The Super Eagles played the Americans in a friendly warm-up game for the world cup.  As the last warm up game, both teams put up their most probable starting eleven. The Nigerians having included new players, probably wanted to use the match to bud them into the team. Well, it did not go so well as the American beat the Super Eagles 2-1, with Altidore scoring a brace. 

I collated a few lessons to be learnt from this encounter.

1. Don't Change a Winning Team.

Nigerians became Africans Champions last year for the first time since 1994. Between those years, the Super Eagles had fielded very strong teams in each challenge, but fell short each time.  One of the reasons, the 2013 team were successful, were others had failed, was that the team had few big egos and less bickering. The harmony amongst the players, helped solidify the team to a cohesive unit.

But with this 23 man World Cup squad, the functional members of the African Cup team e.g Sunday Mba , Ideye were dropped for the big egos: Osaze and co. From the friendly match, team cohesion, both is attack and defense was absent.

2. Don't Expect Anything from the Full-Backs

Back in the days of yore, the Nigerian team were renown for the rampaging runs from the wings from the full backs such as Iroha, Eguavoen to mention a few. Sadly, with Echejile out of the world cup through injury and Ambrose being a static full back, the Nigerian attack have no way to stretch their opponents through the wings.  One wonders why a full back with poor crossing ability like Ambrose, should continue to occupy that position?

3.Midfield is Ominious.

With Mba, Ideye, Igiebor, Joel Obi gone, it is no surprise, that the Nigeria midfield looks very much weak and ineffectual. One thing that was really different about the 2013 team was their high work rate. They worked harder in getting the ball than any Nigerian team before them. Now they have been robbed off their work-horses.

4. A Good Defence Gives Anyone a Chance.

Few teams are blessed with Messis or Maradona, but having a good defense is a great leveler. It gives any team a chance to do well especially in a tournament setting. The Ghanaian team in the 2010 world cup comes to mind. That was a team that lacked star players but almost found themselves in semi-finals. The match really exposed the high level of naiveté in the Super Eagles defense. Almost unforgivable defending.  It was so bad, that Altidore- a striker that in a 6 month barren spell almost scored a hat-trick! The defensive problems are a combination of both personnel and organization or tactics. If Keshi does not sort out the defensive problem then the soccer loving Nigerian fans will have to make necessary changes to their travel arrangements.

5. Keshi Does Not Know His Starting Eleven.

Keshi truly is a great coach and it is noteworthy that a Nigerian is coaching the Nigerian Team to the World Cup. It is something to be proud of. The level of experimenting with formations and personnel at this point, is indicative of how unsure, Keshi is of his side. 

6. Too Many Minds.

In the movie, the Last Sumarai, Tom Cruise reversed the trend of the ass-whopping that his lack of concentration was getting him, in the hands of his captors,by focusing on a single purpose. Same thing can be said of Super Eagles. From the match, one could not see what they were trying to do. Play like Barcelona with short passes through the middle? For which they lack the fluidity. Or have a high pressing game? The strikers received non-existent service. Maybe they could go for the Route 1 approach with Uchebo at the tip, but he is played in midfield. The Super Eagles need a single game plan and not try to do too many things at once.

Such a game plan needs to be tailored towards the personnel in the team.

7. It is never too late to make amends.

Keshi should look into the possibility of recalling any amongst the outcasts of Ogu, Igiebor,Ideye, Mba. It is obvious that the inclusion of Ameobi, Osaze,Micheal is a big mistake. And it is not too late to correct it.

1. Visit Anfield
If Liverpool lifts the coveted premier league trophy this season, then any self-respecting fan should make the pilgrimage to Anfield. Especially for fans from outside England, it will certainly be worthwhile to experience the Kop and learn the history of the club.

2. No Tattoos, Buy a Replica Jersey.
Buying a replica jersey would be more of a show of solidarity than a fashion statement. But if any fan does not own one, there is no better time than when Liverpool wins the league for the first time in 24 years.  At the risk of being tagged a glory hunter, it should be a worthwhile purchase.

