Hazard finds joy in functional Chelsea

Eden Hazard has enjoyed tons of tributes from some of the biggest names in football in the last couple of weeks, including his manager, Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho made an incredible claim that Hazard is currently one of the three best players in the world, with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo expectedly ahead of him.

Legends like Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and even the great Pele has been credited with enviable quotes on the Chelsea playmaker while Frank Ribery is dreaming about the potential of playing with the Belgian at Bayern Munich.

Interestingly the encomiums couldn’t have arrived at a better time, with the English Premier League Player of the Year winner set to be announced on April 26. Chelsea are in the best position to land their first title in five years  and those tributes will swing some votes in Hazard’s favour for the individual award too, being one of the nominees.

On Sunday, at the Emirates, Hazard will have another opportunity to show the world why he deserves the award, as he faces Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, who is also in the running for the POTY gong.

Eden’s Evolution

It looks a majority claim that Hazard is enjoying his best season ever and lots of arguments have been put forward as the reason for his development. Yet you still have to accommodate the now-popular meltdown from fans of rival clubs, who form the dissenter group of ‘Hazard is overrated’.

Ask Chelsea fans, lots of them (dare I say most) will unequivocally claim it was all down to Mourinho, and that he has moulded him into a great player-sorry you can’t change them. Yet some observers and football purists still believe the former Lille star’s progression is being stifled by the Portuguese tactician.

Both arguments are valid. More than that, it’s important to look specifically at some of these factors responsible for the player’s progress this season.

Natural progression. One undoubted gift you can’t teach Hazard is his talent, and blessed players are bound to improve year after year in so far they have the right motivation and environment to do so. The Blues star had already emerged as a special player before arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2012 and immediately became a key man in Roberto Di Matteo side. So he is rare talent who is expected to get better having not reached his peak, and will still do more for years to come. He is only 24, and will grow with experience.

The Matic-Fabregas factor. Juan Mata formed the best partnership with Hazard before the little Spaniard left Chelsea for Manchester United in January last year. Mata was the ‘baller’ in the team beside the Belgian; hence it was easy to find chemistry between them.

The signing of Matic helped Chelsea to express themselves a little more from midfield, which naturally supports Hazard’s creative talent , while Cesc  Fabregas arrival has even added to the aesthetic value of the team, and that of the Belgian international.

It is no surprise that Fabregas is the top passer to Hazard, while Matic is second in that regard. Creative footballers’ exceptional talents often manifest most when their teams dominate with the ball, and Fabregas’s footballing abilities have aided  Hazard, and Chelsea have improved a lot from that too.

Mourinho changed, so Hazard gained. The Chelsea manager publicly blamed Hazard for ‘not ready to sacrifice himself for the team’ after Atletico Madrid eliminated  Chelsea in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, but even the coach himself has adapted his pattern to suit his star man’s strength.

Hazard was largely playing on the wings, covering for Ashley Cole, and later, Cesar Azpilicueta last season. But the Belgian has been afforded more chances to roam infield and across the final third, channelling his skills to use as the focal point of attack. It is a role he has played brilliantly in a largely tactical side. Because of his freedom to rove, the Blues midfielder can now devastatingly navigate the shackles of three blocks: the full back and his wing support, as well as the defensive midfield shield.

Harry Redknapp once admitted that Rafa Van Der Vaart was never contented playing on the wings and chasing full-backs, and the Dutchman played his best for coach at Tottenham in a central attacking midfield position. In the same way, no one will get the best out of Hazard by pegging him on the wings. 

Current Status

I think Mourinho’s claim about Hazard being one of the three best players in the world is ambitious, and the manager knows it too. It is just how he motivates his players, and Frank Lampard is one of beneficiaries of this method.

Ronaldo and Messi are on a different planet yet it won’t be far-fetched to see the current Hazard as the next top player if he was playing in more expansive sides like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Debates about ratings are subjective, and football perspectives are not restricted to rampant goals statistics.

