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Tag: Siasia

  • NFF commends Dream Team, Siasia

    NFF commends Dream Team, Siasia

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has  praised the Under-23 football team and head coach, Samson Siasia following their success at the just-concluded U-23 Afcon in Senegal.

    Oghenekaro Etebo scored a brace to power Nigeria past Algeria in the showpiece game in Dakar as the Dream Team VI won 2-1 at Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, Dakar.

    NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, who spoke on behalf of the federation identified “exceptional perseverance and unyielding spirit” and the impact of Siasia for the success in Senegal.

    “This is another reason to celebrate. We are delighted. But we give a lot of credit to the players and the officials led by coach Samson Siasia.

    “They showed exceptional perseverance and unyielding spirit to do the nation proud.

    “The NFF as a federation has special praise for coach Siasia. He was strong mentally and never lost focus, even in the face of odds. He is deserving of every encomium,” Pinnick told the federation’s official website, www.thenff.com.

    Nigeria have now qualified for the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro following the heroics of the Dream Team VI in Senegal.

  • Africa U- 23 Cup of Nations final: Siasia banks on GOD

    Africa U- 23 Cup of Nations final: Siasia banks on GOD

    • Happy Team Captain is back
    • Says Dream Team VI really suffered

    The Chief Coach of Dream Team VI,Samson Siasia has told Sportinglife that he and his team will continue to rely on God’s favour and assistance to beat Algeria in today’s final of the Africa U- 23 Cup of Nations and to eventually win the trophy at stake.

    Siasia, who confessed that the team suffered a great deal as regards welfare  during the tournament but with God on the side of the team and the players’ patriotism flowing in their blood they were able to qualify for the 2016 Olympics and also zoom to today’s final.

    “We cannot come this far and lose the trophy, no God forbid. Our ultimate ambition is to come back home with the trophy and by the grace of God and our dint of hard work we will beat Algeria tomorrow (today) to win the Cup. That is the only way God can and will definitely crown our efforts because we have really suffered in this tournament. We were like orphans un-catered for throughout the competition.

    “I am also happy that my captain, Azubuike Ikechukwu is back from card suspension. We felt his absence in the game against Senegal. His inclusion will further strengthen the team against Algeria”, the former Super Eagles coach disclosed.

    He also emphasised on God’s assistance to the team. “In our match against the host Senegal we had 12 players on the field of play and the 12th player was God Almighty. Senegal even had a penalty which they couldn’t convert. So if it is not God who then? Our goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel was spectacular in goal too. He saved us from embarrassment. He was my man of the match in the game”, Siasia also told Sportinglife from Senegal yesterday.

    Siasia also hailed the impact of Golden Eaglets star Victor Osimhen in his team. “Victor  has done well so far, especially when he came in for the Senegal match. His future is really very bright and he should continue to work harder and be humble and also ready to learn like he is doing right now.

    Saisia was however elated that he would be leading the team to their second Olympics and hope this time around he would be able to win the gold medal of the Olympic Football Tournament in Rio, Brazil next year.

    “Qualifying for the Olympic Games for the second time as a coach makes me feel good and satisfied but I pray that I should lead this team to win the Olympics. That would then be my ultimate ambition. I am happy that I have not failed Nigerians who believed in me as a coach and who have always supported me and my team any time I was saddled with the job. They should continue to pray for us. By the special grace of God we won’t disappoint them,”he said.

     

  • Siasia: We have fixed our defensive problems

    Siasia: We have fixed our defensive problems

    Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has assured his team have fixed their defensive lapses after they posted a clean sheet against Algeria at the weekend.

    Nigeria let in four goals in their first two games against Mali and Egypt, before they posted a more assured display back in defence to hold Algeria to a goalless draw.

    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 11 players against 11, 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 U-17 World Cup sensation Victor Osimhen sparingly so that the youngster is not consumed by the occasion.

  • SEMI-FINAL TICKET: Siasia gives players $100 each

    SEMI-FINAL TICKET: Siasia gives players $100 each

    Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia gave $100 to each of his players for qualifying for the semi-final of the U-23 AFCON and thereafter vowed they will beat hosts Senegal on Wednesday to reach the championship final.

    Siasia redeemed a pledge to pay his players cash for reaching the last four of the U-23 championship, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics, after they held Algeria to a scoreless draw on Saturday in Dakar.

    He then fixed his sights on reaching the U-23 AFCON final at the expense of home team Senegal by 4pm (Nigerian time) on Wednesday.

    He said he hopes to inspire his team to progress to the final after he scored against Senegal in the 1992 AFCON in Dakar.

    “At the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992, I scored here (Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium), and this is why most Nigerians remember me, I will be around my players to repeat it on Wednesday,” he said.

    He said he was satisfied his team kept a clean sheet after capitulating in the second half of their two previous group games.

    “I congratulate my team for not conceding and qualifying for the semi-finals,” he said.

    “The most important thing was to qualify and we have achieved it. We wish we could garner the three points but I’m happy with qualifying and getting closer to Rio de Janeiro.”

