[b][size=14pt] Nigeria worried about Egypt clash, says Pharoahs goalkeeping coach [/size] Nigeria host Egypt 25 March in the first leg of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers; the second leg, 29 March, will be held in Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria Mahmoud Elassal [img]http://english.ahram.org.eg/Media/News/2016/3/10/2016-635932145844337897-433.jpg[/img] (Photo: Bassam Al Zoghbi)
Egypt national team goalkeeping coach Ahmed Nagi believes that the substance of announcements from Nigeria's coach won't affect players ahead of the two sides' game in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.
Nigeria coach Samson Siasia is adopting a “no fear” approach as his side prepares to face Egypt in the Nations Cup qualifiers. He believes the Super Eagles have nothing to worry about in the double-header.
"Siasia's statements won't affect Egypt players, or the coaching staff," Egypt goalkeeping coach told a television programme Wednesday.
"We're used to hearing these kinds of comments from African coaches," he added. "The statements indicate he is worried about the Egypt clash," he said.
"Siasia respects the Egypt team. He knows our abilities. And we also respect the Nigeria team, as they are strong opponents, so I hope to achieve a positive result," Nagi said.
Nigeria will host the Pharaohs 25 March in Kaduna before playing the follow-up match four days later in Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.
"The team will hold a camp 19 March as the squad will be announced after the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup games. Then we will fly to Nigeria on 23 March in a private jet to Kaduna," the goalkeeping coach revealed.
With only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 Cup of Nations, second-placed Nigeria have no choice but to beat group leaders Egypt to improve their position in the group.
Egypt are leading group G with six points, two ahead of Nigeria.
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria: I Bear No Grudges Over My Super Eagles' Exclusion - Mohammed [/size] Abuja — Dream Team VI midfielder, Usman Mohammed, said on Wednesday in Abuja, that he has no grudges beeing barred from the Super Eagles camp following his late arrival to the Under-23 team camp.
Mohammed alongside Stanley Dimgba and defender Segun Oduduwa, were axed on Monday from the team by Coach Samson Siasia for lateness to camp.
They were also barred from entering the Super Eagles camp having been invited from the Under-23 team in preparation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Egypt.
The first leg of the qualifier is scheduled to take place in Kaduna on March 25 with a return-leg on March 29 in Alexandria, Egypt.
But Mohammed told NAN after the team's training on Wednesday evening at the Abuja National Stadium that there was nothing to grudge since both teams trained together under one coach.
"I don't feel any regret because the coach is the person in charge of both teams and there is no difference between the two teams.
"Under-23 is where I started from and as you can see, we trained together on the same pitch.
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria coach backs Hornets star [/size] Watford striker Odion Ighalo has been backed by Nigeria's interim coach Samson Siasia to rediscover his goalscoring touch. The 26-year-old, who has not scored in 13 games having bagged 14 in the Premier League in the first half of the season, has been called up for the Super Eagles' Africa Cup of Nations qualification double-header against Egypt on March 25 and 29 respectively.
And, while Ighalo is going through a tough time with the Hornets, Siasia is confident in his abilities and feels he could be the difference against the Pharaohs. "I am not worried about Ighalo's recent lack of scoring goals for his club," Siasia said.
"I have been in constant touch with the player and I know that he would deliver against Egypt home and away. "I can assure you that Odion is desperate to deliver against Egypt because he knows the importance of the two matches and he told me."
[b][size=14pt] Can This 23-year Old Be The Next Kanu At Arsenal? By Kevin Harrison [/size] There is one striker who has been linked with a move to the Premier League and one such striker who seems to be on the radar for most clubs is Ahmed Musa. The Nigerian was once linked with a move to Manchester United and now the rumours are swirling around that the 23-year-old striker could be the one to solve Arsenal’s striker crisis.
“I would be happy if I was wanted by Arsenal,” said Musa this week. “I have supported the team since the age of six. Kanu has been my idol since childhood. It will be fantastic to play for Arsenal.
“I will not hide it; Leicester actually came to our club. But I repeat that I want to finish the season with CSKA to help them to win a championship, and then think about changing team.”
