, is best-placed to force his way into Keshi’s starting plans.
Will Keshi stay true to his philosophy?
Keshi is a man who has built his reputation upon the bold and brave decision to jettison the underachieving and the tarnished to construct a side upon the young, the hungry, the uncelebrated and the inexperienced.
Up to a point, this approach has served him well; his Super Eagles elect did, after all, bring home the continental crown and seal World Cup qualification.
However, as the tournament approaches, the creaks appear to be emerging in Keshi’s masterplan.
Some of the deficiencies in the current squad may well find answers in some of those ignored by the Big Boss, not least Osaze Odemwingie, who is performing effectively at Stoke City.
Keshi’s decision to recall Joseph Yobo for the Mexico friendly was a first step on the potentially sloppy slope to ultimate compromise. Who else will follow?
Dove writes for kickoffnigeria.com
Ed Dove

Sports

Tottenham’s Miserable Run Continues

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

Relegation-threatened Tottenham’s miserable 2026 continued as their winless run extended to 10 league games with Fulham gaining a deserved victory to boost their hopes of qualifying for European football.

Fulham, who scored twice in the opening six minutes in their 2-1 win over Spurs in November, again got an early goal with Harry Wilson netting in the seventh minute.

However, the goal was controversial as new Spurs boss Igor Tudor felt it should have been disallowed as home striker Raul Jimenez pushed Radu Dragusin as they challenged for a Kenny Tete cross, before Oscar Bobb picked out Wilson to volley home from six yards out.

Tottenham had a similar goal ruled out last week in their 4-1 loss to Arsenal for a foul by Randal Kolo Muani on Gunners defender Gabriel but, following a check from the video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson, Fulham’s goal was allowed to stand, much to Tudor’s fury.

Spurs, though, had no excuses for the 34th-minute second goal with Alex Iwobi left with space to shoot home superbly from 18 yards out, with the ball going in off the inside of the post after a neat exchange with Wilson.

Sports

City Survive Leeds’ Challenge At Elland Road

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

Antoine Semenyo scored just before half-time as title-chasing Manchester City escaped Elland Road with victory over an energetic Leeds United.

The hard-earned outcome narrowed Arsenal’s lead to two points at the top of the Premier League.

City travelled to West Yorkshire without their Leeds-born star striker Erling Haaland who was injured in training, and it looked for large periods in the first half that they would rue not having their top goalscorer available.

But Ghana international Semenyo stretched to convert Rayan Ait-Nouri’s fizzed low ball into the penalty area for his sixth City goal since joining from Bournemouth in January.

Leeds will be wondering how they did not score after making a sprightly start and giving City real cause for early concern.

Meanwhile , a clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.

Bayern Rebound To Overcome Dortmund In Bundesliga (5)

Harry Kane scored two second-half goals as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling match and move 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

The England striker took his tally to 45 goals in all competitions this season as Bayern became the first team to inflict a home league defeat on Dortmund.

Kane, who passed 500 A clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.

All three of the Reds’ first-half goals came from set-pieces – with Arne Slot’s side now leading the table in 2026 when it comes to goals from set-plays (excluding penalties).

In the fifth minute, Ryan Gravenberch teed up Ekitike, who finished smartly to beat Mads Hermansen at the near post for his 16th goal of the season.

West Ham threatened to equalise, but against the run of play Liverpool doubled their advantage when Van Dijk headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner.

The visitors failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s complacency with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen and Soucek all wasting chances.

And just before half-time, Mac Allister’s superb volley took a deflection and ended in the back of the net. That was the cue for sections of the travelling support to head for the exits.

Nico Schlotterbeck’s opener.

Dortmund thought they had snatched a point when Daniel Svensson’s thumping volley sent Signal Iduna Park into pandemonium.

But that was until Joshua Kimmich’s strike three minutes from time kept Bayern in pole position to win a 14th title in 15 seasons.

Schlotterbeck headed Dortmund ahead in the 26th minute when he rose highest in a crowded penalty area to connect with Svensson’s free-kick from the left.

Dortmund had the chance to double their lead later in the half when Fabio Silva squared the ball to Maximilian Beier, who was denied by the onrushing Jonas Urbig.

Despite dominating possession in the first half, Bayern – playing with a front three of Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz – were unable to test Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

But Kane equalised early in the second period with a poacher’s effort from inside the area at the end of a slick move involving Kimmich and Serge Gnabry.

Both teams missed chances before Kane scored a penalty – a record 10th in a Bundesliga season – after Josip Stanisic was floored by Schlotterbeck.

Dortmund levelled when Svensson volleyed past Urbig, but Kimmich all but ended their hopes of winning a first title since 2012.

Sports

PSG Extend Lead In Ligue 1

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

Paris St-Germain stretched their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points by claiming a narrow win at Le Havre.

The defending champions hoped to take advantage after second-placed Lens drew at Strasbourg on Friday, and Bradley Barcola gave them a deserved lead shortly before half-time.

PSG had chances to extend their lead and substitute Desire Doue had a late penalty saved by Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

Lee Kang-In had an effort saved by Diaw before his right-wing cross was headed home by Barcola for his ninth goal of the season.

Moments later Lee fired wide when through on goal, before PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired against a post just after half-time.

Keeper Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Issa Soumare to keep PSG in front, while Diaw denied substitutes Nuno Mendes, Ibrahim Mbaye and Doue.

Diaw parried Doue’s spot-kick low to his right after Doue was brought down by Lucas Gourna-Douath with 11 minutes left.