9th February, 2011
As the Super Eagles file out against the Leone Stars tonight at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria, Chief Coach, Samson Siasia has told his players to silence their mouthy visitors.
Siasia explained that the Nigeria senior team he is building must live up to the name of the ‘Eagle’ and that they must fly!
The Sierra Leone senior national team have been outspoken and threatening to disgrace the Eagles when they clash in today’s inetrnational friendly match. But in response, the Nigerian coach told his squad to show their guests the stuff in them when the match gets underway.
“Nigerians want to see a new team, with a new and positive attitude and we have our work cut out trying to meet the high expectations of a people who have tremendous passion for the gameâ€, Siasia told the players.
He added: “We must respect one another in this set-up. We also have to work hard. It is important that we get some good results as we start in order that our people will forget the disappointment of the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
“You may think the Sierra Leone match is a friendly and a small game, but Nigerians will begin to judge us from this first game, and it is very, very important that we show great spirit. We must fight for the ball and play for one another.
“This match will prepare us for the African Nations Cup qualifying match against Ethiopia coming up next month. And we all know we must win all our remaining matches in the qualifying series, he said.