Coach of the U-23 team, Samson Siasia
Nigeria U-23 team coach, Samson Siasia, is relieved that his team will not be meeting hosts, Congo, in the semi-finals of the men’s football event at the Brazzaville 2015 All Africa Games after both sides finished top of their respective groups over the weekend.
Nigeria came from behind to play a 1-1 draw against Senegal in their last Group B game on Saturday, a result that meant Nigeria top the group on four points. Senegal have two points but defending champions Ghana crashed out after having one point.
Congo remain leaders in Group A, despite losing 1-0 to Zimbabwe in their third game on Sunday.
Senegal took the lead in the 81st minute through Ibrahim Keita, who took on Nigeria’s defence before firing past goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel.
The Nigerians however got back into the game with Mustapha Abdullahi drawing level in the dying seconds of the game.
Siasia said after the game that team would focus on their semi-final opponents, promising to make changes after seeing his attackers losing some scoring chances in the game.
“My boys made me proud, I love their fighting spirit. To concede a goal very late and come back to equalise is a sign that the team have a strong mentality. I must also commend Mustapha, who was able to calm his nerves to score the equaliser,” Siasia said.
“Let’s just go and savour our qualification for the semi-finals as this draw has made us to avoid the hosts Congo who would have been tough to play. I would prefer playing them in the final.”
He added, “There will be some changes to our next game, and we will be more vigilant against our opponents.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria, who are seeking to win the tournament for the second time, will face either Sudan or Burkina Faso in the semi-finals.
Hosts Congo finished top of Group A and will on Tuesday clash with Group B runners-up Senegal to determine the team for the gold medal match.
Sudan and Burkina Faso played out a goalless draw in their final Group A match to both finish on four points.
They also finished on equal pegging for goals scored, conceded and goals difference and so a drawing of lots will be conducted by the organisers on Monday to determine who advances to Tuesday’s semi-final against Group B winners Nigeria.
The Super Falcons tasted defeat at the Games on Saturday following their 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in Group A.
It was the first time the Ivorians would beat the Nigerians after substitute Estelle Nahi converted a second half penalty to power Les Elephantes to a surprise victory.
With both teams already qualified for the semis, the encounter held at the Massamba Debat Stadium in Brazzaville was to determine the winners and runners-up of the group.
Mercy Amanze finished off a Chioma Success assist with a shot past Ivorian goalie Cynthia Djohore to give the Falcons the lead on 10 minutes. The Ivorians got the equaliser just before the break through Rebecca Amoin, who dribbled past Nigeria goalkeeper Oluehi Tochukwu before slamming into the yawning net.
Ivory Coast finished on nine points, Nigeria with six points and Tanzania and Congo in that order with a point each.
PUNCH.
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