AFCON 2023: Lack of Cohesion in Eagles Worries Siasia

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Former Super Eagles Head Coach, Samson Siasia,  has expressed his worries over the lack of cohesion in Jose Peseiro’s squad bidding to win the AFCON 2023 starting next January in Côte d’Ivoire.

Siasia who is the only Nigerian coach to have led the Dream Team to silver and bronze medals at the Olympic Games revealed his worries in a chat with Sportsville, aired on Channel TV on Sunday.

Siasia whose ban by FIFA will expire August next year said though the current Super Eagles are made up  of quality players however do not  play as a unit. 

“Like the majority of Nigerians, I am worried about  the Eagles lacklustre performances so far. Struggling against countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe not a good signature of a team ready to win the Africa Cup of Nations as well as qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“Let us not deceive ourselves, we cannot be the best in Africa with this disorganised team. Our players must be made to understand what it means to wear the green and white jersey of the nation while the coach also needs to improve on the tactical approach.

“It will be too painful if, with the quality of players at our disposal,  we don’t win the AFCON or fail to pick a World Cup ticket, shortly after missing qualification for Qatar 2022 World Cup.

“I was in Uyo to watch the Lesotho match. What I saw were players running around without a game plan. This does not speak well of a team that has so much potential,” observes the ex international.

The 1994 Nations Cup winner also has a world for the Nigeria Football Federation. 

“We can do better by not owing the coaches. The NFF should do everything possible to ensure that issues of outstanding salaries are sorted out well before next year’s AFCON.

“We must avoid any distraction to make the team concentrate,” he explained.

On his possible return to handle the Eagles, the Bayelsa-born coach said he will be open to such an offer when his ban is over.

“Nigeria is my country and I am ready to serve her to the best of my ability when the opportunity arises. Right now, I am set to attend a couple of coaching courses abroad in the coming weeks and when that is done, I will be readily available for any opportunity,” he concluded.