Blog - Football Castle

July 15, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Tactical Analysis

A final push (or lack of…)

It had been a tough ride and a draining emotional rollercoaster. The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ground to a halt at the semifinals when supreme quality prevailed. Nigeria should have been the better-prepared side having played their quarterfinal match 24 hours earlier than Algeria who went through extra time and…

July 11, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

Dare to dream

The Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for their ninth Africa Cup of Nations semi-final from 10 quarter-finals, beating South Africa for a third time in AFCON history. The result was secured via William Troost-Ekong’s 89thminute tap-in from a corner. Leaving you nail-biting seems to be their only form of entertainment -and boy have I eaten…

July 7, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

AFCON 2019: In my feelings

The Africa Cup of Nations boys get separated from men in the knockout rounds, the various levels are being revealed. Nigeria’s Super Eagles, for the umpteenth time at this tournament, secured a vital win over defending champions Cameroon despite not being swashbuckling in attack. They registered the win by scoring three goals in a successful…

July 4, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Premier League, Serie A, Tactical Analysis, UEFA Champions League

The easier way: Grit or flair?

A tight defence, balanced midfield and flowing attack; these are the three components that make a great football team. Down the years, national teams and club sides have been deficient in particular departments with success; but which is the easier way to succeed? 2019 Champions League winners Liverpool had a fantastic forward line and a…

June 27, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Tactical Analysis

Gritty does it for Nigeria

Dear reader, ever wondered how to produce fantastic results without fantastic performances? Look no further than Gernot Rohr’s Nigeria. The Super Eagles are the first team to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 courtesy of another 1-0 win, this time against the Syli stars of Guinea. Much like in qualifying…

June 20, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

The battle to become Africa’s finest

The 2019 Africa cup of nations kicks off a special era in African football. A refreshed tournament that expands to 24 teams in the summer months of June-July allows the bulk of European-based stars to concentrate fully on continental gold. For years, the African continental tournament was undermined by being played in January, when Africa’s…

June 15, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

AFCON Eagles

Crunch time is almost upon us and excitement fills the air as football unites Nigeria once more. The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was a long time coming for the Super Eagles, having played in two World Cups since last featuring in an AFCON. The Eagles can finally ‘defend’ their 2013 title in the actual…

June 7, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Tactical Analysis

Can the real gems please stand up?

Did they forget that competitive football was still on? After showing some cojones in the Champions League knockouts, English players finally collapsed with errors and misfortune with the national team. The UEFA Nations League final sets up a Netherlands versus Portugal clash after entertaining 3-1 wins in the semifinals. It pits Virgil Van Dijk against…

May 31, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Tactical Analysis, UEFA Champions League

Through blood, sweat and tears

Europe’s second all-English final beckons as English football gets set for another display of domestic rivalry on the continent. Tottenham versus Liverpool is a thrilling Premier League clash with both clubs operating on a similar model of utilizing young players playing high-speed, high-energy football. Jürgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino began their respective projects just over…

May 28, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Tactical Analysis

Settling local scores in unfamiliar environments

Europa League specialist Unai Emery takes on Maurizio Sarri in a match that means everything to Arsenal’s season. A London derby played 2500 miles from its origin in the capital of Azerbaijan for an European trophy bearing all the extra incentives and sentiments; just adds that extra bit of desperation and feistiness to this Europa…