Nigeria’s Group B opponent, Guinea have named Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita in their 25-man provisional squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations despite concerns about his fitness, reports Completesports.com
Keita is the most high profile name in the squad released by Syli Stars head coach Paul Put on Saturday.
Amadou Diawara of Napoli, Ibrahima Traore of Borussia Monchengladbach and Toulouse defender Issiaga Sylla are some of the other high-profile players named by Put.
Keita picked up an abductor injury during Liverpool’s Champions League
semi-final first-leg defeat by Barcelona on May 1.
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp predicted at that time that the 24-year-old would face two months on the sidelines.
But it seems the former RB Leipzig of Germany star is recuperating fast from the injury and is in line to be fit for Egypt 2019.
Guinea have organised friendlies against The Gambia and Benin on June 7 and June 11 respectively, ahead of the competition.
Their first game in the competition will be against Madagascar on June 22, before they take on the Super Eagles four days later.
The West Africans’ final Group B match will be against Burundi on 30 June.
Guinea’s 25-Man AFCON 2019 Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Naby Yattara (Excelsior, Reunion Island), Ibrahima Kone (Pau, France), Moussa Camara (AC Horoya), Aly Keita (Ostersunds, Sweden).
Defenders: Fode Camara (Gazelec Ajaccio, France ), Issiaga Sylla (Toulouse, France), Ernest Seka (Nancy, France), Simon Falette (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Ousmane Sidibe (Beziers, France), Baissama Sankoh (Caen, France), Mikael Dyrestream (Xanthi FC, Greece), Julian Jeanvier (Brentford, England).
Midfielders: Amadou Diawara (Napoli, Italy), Ibrahima Cisse (Fulham, England), Boubacar Fofana (Gaz Metan, Romania), Abdoulaye Paye Camara (Horoya AC), Naby Keita (Liverpool, England), Mady Camara (Olympiacos, Greece).
Attackers: Francois Kamano (Bordeaux, France), Mohamed Yattara (Auxerre, France), Ibrahima Traore (Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany), Jose Kante (Nastic Tarragona, Spain), Idrissa Sylla (Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Fode Koita (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Sory Kaba (Dijon, France).
By Adeboye Amosu
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COMMENTS
This Guinean team is strong. Historically, they have won Super Eagles more. Rohr and his men needs to be very careful. Back in the days, Super Eagles had more quality players over the rest of the continent. These days, it’s a level playing field.
Hmmm….Naija, underestimate Guinea at ur own risk o….una dey see quorum?
No single home based player on their list. I expect them to give us a fight in that second game and I think that’s the game that will determine how far the SuperEagles can go in Egypt. They’re a very decent side.
I totally agree with you sir, in addition to that I think Guinea is one of the most disadvantaged on the continent of Africa because the way try are being rated is not a true reflection of the qualities at their disposal. They can boast of some great payers in the past and present. So they are even more dangerous than start studded Senegal in my opinion because they okay more as a team than Senegal. Our Darling super Eagles should just watch out.
See Sqwaaad eh! Our Super Eagles shouldn’t underate this team or any team they will meet at the AFCON..My honest opinion is that this squad got some good ballers
Wow! I never knew Guinea is a team of good players like this o. When I saw Francois Kamano, I was like WOW!! Most of their players are playing in good clubs in Europe(Mostly France). Nigeria should please take them serious o
History also does not favor us against Guinea.
They have a better head to head record. Gone are
the days when Super Eagles players where miles
ahead of the rest of the continent. On a player vs player
basis( comparing positions), I can almost say
that Guinea has a stronger squad. Nigeria needs
to be careful.
good comment from d house, let omo9ja sit inside him room for 1 cornal dey expect cup for him place.
My people are feeling the heat of their opponents already. I have told you all about about our group and the tournament itself. Why worried if to say we have what it takes to be in Egypt for real business? The reactions of my colleagues, coaches of the Super Eagles telling us that we are just going to this year Afcon to make a number.
Abi no be so ni? If not, we should read all the comments from the top to the bottom. This is the kind of situation we found ourselves. So painful but what do I know.
We should count ourselves lucky if we make it out of the group. So therefore, we are not among the favorites. Our team is not that strong. Our coaches are not ready yet. I repeat, don’t expect too much from Super Eagles.
1. The physicality of our opponents will be to much for our team to handle.
2. No compention in the team which is going to reflex on our team.
3. Our coaches should have option A,
Option B and Option C in their locker.
4. Goalkeeping department is zero.
5. Selections problem.
I am expecting these problems to be fixed before the tournament by the head coach of the team but what do I know ba?
