Sports

U-23 Eagles target gold as Siasia, Mikel eye Germany’s fall

Published

8 years ago

August 14, 2016

Nigeria Olympic team coach Samson Siasia has said the focus is to beat Germany on Wednesday to qualify for the Gold medal match, while praising his defence for holding out against “a very, very good” Denmark.

Permutations have pitch Nigeria against hosts Brazil in the Gold medal match, but Siasia has insisted his team have to first eliminate Germany to reach the final.

“I don’t want to worry about Brazil right now. I have the semi-final against Germany to think about and that is the only thing in my mind right now. After crossing the Germany hurdle, we will think of our opponents for the gold medal match,” Siasia said.

“We saw what the Brazilians did to the Danish team (4-0); they are a very good side. They didn’t start well but the most important thing is how well you end. It’s not easy scoring four goals against this Danish team.

“We have gone through a lot on this journey and we cannot get to the gold medal match and then freeze.”

The coach singled out his defence for keep a clean sheet after fears they may buckle against a rampant Denmark attack.

“We were actually worried about our defence, but they came out and played very, very well against a good Danish team,” he commended.

“I think these guys have to be applauded coming out like that, and getting those two goals. It wasn’t an easy game but I am happy we are in the semi-finals.”

Captain Mikel Obi, who scored Nigeria’s first against the Danes, said he was not surprised that the team has been able to come this far, given the quality of playing and coaching personnel.

“We are all very excited reaching the semifinals but the ultimate is the gold medal and as the coach has said, we are still taking it one match at a time. My objective here, as with each of the other players, is to win the gold medal.”

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now