Musa currently plays for CSKA Moscow and has scored 10 goals for the Russian Premier League side this season and has scored 46 goals for the side in his five seasons in Russia, though he did have a slow start in his first season. A tough striker with a lot of potential
Considering the fact that he is only 23, Musa does have a lot of experience playing in Europe. The Nigerian had spent a couple of seasons at VVV Venlo in the Eredivisie and then moved to CSKA Moscow. He started his career for GBS Football Academy and then had stints at various clubs as he grew and moulded into one of the best attackers in Nigerian football.
He even set a record for scoring the most number of goals in the Nigerian Premier League in one season. Musa, though is known for his pace and ability to dribble with the ball. His lightning pace is what makes him such a tricky customer to deal with and this coupled with the movement that he puts across the forward line is something that can be a huge asset for him in the Premier League.
True, he does not score as often as some of the other top strikers in the world but that is not his game. It is the movement that makes him so pivotal for any team he plays for.
Musa can play as a winger or as a central striker as well, he has also played as an attacking midfielder for CSKA this season but his preferred position and the one where he can do the most damage is playing as the main striker.
He isn’t the most physical when it comes to taking on defenders and his heading ability and aerial strength isn’t the greatest, not that Arsenal provide a lot of crosses to their strikers. He also loves to play passes and links up well with the other attackers in the team and that could be the reason why Arsenal are so interested in the striker.
Musa would provide better movement that Olivier Giroud does and he does have a better head when it comes to playing as a striker compared to Theo Walcott. The 23-year-old is not the finished product though and needs to hone his skills to get in front of the goal and score more often.
Arsenal need someone who can stretch defences with his runs and the pace of Musa could well be the answer that Arsene Wenger has been looking for but would he be willing to try his luck with an unknown quantity?
Na so... The Egyptians saying they're used to African coaches saying things similar to Siasia.
They have forgotten how Ghana "battered" them in a crucial World cup qualifying series after saying "Siasia's kinda lines".
They are "more" worried... After all, their people watch our players week in, week out in the EPL and UCL. They may even be secretly hoping our big key players sustain one injury or another. So Mr.Pharoahs, make we hear word.... #smiles
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria: Afcon 2017 - Kaduna Supporters' Club Asks Nigerians to Support Eagles [/size] Kaduna — The Kaduna State Supporters' Club on Wednesday called on Nigerians to come out and cheer the Super Eagles to victory in their match against the Pharaohs of Egypt.
The Super Eagles will face the Pharoahs in a double header 2017 AFCON qualifier matches.
The first-leg of the encounter is scheduled to hold at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on March 25.
Chairman of the association, Ado- Garba Mohammed told NAN that due to the importance of the match to Nigeria's quest to qualify for the 2017 AFCON "there is need for massive support from Nigerians".
Mohammed said that preparations for the Kaduna match were in top gear.
"We need support from all Nigerians to ensure Super Eagles' victory.
[b][size=14pt] Okonkwo: It’s Do Or Die Against Egypt [/size] Super Eagles defender Chibuzor Okonkwo tells Completesportsnigeria.com’s BAMIDELE BOLUWAJI that he and his colleagues are well prepared to ensure Egypt fall in the first leg match of the 2017 AFCON qualifier in Kaduna, saying he believes so much in the technical ability of Coach Samson Siasia in ensuring Nigeria qualify for the tournament in Gabon…
How do you feel being invited for the 2017 AFCON double header against Egypt?
I feel happy and excited because it has been a long time I played in the national team. I must say I am grateful to the coaches for the confidence they have in me. It is yet another opportunity for me to prove what I can do in the national team.
It has been long you played in the national team, what changes have you seen in the Super Eagles?
Yes, you are right it has been a long time but I am happy to be back to contribute to the team again. When I left the team, the Super Eagles were doing well and I am happy that I am returning to the team when the team is still doing well. It is a challenge for me and other players who have been away for some time to work hard and make sure we take the team to the next level.
What was the experience like playing in the Libyan League before returning to the NPFL?
Well, I want to thank God for the opportunity I had to play outside the country and I see it as an experience I needed to get better as a professional footballer. Libyan League is well organized just like we have in Nigeria now and it is very attractive in terms of money but when you look at the standard with what we have here, I will say our league is better because I can see lots of changes in our league now that will make it attractive to anybody outside the country.
Personally, I think the difference is money and if we can just make our league more lucrative In terms of salaries, bonuses and other entitlements, many people from outside Nigeria will be willing to come and play here. I am happy that I played in Libya and gained some experience from there.
You were part of Coach Samson Siasia team in 2008 and now you are back to play under the same coach, how would you describe him and what is that thing do you think makes him to command respect from his players?
