U-23 AFCON: Siasia Admits Tough Senegal Encounter
Ahead of Nigeria’s crunch semi-final clash against host, Senegal, coach Samson Siasia has admitted that it will be a tough task facing the Senegalese in front of their home fans.
The 48-year old however, urged his team to go all out and come out victorious on Wednesday, adding that they should draw inspiration from his heroic display against Senegal at the 1992 African Cup of Nations when he scored the Lions of Teranga at the Lepold Sedar Senghor Stadium, in Senegal.
“I would have preferred to play Senegal in the final but I have to do at the semis. It will be a great match because they will have the public behind them and we have to play and win.
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“At the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992, I scored here (Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium), and this is why most Senegalese remember me. I will be around my players to repeat it next Wednesday,” said the former Super Eagles striker.
Siasia, who expressed immense happiness that the team reached the semi-final, said, “I congratulate my team for not conceding and qualifying for the semi-finals. The most important was to qualify and we have achieved it. We wish we could garner the three points but I’m happy with qualifying and getting closer to Rio de Janeiro.”
Coach Siasia yesterday rewarded his team with $100 each for qualifying to the semi-final of the competition.
The Dream team VI are undefeated after three matches, winning their first game against Mali and drawing the second and third against Egypt and Algeria.
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Only the top three countries will represent Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games.