@bro Jaye, all I’m expecting from my darling Super Eagles is good football. Nothing else. If they win the tournament, is a bonus and I’m going to be Super excited but can they? Only God knows that. All I’m really concerned about is to see total football from our Super Eagles team. God bless Nigeria!!!
Omo naija please stop this negative impression you have about super eagles
@Ademola samuel dolapo, how would I? Negative impression ke?
It’s a reality scenario sir. If you know how much I love our beloved Super Eagles team then, you wouldn’t have said that.
Do you think I’m so happy with what the coach is doing? Absolutely no.
Going to such a tournament like this with total commitment, passion and full determination, believe, cohesion, winning mentality and never say die spirit I’m hoping for in Super Eagles team but I didn’t see that.
Coach Amunike for example. Look at how the gentleman has been talking and his reactions? The man is not vocal but we see his actions.
For coach Amunike talking tough like that, how come we have no confidence in our coach?
Not that we don’t have good players but can’t you see that something is missing in this team? Confidence is missing.
Lack of ideas also missing.
Another example here. People were complaining about Manu Garba Under17 team and I knew right away that the coach would fixed the problem of the team before the world cup in Brazil.
That is human. We make mistakes and we correct them but are we seeing that happening in the Super Eagles team? Mba. Why? Corruptions and politics game is getting to much in our football.
You can see now that it is not about negative impressions but reality.
I’m not a naysayer but a kind of person who doesn’t deceive people.
I don’t have pressure on me because have tried my best and I have learned my lessons in Russia last year world cup.
All I can say now is I wish Super Eagles a good outing in Egypt. Happy Sunday my people. God bless us all. God bless Nigeria!!!
Negativity will not and never shall get Nigeria anywhere. The yardstick of your measurement is not only faulty but incoherent.
Negativity has a peculiar way of effecting the physic of those who read your information.
In my view, and by all measurements, Nigeria will beat Guinea in this qualifying match in Egypt. If Guineans were so good and fearsome, why didn’t they played in Russia last year?
Because they are said to be playing in France does not mean they are not average players in France. Why developing cool feet and started running to the hills immediately you see their list ?
Negativity will not get you anywhere but solid preparations will. Believe me.
@Daddy Edoman, let put sentiments apart sir. Afcon is about to start and 75% of Nigerians already panicked. Hmmm…. is that a good sign? Just a quick question ni o but what do I know sir? God bless Nigeria!!!
Exactly. I think 90% are panicking
Oh, it wasn’t 75%? Thanks for the heads up brother. So, out of the 100%, phobia is cashing 90%.
What will happen to the remaining 1%?
Nothing because they are the patriotic Nigerian fans who knows the truth about the Super Eagle team. God bless Nigeria!!!
Sorry for my typing errors. God bless Nigeria!!!
When the draw for Afcon was made and Guinea were placed in our group I said ‘thank you Lord!’
For me, one of the dangers of expanding the Cup of Nations to 24 teams is the danger of having dull and dreary matches in the group stages even up to some second round matches.
I don’t mean to sound arrogant and I know that no country should now be taken for granted in international football however, as Nigeria were seeded in Pot A for the draw, there was the real possibility that we could have been in a group that had: Benin, Guinea Bissau and Mali!
All I am trying to say is that increasing the quantity of teams run the risk of reducing the quality of some of the games.
I hope I am proved wrong.
But having Guinea in our group (with players playing in Champions League) for me gives me something to look forward to (in the way of a proper contest) in the group stages.
With the plethora of talents that we have at our disposal and their collective national team experiences as a team (with Rohr sticking to the core of players he has worked with over 2 years), if they should struggle against Madagascar and Burundi, they have no business being in the tournament!
The Super Eagles, in my eyes, are already in the quarter finals – that is where the true hostilities will start.
I do hope I am proved wrong because that will mean that I start taking the tournament more seriously earlier than I anticipate.
And that can only be a good thing.
_Easiest Group?_
With Madagascar and Burundi being debutants in the Africa Cup of Nations coupled with the fact that 3 teams can potentially qualify from each group, are the Super Eagles placed in one of the easiest groups in our Cup of Nations participation history?
I take a look at some of the groups we have been placed in past tournaments to see how these compare to the present group (in all the instances below,only 2 teams can qualify from each group):
Afcon 2013: Keshi’s boys were actually minutes from elimination at the group stages before Victor Moses scored 2 penalties against Ethiopia in our last group match.
The group had Zambia (previous champions), Burkina Faso (8 Afcon appearances and semi finalists in 1998) and Ethiopia (9 Afcon appearances, 1 trophy, 1 runners up and 1 third place).
Verdict: Much stronger than 2019 group.