But Chelsea and Mourinho are not particularly bothered by the ranking, they are just happy to have one of the best talents in the world in blue colours, and winning with him.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Jonathan's impending loss ideal for democracy

You see, it's not just about Goodluck Jonathan, or North or South, or born-to-rule nonsense. It's about making a change to a government that abdicates responsibilities, throwing the continued existence of Nigeria into huge uncertainty.

Nigeria is in a desperate situation, where citizens will have to decide whether to retain the current leadership, which is overseeing the demise of the entity called Nigeria or seek a change in an attempt to find a solution.

We are witnessing tenacious efforts from those who admit Jonathan’s leadership is a monumental failure, yet continue appeal to Nigerians that he's the best option for us now. Really?

People who don't even remember 2014 are now talking about the military era of 1984, in a desperate attempt to salvage that sinking ship called Jonathan administration.  Interestingly, those accounts often ignore the carnage of mass corruption that led to the intervention of the uniform men back then.

We are witnessing cases of convictions of nearly 200 soldiers over ‘mutiny’ at a time the Nigerian Army is going through, arguably, its worst period, in terms of integrity and might. We are seeing a leadership that brazenly attacked the National Assembly, and continue to abuse the use of security operatives to actualise selfish ends.

Jonathan’s supporters are telling Nigerians that this is the best they could ever have, in this period, that Buhari is a no-no, aggressively manufacturing untruths and propagating bigotry. They believe we should just continue with the incumbent President, who has recorded unprecedented milestones in incompetence and corruption.

Nigerians have endured a government whose supporters have  merely become sympathisers for Jonathan’s 'misfortunes' rather than a leadership of responsibility and authority. Claims of sabotage from opposition are constantly presented as a euphemism for ineptitude.

The current FG's apologists have resorted to spreading fears about what the future holds for Nigeria, if Jonathan fails in his re-election bid 2015. Are they trying to coerce the electorate into acting against their will?

We hear incredible tales about Buhari's the most evil person on earth. Yet those who are closer to him, including famous voices have continuously dismissed lots of the allegations religious bigotry and tribalism against the general.

Truly some of the events of the Buhari’s military leadership were very dark, but how can you be so quiet about the abuses of GEJ's democratic era and claim he allowed us liberty in a democracy?

Here we have a government that lied to the world to dismiss the abduction of the country's school kids and continue ceaselessly to slander those who ask questions about their disappearance. 24 hours after over 200 girls were abducted from their school, the FG claimed they had been found and returned to their parents.

The President's wife even summoned and intimidated families of the missing girls on national television, and reportedly ordered the arrest of the vocal ones among them behind the camera.

 In Jonathan's democracy, not military of the 1980s, journalists suffered intimidation for doing their job, while dissenting voices suffer harassment, arrest etc. Let's highlight a few cases here.

Human rights concerns

1. Since Buhari was responsible for the human rights abuse issues durinng his military regime, how can you excuse Goodluck Jonathan on the killing of at least five protesters by the Police and lots of injured casualties during the Occupy Nigeria Protest after the President announced the removal of fuel subsidy in January 2012?  http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/dpo-arrested-for-killing-protester/106787/

2. December 2012: Two journalists arrested over story of military abuse in tackling insurgency. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/27/nigeria-security-forces-detain-2-journalists-over-story-about-military-abuse-in/ …

3. "On September 20, SSS operatives and a unit of the army killed NINE persons squatting in an unfinished building in Abuja." http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/220358.pdf …

4. Armed operatives abducted Nigerian journalists in Akwa Ibom.  http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/164292-armed-operatives-abduct-nigerian-journalist-in-akwa-ibom.html …

5. SSS arrested radio journalists and students with links to Boko Haram. No evidence. http://saharareporters.com/2014/12/16/sss-clears-ihejirika-and-sheriff-arrests-seven-fraudulent-associates-stephen-davis …