  • Senegal U-23 Nations Cup: Siasia says Dream Team will improve against Egypt

    Senegal U-23 Nations Cup: Siasia says Dream Team will improve against Egypt

    • Says new defenders need time to blend
    • Happy with his attackers

     

    U-23 national coach, Samson Siasia believes his players were lucky not to lose to Mali who came close to drawing level in Sunday’s group B opening match of the Africa U-23 Nations Championship. Nigeria won the encounter 3-2 to top the group.

    “It was a difficult match. We played very well in the beginning and scored three goals. The defenders made two mistakes which cost us, and they (Mali) scored twice. The defenders panicked and they (Mali) almost equalised. I guess we were lucky to escape,” said the coach.

    “I am very happy and also thank God Almighty for winning the first group match against Mali. The first game of every tournament is always very difficult and needs to be handled with utmost care if not you may lose the game and put serious pressure on the team in the remaining two matches of the group. Now that we won the first match we know what to do to win the second that we expect will be more difficult and technical. Playing against Egypt won’t be easy at all but we will work hard on the field of play to win the match”, Siasia told SportingLife from Senegal yesterday.

    Ahead of Wednesday’s second game against Egypt, Siasia has promised to parade a more desperate and result oriented team. The coach sees the match as a titanic battle, as who wins will qualify for the next round of the competition. The competition serves as Africa’s qualifiers to determine its representatives for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

    Siasia, who showed appreciation to all Nigerians that supported him when his mother, Madam Beauty Ogere Siasia was kidnapped before she was rescued by the Bayelsa State Police in the early hours of Saturday, urged Nigerians to be patient with his team as they won’t disappoint.

    “We have identified the problematic area in the team which is the defense line. We have always paraded a very strong defense line but the inclusion of some new players has not made the line to be very effective against the Malians. The players that have joined are some of the best we have in the league but just needed time to blend together. I can assure everybody that they will leave up to their billings in the next match against Egypt.

    He also showered praises on his forward line comprising Taiwo Awoniyi, Junior Ajayi and Etebor Oghenekaro. “The boys did everything most especially in the first half to get the goals. I am very optimistic that the team will perform better against Egypt. Junior Ajayi was exceptionally good in the match,”Siasia said.

  • Siasia sad to drop players

    Siasia sad to drop players

    Nigeria U-23 manager,   Samson Siasia, has admitted he faced a selection headache before announcing the 21 players that will defend the colours of Nigeria at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

    The former Nantes striker has advised the dropped players not to be discouraged but to work harder to make the roster in the event the Dream Team qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.

    “I feel sad telling you guys to go, but the truth is that only 21 players will have to make the trip to Senegal, and these selected ones are those the technical crew have seen to be able to give us an Olympic ticket in Senegal, ”Siasia stated, according to thenff.com.

    “Don’t feel discouraged, go back to your clubs and keep on working on your game, you will have your chance to be part of the team.”

    The Nigeria Under 23s begin their campaign at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations on Sunday against Mali before tackling Egypt and Algeria in that order.

  • Siasia: Bayelsa has brighter future

    Siasia: Bayelsa has brighter future

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) governorship candidate in Bayelsa state, Moses Siasia, has called on the youths to join him in building a prosperous future for the state.

    Siasia was received in Yenagoa, the state capital, by thousands of youths as he unfolded his programes at the Samson Siasia Stadium, named after his elder brother and coach of the Under-23 Football Team, Samson Siasia.

    The 35-year old businessman said that, having achieved so much in business, where he has employed over 400 young professionals, he has what it takes to govern the state.

    He said: “My administration will diversify the state’s economy through agriculture and tourism to make Bayelsa an economic hub in the Southsouth geo-political zone. I will increase workers’ minimum wage from N18, 000 to N25, 000, while there would be prompt payment of gratuity to pensioners.”

    Siasia saiud he will focus on a two-point agenda of job creation and education.

    He sadded:“In achieving these two points agenda, we would also address the key strategic sectors like quality health delivery by ensuring the health sector earned the trust and respect of the people. We will partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the improvement of electricity.

    “We would explore other sustainable sources of affordable energy. The rural areas will no longer be thrown into darkness. We would introduce electronic badge system for security.

    “The government will ease means of transportation by establishing a drive and own tucking system, build trailer parks, invest in water taxi system for the riverine communities among others”

    “We would boost agriculture and make it attractive and rewarding. We will tackle the security challenges in the state to ensure that Bayelsans can go to bed with both eyes closed and also earn the trust of investors. Bayelsa will become the hub of tourism and technology advancement”

    The said he will be the first governor to serve with a woman deputy governor in Bayelsa State, adding that women would occupy 40 per cent of government appointments.

    He urged Bayelsans, particularly youths, to avoid mortgaging their future with peanuts. He said they should vote according to their conscience during the election.

    His running mate, Mrs Irene Opuene, urged the people  to vote for Siasaia, stressing that the ticket is people-driven

     

    She added: “It is our turn to participate in government.  Siasia is your son who has empowered other youths and women in our land. Remember, this movement is about that farmer in Nembe whose farm has been destroyed by oil spillage with no compensation.