He is an experience Coach and highly discipline in everything he does, he does not treat players any how or look down on players and he advises players on how they can be better instead of insulting them. Everyone that has passed through him will testify to what I am saying and that is why players will always want to go extra miles to play for him.
The first time I played under him, I did not know much about him but when I got to know him, I saw one thing in him and that is his interest in players’ progress and that is why players always see him as a role model. Highly technical and he does not joke with training, if he expects you to do something in training and you did not get it right, he will insists until you get it right and also encourages players that they can be Messi, Ronaldo and other great players in the world.
Nigeria will be playing Egypt on March 25 in Kaduna, how prepared are you for this match?
Well, we are in camp now preparing for the match, it is an important match to the players and Nigeria our country and if I am picked for the match, I will definitely give my best to make sure we win. If you see the level of concentration in camp now ahead of match, you will see that we are all ready to declare war on Egypt, that match is a must win for us and I want to assure Nigerians that we are going to give our best.
Nigeria must win the first match in Kaduna to qualify for the 2017 AFCON; do you players really believe you can do it for Siasia?
Like I said, it is not the case of doing it alone for the coach, but for ourselves and the Nigeria as a nation. We have been told that we need to win the first leg match if we must qualify for the African Cup of Nations and I must tell you that it is a do or die affair, Egypt must fall in the match and we are even taking the fight to their home ground after the first leg match.
Are you nursing any fear ahead of the crucial games?
No, all we need to do is to prepare well and go out there to give our best, I have no reason to be afraid of anything because it is a game of 11 versus 11 matches. We are well prepared for the games.
What are your expectations from the first leg game?
My expectation is a good game that will earn us the victory we need and we will go for it.
What is the importance of the African Cup of Nations to you Chibuzor?
It is very important to me just like every other player, I feel great playing for Nigeria and I also want to represent my country at the 2017 African Cup of Nations, it is very important to me.
Can you predict the likely outcome of the first leg match in Kaduna?
I am not good at that and more so, only God has the final say on anything but we are going to fight hard to make sure we win.
Finally, did you miss anything in the Super Eagles when Coach Sunday Oliseh was in charge of the team?
I did not miss anything, the players that were there with him gave their best and now that we have another coach and some new players in the team, we are going to start from where he stopped and make sure we do more to take the Super Eagles to the next level.
[b][size=14pt] Ighalo can rediscover scoring against Egypt –Shofoluwe [/size] Odion Ighalo
Idris Adesina
Former Nigeria defender, Yisa Shofoluwe, and former Flying Eagles coach, James Peters, have said Watford striker, Odion Ighalo, can pick up his scoring form for the Super Eagles when the team face Egypt in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier later this month.
The Eagles will face the Pharaohs, who are top of Group G, in a double-header on March 25 in Kaduna before heading to Alexandria for the return leg on March 29.
Ighalo has been in a good form for Watford this season. He has scored 16 goals for the Hornets, helping them to cement their place in the English Premier League, which they just got promoted to. But the 26-year-old has yet to replicate the same form for the Eagles as he has scored only two goals in seven appearances for the country.
Ighalo is expected to lead the Eagles line for the match against Egypt after coach Samson Siasia released the list of players for the Egypt match.
Shofoluwe and Peters told our correspondent that the player’s present form is such as could be replicated for the Eagles.
“Ighalo is a complete striker. He has the speed, power and strength to cause troubles for any defender who is not careful enough,” Shofoluwe said.
“He has been in an excellent for his club and I believe he would do well against Egypt. He may have struggled in previous matches in the Nigerian colours but the quality of opposition is another thing that will make him deliver.
“When you play against weak oppositions, it has a way by which it affects your game because they will not allow you to express yourself fully. I don’t think Ighalo has played a big game yet for Nigeria. Egypt will be a test of his skills and I believe he will do well in the match.”
[b][size=14pt] Battle of the Pharaohs Cuper storms Kaduna with 11-man backroom staff Posted By: Onyewuchi Nwachukwu [/size] To underline the seriousness they have attached to the 2017 AFCON qualifiers against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the Head Coach of the Pharaohs of Egypt, Hector Cuper will be leading an 11-man backroom staff to Kaduna.
