I Knew We Would Leave Lusaka as Heroes, Says Siasia
Pinnick hails Dream Team VI, Falcons for winning AAG tickets
The Chief Coach of the Dream Team VI, Samson Siasia, has said he knew his wards will leave Lusaka as heroes and not as villains as they play better away from home.
Speaking after the game, an overwhelmed Siasia said even though he felt bad that Nigerians had ruled out his team even before the return leg, he knew with the calibre of players in the team and what he had put them through victory was certain.
While disclosing that the secret behind the team’s success was that aside the fact his boys played to instructions , he knew that the Zambians would come attacking his team to get a goal and he instructed his boys to be patient and knowing that Awoniyi has pace, they would catch them on the counter when the opportunity arises, which they did.
He disclosed that the qualification for the AAG football event is of great significance to him as he has never qualified for the games.
Coach Siasia described the Zambians as a good team, but that they were just better on the day.
On the way forward, Siasia said for now all he wants to do is savour the victory and hopes that the NFF would organise more friendly games for the team to put them in shape for the AAG and the Olympic Games qualifiers.
Meanwhile, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, has expressed delight with the qualification of the country’s men and women teams for the football events of this year’s All-Africa Games.
Speaking yesterday, minutes after the Dream Team edged Zambia’s U-23 to the AAG ticket, Pinnick said he was proud of the accomplishments of the two teams which has returned Nigeria to the football programme of the All-Africa Games.
“I am very, very excited with the result of the U-23 boys in Zambia. They have done the nation proud, just as the Super Falcons did on Friday. I can tell you that the Nigeria Football Federation and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are happy with the two teams’ accomplishments,” gushed the elated NFF president.