Afcon 2010: Ogbuke Obasi’s wonder strike against Egypt in the first match was arguably Nigeria’s most memorable period in that tournament despite crashing to a soul destroying 3:1 defeat.
The group had Egypt, Benin and Mozambique.
Egypt need no introduction as they are multiple Afcon winners and a powerhouse of African football. Benin had 2 Afcon appearances to their name while Mozambique had 3 appearances to their name at that stage.
The expectation was for Nigeria and Egypt to go through and so it happened.
Verdict: still stronger than the group of 2019.
Let me go all the way back to 1994 when there were only 3 teams in a group. The group had Egypt, Nigeria and Gabon.
Gabon, who were making their maiden appearance at the tournament, were still expected to make things difficult for the Super Eagles.
However, it only took 18 minutes before the Goalsfather (as the international media tagged him) Rahidi Yekini found the back of the net.
A further goal by Yekini and one by Adepoju help put the Gabonese to the sword once and for all.
The match against Egypt proved to a cagey affair as both teams battled to a 0:0 draw with both qualifying from the group as the Super Eagles went on to lift the trophy.
Verdict: it was a tough group.
For all the criticisms of Rohr from some quarters, the players appear to be in high spirit and highly motivated.
I won’t be surprised if they come out of this group with 9 points and plentiful goals.
Nigeria didn’t not crash out point of correction we got to the semi finals and the won the third place against Algeria,it was Angola 2010 nations cup,
Hi Gerrard,
Thanks but let me clarify. In the piece, I wrote that Nigeria crashed to a soul destroying 3:1 defeat.
That is actually accurate because the Super Eagles did crash to a 3:1 defeat in the hands of the Egyptians in our first match.
I neither expressed nor implied that the Super Eagles crashed out of the tournament…
My most enduring moment of that Afcon remains Obasi’s goal against Egypt despite the 3:1 loss.
Guys I said it several times this Afcon would be the toughest in years just like Maroc 88, Rohr should pls select the fittest and the toughest players to Egypt, sentiments or impositions shouldn’t be allowed.every team is bringing their A games. The attacking midfield position is just my only concerns for now. Hopefully Rohr got it figured out.Guinea teams are known for their sleek and robust style of play, is going to be the battle of the midfielders, the team with better midfield will win that match period.
And to think it was Guinea that knocked Nigeria out from 2015 Afcon qualification – 1st time the SE would fail to make it to the biennial tournament in over a decade. They beat Nigeria away and came here to pull a last minute 2-2 draw. It cost Siasia his job, and marked the end of the international career of Dele Aiyenugba as Siasia and Enyeama were having a spat.
Guinea have always been underrated in Africa, perhaps cos they’ve not won Afcon before. But they’re always among the dark horses, equivalent to the Holland (The Orange men) of the FIFA World Cup. But Nigeria should get the better of them. I’m optimistic.
Guinea may have some top guns in Liverpool FC and big Ligue A clubs, but are those players main or fringe players? From Onyekuru to Ighalo to Kalu, Musa, Osimhen, Etebo, Onuachu and the rest, SE players are first 11 starters in their clubs, won best players of the season awards and virtually have their club fortunes resting on their shoulders. The small differences might make all difference.
Sorry I meant to say 2012 Afcon. And lots of editing mistakes up there. CSN please get the right pluggins or develop a more responsive website.
l respectfully agreed with your statements without additions.
Give Super Eagle of Nigeria a chance.
SE will go for sure trough but believe me, if Keita is playing, the midfield with Diawara and Mady Camara, will be a real challenge for Nigeria.
Also remember that the second of the group will play either Cameroun or Ghana, making the game Nigeria-Guinea very interesting.
Hey! @Omo9ja. Let me correct you on something you are taking too far. Most Nigerians only knew Naby Keita as Guinea star player not excluding me so when there list was released and so many known players or players playing for good clubs in Europe were published, it came as a surprise to many as they never knew they had such a good team and that was why WE were ENCOURAGING COACH GERNOT ROHR to NOW take them MORE serious than we thought they were. Hope you get that?? NOT that we were PANICKING.
Then you came up again with your demoralising talks as usual thinking you are the wise man that knows the right thing and way forward for the Super Eagles Coach. Hopefully you’ll get the job one day….Though I pray that will be after my existence cuz I can’t bear Nigeria loosing to Comoros 7-1 by then.