6. SSS operatives detained Sun editor after a report published the previous day by the newspaper. http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/158456-sss-operatives-detain-sun-newspaper-editor-national-conference.html …

7. Military and SSS destroyed leading newspapers. http://www.punchng.com/news/military-sss-seize-destroy-major-nigerian-newspapers/ …

8. SSS abducted and detained tweeter, Yusuf Isiaka Onimisi (@Ciaxon) for 12 days for ‘spying’, and it took a vigorous campaign by Nigerians, supported by Amnesty International before he was released. He has remained silent about his ordeal since then. http://www.punchng.com/news/military-sss-seize-destroy-major-nigerian-newspapers/ …

9. Jonathan's government ordered an attack on the National Assembly, a gross abuse of democratic institution, including using the security operatives to physically attack the Speaker (withdrew his personal security aides), and legislators with tear gas. That's in a democracy, not the 1984 military junta.

10. 19 Nigerians, including pregnant women, were killed during a job recruitment exercise organised by the government. The families of the deceased who were promised jobs to appease them are still waiting and no one was punished for the tragedy.


Read Nigeria Human Rights 2013 report here: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/220358.pdf … and Amnesty International's 2014 report here: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/nigeria-gruesome-footage-implicates-military-war-crimes-2014-08-05 … on some of the unresolved crimes in the current administration, a democratically elected government.\

Some Boko Haram consequences

Jonathan's administration has failed to protect Nigerians, and worsestill, it has shown a flippant attitude towards the fate of victims of insurgency to an unpardonable level. If the situation is farther from your end, it doesn't mean we should look the other way while Nigerians escape to Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

'The ongoing refugee crisis has seen more than 62,000 people spill over into Niger’s Diffa region since the beginning of 2014 while Cameroon is currently hosting some 44,000 Nigerian refugees. According to authorities, another 1,600 have fled to Chad.' (UNHCR report October 2014)

Bukky Sonibare, who is working to help victims of Boko Haram in North-East stated that only 6,500 people are in government camps for internally displaced victims of the insurgency in despite the fact that a Presidential Committee had raise over N80billion to support them. Where is the money?

Over N1million Nigerians have been affected, more than half of that were chased out of their homes. President Jonathan himself revealed that 12,000 lives have been lost.

“What happened to the billions raised for the Victim Support Fund? What happened to the Victim Support Fund? They are going through hell. What happened to billions of naira to support the IDPs? About 13 people died between September and December due to cholera. What happened to human feeling?”  -Leadership Newspaper December, 27, 2014

The corruption allegations and even justification, on live TV, by the President are monumental. From the fuel subsidy scam to numerous allegations of mismanagement of public funds, the arms deal in South Africa, to the $20billion scandal that led to the sack of Central Bank governor, now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. No significant reaction to punish offenders.

The CHANGE that Nigerians call for is not expected to be a miracle, it's a justified reaction!

Nigerians who are calling for change are saying it's stupid to reward a failed leadership at the end of over five years of governance, with another four years. No, there must be a reaction!

And NO! So many of us are not paid to support or clamour for change. We simply say: a reaction sends a message to the next government that failure, such as being experienced in the current administration, will not be tolerated, let alone rewarded by Nigerians.

Matic the secret weapon, as Costa destroys Everton

Diego Costa continued the sensational start to his debut season in the English Premier League by leading Chelsea to another victory in a nine-goal thriller against Everton on Saturday at Goodison Park.

The Brazilian-born Spain forward capped his performance with a brace, opening scoring after 35 seconds and rounding off a courageous display with a composed finish to complete a 6-3 demolition of the Toffees at the Merseyside.

It was the first real test to the London side’s tag as favourites for the title, and in fairness, they had to weather the storm in a feisty battle with Everton who overcame their early shock to make it a real contest.

After Branislav Ivanovic doubled the lead for the visitors with a cool finish within three minutes, it seemed as if the home side, buoyed by their ever-vociferous supporters, needed that challenge to get up to speed.

