In an exclusive interview on Sportsville, former Super Eagles Coach Samson Siasia voiced his apprehensions regarding the current state of the national football team.
Siasia, in his first official interview post the expiration of his FIFA ban, expressed worry that the present Super Eagles lack the cohesion necessary to emerge as African Champions.
Siasia, a key figure in Nigerian football history, acknowledged the individual quality of the players but emphasized that playing as a unit is the missing link.
He raised concerns about the team’s recent performances, citing struggles against teams like Lesotho and Zimbabwe as indicators that the squad may not be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead, including the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 World Cup qualification.
“Struggling against countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe is not a good signature of a team ready to win the Nations Cup and qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” Siasia remarked during the interview.
Having attended the Lesotho match in Uyo, Siasia critiqued the team’s lack of a cohesive game plan. He stressed the importance of instilling a sense of national pride in the players and called for an improvement in the tactical approach by the coaching staff.
The 1994 Nations Cup winner also directed his concerns towards the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Siasia urged the NFF to promptly address outstanding salary issues, emphasizing that such distractions could negatively impact the team’s concentration.
“We can do better by not owing the coaches. The NFF should do everything possible to ensure that issues of outstanding salaries are sorted out well before next year’s AFCON,” he insisted.
While expressing his worries, Siasia remained open to the possibility of returning to coach the Super Eagles.
The Bayelsa-born coach reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigeria: “Nigeria is my country, and I am ready to serve her to the best of my ability when the opportunity arises.”
As Siasia prepares to attend coaching courses abroad in the coming weeks, the football community watches closely, considering the insights of a seasoned coach and former player who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s football successes.
The concerns raised by Siasia shed light on the challenges the Super Eagles may face in their quest for continental and global football glory.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
