Former Super Eagles captain Austine Okocha says Moses Simon deserve to be handed the man of the match award and not Kelechi Iheanacho after Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Egypt.

Iheanacho scored the goal that decided the game but Simon ran the show and was simply unplayable from the start till when he was substituted late into the game for Alex Iwobi.

The Nantes winger was full of flair, pace and invention leaving his markers in their wake including a smart twist which injured his marker and led to his substitution very early into the game. The substitute couldn’t keep the 26 year old in check as well.

Speaking as a TV pundit during the game, Okocha picked Simon as the best player on the pitch but admitted that the official man of the match award given to Iheanacho isn’t a bad idea due to his goal which proved to be the decider.

” For me, Moses Simon is the man of the match. He tormented the defence line of the Pharaohs of Egypt”, Okocha said

”He was a menace. He brought out many crosses that would have led to goals. I think he caused a lot of havoc and he deserved the man of the match, anyway my opinion.

“I picked Simon as the man of the match but you have to understand with the decision to hand Iheanacho the award. His goal decided the game and when you score a goal of that quality. It’s hard not to get recognised for it*, he concluded.

Pressure is mounting on the Super Eagles’ coach Eguavoen to win the AFCON trophy for the country nine years later after they did it in 2013. They moved closer in the previous AFCON competition where they were the second runners-up. The Super Eagles have their eyes glued at the 2021 AFCON prize. They have a host of talents that can beat any team on the continent. You can place you bet in Nigeria on the player to score the most goals for Super Eagles in the tournament. The following are the reasons why Nigeria can Challenge for the 2021AFCON Trophy:

Presence of a talented squad

The current crop of players making up the Super Eagles squad has been drawn from top leagues in Europe. Nigeria failed to qualify for this tournament twice. However, when they made it to the tournament in 2019, they made the semi-final spot. This team is determined to move further than that. Read below to get an insight into the rare show of talent at Eguavoen’s disposal:

Show players

Super Eagles will be led up front by the talented Kelechi Iheanacho. The center-forward professional has gained enough experience to trouble defenders in the current AFCON games. The show player made headlines in 2021 when he scored 19 goals for Leicester City. The talisman made history last season being the first player to find the back of the net on each of the seven days of the week in one season in the Premier League dairies. We fancy him to set another record in this year’s tournament.

Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi has been a utility player for the Foxes on several occasions. The central midfielder has mastered the art of protecting the defenders uniquely. Moreover, he is known for creating goal-scoring opportunities and gets to the score sheet when matters get worse. He is the player to watch if you need a hint on how Super Eagles could lineup against the Pharaohs. The midfielder has been a problem to top-class players in European competitions such as the Champions League, and the Europa League.

Wonderkid talent

Laliga followers will attest that SamwelChukwueze will be a handful for full-backs in the AFCON tournament. The youngster (Chukwueze) made his debut at his parent club Villarreal at 19. He has since made a name for himself and the club. The tricky winger has mastered the art of going past defenders to create goal-scoring opportunities. This tournament will be his second AFCON at 22 years. We fancy him to be one of the players to make Nigeria a competitor rather than a participant.

Selection advantage

Nigeria is home to many talented footballers. The Super Eagle squad is composed of several UK-based characters. For instance, William Ekong (Watford), Alex Iwobi (Everton), Frank Onyenka (Brentford), West Brom’s Semi Ajayi, and Joe Aribo of Rangers will make Nigeria the team to beat in the 2021 AFCON. The squad could have been better if the Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Watford’s Emmanuel Denis were present. However, the depth of this squad will be enough to make it possible for Super Eagles to battle for their fourth AFCON trophy.

Kelechi Iheanacho showed his efficiency in front of goal with the lone goal for Nigeria as they claim a 1-0 win over highly rated Egypt in their first game of the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

OwnGoalNigeria.com rates the players on display for Nigeria in the game.

Maduka Okoye – Had virtually nothing to do in the first half bar a near post save. He did come up with a save using his legs to deny Mohammed Salah the chance to draw Egypt level…..6/10

Ola Aina – Held his own against the Egyptian left winger. Apparently playing under instructions not to overlap as he stayed behind unlike his usual style of joining attack. He did join the attack in the second half but poor decision making in the final third denied him the chance to picking an assist or scoring…..6/10

Zaidu Sanusi – Double up nicely with Moses Simon on the left. Marked his man with ease and showed a lot more composure in possession even under pressure. Should have done better by joining the attack especially in the second half…..6/10

Kenneth Omeruo – Kept Mohammed Salah quiet. Passed out of the back nicely and didn’t look out of pace despite his obvious lack of pace. Got injured hence his substitution in the second half…..7/10

William Ekong – Showed an uncharacteristic composure with his distribution. His best game in a Nigerian shirt for a while. Almost handed the Egyptian a route back into the game when he played Salah on but Okoye spared his blushes…..5.5/10

Wilfred Ndidi – The heartbeat of the Nigerian team. Mopped up nicely and also linked up play with ease. Dominated Mohammed El Neny proving why he is so highly rated…..7/10