Matic (right) tackles  Jagielka during their encounter.  PHOTO: Chelsea FC

Chelsea were trying to control the game, but Roberto Martinez’s side ceaselessly attacked, particularly through their marauding fullback duo of Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines, and pressed high up the pitch.

Jose Mourinho opted for the more industrious pair of Ramires and Willian, and they worked really hard to repel Everton’s tenacity to come back into the game, with Kevin Mirallas and Aiden McGeedy supporting their big striker Romelu Lukaku.

Matic the man

The Blues had a more comfortable midfield task in their previous games against newcomers Burnley and Leicester with Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic in central midfield, but had their work cut out at Goodison Park.

Albeit Fabregas brilliantly set up the first goal and could have got another clever assist had Tim Howard not made a fantastic save from Costa, he suffered a bit in advanced role. As Eden Hazard and Fabregas laboured to put their feet on the game in the second half, Matic became fairly isolated in the task to control the game.

Yet Matic won great battles in the middle, making the most tackles (5), and scoring the fourth goal for Chelsea to restore their two-goal advantage at 4-2 with an unstoppable left-foot strike.

Claude Makelele was a stalwart in Mourinho’s back-to-back title success in his first stint at Stamford Bridge, but in the Serbian strongman, he has found a midfielder who possesses more creative slant to his game.

He could shield the back four comfortably, and stimulate the attack with similar efficiency.  77minutes gone in the game, with Everton looking to level after Eto’o had headed in at the other end, and with Gareth Barry closing him down, Matic slid through Ramires to ram home the fifth goal.

That two-touch decision highlights the fluidity the big midfielder has added to this Chelsea side. The team’s hitherto poor  mobility started witnessing a marked difference since his arrival in January, and has got even better with Fabregas by his side.

Costa aside, the former Benfica star has been Chelsea’s best performer over the first three games and could as well emerge the leading player in his position at the end of the season, if he stays injury free.

One thing is certain, after leaving Chelsea quietly to develop in Portugal, Matic is truly ready to play a huge role in Mourinho’s quest for another glorious spell in England.

Fabregas stars as Chelsea make a fine start

Cesc Fabregas made a stunning return to the Premier League as he led Chelsea to a 3-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night.

The Spaniard’s quality was never in doubt and he was in top form, putting up a commanding performance that earned him the official man-of-the-match award after his contribution to his team’s three goals.

Speculations on Jose Mourinho’s choice between Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois had drown out real specifics in the build up to the game but it was no surprise that the Blues boss opted for the Belgian, considering the clues of the last few days.

And Courtois was given a cold welcome after Scott Arfield fired a spectacular right-foot shot to send Burnley into the lead, 13minutes into the encounter. He had no chance as the ball flew in at a terrific pace with Chelsea defenders obscuring his view between the sticks.

It was a nervous start for the Blues but they showed a great reaction by imposing themselves on the game almost immediately with better composure and passing, led by the former Barcelona man in the heart of the midfield.

Costa levelled proceedings three minutes later. Fabregas found the overlapping Branislav Ivanovic with a nonchalant backheel, and the right back squares the ball across the face of the Clarets’ goal, only for the ball to rebound off the post –via a poor clearance-into Costa’s path to slot home the equaliser.

Then came the best moment of the game: a combination of 25 passes from Chelsea saw Germany’s Andre Schurrle finishing superbly a touch of genius from Fabregas, whose pass took out all of Burnley’s deep defensive line.

The former Arsenal captain’s vision was admirable, but his execution of the assist was even better; a cushioned half-volley pass off Ivanovic's cross.  It brought echoes of Eden Hazard’s sublime left-footed assist for Juan Mata’s goal at White Hart Lane, in the 2012/2013 season.

Fabregas was again the provider as his perfect corner-kick was volleyed home by Ivanovic to complete Chelsea’s 20-minute whirlwind that ultimately destroyed the newly promoted Burnley side.

