AFCON 2017 QUALIFIER: Siasia in selection dilemma

BARELY 48 hours to the Kaduna first leg of Nigeria, Egypt AFCON 2017 qualifiers, Su­per Eagles interim manager, Samson Siasia, is said to be losing sleep over those to start , especially in the attack.

Siasia is said to be weighing so many at­tacking options following the excellent form displayed by the players and their high level of commitment after Tuesday’s training ses­sion.

The coach who was full of praise for the boys stated they are all ready to fight for the country.
“I am happy with the commitment level of the players. You could see that they really want to fight for their fatherland and they tried to put in all they have in training,” Sia­sia stated yesterday.

A camp source told Daily Sunsports that Siasia’s biggest headache ahead of the game is who to start upfront and those to keep on the bench.

“The coach is weighing many at­tacking options…Odion Ighalo is in fine form, just like returnee Vic­tor Moses and captain of the side Ahmed Musa. Newcomers, Alex Iwobi and US based Fenando Adi and Aron Samuel are all on fire,” our source said.

He stressed that the six home lads Siasia picked for the matches are equally good enough to start and may not just play bench role.

“Siasia may start some of the home lads because they are already at home with the weather in Kadu­na,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eagles assistant coach, Emmanuel Amunike, has expressed confidence over the readi­ness of the team for the game, assur­ing that the players are mentally and physically ready.
Speaking to Daily Sunsports, the Flying Eagles chief coach, said: “We believe God that the game will be in our favour. We have to also respect our opponent and should not be car­ried away because we are playing at home.”
Odion Ighalo on his part expressed optimism that Eagles will soar above Egypt on Friday.
“The matches (against Egypt) are important and crucial towards our aspirations of playing at the next tournament in Gabon.
“My attitude towards the two matches would be similar to Wat­ford’s. I will give my best and play with a lot of determination.”

SUN NEWS