Former Super Eagles head coach, Samson Siasia, has raised concerns about the team’s recent performances, urging the players to elevate their game to have a shot at clinching the title in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Super Eagles’ lackluster showings in their recent encounters against Lesotho and Zimbabwe have left fans and experts questioning their readiness for the prestigious tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Siasia, a distinguished member of the Super Eagles squad that secured victory in the 1994 AFCON held in Tunisia, emphasized the need for significant improvement from both the players and the technical crew.
Speaking in an interview with Channels TV, he expressed worry over the team’s struggle against ostensibly weaker opponents, stating, “Like the majority of Nigerians, I am worried about the Eagles’ lackluster performances so far.”
The former striker’s apprehension stems from the belief that a team aspiring to conquer the Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for the 2026 World Cup cannot afford to falter against countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
He called for a collective understanding among the players of the honour and responsibility that comes with donning the green and white jersey of the nation.
Siasia did not shy away from addressing the disorganization within the team, asserting that such shortcomings would hinder their quest to be the best in Africa.
He underscored the importance of refining the tactical approach under the current coaching setup, suggesting that a more organized and strategic game plan is imperative for success.
With the 2023 AFCON looming, the Super Eagles are scheduled to kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14 at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe.
The subsequent clashes against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on January 18 and Guinea-Bissau on January 22 pose significant challenges for Jose Peseiro’s side.
As the football fraternity awaits the unfolding drama of the AFCON, Siasia’s words serve as a stern warning and a call to action for the Super Eagles to rise above their recent mediocrity and prove their mettle on the continental stage. The echoes of 1994’s triumph resonate, reminding the current generation of players of the standards they must aspire to uphold in the pursuit of glory.