By Harry Awurumibe, Head, Lagos Bureau With Nigeria’s national U- 23 team’s unconvincing displays in the first three matches of the on-going African Junior Nations Cup final in Senegal, football fans have asked Coach Samson Siasia to ensure that his boys delivered Rio Olympic Games ticket.
The Nigerian team will on Wednesday in Dakar tackle its Senegalese counterpart in one of the two semifinals matches of the competition with the winner securing an automatic ticket to represent Africa in Olympic Games next year in Brazil.
South Africa and Algeria will clash in the other semi-final encounter also in Dakar just as the two semi-final winners and the third place team picking the three automatic tickets to represent Africa in the competition while the fourth finisher will settle for a play-off with an Asian opponent early next.
But Chief Charles Azubuike, a football promoter has urged Siasia and his players to brace up for a tough match against the host country, Senegal when both teams meet, pointing out that the Senegalese will try to impress their home fans by attacking the Dream Team vi.
According to the London-based businessman, coach Siasia should fielde a determined squad that will give the host team a run for their money, adding that the Nigerians must not be intimidated on the day.
Said he, “I will like to see a marked improvement in the way the Nigeria’s U-23 team has played so far in the competition. I believe in Coach Siasia and I don’t have any iota of doubt in my mind that he will present a squad that will play well and win against a formidable opponent”.
The proprietor of Charliz Fastfood at Imo Polytechnic on Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, predicted that Nigeria will be victorious over Senegal.
Also, Muyiwa Ayodeji , Car dealer on Western Avenue, Surulere Lagos has asked the U-23 team to come out stronger against Senegal on Wednesday, arguing that the slow performances of the Dream Team in the group matches may be a blessing in disguise as their opponents may underrate them at their own peril.
“I see a situation where the Senegalese will take Nigeria for granted and pay dearly for it. Our boys can make names for themselves by proving their detractors wrong with a victory over the highly rated host team”, Ayodeji posited.