Those expected to arrive in Nigeria to give the necessary technical and other forms of support to Cuper include assistant coach, Osama Nabih, 1st Assistant coach, José Fantaguzzi, Goalkeeping coach Ahmed Nagy, Team director Ehab Leheta, Analyst and Assistant Coach Mahmoud Fayez, Physical trainer Antonio Sarioglou, Team doctor Mahmoud Abou El Ela, Masseur Badr Hamed ,Physiotherapist Hossam El Ibrashy, Kit manager Abdullah El Sayed ,Media officer Mostafa Tantawi.
Already, the Egyptian delegation has planned to arrive in Kaduna by chartered flight on March 22, three days before the game scheduled for the Ahmadu Bello stadium, Kaduna.
The team will gather in Alexandria, where they will go to Cairo and then connect a chartered flight to Nigeria. The second of the double header holds on March 29 in Alexandria.
[b][size=14pt] Masterodous: It’s good Oliseh quit Posted By: Adeyinka Adedipe [/size] Former Leventis United manager, John Masterodous has hailed Sunday Oliseh’s decision to quit his post as the Super Eagles’ coach.
He said it was difficult to create a national team that is very strong within a short period of time. He noted that it will take unity among the football fraternity to put together a solid national team. “I must admit that it is difficult to create a strong national team with the kind of problems football is currently experiencing. We can only achieve success if there is unity in the team.
“I am happy that Oliseh has left not because he wasn’t good, but because of the problems in the team. I hope Samson Siasia can get us to the Nations Cup. I am always sad if Nigeria misses a major event and I will call on everyone to support Siasia.”
Also, some former Eagles’ players have called on the present crop of players to be dedicated to the national team. Austin Okocha, former Super Eagles captain, who led the call, said the national team would retain the glory days if the players were dedicated to the team.
“In our days, we put in our best and ensured that we got the result we need to win games even in the face of serious difficulties. My advice is that the players must also be committed so that the Super Eagles will become a big brand once again.
Austin Eguavoen, who also captained and coached the team, said that the players must rise up to the challenge of playing for the national team, while calling on Siasia to put the players in good shape for the cracker against Egypt.
While speaking in the same vein, Nwankwo Kanu also stated that the players in the team should do their best for the Eagles so that they can also be celebrated like the former stars.
TheSuperNerd: Na so... The Egyptians saying they're used to African coaches saying things similar to Siasia.
They have forgotten how Ghana "battered" them in a crucial World cup qualifying series after saying "Siasia's kinda lines".
They are "more" worried... After all, their people watch our players week in, week out in the EPL and UCL. They may even be secretly hoping our big key players sustain one injury or another. So Mr.Pharoahs, make we hear word.... #smiles
Mind games specialists, let the D day come first. I pray SiaSia plays the right cards
[b][size=14pt] Mikel, others get March 21 deadline Posted By: Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja [/size] Super Eagles’ caretaker Chief Coach Samson Siasia, has declared March 21st as the deadline for the arrival of foreign based Eagles in Kaduna for the first leg of the double header of Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifying matches between host Nigeria and visiting Pharaohs of Egypt.
Siasia, who also doubles as the Dream Team VI handler, told Sportinglife that it was important for every player invited for the two matches to be on ground latest that date for them to have some time to adapt to the hot weather condition in Kaduna and to be able to get used to the philosophy and tactical aspect of the game.
The Eagles coach, who did not hide the fact that it would be a difficult match against Egypt in Kaduna, was still confident of his players beating the Egyptians in Kaduna and after would apply another strategy to outwit the five times Africa Nations Cup winners at their backyard in Alexandria.
“The spirit in camp is very good and everybody is fighting hard to snatch a shirt in the team. We don’t have to wait for the foreign based players to come before starting work. The home based players are professional players too and they are used to the weather here which may be another big deciding factor. If they do well at the training they have a big chance of playing against Egypt.
“So the deadline for the foreign based to come to camp should be March 21 because we will move to Kaduna the next day”, Siasia disclosed.
“We have to plan how we play. We don’t want to say everything now because it is a global village and we won’t like to reveal all our secrets and plans to the media. The Team Secretary, Dayo Enebi has been in constant contact with the foreign based players.
“I have also been sending messages to the ones that have been playing, wishing them good luck and injury free match before they play their league matches and they have been responding to the text messages too”, he disclosed.