    “It is about our young ladies that have been forced into prostitution by bad government. It is about the people in Yenegoa who have no portable water to drink.  The movement is not about Moses and Irene but it is your quest for purposeful leadership and transformation.

    “It is about the cry of our people against imposition and recycling of old hands. Moses Siloko Siasia is opportune to be at the forefront of the movement. We have no godfather but God and you, the good people of Bayelsa.”

     

  • Siasia: Bayelsa has brighter future

    Siasia: Bayelsa has brighter future

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) governorship candidate in Bayelsa state, Moses Siasia, has called on the youths to join him in building a prosperous future for the state.

    Siasia was received in Yenagoa, the state capital, by thousands of youths as he unfolded his programes at the Samson Siasia Stadium, named after his elder brother and coach of the Under-23 Football Team, Samson Siasia.

    The 35-year old businessman said that, having achieved so much in business, where he has employed over 400 young professionals, he has what it takes to govern the state.

    He said: “My administration will diversify the state’s economy through agriculture and tourism to make Bayelsa an economic hub in the Southsouth geo-political zone. I will increase workers’ minimum wage from N18, 000 to N25, 000, while there would be prompt payment of gratuity to pensioners.”

    Siasia saiud he will focus on a two-point agenda of job creation and education.

    He sadded:“In achieving these two points agenda, we would also address the key strategic sectors like quality health delivery by ensuring the health sector earned the trust and respect of the people. We will partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the improvement of electricity.

    “We would explore other sustainable sources of affordable energy. The rural areas will no longer be thrown into darkness. We would introduce electronic badge system for security.

    “The government will ease means of transportation by establishing a drive and own tucking system, build trailer parks, invest in water taxi system for the riverine communities among others”

    “We would boost agriculture and make it attractive and rewarding. We will tackle the security challenges in the state to ensure that Bayelsans can go to bed with both eyes closed and also earn the trust of investors. Bayelsa will become the hub of tourism and technology advancement”

    The said he will be the first governor to serve with a woman deputy governor in Bayelsa State, adding that women would occupy 40 per cent of government appointments.

    He urged Bayelsans, particularly youths, to avoid mortgaging their future with peanuts. He said they should vote according to their conscience during the election.

    His running mate, Mrs Irene Opuene, urged the people  to vote for Siasaia, stressing that the ticket is people-driven.

    She added: “It is our turn to participate in government.  Siasia is your son who has empowered other youths and women in our land. Remember, this movement is about that farmer in Nembe whose farm has been destroyed by oil spillage with no compensation.

    “It is about our young ladies that have been forced into prostitution by bad government. It is about the people in Yenegoa who have no portable water to drink.  The movement is not about Moses and Irene but it is your quest for purposeful leadership and transformation.

    “It is about the cry of our people against imposition and recycling of old hands. Moses Siloko Siasia is opportune to be at the forefront of the movement. We have no godfather but God and you, the good people of Bayelsa.”

  • Siasia invites Nwakali, Osimhen, 2 Others

    Siasia invites Nwakali, Osimhen, 2 Others

    Dream Team VI coach, Samson Siasia, has called up four Golden Eaglets stars to the Nigeria U23 national team ahead of the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal.

    Golden Ball winner Kelechi Nwakali, Golden Boot winner Victor Osimhen and first- choice fullbacks Udochukwu Anumudu and John Lazaraus have all been invited for a get – together in Gambia, where the U23s will hold a training camp prior to the tourney.

    Speaking on their invitation, Siasia told thenff.com : “I have been monitoring the progress of these boys while the team was being built by my brother, Emmanuel Amuneke.

    “Don’t forget we were in the same hotel and used the same pitch to train and I have been impressed with what I saw them do in Chile, so I think what I just did was rewarding them for a job well done.”

    The four invited players have been given one week to rest with their families before linking up with the Olympic squad.

  • Siasia considers Osimhen for Rio Olympics qualifiers

    Siasia considers Osimhen for Rio Olympics qualifiers

    Nigeria U-23 coach Samson Siasia is considering drafting U-17 World Cup hotshot Victor Osimhen for the African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal, it has been gathered.

    Osimhen set up a new goals record at the U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored 10 goals, netting in all seven games as Nigeria won a fifth global crown.

    A top official informed: “Siasia is considering calling up Osimhen and two other players from the World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets. The players are expected to join the U-23s in Morocco, where they will train before the U-23 championship in Senegal.”

    It was further learnt that the two other players may be skipper Kelechi Nwakali, who was named the MVP of the U-17 World Cup, and one of the team’s fullbacks.

    Siasia has complained about his team scoring goals and only a handful of noted strikers will be part of the 26 players who will fly out for a training stint in Morocco.

    It is believed Siasia is counting on overseas-based strikers such as Taiwo Awoniyi, Umar Aminu and Junior Ajayi  to join up with the final squad to Senegal.