As for the game against Guinea, as @SunnyB rightly stated(Thank God SunnyB now knows the difference between Constructive and Destructive statements…Winks), he said “the game against Guinea will be a battle of the midfield”. You have the best midfield on that day, you are guaranteed the win. Guinea power lyes in their midfield. They have very strong Defensive, Holding and Attacking Midfielders with a Very Strong West African appearance(Robust) but one thing is I doubt their technicality which is paramount in today’s football and that gives Nigeria an edge here. Taking a good look at our Midfield, We have a very reliable Defensive midfield to keep them out in WILFRED NDIDI, SEMI AJAYI. We also have Holding Midfielders to keep us in possession of the ball in the Midfield Maestro himself Mikel Obi, Etebo and John Ogu which I consider as a DMF and CMF so we are covered..Cheers! Going up front, we all know that where our strength is, For any team Nigeria would face at the AFCON Tournament this year, I feel sorry for them the moment they allow that ball pass their midfield and gets into the leg of any of our Attackers Cuz those guys are fearful and are at their present-best. We all agree with me that where our Strength lyes. So Going up front, we are also covered.
So why would someone say we are panicking cuz of one team called GUINEA?? Biko who Guinea help?? That person should please go and compare their players one-on-one with the players on our list o! cuz we just dey respect them o as normal person wey sabi football suppose do. No be say we dey fear them o.
We’ll beat Guinea come AFCON. That is just the point and we’ll continue to respect Every team we face and not take them for granted not because we are afraid of them or “PANICKING” but because we know what we are doing. God bless Nigeria. Come AFCON 2019, ITZ #NAIJA ALL THE WAY. Thanks
@Mr. Chairmanfemi, respect is a reciprocal. How would you say hey omo9ja?
Don’t be disrespectful.
We are not white. We are Africans who have respect and culture.
However, I don’t know anything. I am a learner as I know. You as a wise, knowledgeable and smart person, what can you say about our team? At least, you as a chairman what do you think the team should improve on? I am expecting you sir to tell Nigerians on what to say concerning the Super Eagles team.
Sir, I will like to hear from you as soon as possible. As I stated above, I am a learner and I would like to learn from you. Hmmm…. ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
@Omo9ja, Sorry oo…I never knew I was to prostrate on CSN before the comment..Just kidding. Sorry if the “Hey” sounds disrespectful. I never meant to. E ma binu Sir
Anyway, I already mentioned my points above but good you brought up a question to me which is Area I think the Super Eagles needs to improve on.
The Major area which for me needs more improvement is the GOAL-KEEPING Department. With Uzoho blunder against lowly-Seychelles still fresh in mind, he has cast doubt into the mind of most Nigerians about his abilities as our Assured No. 1 come AFCON 2019. Meanwhile, he can be worked on and get him at his best just as they did for him prior to the World Cup. I personally thought what was affecting Uzoho then was more of Psychological trauma cuz then he was going through a lot club wise and wasn’t happy with it at all. It really tell on him then and if you observe him well in that match, He was a shadow of the Uzoho we saw at the World Cup but as I’ve said earlier, if he is worked on both Psychologically and in training, He will be good to go for AFCON.
Ezenwa for me is someone I would prefer in goal for AFCON if Uzoho’s case is still same. He’s had a great season with Katsina Utd and that has developed his confidence more in goal. Uzoho na confirm Naija goal-keeper with good reflexes and that why he jokes on the ball most time: for me to make the game of football more interesting as far as e no carry the ball enter inside our net…lol! So Ezenwa for me is a sure-bet and the only Goal keeper I can still rely on come AFCON.
For Akpeyi, he is a NO-NO-NO-NO-NO for me anytime any day cuz I still question his inclusion in the Super Eagles till today. Go and check his stats in the PSL since he arrived Kazier Chiefs: he has proved the football world right there again with the nickname “BASKET” tag or “Akpere” that they’ve given to him. Some say he is still in the squad cuz of his Experience! Biko which bad experience??? Just like you are asking someone who got F in Mathematics all through his school days to tutor your ward in his/her forthcoming MATHEMATICS examination, Is that ward not doomed to fail?? Even me wey no sabi Goalie wella will pass some experience to Akpeyi…lolz. But since he’s in, there’s nothing we can do about it than to just pray Coach GR doesn’t start him by mistake in any of our friendly/AFCON matches.
Conclusively, I think GR and his goal-keeper trainer PIONETTI should work more on Ezenwa and Uzoho and expect the very best from those guys come AFCON
#NIAJA ALL THE WAY
Dear Chairmanfemi,
as a Guinean who likes Nigerian football, I totally disagree with your comment “but one thing is I doubt their technicality which is paramount in today’s football and that gives Nigeria an edge here”.
On the contrary, that is the area where Guinean players are known for. On the paper Nigeria is stronger but beating Guinea will not be an easy task.
Apart from the midfield, the wingers Kamano and Traore can harm any defence of this world if they are healthy. Our weakness may lie in the Defence but the Midfield is so strong that we’ll manage to give SE hard times. Impatient to watch this game.