3. Learn the words of "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Not every fan know the words to the Liverpool anthem song at the beginning of every game with much fervor. Those that don't, should learn the words and sing along when the chorus rings round the stadium.

4. Visit the HillsBorough Disaster Memorial.
The HillsBorough Disaster was a tragic day in the annals of football history. And hopefully never again will it repeat itself. A visit to the memorial to pay respect to those that died would help ease the pain of those that lost loved ones on that fateful day.

5. Sign a Petition to Keep Saurez at Liverpool
Rumors are abound at numerous offers especially one from Manchester City to lure Suarez from Anfield. It took a great piece of Managerial skill to keep Suarez away from the clucthes of Arsenal, last summer. Similar obstinacy ought be shown again, because Suarez is priceless and can only get better.  What differentiates Suarez from the rest of the league is his very high and infectious work rate  that permeates throughout the team.

During the CHAN tournament currently going on in South Africa, the Nigerian soccer team crawled their way back from a 3-0 deficit, to win the game 4-3. Yeah, Miracles do happen occasionally.

10. Nigeria vs Morocco (CHAN 2008).

9. Nigeria vs USSR 1989 (Miracle of Dammah).

The youth team of Nigeria equalized from 4goals down against the Soviets to take the game to extra-time and then a triumphant penalty shoot-out.

8. Chelsea vs Arsenal (1999)

Arsenal were losing by 2 goals and Kanu waved his magic wand and won the game on his own 2-3 with a stunning hat-trick.

7. Manchester United vs Tottenham (2000/2001)

6. Deportivo v. AC Milan: 2004 

5. Manchester United vs Bayern Munich (1999)

With the UEFA championship league to play for, and a goal down it  took Manchester United 2 minutes of stoppage time reverse that and win the game.

4. Inter vs Sampdoria 

Inter came back from 2 nil down to win the game 3-2 . Sure, some would say ManUtd does that all the time.

3. Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers (2011/2012)

Hollywood, make this movie! screamed the commentator , when Arguero's darting run ended with a shot into the QPR's net, signaling the start of the celebrations of their first championship title in over 40 years.

2. Newcastle Vs Arsenal 

1. Liverpool vs ACMilan UEFA Champions League final (2005)

1. Oh my God

2. Wink Wink

3.You just didn't

4. That hurt.. really.

5. That is  a perfect10

 6. ..and action

 7. Sorry Tores

 8.Anticipate

9. Enuff said..

10.your leg or face?

• The diving scourge has taken new heights and is now threatening the credibility of the sport. In this post, we will highlight a few of such dives that had huge impact on the course of history.

In no particular order.

1. Rudy Voeller

Italia '90 was the first world cup final to see a red card given.  But many would remember it for the alleged dive by Rudi Voeller that won the penalty for Germans. Their opponents, Argentina, led by the mercurial Diego Maradona had resorted to plan "B"- Hyper negative football, at some stage in the competition, when their previous free-flowing style that won the World cup in Mexico'86 was not getting them the results. Brazil, and the hosts, Italy, were victims of such negative game play.

2. Rooney -Ending the Arsenal 49 Unbeaten 

The Invincibles went to Old Trafford hoping to persevere their unbeaten run and they would have; in a fair fight. What they got on that the day, was the one of the ugliest premiership matches from a Man. United team that were hell bent on ending that run, especially  after discovering that Arsenal players had "50" printed t-shirts underneath their jersey.

3. Porto Team ,2003

The Jose Mourinho led Porto team  rolled, huff and puffed throughout the 90 minutes plus extra-time to ensure that there was no fluidity in their opponents' game. It was the UEFA Cup final with everything to play for or as seen during the game, not to play for.

4. Barcelona vs Jose Morinho

Mourinho was on the receiving this time around, in the semi-final of the  UEFA Champions League, against probably the best footballing team in the last decade. In fact, Jose Morinhno once said he anticipates playing with one man down against Barcelona, that he prepares for it in training. 

5. England vs Argentina

Beckham's red card in the world cup against Argentina to some, was justified. But his retaliation would not have been punished if the Argentinian player had not made the most of it.