Positives

Nemanja Matic found great comfort with the trio of Fabregas, Hazard and Oscar, with whom the Serbian giant was alternating roles to unsettle the Clarets, and that was great to watch.

Hazard, in particular, was the linchpin negotiating space in between a tight defensive block mounted by the hosts, who admittedly, didn’t actually ‘park the bus’. The Belgian was switching across the attacking midfield areas with Oscar and Schurrle, with Costa holding the ball up and stretching the Burnley central defence.

It is a promising sight and Chelsea fans have a lot to look forward to, when their players hit to gear.

Room for improvement

Chelsea lost a bit of composure in the second half as they could not express their game, especially from the defence. Mourinho’s rear guard will need to find more than clearances, in due course, to reduce the team’s loss of possession, when they come up against top teams.

Burnley pressed high and forced the Blues to play long, but they, themselves, lacked the quality to hurt their visitors. Hence the Blues were in control, except for a moment when Arfield forced Courtois to make a great save off another brilliant strike.

The Belgian keeper was impressive in claiming corners and calm in controling his territory, and Mourinho admitted he had earned his spot for the next game against Leicester City.

WEEKEND FLAKES

Early showers for Van Gaal’s United

Well, Swansea fancied their chances against a vulnerable Man United line up and they were spot to claim all points last Saturday.With a defence line comprising of Smalling, Jones, Blackett, Lingard and Young, Garry Monk and his side took a bold approach and got rewarded for their efforts.  

United must find and complete their transfer deals very quickly before the end of the window. In truth, the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League hasn’t helped in their bid to attract top targets. They will have to pay over the odds, like they did for Mata, to clinch crucial transactions.

Champions looking good

 Manchester City reminded us all that they are the team to beat with their 2-0 win at Newcastle United on Sunday.

I wonder if the overwhelming vote of confidence on Chelsea to win the title was a deliberate attempt by Premier League pundits to crank the pressure on Mourinho, otherwise it should be easy to tip the Citizens to defend their crown with their squad depth.

Manuel Pellegrini and City have done well to secure contract extensions early on, for key players including captain Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, and David Silva, as well as strengthening with the signing of Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando.

Fernando was particularly impressive on his Premier League debut at St James’ Park with great sense of defensive anticipation, playing alongside Yaya Toure.  Aguero, who was on target, and powerhouse Fernandinho both started from the bench.

Liverpool’s new SAS

Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge continued their form since January, helping Liverpool to secure a hard-earned victory over Ronald Koeman’s Southampton.

Sterling, still only 19, looked set to play a major role for the Reds following Luis Suarez’s exit. His movement and composure to open scoring was impressive, suggesting good signs of steady progress in his game.

Sturridge who netted 21 league goals in 29 games last season scored a late winner and I must admit he is proving me (and a lot of skeptics wrong with his goals). Jordan Henderson is fast improving in his decisions as well, but I think Liverpool need top powerful and experience players in both their midfield and attack as they also challenge in the Champions League this season.

Gunners left it late

Aaron Ramsey’s late winner ensured Arsenal’s three points but Arsene Wenger must realise his side don’t look formidable enough to mount a title challenge.

The question however is: does Wenger really care about the title?

Brazil 2014: How Nigeria fared against Bosnia 

The Super Eagles had a single job to do against Bosnia & Herzegovina-to win-and they did it. It was a victory that kept Nigeria's second round qualification alive at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil, but it was never an unexpected victory.

To Nigerians, it was a no-brainer that the African champions  were only second behind Argentina, as group favourites, after the World Cup draws, but team only threw uncertainty into the party after an uninspiring performance against Iran in the opening game.It's arguably the most colourless game at the Mundial, so far.

But to many football followers, particularly outside African continent, Bosnia who are making their World Cup debut in Brazil, earned their respect significantly after their performance against a struggling Argentina side, in their opening game. Suddenly the newcomers became a big deal and jumped into the favourites order, ahead of the Eagles.

