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| Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia |
But Siasia, who failed to help the team qualify for this year’s edition of the tournament – the first time the country failed to attend the event in 26 years – is optimistic that Stephen Keshi’s side can spring surprises in South Africa, the venue of next year’s competition.
He said, “The most important thing is that the Eagles won very well against Liberia. It was a good game. Nigerians are very happy that we are going to the Nations Cup.
“But it doesn’t stop there because there is a difference between being there and being among the countries that could win the tournament.
“Keshi should start preparations on time. If the administrators don’t give much problems, I think he knows what to do. He has to start on time to pick the players he actually believes can help him do well in the tournament.
“The commencement of the competition is not far from now; so he (Keshi) has a very tough job on his hands but I know he can do it. The most important thing is that we have to support and encourage him to make sure he does a good job.
“If the country wins we will all be happy and if we don’t, it will affect all of us. It is a collective effort so we all have to try and support the team and make sure they do well.”
Siasia who steered the national U-23 side to a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, advised that the team should be camped together at least a month before the continent’s top football showpiece.
“We have good players but sometimes you may face a situation where you meet a tougher opposition and blending together of the team becomes very vital to scale through. Most times the players are not together as they should be.
“That is where trying to understand each other come in. I think if the players come together a month before the Nations Cup, it would help us perform well in the tournament,” Siasia said.
Source: Punch
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