Cheers
Nice having you @Cabra. CSN going global! First is, I will kindly recommend you to @Mr Hush analysis below. @Hush said almost all my mind though I’ll still add mine.
You mentioned TECHNICALITY;
When it comes to football, you shouldn’t compare Nigeria technicality to Guinea; why? cuz Right from time our players are well known for their technicality on the ball rather than body-body football that Most African countries play cuz most of our players also play in technically sound teams in Europe and get mastered to the type of football and that’s why most people say “they love Nigerian kind of football cuz it different coupled with their attacking flair” which brings me to the next point.
YOU MENTIONED YOUR STRENGTH IN ATTACK(Noting 2 players: Kamano and Traore)
With all due respect Sir, If you are truly an addent lover of Nigerian football as you’ve said, you should know that the attacks we are taking to Egypt are hazardous and if your KAMANO AND TRAORE should be Nigerian at this moment, I bet they won’t make the squad! The strength of our team lyes in that attack. If you’ve also been following this page for a while and you see some Oga’s fighting here, Most times they are fighting cuz one of their preferred attackers are not in the team and we’ll be like Hey! Everyone can’t go to Egypt na! cuz those players they are talking about are also good but what can we do when we just have to take like 7 attackers and we have like 30+ doing excellent all over Europe?? So if someone should fear each others attack between Nigeria and Guinea, Sir it should be Guinea here and not Nigeria.
It would really be a nice game but am confident about the Chances of Nigeria winning the match than Guinea.
Have a nice day. Thanks
Laughing. You don’t have to Chairmanfemi but you just need to be polite. Oh 9ja people, that is I love my Country. No worries bro.
I really love your analysis but I disagreed with something in your comment. You said there’s nothing we can do but why there’s nothing we can do?
That is what we have CSN and other Nigerian sports sites for. We just have to speak up because if we don’t, they won’t heard our voices and their mistakes won’t be corrected.
That is why I have bn calling “naysayer” lol. They said my negativity was too much. Abi no be so? Remember, cabal+cabal=cabals lol. So sorry, I’m just kidding o.
We are paying the coach every month and we have a right to tell him what we don’t like about his team.
Both home and abroad, we can’t find a sound and realible goalie? What do we talking about here my people?
So, the employee is bigger than the employer abi? Come on Nigerians. Chai,
Nigeria is bigger than anybody.
If we don’t respect ourselves, foreigner won’t. Imagine, the coach was telling Nigerians that our league wasn’t good enough to find good players. Really?
Where did our ex players has bn playing before they traveled abroad?
Hmmm, afi su uru o lol. Well, what do I know? I’m a learner and I’m ready to learn because I don’t know it all. Thank you Chairmanfemi. Do have a great day sir. God bless us all. God bless Nigeria!!!
Thanks @Omo9ja. When I said “what can we do”…what I meant in that statement was “Now that the list has been released already, and the Coach cannot drop any of the G.Keepers as he only invited 3 GK so we can’t do or say anything than to support them to spur them to stardom”.
Do have a great day Sir
Laughing. You don’t have to Chairmanfemi but you just need to be polite. Oh 9ja people, that is why I love my Country. No worries bro.
I really love your analysis but I disagreed with something in your comment. You said there’s nothing we can do but why there’s nothing we can do?
That is what we have CSN and other Nigerian sports sites for. We just have to speak up because if we don’t, they won’t heard our voices and their mistakes won’t be corrected.
That is why I have bn calling “naysayer” lol. They said my negativity was too much. Abi no be so? Remember, cabal+cabal=cabals lol. So sorry, I’m just kidding o.
We are paying the coach every month and we have a right to tell him what we don’t like about his team.
Both home and abroad, we can’t find a sound and realible goalie? What do we talking about here my people?
So, the employee is bigger than the employer abi? Come on Nigerians. Chai,
Nigeria is bigger than anybody.
If we don’t respect ourselves, foreigner won’t. Imagine, the coach was telling Nigerians that our league wasn’t good enough to find good players. Really?
Where did our ex players has bn playing before they traveled abroad?
Hmmm, afi su uru o lol. Well, what do I know? I’m a learner and I’m ready to learn because I don’t know it all. Thank you Chairmanfemi. Do have a great day sir. God bless us all. God bless Nigeria!!!
@Cabra
It is good to see a respected opponent sharing their opinion;alas,it is a good one..
Syli nationale has always been a enigmatic rock against Nigeria,(like most other African teams); mainly due to the fact that,everyone wants to beat Nigeria(for prestige),and to advance up that ladder,showing how good they really are.
Guinea has always been a strong side.but with all due respect,not strong enough to beat the Super Eagles,at least not in this Afcon.
