Josh Maja scored on his first appearance as Stoke City beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 in their FA Cup fourth round tie at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.
Maja, who linked up with the Potters on loan from Ligue 1 club Girondis Bordeaux on deadline day opened scoring for his side in the 14th minute.
He was replaced by Steven Fletcher 12 minutes from time.
At the Goodison Park, Alex Iwobi provided an assist in Everton’s 4-1 win against Brentford.
Iwobi replaced Demarai Gray in the 88th minute of the encounter.
The versatile winger set up Andros Townsend for Everton’s fourth goal in stoppage time.
His compatriot Frank Onyeka was an unused substitute for Brenford in the game.
7 Comments
Good Iwobi! I pray you find favour under Lampard your new boss.
Well done Maja and Iwobi.
Maja has unfinished business in the Super Eagles. I hope he gets a run of games and enjoys a rich vein of form so that he can be considered for the epic Ecowas showdown against Ghana in March and future assignments.
Shame Iwobi will be missing that encounter. But with the likes of Aribo, Onyeka, Etebo Innocent Bonke and Tom Dele-Bashiru all available, the midfield of the Super Eagles should be in solid shape for the Ghana tie.
Two players I am missing are Nathan Oforboh and Kingsley Michael. I pray both of them start hitting grass very soon.
That’s if Iwobi improves. I said that he should not be starting matches for Nigeria just because he’s just an Arsenal related player.Nigeria is too good for his underperformance.If Musa is on the bench then Iwobi should join him there.That’s where he belongs at least for now.
Ademola Lookman.
Ovie Ejaria.
Eberechi Eze.
Michael Olise.
Calvin Bassey.
Cyriel Dessers.
Akinkunmi Amoo.
The NFF need to be keeping close tabs on these lads.
Eze is not in Southgate’s plans. I don’t see him turning down a solid chance with Nigeria, not with an opportunity to play in a world cup looming large. Eze will not wait for England forever. If we approach him correctly now, chances are he will accept.
Lookman and Ejaria switch need to be done asap. BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
Olise plays the same position as Mahrez.
He would not want to go to Algeria and play second fiddle to someone like Mahrez. As long as Mahrez is fit, Olise would have no chance to play on the right wing, his preferred position.
Yes, Olise can play other positions for Algeria. However, the Algeria team is not what it used to be. Their stars are aging. The Nigeria team looks just as attractive as Algeria, and would offer him much more opportunities.
It’s unlikely that France will be looking in Olise’s direction anytime soon. Between Nigeria and Algeria, Olise will likely chose the side that sells itself better.
Amoo, Bassey and Dessers should be in the squad to face Ghana.
If we get these guys before the Ghana game, imagine a line up like this in a 4-1-4-1 formation:
A reliable goalkeeper
Aina, Ekong, Balogun, Bassey
Ndidi
Olise, Eze, Ejaria, Lookman
Osimhen
Ndidi can slot in between Ekong and Balogun as the third center back when needed.
Osimhen will lead the line, ahead of the fantastic four in the midfield.
Show Olise and Eze that this line up is one of the many good things we’re aiming for, and they will likely jump on board.
It’s up to coach Eguavoen and the NFF to make it happen.
If Olise doesn’t work out:
Move Lookman to the right, and Simon gets back into the left wing.
Still looks pretty good!
Olise Played a really Solid game yesterday.. goal and an assist NFF is really sleeping on this matter if he choses Algeria we are only happily naking our rivals stronger. He is a free kick specialist as well something Nigeria has not had since Okocha. We need this guy in SE and CSN is not doing enough to push the spotlight on these types of players. Goal and Assist in his last 4 games crazy ability an Upgrade on Iwobi in my books
Talking about Ejaria, he’s a wonderful talent, no doubt.
The issue with him is that he tend’s to over dribble.
He should dribble less, pass the ball more, and focus on getting more goals and assists.