Joe Aribo – Rolls Royce footballer who makes the difficult things look so easy. Worked very hard off the ball to deny the Egyptians space and time on the ball…..6.5/10

Kelechi Iheanacho – Took his goal with a strike that confiemed his status as one of the most lethal finisher in world football. Should have scored twice. Once his usual composure deserted him when a loose ball fell to him. The other chance he shot wide when through on goal by Ndidi…..7/10

Moses Simon – Lively, unstoppable and commanding in the first half.  Roasted the Egyptian full back with ease. Should have scored and also bagged an assist but his final ball and decision in the box cost him. The best player on the pitch for Nigeria…..7.5/10

Samuel Chukwueze – Had a very quiet first half and didn’t do any better in the second half. Deservedly yanked off in the second half. This game ranks among his worst since his debut for the senior national team of Nigeria three years ago…..3/10

Taiwo Awoniyi – Held up play nicely and used his physical strength to unsettled the Egyptians. Thought he scored with a header but the ball came off the bar. Wasn’t his best display but he put in a commendable shift for the team…..6/10

Substitutes:

Semi Ajayi – Came in for the injured Omeruo and didn’t put a foot wrong although not like he was tested.

Chidera Ejuke – Wasted two good chances to kill the game due to poor decision making in the final third. Did get involved more than Chukwueze the man he replaced…..4/10

Sadiq Umar – Showed his physical ability and his ability to thread passes but didn’t get involved enough to earn a rating.

Kelechi Nwakali – Went missing upon his introduction didn’t provide the stability that was expected of him.

Alex Iwobi – A late sub who did well to ensure that Egypt were denied a late chance at goal with a smart defensive header.

Kelechi Iheanacho showed his efficiency in front of goal with the lone goal for Nigeria as they claim a 1-0 win over highly rated Egypt in their first game of the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Tormentor in chief of the Egyptians Moses Simon showed his quick heels once again to go past his marker before delivering a cross which was nodded on to the party of Joe Aribo whose first time effort dropped nicely for Kelechi Iheanacho to drill home the opening goal of the game.

Iheanacho’s first touch gave him the edge to have the ball under control before rifling home an unstoppable drive leaving the Egyptian goalkepper with no chance.

In the second half he had the best chance to put Nigeria two goals up when am ambitious run from deep by Ola Aina resulted in a shot, which dropped nicely for him but with the goalkepper beaten he surprisingly lost his composure no thanks to a first poor touch.

Egyptian star Mohammed Salah did have his team best chance  to draw his team level but Maduka Okoye outstretched leg did enough to deny him.

Substitute Chidera Ejuke had two good chances to kill the game off but although he brought out a save from the goalkepper he should have done better particularly with the second chance.

Nigeria hang on to claim a first win of the tournament ahead of their next game against Sudan.

The senior national team of Nigeria will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation when they take on Egypt in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in their opening game of the tournament.

Interim Coach Austine Eguavoen lined the players up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in what is his first game as coach of the team and Owngoalnigeria.com has obtained details on how the formation will work.

Eguavoen in his bid to pin the dangerman of the Egyptian team has told Nantes wing forward Moses Simon to help left full back Zaidu Sanusi in tracking the forward who will operate from the right of the Egyptian attack.

Simon’s primary aim is to ensure that at no time is Zaidu isolated against Salah. The coach also expects him to use his energy to help in transiting defence into attack when in possession.

With the back four expected to be protected by the duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo, the coach has instructed Kelechi Iheanacho to play close to them but to also work off the shoulder of Taiwo Awoniyi who is leading the line.

Samuel Chukwueze has the license to attack the left full back of the Egyptian team cutting in with his ability to dribble and always on his strong foot which will enable him to aim for goal or pick a pass with ease.

Starting XI

Maduka Okoye

Kenneth Omeruo

William Troost-Ekong

Ola Aina

Zaidu Sanusi

Wilfred Ndidi

Joe Aribo

Kelechi Iheanacho

Samuel Chukwueze

Moses Simon

Taiwo Awoniyi

The senior national team of Nigeria will later today begin their campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Egypt in their first group game.

Interim coach of the Nigerian team Austine Eguavoen will be in charge of the team for the first time in a competitive game as he aim to steady the ship for incoming substantive coach Jose Peseiro.

Eguavoen picked Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi to lead the attack with Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze playing on the left and right flank respectively.

Starting XI

Maduka Okoye

Kenneth Omeruo

William Troost-Ekong

Ola Aina

Zaidu Sanusi

Wilfred Ndidi

Joe Aribo

Kelechi Iheanacho

Samuel Chukwueze

Moses Simon

Taiwo Awoniyi

Former captain and coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Austine Eguavoen has criticised the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to hire Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro as the substantive coach of the Nigerian team.

Peseiro will take over from interim manager Austin Eguavoen after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and will be tasked with ensuring that Nigeria qualify for the 2022 World Cup, where they are through to the playoff.

Oliseh while speaking to Bunmi Blair of Nigeria Info said the decision to appoint the coach is part of the fanatical craze to always appoint a foreign coach by the NFF.