I don’t know who would win the Afcon;but my money is not on Guinea.
For these reasons;
1. Yes,you have quality players,playing professionally abroad,Keita,Kamano,Traore,Diawara; but 60percent of your team play in lower leagues,mid-table teams in the French league,and most are bit players.and i say this with utmost respect.
The Senegalese have better Dept.
Heck,even the Malians have a far more better squad .
2. As pointed out by Chairmanfemi;
The Guineans lack the mental and technical strength to keep up in high level games;and the one against Nigeria would not be an exception.
Although history can be fixed today;the past Afcon has showed us how Guinea faltered in important games against teams with better technicality.(the Ghana drubbing comes to mind).
3. I know I am not Guinean,but I have seen a lot of your games,from The days of Titi Camara till present Afcon qualifiers(where you did good against the Ivorians); Guinea don’t really play the midfield game.they play more of the high pressing game.always on the move,with quick counters.believe me,when I say,Guinea’s strength is in the attack,rather than the midfield.
Yes,they got quality in the middle with Diawara as a strong DM,Keita pulling the strings,but when Guinea plays,they play more offensive ,using more of the speed of Traore and strength of Kamano.
Keita is more offensive in Guinea rather than a CMF..
So the strength of Guinea is always attack not the middle.they are always likely to score.
Traore is the key man to watch out for.He is dangerously quick,skillful and technical.
4. On a good day,and this is no bragging.
This is based on reality and what’s on ground .
With all due respect,if the Super Eagles can’t beat Guinea,(with the present squad of players they got);
Then they have no business talking of winning the nations cup, cause there are better oppositions there.
That said,our worry(even if I share no worry about them), isn’t Guinea alone..we shall face all teams with the respect due; but our focus is to beat the best to become the best.
As it is.
I think Nigeria and Guinea have what it takes to get out of their group; but should be wary about an attack minded Burundi and a compact Malagasy side,which have nothing to lose but every to gain..
Good Afcon to look up to…
Spot on Sir.
Dear Sirs Chairmanfemi et Hush,
A pleasure to exchange “experts” opinions ahead of the next AFCON.
Hush made some valid points but his analysis need an update. I see that you both do not know the Guinean football tradition in depth. This is the country of Petit-Sory, Papa Camara, Bengaly Sylla…, who produced the best football in Africa in the mid 70’s with Hafia FC and Syli National; that technicality has always remained in Guinea.
The biggest challenger by then was Ghana, before Nigeria first emerged in 1980 with Odegbami and Co. The strengths of our teams lye normally in the attack (Titi Camara, Feindounou Pascal, Ismael Bangoura). This has however changed in the last months with the emergence of players like Naby Keita Liverpool), Amadou Diawara (Napoli), Mady Camara (Olympiakos), Ibrhima Cissé (Fulham). Believe me, those players are all underrated but they will show their skills if they stay healthy and Keita can recover.
Kamano is currently the first offensive threat also the attack is shared by several players (Kamano, Traoré, Keita, Mady, Martinez-Kanté) who can all score, including free kicks.
Nigeria strengths in attack looks very scary but a disciplined midfield assisting the defence can handle it.
The weakness of Syli in the past has been more on the mental side and somehow because of the lack of experience. Those thing have improved in the last months with an experience coach (conceding only 4 goals in 6 qualifying games).
Why Guinea always plays good against Nigeria? Nigerian players are mostly over confident about their skills and are more into attacking football; in so doing they are reluctant to make a constant pressing or run after the ball. Guinea like those kind of games where players can express themselves in the game. this allows them to get more chances with quick short passes and counter-attacks.
up-front, Yattara or Martinez-Kanté are players who are quick and in constant movement, this will challenge Balogun and Co. who are rather heavy are create space for Keita or Mady to strike.
Below a link to see our record against Nigeria:
https://www.11v11.com/teams/nigeria/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Guinea/.
Nigeria do belong to the favorites but Guinea creating a surprise like Zambia in 2012 is not impossible.
Mr Hush, I think we need to review Guinea and Ivory Coast Afcon qualifying match both home and away, this will give us more insight on how to approach the match in my opinion. This’s going to be a game of the midfielders, Rohr should start with Mikel, etebo and Ndidi then he can bring on Iwobi later. This’s why Simon should be in Egypt because he would put pressure on their wingers, Simon can track back and join the attack at the same time, just like Kalu.Guys pls we shouldn’t underestimate this Guinea team ooo, they are very skillful and sleekly.
_WINNING MENTALITY_
Brother Cabral,
Thank you so much for commenting on this forum. It is really kind of you and welcome more rival fans to contribute so long as it is done in the spirit of neighbourly love.