 Odemwngie celebrates his winning goal with Emenike. Photo:FIFA

Led by Man City striker, Edin Dzeko, the European side relinquished their ultra-defensive performance against Argentina for a more adventurous version, an apporach that played into the hands of the Super Eagles. The Nigerians' slow and uninventive play couldn't break down Iran's resolute defending last Monday in Curitiba.

Emmanuel Emenike, who was a stalwart in the attack set up Peter Osaze Odemwingie to score the winning goal and earned Nigeria the country's first World Cup win since 1998. But their oponents were disappointed as Dzeko was wrongly ruled to have been offside as he scored via a clean strike in the 1st half.

DEFENCE

The Super Eagles defence had a torrid time especially in the first half, constantly experiencing suicidal moments with Bosnia's midfield anchored by the excellent Miralem Pjanic. The Eagles visibly played a highline in the opening half and it was Pjanic’s brilliant pass that put Dzeko through for Bosnia’s disallowed goal.

Vincent Enyeama was outstanding on occasions when called upon, including a brave stop from Dzeko in added time. He’s been very reliable for Nigeria and will be key in the country’s quest for glory at the World Cup.

Kenneth Omeruo had a brilliant game, by far Nigeria’s best defender in the game. His alertness and awareness were impressive, particularly after a nervy first half when Dzeko troubled him, alongside Yobo with great movements. Juwon Oshaniwa was steady while Efe Ambrose was the weakest link in defence. Ambrose allowed easy crosses on occasions and hardly showed dynamism going forward.

MIDFIELD

I wasn’t impressed with the performance of John Mikel Obi for obvious reasons. He’s the most experienced among the Eagles midfield trio including Ogenyi Onazi and new boy Michael Babatunde who added some creativity and caused Bosnia many problems.

Nigeria’s defence suffered hugely as they were, on many occasions, exposed to the onslaught of their opponents but Bosnia showed profligacy with many chances to have a go at the Eagles centre backs who adjusted to low block defending in the second half. Onazi worked really hard without the ball, doing most of the defensive duties. Mikel would need to do more to shield the backline and show urgency in influencing attacking play. (excuse the cliche)

Babatunde was however impressive and looked to be the new Sunday Mba, the midfielder who could actually support the attack and stretch play even to wide areas, when needed. He grew into the game and showed huge composure, coming close to scoring a few times. But he would need to improve in helping to retrieve possession. 

Babatunde went off injured but I hope he''ll be available for our next game against Argentina.

FORWARD

Emmanuel Emenike came alive, like a warrior who wanted to respond to the disappointment of a previously failed expedition. He was aggressive and made life difficult for Bosnia skipper Emir Spahic all night. The Fernabahce man combined finely with man-of-the-match Odemwingie, whose technical ability helped Nigeria manage possession immensely.

Odemwingie's technical prowess was the reason I chose him to replace Ahmed Musa but Victor Moses was disappointing against Iran and rightly lost his place in the starting line up. Unsurprisingly, Musa couldn't exploit his best weapon (pace) again, failing in his decisions in the final third.

Nigeria need at least a draw or hope Bosnia avoid a defeat against Iran, to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup. Argentina are not invincible, but they've got Messi who reminds us that anything is possible, in the game.

Keshi and Odemwingie conundrum

Stephen Keshi looks to be having a problem already in accommodating Peter Odemwingie in his starting line-up, just days to the commencement of the World Cup in Brazil.

The Nigeria coach has thrived particularly on playing a 4-3-3 formation, or an apparent 4-1-2-3 with two of his midfielders alternating between themselves to support the main striker, constantly bursting through from the centre of the pitch. The clearest exploits of Keshi's style was evident at the 2013 African Nations Cup, but one important factor was the fluidity of his three attackers, whose interplay caused problems for opponents.

