We will be a better team against Algeria - Samson Siasia

Coach of the National U-23 team, Samson Siasia, has said that his team, were lucky to have won against Senegal.

Siasia, praised the individual brilliance of goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, who provided a man of the match performance between the sticks with some scintillating saves which included a penalty to keep Nigeria in the encounter.

At such, Samson Siasia, has promised to work on his team’s midfield to get them in top order before they face Algeria in the final game of the on-going African U-23 Nations Cup in Dakar, Senegal.

Nigeria defeated Senegal 1-0 courtesy of an Oghenekaro Etebo penalty, while Algeria bashed South Africa 3-1 in the second semifinal.

And coach of the Nigeria team, Samson Siasia admitted that his players, were lucky in their 1-0 defeat of Senegal on Wednesday, adding, however, that fans will see a different Nigeria on Saturday.

“I think the ‘gods of football’ were with my team today because Senegal created most of the chances but they failed to score.

“Emmanuel Daniel (Goalkeeper) kept us in the match as he made some brilliant saves today. On another day, we could’ve been embarrassed.”

The coach who looked happy, said with the win, the team, has obtained their main objective, which was/is to gain qualification for next years Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Brazil.

Siasia, also added that they will now plan for the game against Algeria, which would be a repeat of the group game against the same North Africans five days ago. Algeria held Nigeria to a goalless draw in Group B game.

The coach, also explained that his team was hampered by injuries to some of his key players and the suspension of team captain, Azubuike Okechukwu, who will be available for the final game.

The final between Algeria and Nigeria, will hold in Dakar on Saturday by 7.00 p.m. local time.