Following Wednesday’s meeting with the Head Coaches of the Super Falcons and the U-23 National Team, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, has expressed optimism that the two teams will make progress in their qualification races for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“We had very useful deliberations and I can tell you that both coaches are very confident. They are not under –rating the opposition; just that they believe in their teams to make progress despite expected tough games away from home.
“From the discussions, we were able to decipher the level of support that the two teams will need to succeed. We also have immense experience of the kind of reception that the two countries offer to visiting teams, which is not flattering. We will give the tickets our very best shot.”
The Falcons could only draw 1-1 with their counterparts from Equatorial Guinea in Abuja, and countenance a showdown against the two –time African champions in Bata on Sunday, August 2. Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are the only countries to have emerged victorious in the biennial African Women Championship since it was launched 17 years ago.
As for the U-23 boys, they defeated Congo 2-1 in Port Harcourt and know that Pointe Noire is usually a very unfriendly terrain for visitors.
“We are aware of what odds will be set against us by the home team when we go to Congo. There are no illusions. But we are up to the task. We are going there strictly for the business of 90 minutes, and that is what will matter.
“Without being immodest, I like to say that I have been in this situation several times with various National Teams. I have always come out victorious. Of course, we will need the maximum support of the NFF to succeed,” Siasia said.
Siasia’s team qualified for the 11th All-Africa Games despite drawing 0-0 with Zambia in Abuja. A 2-1 win in Lusaka sent the team to Brazzaville.
On his part, Falcons’ Head Coach Chris Danjuma assured that his girls will play the match of their lives against the bitter rivals in Bata on August 2.
“We did not go to the last Olympic Games. We will throw everything into the second leg and then look forward to the final qualifying round.”