[b][size=14pt] EXCLUSIVE: MIKEL PLANS TO QUIT FOOTBALL IN FOUR YEARS TIME [/size] John Obi Mikel of Chelsea will quit playing football in four years time owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
It forms part of the reasons why he is carefully weighing up his options before putting pen to paper on a new deal at Chelsea even though he has spent 10 years at Stamford Bridge.
An intermediary to the 28 year old told owngoalnigeria.com that Mikel has plans to quit football while he is still very much at the top so that he can have enough time at a young age to spend with his children.
“He recently became a father of twins and that has changed his perception of life entirely and his next career move might be his last as he plan to retire in four years time” He told owngoalnigeria.com
“Mikel is usually not the outing type but since the birth of his twins he hardly ever goes out and he isn’t the type who believe in amassing wealth so in four years time while still at his peak he intends to quit”.
[b][size=14pt] EXCLUSIVE: WHY EUROPEAN TEAMS REJECTED LUKMAN HARUNA [/size] An agent close to the camp of newly signed on Kairat of Kazakhstan midfielder Lukman Haruna has revealed European teams turned down the chance to sign the former Nigeria U-17 and 20 captain.
The 10 time capped Nigeria international left Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala after his six months loan wasn’t renewed and has been training with Dynamo Kiev until his move to Kairat.
His move came to many as a surprise but an agent who worked closely with his agent Greg Kenaan revealed he could have gone elsewhere in Europe were it not for the demands of his club and what he wants as salary.
“I know a couple of teams who were interested in him but the asking price from Dynamo kiev as loan fee and his salary demands were outrageous” He told owngoalnigeria.com.
“Dynamo Kiev wanted a loan fee close to $2m while he was demanding $1m as salary, very rare to see a club that will pay that in January in Europe.
“In Kazakhstan he will earn close to $500,000 which is about it and I guess the loan fee will be above that sum, the money must be good for him to accept to go there”.
Trained kwa! As you can see, all the players earlier mentioned never played under Siasia neither do they know his philosophy. It is all about my boys. Datsall!
As you can see, I was talking about the players currently in camp and the reasons he invited them. I said, "some of them" know his philosophy. You came with your list of foreign players who have no relation to the point I made and erroneously put a player who walked with Coach Siasia. So you can beat around the Bush as long as you want. I repeat, the reason why he invited lots of home based players, is because he can take time to work with them and some of them knows his philosophy. The statement is so simple.
joseph1013: Training for a few hours does not mean the player understands the philosophy. Training is quite different from high-intensity pressure-soaked real match environment.
Iwobi trained for some days with Coach Siasia and travelled with the team for the match. That is far better than those who do not know anything about Coach Siasia.
Orkpekyandega: [b][size=14pt] Siasia displeased with Eagles loss [/size] Osadiaye (right) scored for Nigeria U23s against Super Eagles on Wednesday
by Samm Audu
Nigeria caretaker coach Samson Siasia has expressed displeasure with the home-based Super Eagles loss to the country’s Olympic team in a training game on Wednesday.
The Nigeria U23s avenged a 2-0 defeat they suffered on Tuesday with goals from Joseph Osadiaye and Usman Mohammed.
Eagles stop U23s 2-0
“The coach was not happy with the result and he told us we did not play according to instructions,” disclosed Bright Onyedikachi, who scored one of the goals for the Eagles in the first training game on Tuesday.
“We still can’t understand what happened to us, it was like a dream.”
U23 defender Erhun Obanor said it is now all-square between the two teams.
“They beat us on Tuesday and we won on Wednesday. It’s 50-50 now,” said the big defender.
“We will have a final replay on Thursday before we leave to play for our various league clubs,” said Eagles defender Chibuzor Okonkwo.
Orkpekyandega: [b][size=14pt] Echiejile Warns Eagles Teammates: “Egypt’ll Be Huge challenge” [/size] By Johnny Edward:
AS Monaco defender, Elderson Echiejile, is under no illusions about the task of facing the Pharaohs of Egypt later this month in their two-legged 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers in Kaduna and Alexanderia, branding it "a huge challenge".
The 28 year old is the only surviving player of the 2010 squad that beat the Harambee Stars of Kenya 3-2 at the Kasarani stadium to pick the sole ticket for the World Cup in South Africa having trailed Tunisia in the group. A feat the former Stade Rennes and SC Braga star believes could also serve as a motivation against the Hector Cuper side who he says are beatable.
