Nigeria U23 national team coach, Samson Siasia, has disclosed that he has found solutions to his second half lost of composure in his first two games in Senegal ahead of their semi final game against host country on Wednesday.
Siasia explained that their last goalless draw against Algeria was an evidence, adding that they will build on that last game and ensure they return home with a silverware, as well as one of the tickets available for next Olympics in Rio.
Siasia said: “We have learnt our lessons. Two games in which the first half looked good and the last half didn’t. We made our corrections and you can see from how we played in the last game.
“We are not going back home empty –handed; it’s no retreat, no surrender. We have to get ourselves ready for tomorrow’s game (semi-final vs Senegal); it’s going to be a difficult one. It’s going to be eleven players against eleven, so we have our chances to qualify.”
He also argued that skipper Azubuike Okechukwu’s absence on account of a one-match suspension will give another player the chance to shine on Wednesday.
“We would have loved to have Azubuike because he is the captain and a big motivator, and you have to have a leader on the field. But he’s suspended, so we have to live with that. There is no need crying over spilt milk,” he said.
“In life, you always have to make adjustments in several areas. Azubuike’s absence will give another player the opportunity to prove himself.”
The coach also said he is using FIFA U17 World Cup sensation Victor Osimhen sparingly so that the youngster is not consumed by the occasion.