It appears the poor form of Sunday Mba following African Cup of Nations last year has been a major blow to the Super Eagles coach's 'building project'. He had stated strongly at the continental competition that he was assembling a new and enduring team. Rightly so, especially as most of his players were playing for the first time a major competition.

Like the Nations Cup, Keshi’s back five has remained intact while the duo of Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi also retained their position in the midfield in the World Cup team. He had an experimental starting line up in the 2-2 friendly draw against Scotland at Craven Cottage, understandably, to make a final decision on his 23-man World Cup squad.

But the Eagles coach gave a glimpse of his starting line-up Tuesday night in Philadelphia against Greece when he paraded virtually his Nations Cup starters but with Peter Odemwingie joining Mikel and Onazi as the third midfielder, with licence to play the attacking/playmaker role.

The Stoke City striker may have been assured of a key role in the World Cup team before his recall to the national team after being left of both the AFCON and Confederations Cup squads, probably the reason for his new role.

Of course why will Keshi bring the controversial Odemwingie to the team if he was going to put him on the bench and risk the camp disunity he avoided (he admitted this) in previous competitions?

Unsurprisingly, Odemwingie, who has played either as a striker or a winger through his career, failed to perform in his role against the 2004 European champions. His touches let him down and the Nigeria midfield lacked cohesion and chemistry.

The Greek side exploited the African champions’ lack of understanding and created numerous chances, all of whom they failed to capitalise on, partly due to the excellent performance of Nigeria goalie, Vincent Enyeama.

Greece looked a more coordinated side and you’ll expect such from any team, with barely a week to the start of the Mundial. It is however fair to say Nigeria will be sharper in their next pre-World Cup friendly against the USA in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday.

The Eagles have struggled to find a genuine playmaker since the exit of former captain, Austin Okocha, with Mikel taking up the role, without genuine conviction. The Chelsea midfielder look more suited as a defensive central midfielder, having played in the position for nearly a decade for his London club.

But he has regularly played the creator’s role for Nigeria and he is the best for Keshi in Brazil, as things stand. This is where Ramon Azeez can come in to support Onazi as a strong duo to protect the backline while Mikel is allowed to orchestrate Nigeria’s attack.

Azeez, although is new to the team, made 30 La Liga appearances for Almeria with just five cautions. So he seems to be stable in terms of discipline, albeit the World Cup is a different stage entirely. Odemwingie should not be doing role learning again on Saturday against the USA

Fernabahce striker, Emenike remains, undoubtedly, the number one striker option, so that leaves Keshi with one option regarding starting Odemwingie. He will have to persuade him to play wide as he is experienced and have a better football judgement than Ahmed Musa. Otherwise he may have to be contented with substitute roles.

Keshi has no time to do further experimentation as to his starters, albeit his decisions will still depend on individual matches. Luckily for Nigeria, they have ‘minnows’ Iran in their opening game, so it gives them a bit of time to grow into the competition, like they did at AFCON.The ‘Big Boss’ was right to invite Odemwingie because he also gives him a very good option as a striker, after a decent season for Stoke City.

Keshi must not entertain any obstacle to his team’s campaign, or else he could find himself empowering the doubters of his coaching credentials if the Eagles perform below expectations in Brazil.

And the key to that? A team united on a mission, a weapon the Nigeria coach used effectively to conquer Africa. Now he must prove that feat was not a one-off at the global stage.

Lukaku has proven he deserves a chance at Chelsea

He is powerful, confident, determined, pacy, bullish and a target man. These features woulld naturally make you a 'Chelsea-type striker', all of which you can find in Romelu Lukaku.

Indeed the above sounds like a prologue to another attempt to drum unnecessary beat of superfluous platitudes in praise of the Belgian striker, especially after his hat-trick helped Belgium destroy lowly Luxemburg, and scoring another beauty against Sweden.  Surely not, though performances in those pre-World Cup friendlies were only a continuation of the impressive season he enjoyed on loan at Everton.