"We have had big one-off games in the past and responded well. I believe we can do that again on this month in Kaduna and inAlexandria against Egypt, Echiejile told Completesportsnigeria.com.
"We have to be on our game to s and I have confidence in the players to do it."
"Credit to Egypt, but we can beat them if we are on our game.We know that, and we just have to get our heads down for the game.
The Monaco defender also warns that the new look Samson Siasia's side cannot afford to repeat their insipid showing in recent games against a technically gifted Egyptian side.
"They are very technically intelligent. The Egyptian teams I have played against all seemed to have that individually.
"They have great players up front – I've watched them a few times. Mohammed Salah's form is amazing – his all-round game and his finishing. And the other players we all know about anyway.
I agree with Echiejile here. Unlike Coach Oliseh's stance of Egypt is not as strong as before. I still feel they are dangerous.
Salah was amazing against Real Madrid in the Champions League. I was almost shouting when I watched him.
Their Coach, Hector Cuper is one to watch closely. He was the man who led Valencia to two Champions League finals, where the lost to Real Madrid (3-0) and on penalties to Bayern Munich.
NLban: [b][size=14pt] Iwobi’s FA Cup Showing Thrills Siasia [/size] By Bamidele. Boluwaji:
Super Eagles interim coach Samson Siasia has praised youngster Alex Iwobi for his brilliant performance for Arsenal in their 4-0 win against Hull City in Tuesday's FA Cup Fifth Round replay,Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
Iwobi, who has featured for Arsenal in every competition this season, was in dazzling form in the match and provided an assist for Theo Walcott for the Gunner's fourth goal.
Speaking with Completesportsnigeria.com, Siasia urged the 19-year-old not to relent in his efforts to become a great player.
Siasia also expressed hope that Iwobi will replicate the same form for the Eagles when they face Egypt in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna.
"That was a good one for him, hope he (Iwobi) will continue to give his best.
"We also expect him to come down here and do it for Nigeria. He has the quality," Siasia toldCompletesportsnigeria.com.
Iwobi trained for some days with Coach Siasia and travelled with the team for the match. That is far better than those who do not know anything about Coach Siasia.
Still a few hours of training. No player gets the philosophy of a coach in a few hours.
That players don't know anything about a coach is no excuse. That's why Siasia is a professional coach and the players are professional players. Adapting to change is the nature of the game.
joseph1013: Still a few hours of training. No player gets the philosophy of a coach in a few hours.
That players don't know anything about a coach is no excuse. That's why Siasia is a professional coach and the players are professional players. Adapting to change is the nature of the game.
That is not true. When Van Gaal went to Coach Barcelona, the Barca players could not adapt to his philosophy in a short time. He had to sign some of his Ajax players like the De Boer brothers, Kluivert to make the team catch up with his philosophy.
[b][size=14pt] AF Nigeria Nigeria Premier League 2016 Spotlight Fc Disappointed Siasia hints at all-foreign-based Eagles vs Egypt [/size] Ezekiel Bassey featured for Eagles against Katsina United on Thursday.
Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has hinted he could consider lining up a team made up of only pros from overseas after he said he was disappointed his home-based team failed to beat a second-tier league side Katsina United on Thursday.
Siasia is supervising a training camp of players from the domestic league with the hope of picking some of them to join a 21-man squad of foreign pros called up for the AFCON double header against Egypt later this month.
However, the outspoken coach said he was again far from impressed with the performance of the home-based team as well as the goalless draw with Katsina United.
He had previously expressed his displeasure with the performance of the team after they lost 2-0 to the country’s Olympic team on Wednesday.
“I am not really happy that they couldn't create enough chances to beat a team like Katsina United. It is rather unfortunate,” said Siasia after the scoreless draw with Katsina United.
"By now I supposed to have seen some wonderful displays from my boys. What worries me is their nonchalant attitude in front of goal. They found it difficult to create scoring chances and even the few ones created were fluffed.
"We can't be missing goals like this in a crucial match against Egypt.
“I will have no option than to rely on the foreign-based players, if the home boys failed to live up to the billings." africanfootball.com/news/618059/Disappointed-Siasia-hints-at-all-foreign-based-Eagles-vs-Egypt [/b]
[b][size=14pt] AF Nigeria Nigeria National League 2014 Spotlight Fc Eagles held by NNL side Katsina United [/size] Oghenekaro Etebo missed a penalty
by Samm Audu
Home-based Super Eagles were held to a goalless draw by Nigeria National League (NNL) Katsina United, previously known as Katsina Spotlight, in a test game at the Abuja National Stadium on Thursday.