The annual CAF awards may have come and gone, with Man City's Yaya Toure winning the accolade of African Footballer of the Year award but the discussion of who really deserves it continues. Evidently, the decision to pronounce Mr. Toure as Africa's best footballer left sour taste in some mouths. CAF went against precedence of anointing the most prominent player of the  Nations Cup as the Best Player in Africa and gave it the most Marketable choice.

We proffer a few reasons why Mikel should have been the man to be crowned 

1. Chelsea won the UEFA Cup

Chelsea won an European trophy and Man. city won none throughout 2013 which should give Mikel then edge over Toure. Especially when Mikel played an important role in the run-up to lifting the trophy.

2. Nigeria won the African Nations Cup

Mikel led the the Nigeria's Super Eagles to the African Nations Cup victory in January, 2013. On the road to lifting the trophy, Toure and Mikel met in the mouth watering clash of Africa's finest and Mikel's Super Eagles came out top.

3. If Cannovoro can win Ballon d'Or so can Mikel

Mikel Obi does not score many goals but his steady performance in protecting the Chelsea back-line is note worthy. His defensive play and ball holding ability preserves the score line and stabilizes the game for the blues. Although, Yaya Toure scored much more goals, as some would argue,but that is not what the game is all about.

We've come to the mid-way point in the English Premier League. This season started with Liverpool at the top after 3 games only to be eclipsed by the Arsenal. Who then led the pack till the end of the year. In between Arsenal's lead, Man. City, who initially were struggling away at the early part of the season, almost ended the first half as the League Leader. Such has been the very competitive nature of this championship. Six points separates first and fifth, which promises that we'll have to wait to the bitter end to determine the winner.

The relegation battle between the bottom teams of Sunderland,Westham, Crystal Palace and Fulham also produced equal excitement.

There had been some outstanding performers and this list hopefully will be a fair reflection on the impact those players have had on their respective teams and the championship in general.

The team will be in a 4-4-2 formation

Luis Suarez (Liverpool). Arguably the best Striker in the world right now. 19goals in 14 games and equalling Andy Cole's record of quickest to 20 goals in a season, in just 15 matches! Remarkable numbers from the Uruguayan. 

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

has carried a woeful ManUtd team all season. Rumored to be his way to rivals,Chelsea in June. Only time will tell if his reversal to stay will come back to haunt his career.

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
The missing piece of Wenger's jigsaw in finally ending their trophy drought. He has galvanized the team and propelled their ascension to the top of the league. His purchase, by the way, broke Arsenal's transfer record and proved that investment in marquee signings, was what Wenger should have done earlier.

 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)  We all knew, he had it in him but this season Eden's play has truly been hazardous to opponents. The silky midfielder has been a menace to defenses and provided the goals since the Chelsea Strikers have drawing blanks.

Yaya Toure (Man. City)

Man city's talisman has been instrumental in his teams performances this season. And has added free kicks to his repertoire. 

Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

Has been in phenomenal form. Scoring tons of goals this season. Maybe its something he ate or maybe it is the Ozil effect that has rubbed off the rest of his team mates to raise their game.

Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Has been a revelation for Southampton  Fast and strong. Leighton Baines also deserves a mention here.

Phil Jagielka (Everton)

One of the most consistent performers in the EPL. Enuff said.

Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)

Has held forte for the Gunner's defense this season. He has been able to organize and provide the leadership that had previously been lacking in this Arsenal side

Seamus Coleman (Everton)

Easily the best right back n the league. To think that he costs Everton just 50,000 pounds.  In todays big money spending that is bumper bargain and he is worth every penny.

Tim Howard (Everton)

In a season of not very convincing performances in goal ,Tim Howard stands out. Everton's back line has been very strong thus far.

   






Manager: Brenden Rogers (Liverpool)

Easily the most improved manager of the most improved team this season. What stood him out was his ability to convince want-a-away striker Suarez, not just to stay in Liverpool, but drop his petulant habits and play the best football in his career.