Nigeria will play their opening
game of the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, when they face Mali in
the group B pairing at the Caroline Faye Stadium in M’bour, Senegal.
At
stake, is the 2016 Olympic qualification ticket. Having missed the 2012
edition and also missing the chance to win the gold medal at the 2015
Africa Games in Congo, the team coached by Samson Siasia is under
pressure to deliver. The match against Mali will be a true test of their
intention of restoring their dignity.
Mali, were whiskers away from beating Nigeria at the Africa Games, but for a late minute goal that rescued a point for the Nigerian team in that encounter. The Malians vowed to fight again at this tournament, even as Siasia groaned about his players inability to convert scoring chances.
But that was then, Siasia has reinforced his team with tested strikers in the mould of Junior Ajayi, Taiwo Awoniyi and FIFA Under-17 goal king Victor Osimhen fresh from his exploits in Chile 2015.
A ten day training stint in Gambia has given the Nigerian team some measure of preparedness and it remains to be seen how they off-laod in their first match of the tournament.
Mali’s strongest point is their resolute defending and their quick counter-attack. They will be coming out strong against the ‘Olympic Eagles’, but Siasia must have taken good notes and knows just what to do to keep the Malians in check.
One man that may give the Nigerians a cause for worry is Nantes’ Adama Niane who emerged as joint top scorer in the qualifiers with four goals. The forward can shoot from long range and can also trouble the defence.
Siasia varies his system depending on the opponent, but usually sets his team up in a 4-3-3 formation or a 4-4-2 which can become as attacking as a 4-2-4 as the game might be.
Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick backed the team to achieve its primary aim at the tournament.
“Siasia has brought new, exciting faces to the group and there is confidence all around again. The ticket to the Olympics is non-negotiable.”
“We won the U-20 Cup of Nations in Senegal at the beginning of the year; now, we are back there for the Olympics ticket and the trophy. We will achieve both, because Samson Siasia has put together a crack squad and he has the support of the NFF all the way.”
At
stake, is the 2016 Olympic qualification ticket. Having missed the 2012
edition and also missing the chance to win the gold medal at the 2015
Africa Games in Congo, the team coached by Samson Siasia is under
pressure to deliver. The match against Mali will be a true test of their
intention of restoring their dignity.Mali, were whiskers away from beating Nigeria at the Africa Games, but for a late minute goal that rescued a point for the Nigerian team in that encounter. The Malians vowed to fight again at this tournament, even as Siasia groaned about his players inability to convert scoring chances.
But that was then, Siasia has reinforced his team with tested strikers in the mould of Junior Ajayi, Taiwo Awoniyi and FIFA Under-17 goal king Victor Osimhen fresh from his exploits in Chile 2015.
A ten day training stint in Gambia has given the Nigerian team some measure of preparedness and it remains to be seen how they off-laod in their first match of the tournament.
Mali’s strongest point is their resolute defending and their quick counter-attack. They will be coming out strong against the ‘Olympic Eagles’, but Siasia must have taken good notes and knows just what to do to keep the Malians in check.
One man that may give the Nigerians a cause for worry is Nantes’ Adama Niane who emerged as joint top scorer in the qualifiers with four goals. The forward can shoot from long range and can also trouble the defence.
Siasia varies his system depending on the opponent, but usually sets his team up in a 4-3-3 formation or a 4-4-2 which can become as attacking as a 4-2-4 as the game might be.
Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick backed the team to achieve its primary aim at the tournament.
“Siasia has brought new, exciting faces to the group and there is confidence all around again. The ticket to the Olympics is non-negotiable.”
“We won the U-20 Cup of Nations in Senegal at the beginning of the year; now, we are back there for the Olympics ticket and the trophy. We will achieve both, because Samson Siasia has put together a crack squad and he has the support of the NFF all the way.”
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