The Eagles were previously scheduled to clash with the country’s U23s after both sides beat each other in test games this week.
Oghenekaro Etebo missed a penalty for the Eagles in the second half, while Katsina United will feel hard done by after their penalty appeal was refused thereafter.
Katsina, who beat Nigeria U23 team in another training game, were resolute in their defending and tackling and also initiated some purposeful attacks.
The likes of goalkeeper Femi Thomas, Chima Akas, Ifeanyi Matthew, Bright Onyedikachi and Chisom Chikatara started the game for the Eagles, while Chibuzor Okonkwo, Godwin Obaje, Emmanuel Daniel and Orji Kalu were introduced in the second half.
The Eagles are preparing for two AFCON qualifiers against Egypt later this month. africanfootball.com/news/618052/Eagles-held-by-NNL-side-Katsina-United [/b]
[b][size=14pt] AF Nigeria 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Nigeria Egypt coach: “Siasia is worried about us” [/size] Nigeria caretaker coach Samson Siasia
by Stephane DeSaintsalvy
Egypt goalkeeping coach Ahmed Nagi believes that Nigeria boss Samson Siasia is using bully-boy tactics to hide his fear ahead of their double header in Group G of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
“We can recreate October 1977; why not? The home-boys have come in and full training has commenced. Everyone is rearing to go. By the time the foreign-based players arrive, the competition will be what we want,” the Super Eagles caretaker coach had claimed, recalling Nigeria’s 4-0 thrashing of the Pharaohs in Lagos in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in October 1977.
“Siasia's statements won't affect Egypt players, or the coaching staff,” Nagi said on television on Wednesday.
“We're used to hearing these kinds of comments from African coaches. The statements indicate he is worried about the Egypt clash.
“Siasia respects the Egypt team. He knows our abilities. And we also respect the Nigeria team, as they are strong opponents, so I hope to achieve a positive result.”
Lying top of the group on six points, following back-to-back wins over Tanzania and Chad, the Pharaohs will face Nigeria in Kaduna on 25 March before hosting the Super Eagles in Alexandria four days later.
“The team will hold a camp 19 March as the squad will be announced after the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup games. Then we will fly to Nigeria on 23 March in a private jet to Kaduna,” the goalkeeping coach added. africanfootball.com/news/618010/Egypt-coach-Siasia-is-worried-about-us [/b]
[b][size=14pt] Chima Akas Confident Siasia’s Strategies Will Floor Egypt [/size] By Richard Jideaka, Abuja: Home Eagles captain, Chima Akas has said that the Super Eagles will give their all to ensure that they beat Egypt soundly in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna on Friday, February 25.
Akas who is among the 19 players from the domestic league training ahead of the game said they know the Egyptians are very good and are desperate to qualify for the AFCON after missing out in the last three editions, but assured that Egypt will meet an equally desperate Super Eagles.
He said that all the players are aware of the importance of the game and are putting in everything to actualize their aim of winning in the two legs of the qualifiers. Akas also added that coach Samson Siasia has revealed some of the things he knows about the Egyptians to the team and that they are seriously working on them.
The player who has been cleared to play for Enyimba FC of Aba after a protracted fight for his signature with Akwa United stated that all the home-based players in the Super Eagles camp are fighting very hard to meet the coaches' demand before the arrival of the foreign based players.
[b][size=14pt] Siasia Prays Kaduna Pitch Brings Winning Luck To Super Eagles [/size] By Johnny Edward: Super Eagles interim coach, Samson Siasia wishes the Ahmadu Bello Kaduna Stadium pitch brings his side good luck when they face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier on the 25th of March, Completesportsnigeria.com can report.
Siaisia who has been satisfied with the level of preparations so far with the team discloses that he is happy with the level of information he has gathered about Egypt and will be banking on his players to play to instructions and offer 120% on match day.
“Nigerians can’t be afraid of Egypt playing at home, though they are a good team. I have started analysing the tapes we got from the games they have played to see where we can exploit and defend properly,” Siasia Siasia states via the Youtube channel of the Nigerian Football Federation.
“We just have to continue the way we have started and I told the home based players that anybody can play because the heat on the day will be too much for the players coming from Europe.”
