Senegal 2015 : Siasia admits tough Senegal encounter

Head Coach of Nigeria’s Dream Team VI, Samson Siasia has admitted that his wards have a herculean task on Wednesday when they face hosts Senegal in the semi-final of the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Siasia, whose team have been far from impressive so far notes that the hosts have been in sterling form thus far winning all three of their games in the group stage of the competition.
The Beijing 2008 football event finalist however believes the Dream Team will not be fazed by the frenzied atmosphere expected at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar.
“I did not plan for us to meet Senegal in the semifinals. It just happened.

“We would have loved to play in the final with Senegal because the atmosphere would have been wonderful.
“That scenario would have meant we are through to the Olympics in Brazil but as it is, we have to play against Senegal in the semifinals.

“We are not going to run away. They (Senegal) are a very good side and they are playing in front of their crowd.

“It is going to be a very difficult match but the Senegalese fans will not play on the day.
“It will be down to the 11 players on the pitch on the day.

“So, I just want to enjoy this moment (that we have qualified for the semifinals) and make corrections for the next game,” Siasia told the assembled press during the post-match press conference shortly after his side drew 0-0 with Algeria in Dakar.

As a way of motivating his players ahead of the game on Wednesday, the Nigerian coach gave $100 to each of his players for qualifying for the semi-final of the U23 AFCON and thereafter vowed they will play to 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 U23 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 U23 AFCON final at the expense of home team Senegal by 4pm Nigerian time on Wednesday.

“It will be a great match because they will have the public behind them and we have to play and win.”

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 remarked.
“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.”

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