Coach Siasia to Nigerians: I'm hopeful, Egypt will fall

Siasia has urged Nigerians for the umpteenth time to stop panicking about the 2017 African Cup of Nations double header between Nigeria and the Pharaohs of Egypt later this month.

Siasia said that his wards have assured him of victory over the North Africans.

The gaffer who spoke in Abuja ahead of the resumption of camping on Monday said that he was hopeful that if the Eagles play to instructions they would vanquish the Egyptians.

“I have spoken to the likes of Mikel, Moses, Odion, Iheanacho and others; they are all ready to play. They said: “Coach, we are coming to do it and play for you,” he was quoted to have said.

“So, we want to go out there with a positive mind to make sure that we put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”

Siasia said he would do all within his powers to ensure that the Eagles triumph in the much-talked about doubleheader in order to leapfrog above the Egyptians who currently hold some two points advantage over Nigeria advantages after two rounds of matches.

Siasai is leading a consortium of coaches which includes U17 World Cup winning coach Emmanuel Amuneke to tackle the Egyptian challenge after the former coach of the Nigerian national team, Sunday Oliseh, resign from the post of Chief Coach just few weeks to the March 25 encounter in Nigeria.

According to Siasia, popularly called Asia One, “I am going to give over a 100 per cent of my time to make sure that we win those two games. I am full of confidence and, as long as the boys play to instruction, we do not have anything to worry about.”

Egypt presently sits atop the group with maximum six points, two ahead of Nigeria after two rounds of matches. But Siasia believes playing the first leg at home is an advantage to the Eagles.

“We are playing at home and we must make sure that we win at home, no matter what it takes us. Egypt can't beat us, I assure you that. So, there is no need for panic,” he insisted. His belief has been strengthened by the availability of video tapes of the Pharaohs and he said the technical crew will seat with the players and study the tapes closely. “

The first leg encounter will hold in Kaduna on March 25, while the return leg is scheduled for Alexandria on March 29.