“Why the fanatical craze to always want to appoint a foreign coach for the Super Eagles? That is the thing I still can’t get my head around. Is he telling all Nigerian coaches and Nigerian people they are not capable of coaching the Super Eagles? Why is this craze, I’m almost tempted to call it loss of ideas to always take a foreign coach and we always take coaches nobody knows before they come to Nigeria, why?, he lamented.

The former Ajax midfielder said he will support Austin Eguavoen for the Super Eagles job, even as a permanent manager and he expressed optimism that Eguavoen would deliver.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Eguavoen perform. I’m very optimistic for the man. I’m in total support of his being there. In fact, I hope he can do well and continue with the job after the tournament no matter what has been said before.”

Oliseh said that African coaches should be allowed to coach African national teams since most of them do not get coaching jobs outside Africa.

“The thing there is that there is very little room for African coaches to coach abroad anywhere, so the only avenue where African coaches can express themselves is back home. If you take that away from them, you’re practically just killing the profession for African coaches back home.”

The senior national team of Nigeria will later today begin their campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Egypt in their first group game.

Interim coach of the Nigerian team Austine Eguavoen will be in charge of the team for the first time in a competitive game as he aim to steady the ship for incoming substantive coach Jose Peseiro.

OwnGoalNigeria.com.has tracked the team’s training session as well as the test game they had in Cameroon against Coton Sport and from what we observe the team will play in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

However we believe that a decision on who will play in central defence isn’t known yet per what we have witnessed same as in attack where the duo of Sadiq Umar and Taiwo Awoniyi are battling for a starting spot.

Below is how we think they will line up later today with captain Ahmed Musa set to start on the right, while Moses Simon will operate from the left with a specific instruction to help Zaidu Sanusi against the dangerman in the Egyptian team Mohammed Salah.

Starting XI

Maduka Okoye

Kenneth Omeruo (Chidozie Awaziem)

William Troost-Ekong

Ola Aina

Zaidu Sanusi

Wilfred Ndidi

Joe Aribo

Kelechi Iheanacho

Ahmed Musa

Moses Simon

Sadiq Umar/Awoniyi

Many professional football players become coaches or club administrators after their playing careers. There are several additional examples that we would want to tell you.

Professional footballers are frequently confronted with the difficult dilemma of what to do when their playing days are over. Maybe get a coaching diploma or start mentoring other younger members? That’s an excellent way to retire. Usually, retired players do not have enough financial resources and cannot earn the same money as they did from football to be content with. What options do they have? Many former footballers have radically different futures from one another despite their popularity and abilities in football. One anonymous football playes has created bbw lesbians chat and other works as pizza delivery man.

Leon McKenzie moved on to become a professional boxer after leaving football. You may always alter your work and choose another sport if you want.

Vinnie Jones started working as an actor after their previous football careers ended. It’s not like that in this case. In contrast to many other football players who have been in the film at various points, these three have opted to build a name for themselves in the film. In the instance of Vinnie Jones, he became a famous actor that is in the same league as top actors. 

George Weah was one of the most professional football players in the world. This renowned Milan player is now actively involved in politics. As of today, Weah serves as the president of Liberia, his home nation. 

Arjan de Zeeuw was a former football player who went on to work as a police officer. Yes, absolutely. Not just any officer, but a detective as well. A number of investigations into shady dealings are now underway in the Netherlands under his lead.

Lee Crooks. Footballers, especially those who have played for Manchester City and other elite English teams, have the ability to surprise even after their professional careers have ended. He works as an elite soldier.

Fabien Barthez. The global football champion decided that racing would be the most effective demonstration of his value. Barthez won the French championship in the GT Motorsport of France 2013 and is still competing on the track today. A pretty good way to end a football career.

Brian Deane. Many individuals do not know what type of man this is. We will inform you that this player was the one who scored the first goal in the history of the Premier League as a player for Sheffield Wednesday. Dean is now employed as a lawyer at one of the legal companies. It is simply the way things are.

Christian Vieri and Paolo Maldini, after their retirement, decided to start their own fashion firm. What lessons can we take away from the Italians? They are the number one fashionistas in the world.

Ilie Dumitrescu. A new art gallery has opened its doors by this player. It is devoted to the pursuit of beauty and art. Ilie has adopted a new way of life.

Kevin Campbell. Former Arsenal and Everton striker has founded a firm to protect the safety of high-profile individuals and celebrities. 

FC Porto Nigerian defender Zaidu Sanusi says he is not in anyway losing sleep over the threat of Liverpool star forward Mohammed Salah ahead of today’s game between Nigeria and Egypt at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Zaidu will be up against the tricky winger who operates from the right where he has been almost unstoppable for Liverpool this season with 23 goals this season from 26 games in all competitions.

Reacting to the threat of the 29 year old, Zaidu said he has respect and not fear for Salah citing that he has faced his twice this year when both teams clashed in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

” I have respect for him but I am not scared of him. In the UEFA Champions League I played against him twice hence I know a thing or two on how to approach the game. He is deadly but can be caged”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Despite his statement, Nigeria will be wary of a better result than when Zaidu went up against Salah twice as he scored three goals with a brace in the reverse played in Portugal. A game which the Nigerian was substituted in the second half.