ALL AFRICA GAMES QUALIFIER
Siasia: We Are Expecting Hostile Atmosphere in Lusaka Dream Team VI departs for make-or-break clash with Zambia
in Abuja Dream Team VI Head Coach, Samson Siasia, has psyched up his team to be prepared for a hostile reception in the All Africa Games/ Rio 2016 qualifier in Lusaka against Zambia.
The Nigerian team left Abuja yesterday with a slim chance of triumphing in Sunday’s match after they drew goalless with the Junior Chipolopolo in the first leg fixture in Abuja.
But drawing from his experience as a former Super Eagles international, Siasia briefed his players of what to expect and likened playing in Lusaka to walking into a lion’s cage.
“I have played in Lusaka before and I must admit it is not a place you like to visit. It is going to be a hostile environment, if we think is not going to happen we are just dreaming.
“We all know that but we shouldn’t allow that to distract us as we must focus on why we are there. It is how you handle that tension that is going to help,” Siasia admitted after the team defeated Abuja Academy 3-0 in a warm up match.
He also stressed that the coaches were constantly reminding the players of what to do to get the result they need to advance to the male football tournament of the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.
Siasia said he expects his wards to be on the offensive against Zambia, adding that the players have been instructed to exhibit tactical discipline and avoid keeping offside tactics and also not allow Zambians to breach their back line.
“We shall definitely play attacking football because I don’t know how to ‘pack the bus’ like Jose Mourinho. We will also try not to concede a goal if we don’t score any and prepare our minds on playing penalty shoot-out which can go any body’s way, “Siasia said.
But Siasia’s opposite number in the Zambian team, Zambia U23, Coach, Fighton Simukonda, insisted yesterday that Nigeria will not qualify for the All African Games football event at their expense.
Simukonda who has his full complement of invited players for this epic clash, said, “Nigeria can’t come here and beat us in Lusaka, we are ready for Nigeria we can even play them right now.”
What perhaps is giving the Zambian coach more confidence is the return of Bruce Musakanya who missed the first leg due to injury.
“Red Arrows midfielder Bruce Musakanya, who missed the first leg in Nigeria due to injury, is fully fit and in camp. Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa midfielder Mukuka Mulenga who was not released for the first leg is also in camp already.
“The players who played for Power Dynamos and Zesco United in continental games are here too. The spirit is high,” revealed a top Zambian sports journalist yesterday.