Now, back to the topic at hand. I believe the odds are massively stacked against Guinea getting any point out of their match against our Super Eagles.
Football is 11v11 and anything can happen; I get that.
But, on a good day, I will be expecting a scoreline similar to Nigeria 3:1 Guinea come the 26th of June 2019.
It is no coincidence that in 11 Africa Cup of Nations tournament Guinea managed to qualify for (out of a possible 28 tournaments), your best achievement to date remains the Runners Up position on in 1976.
Contrast that to Nigeria that have qualified 17 times achieving 7 third place positions, 4 runners up and 3 first place trophies.
Why does this matter?
The Super Eagles are at home at the Cup of Nations and over the years; even when we have underwhelming squads like 1990 and 2013 we have always proven to be highly formidable.
I guess this is what some contributors refer to when they say ‘mentality’. The Guinea squad looks go and strong on paper but that mentality to step up a notch, to thrive in the Africa Cup of nations, to go far in the tournament, belongs to Nigeria.
With all due respect, I am not losing a sleep over Guinea. I might worry about Ghana, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Tunisia, Cameroon even Algeria but Guinea? Oh please!
I am happy that you are in our group and I expect a competitive encounter but one that the Super Eagles should prevail.
Look back at our record over the years in this tournament and it is not about individual players but about a “mentality” that ensures that we almost always reach the semi-finals regardless to the quality of our squad.
Nigeria is currently 42 in FIFA rankings while Guinea is 68. Our highest position was 4 while yours was 22.
I am not brandishing these records for the sake of it. All I am saying is that on a good day, we should really be expected to beat Guinea.
Out of 54 countries in Africa, only 5 can qualify for the World Cup, Nigeria has been among these 5 in the last 3 world cups – this speaks to a ‘mentality’ that our players possess ahead of others in the continent.
I hope Guinea do well in this Afcon but trust me, it will not be at the expense of the great Super Eagles of Nigeria.
My prediction remains: Nigeria 3:1 Guinea
Thanks Deo,
You are right to some extend and normally with the population and talent you have in Nigeria, you should contemplate to win the World Cup for the continent one day.
Nigeria and RDC Congo if good managed, have the potential.
That said, everything is cyclic and the winning mentality can be inoculated to new generations.In sub-Saharan Africa,
first
Ghana had its time, then Mali, Zaire came in 1974, between 1975 and 1977 Guinea was the best, only the AFCON organized then as a championship, prevented us to grab the trophy in 1976. Nigeria first emerged in 1980, Cameroon took over in 1984; Nigeria came back between 1994 and 1998 (with the best football I have ever seen in Africa).
Cameroon dominated again from 2000 to 2004. 2006-2010 Ivory Coast was best with Drogba and Co.
And now frankly speaking, I see Senegal over Nigeria.
For the rest, let’s wait and see.
You can sleep relaxed, when you wake up, ask Siasia if the remembers the strike of Ibrahima Traoré in Abuja Stadium in 2011.
My prediction is a 2-2 draw.
My dream 2-1 for Syli.
Peace brothers
Dear Brother Cabral,
You said: “You can sleep relaxed, when you wake up, ask Siasia if he remembers the strike of Ibrahima Traoré in Abuja Stadium in 2011.”
Ouch! that hurts! Way, way below the belt! 🙂
Just kidding bro. Thanks for your reply.
Let me correct a perception: population size doesn’t win football matches. We have more people than Ghana yet our Ghanaian brothers have made me cry more times than I can think of. At one time, they perfected the art of defeating Nigeria with just ten men (2008, 2010 Afcon and CHAN 2014).
When you map out the teams that have dominated African football since 1975, Nigeria has always been there or thereabout.
Between 1975 – 85: Afcon semi finals and trophy
Between 1986 – 95: Several Afcon semi-finals, 1 Afcon trophy and world cup second round
Between 1996 – 05: Several Afcon semi-final and world cup second round, 1 world cup group stage
Between 2006 – 15: 2 Afcon semis, 1 Afcon quarter finals, 1 Afcon trophy, 2 world cup qualifications (1 second round)
Yet again, to maintain a sense of perspective, the reason I am flaunting these Super Eagles credentials is to say that since we announced ourselves around 1975, we have always being among the top 5 African countries and this speaks to a mentality of our players (and football administrators fired up by the unrivalled passion of the fans) that is absent in other places like Guinea and Senegal.
Take a look at Portugal. It is a small country, yet they seem to constantly attempt to punch above their weight. So, it is not about population size.
We as a family of Super Eagles players, fans and Nigerian football administrators possess something that drives us to push harder and harder and this has made us to continue to be relevant even when others like Cameroon, Egypt and Ivory Coast dominate outright.
