Ahead of Sunday’s all important Olympic qualifier, Dream Team Coach Samson Siasia says he is sure his boys will come out victories despite the slim 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Port Harcourt.
While not bothered by the home advantage of their host and the ever boisterous Congo fans coupled with the tactics of frustrating visiting teams, Siasia insists there is no cause for alarm.
“I love big games, and I’m not shy to say so. This is with every sense of modesty. Pointe Noire is another tough session, but I look forward to it.”
Siasia was in charge of the Nigeria U-23 team that also to negotiate tough runs to the Men’s Football Tournament of the 2008 Olympics. On November 16, 2007, the team needed at least a draw against Ghana in Accra to be in good stead for the ticket, and duly played out a 0-0 draw. Siasia’s boys completed the job with a 3-0 win over South Africa in Abuja in March 2008.
Although Siasia’s team lost the Olympics gold to Argentina in Beijing, the former Eagles’ skipper was in charge when the Super Eagles achieved a first –ever win over the Argentines – a 4-1 win in a friendly in Abuja on June 1, 2011.
Recently, Siasia’s U-23 boys won both away matches on the road to qualifying for the 11th All-Africa Games football tournament – a 4-1 win over Gabon in Libreville and 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Lusaka.
“It will not be easy; nothing good in life comes easy. But we will give it our very best shot and return from Pointe Noire with victory.”
The U-23 National Team, Dream Team, landed in the economic capital of Congo, Pointe- Noire on Friday led by the Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu landed at the Augustino Nero International Airport, Pointe-Noire at about 12.25pm local time (same time with Nigeria) on board an Ethiopian Airline flight.
The Nigerian delegation was received by the Consul-General of the Embassy of Nigeria, Brazzaville, Mr. Adamu Shuaibu Hamza, accompanied by Mr. Adebayo Iyaomiye and the president of the Nigeria community in Pointe- Noire, Mr Ezenwabasili Egbuna.
Immediately on arrival, the delegation, with the assistance of the Embassy officials took the team to Hotel De Fez where they are accommodated.