There are suggestions Jose Mourinho has no place for him in his Chelsea plans and several clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, Atletico and Juventus are, reportedly, considering taking him away from Stamford Bridge. Unsurprisingly, some interesting arguments are already making waves to justify a potential sale of the young striker.

‘Lukaku is no top quality’, is one of such arguments. Certainly, at 21, the former Anderlecht forward is only an ambitious striker who has given a very good account of himself in two seasons in the Premier League, with clear signs of progression in his game.  With a decent record of 32 goals in 66 appearances, Chelsea would have been one of the clubs chasing his services in the summer if he was not on their payroll.

His technical quality has also been called to question, and it was the reason I was hoping to see him play in a more ball-playing side after netting 17 league goals for West Bromwich Albion in the 2012/2013 season. Michael Laudrup was a fan, and wanted him at Swansea before Roberto Martinez took him to Everton.

Martinez was unequivocal in his belief about the Belgian’s quality after winning the race to sign Lukaku on loan last season. “We have seen him develop into a top striker. He had potential at Anderlecht and now you can see he is a really mature boy. He gives you something different. What we are looking at is an outstanding footballer and we are hoping that it will be a perfect marriage.”

Lukaku claimed the top striker spot at the Merseyside, and at times, Martinez played him wide on the right with Steven Naismith up top. He improved on his touches and was devastating on counter-attacks, combining well with Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley to destroy Premier League opponents.

Talk of attitude problems is even more ridiculous especially when you consider the fact that he has only been cautioned five times in 78 appearances for club and country in the last two seasons. Lukaku has maintained a level head working with Steve Clarke at West Brom and Martinez at Everton. So calm down, we are not referring to a Balloteli here.

‘It is a different thing playing for Chelsea and Everton’, claim the naysayers. But isn’t it interesting to make such claims without having not trusted a player with opportunities at a club that has endured Fernando Torres’ paucity of productivity for three years?

Chelsea are believed to be close to a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa, but Lukaku looks ready to battle for a place at Stamford bridge with a crucial experience of playing in the Premier League.

Lukaku doesn’t possess the eye-catching touches and technique of Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez or even Daniel Sturridge, but if there is any striker that looks suitable to what Mourinho offered as a system last season, he’s already got one in the big Belgian.

Chelsea’s proposed ‘pro-active’ football wasn’t a design meant for Mourinho (admitted he didn’t agree), and played his usual way last season. He needed the big Branislav Ivanovic to battle the long balls from Cech, and had no Didier Drogba-like striker to pounce on the end of crosses, mainly from the Serbian.

Indeed, Lukaku, like the Blues did last season, can struggle when opponents ‘park the bus’, but his brace against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at the Goodison Park last season offered some hints he could play do the job, without the spaces behind opposition defenders. He anticipated and finished a fortuitous lose ball with composure, and powered in a brilliant header for his second.

It seems always outrageous to compare upcoming stars to legends, but it is easy to see why the young striker has been compared to Chelsea legend Drogba.  The Ivory Coast striker’s superior hold up play is comparable to none, but watching the Belgian can only remind you of Arsene Wenger’s famous “he doesn’t do a lot” quote about Drogba in November 2009. Yes, not a lot of touches, but lots of goals.

Like Drogba, Lukaku would lose the ball plenty of times with poor touches, but that won’t discourage him from registering his name on the scoresheet even in a generally poor performance. Many times it looks easier to watch both players’ goals than seeing them for 90minutes. Like his hero, the Belgian forward can also poach from few yards from goal, a pure centre forward trait.

Chelsea were hoping to move on from the Drogba-era, but it appeared they have rekindled the need for a new power striker. In Lukaku, they’ve got a bargain for 18million euros. Romelu is not a top player yet, but the Blues should be grateful they already have a quality 21 year old who is aiming to be great.

Mourinho should be eager to play his part in Lukaku’s quest. As the late American editorial cartoonist, Frank Tyger said: “One of the greatest talents of all is the talent to recognise and develop talent in others.”