“Whoever is going to play, we expect him to give 120%. We won’t be biased so that Nigerians won’t be disappointed by what we have done.”
Siasia is also impressed by the condition of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium pitch, which he prays should bring his team good luck against the Egyptians.
“From what I have seen, they (the stadium facilities ) have improved. We can play on the pitch and hopefully, we have luck to win. In life we need a bit of luck to scale through. We are happy it rained today. We have to win rain or no rain," Siasia enthuses.
Siasia who axed the trio of Segun Oduduwa, Stanley Dimgba and Usman Mohammed from the team also explains why he opted for that decision.
“These boys did well at the U-23 level and I felt they will be of good addition to the Super Eagles if they are drafted in, but for one week, these boys did not report to camp. So, I decided to drop them.
If they behave well, they could come in again. Everybody has to be on point.” He was also satisfied with the level of preparation of his team ahead of the game.
“Yes, the Nigerian Football Federation have been doing great in terms of preparations unlike last time when we did not have the right information. We all have our departments and must functions well.” www.completesportsnigeria.com/siasia-prays-kaduna-pitch-beings-winning-luck%e2%80%8e-super-eagles/ [/b]
As you can see, I was talking about the players currently in camp and the reasons he invited them. I said, "some of them" know his philosophy. You came with your list of foreign players who have no relation to the point I made and erroneously put a player who walked with Coach Siasia. So you can beat around the Bush as long as you want. I repeat, the reason why he invited lots of home based players, is because he can take time to work with them and some of them knows his philosophy. The statement is so simple.
Please, kindly go back to our previous discussion then you will know i am not out of point.
We all know that home-based players might likely not play a part in those matches. We were debating about the players selection generally.
Please, kindly go back to our previous discussion then you will know i am not out of point.
We all know that home-based players might likely not play a part in those matches. We were debating about the players selection generally.
When you quoted me, I was talking about the preparation in camp. I said this is the reason why lots of home based players were invited. So talking of Aaron Samuel is off point. It does not relate to my point.
Iwobi trained for some days with Coach Siasia and travelled with the team for the match. That is far better than those who do not know anything about Coach Siasia.
Out of how many players? The truth is he invited many foreign players based on... because many do not know his philosophy.
That is not true. When Van Gaal went to Coach Barcelona, the Barca players could not adapt to his philosophy in a short time. He had to sign some of his Ajax players like the De Boer brothers, Kluivert to make the team catch up with his philosophy.
[b]
Are you kidding me? That's preposterous! It wasn't because they didn't adapt to his philosophy. It was because like most coaches, he brought players from his former club, players he believes would be helpful to the new club. Mourinho took Carvalho and Essien to Madrid, and fought to take Lampard and Drogba. Was it because Madrid's stars could not adapt? The same guy had taken Ferreira and Carvalho from his Porto to Chelsea years earlier. Guardiola took Thiago to Bayern. Name a top coach that did not poach (or try to poach) good players from his former team to his present side?
Even if it is true (remember it is not), then you just shot yourself in the foot. You say a great team like Barca that was coached by the legendary Cryuff could not adapt for months to Van Gaal's philosophy. A team with top players such as Pep Guardiola , José Mari Bakero , Txiki Begiristain , Ion Andoni Goikoetxea , Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup , Romário, Gheorghe Hagi, and Hristo Stoichkov. A team that won La Liga four times between 1991 and 1994, and won the 1989 European Cup Winners' Cup as well as that of 1992. A team that won the Copa del Rey in 1990, the European Super Cup in 1992 and three Super Cups. A team so great it was called the "Dream Team". You say they couldn't adapt to a coach's philosophy in many months. Yet you're convinced that a few hours of training by a rookie like Iwobi would have made him imbibe Siasia's philosophy.
Out of how many players? The truth is he invited many foreign players based on... because many do not know his philosophy.
I was not talking about foreign pros. So, why bring it up? It has nothing to do with my point. Yes he invited foreign pros, how many of them know his philosophy except maybe Mikel?
The point is that he invited lots of home based players to see if he can get them up to speed with his philosophy and style. He invited some who already know his philosophy for the same reason.
So telling me that the foreign players do not know his philosophy explains why he invited lots of home based players to camp.
because many do not know his philosophy.
As you can see, all the players earlier mentioned never played under Siasia neither do they know his philosophy. It is all about my boys. Datsall! 