On a personal note, because you disrespected me by bringing up the Abuja match, I will revise me prediction to Nigeria 5:0 Guinea.
Ighalo, I hope you are reading this. You know the way you score for fun in China, may that same spirit posses you against the Syli Star of Guinea. Iheanacho, Iwobi, Kalu, Musa, I call on you guys, do not let me down.
Up Super Eagles of Nigeria!!!!!!
“On a personal note, because you disrespected me by bringing up the Abuja match, I will revise me prediction to Nigeria 5:0 Guinea”.
Thanks Deo, you made my day!!!
Somehow I see Kamano and Naby Keita giving cold sweat to more than 200 millions Nigerians around the world on that 26 June.
Cheers!!!
@ Cabral
I must appreciate your write ups;must say you are vast in African football history;
I see @deo as already beat me in differing gainst some of your opinions..
But I must add ,that Nigeria has always been there..
Yes..we haven’t always won the cup,(but only one can win at a time);but we have always been there..even when we don’t qualify for the Afcon,we have always been in one football showcase to make up for that,at the same period..
There have never been a period where we were totally out, especially as it relates to football..
Yes..before we became independent as country,and a formation years in football,we were behind the likes of Egypt,Sudan, Ethiopia,Somalia,Ghana,surprisingly South Africa as well; but that changed when we were born..and since then we have always been one to look to,contenders even before the qualifiers starts..red devils,green Eagles,super Eagles; the whole Africa knows Nigeria has always been there..
Yes.every team has her period.
Algeria did in the 80s to Early 90s.
Senegal period started from 2000.
Even when they hosted in 92,they were beaten by Nigeria(twice)..
Ghana won the Afcon last when??
Ivory coast is off and on like a light switch.
Zambia,Tunisia,Morocco, always good.but that depends on the set of players they possess at the period.
Mali,South Africa and yes,Guinea..
Pretenders..good enough..but just pretenders to the throne..and that’s saying it nicely..
They can beat the best on a good day,but they would never win the cup.( That’s why when South Africa won in 96; they are still not respected till today,cause everyone believes if Nigeria was there,that wouldn’t happen)..
This for me,is Syli category..
The only teams I respect,in term of football and period in Africa,are Cameroon and Egypt.
These two teams have created history.one Guinea can’t match.atleast not now.
So let me update you.
Yes.
Guinea did well in the qualifiers..
But that’s not news..they always do well in the qualifiers.heck Madagascar did well in the qualifiers too.even against Senegal..
But the Afcon stage is a different ball game entirely. And even the die-hard fan knows that.
There is a reason Senegal hasn’t won the Afcon cup(even with their golden generation of 2002).
So yes,my worry isn’t Guinea..
I believe Guinea should worry about taking care of Burundi and Madagascar.they might be a hard but for Guinea…cause you and I know ,Nigeria would take care of those.
You know why?
We are Nigeria..
We got that spirit…and the boy’s know what we always expect..
Even if we lose..
We know the type of people we should lose to..
And for me, Guinea isn’t one..
And I say this with the sincerest of heart..
“we know the type of people we should lose to… And for me, Guinea isn’t one…”
Good statement Mr. Hush. History will however tell us…
We have less than a month to go. Friendly games will allow us to sound our respective teams.
Nice evening.
I must first start by expressing all my respect and admiration for the talent of Nigerian football.
I am a Guinean and I had the time to peruse most of the contributions on this thread, especially the Nigerians’.
It is true that Nigeria boasts a greater experience than Guinea on the international stage,but unknown to Nigerians are the underground changes that have been taking place in Guinean football.
Football academies have blossomed. Up to the 2000s,Guinea had not a single academy for football. Today we have many. Our national championship is now better organized. Our youths teams are now getting accustomed to international tournaments,which is bound to boost our collective confidence as a team and as a Nation. Ironically enough,Guinea’s U 17 reached the African Cup this year in Tanzania by defeating the…Super Eaglets of Nigeria,before losing to Cameroon in the penalty quick.
Guinea is definitely on the rise at all levels. For us,Guinea’s best is on the way. We are just warming up. At this stage,all we need is to buttress the mental of our players to negotiate critical without losing their focus. We have what it takes to win the African Cup this year,despite all the monsters of football we will have to slay on the field to make to win this trophy at last. Guinea is ready.
By the way,besides Guinea,my second “National team” in Africa has always been the Super Eagles. I have always a supporter of the Eagles. I still reminisces how I was fuming as Cameron’s Rigobert Song scored the winning penalty for Nigeria in 2000 after a formidable come back from Nigeria and a majestic equalizer from Jay Jay Okocha that sets the stadium of Surulele ablaze.