1st June, 2011
This is one day that coach Samson Siasia has been waiting for.
Today, being the first day of this new month of June is unique according to Siasia.
“I have been waiting for this day to come and I think playing against Argentina as a coach is a great honour. I want to be the first Nigerian coach to beat Argentina at the senior level, he saidâ€
As soccer loving Nigerians wait patiently for the 7pm kick off time of the high profile international friendly match between the Super Eagles and the senior national team of Argentina, Siasia is eyeing history at the Abuja national stadium.
Although, the main task ahead of the former Nantes of France striker is this weekendâ€
Encounter stands out among the hurdles he has to cross in his career.
“This is an ample opportunity for me to avenge the previous defeats that my country and I had suffered in the hands of the Argentine team. I have lost once to them as a player and as Nigeriaâ€
“Now that we are meeting again, I donâ€
Far back in 1994, the Eagles, then under Dutch Technical Adviser, Clemense Westerhof
lost 1-2 to a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina in a World Cup match in the US. Siasia scored Eaglesâ€
Although, the Nigerian team left America with their heads held high and a new prestige in the higher echelons of world football, but losing to Maradona and his country remained a bitter pill to swallow for Siasia.
Argentina also defeated Siasiaâ€
Lionel Messi, the player on everybodyâ€
“All these are the previous memories that we have to change with tonightâ€
Siasia, a one time player of Julius Berger of Lagos, has also promised the fans that the Eagles would entertain them when the tie with Argentina gets underway.
Skipper Joseph Yobo, Inter Milanâ€
With or without Messi, Siasia has a date with history, but Man Cityâ€
—Tunde Oyedele/Abuja