25th March, 2011
In about 48 hours from now, Samson Siasia, Super Eagles coach, will put behind him the 2-1 victory recorded over the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in an international friendly match played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, South West, Nigeria and have his first baptism of fire on Sunday against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in a 2012 Nations Cup qualifier at the Abuja National Stadium. Our reporter ADEBOBOLA ALAWODE and photographer, EMMA OSODI went to town to get the views of soccer-loving Nigerians on their expectations from Siasia on his first major assignment.
Okoroji Chidozie
I believe the Super Eagles under Samson Siasia would fly over the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia on Sunday. It is a new beginning. I expect the Super Eagles to go all out. With John Obi Mikel, Osaze Odemwingie and a host of other quality players that would be on parade on Sunday, I expect nothing short of victory from them, even though the Ethiopians are already talking tough.
Dare Okekunle
Coach Samson Siasia is a tested tactician; he would be going into the match with the knowledge that if he slips Nigerians may lose the confidence reposed in him. But I see him winning his first serious game.
Kazeem Ewemoje
Discipline has been Siasia’s strongest weapon.So if he can consolidate on where he started from with the U-20 and U-23 team nothing would stop him from making a victorious debut against Ethiopia.
Baggio Gift
The Super Eagles under Siasia have opened our eyes to the fact that we are indeed blessed. We thought we only have good footballers but when Siasia took over the mantle of leadership, we saw what he did against Sierra Leone. I’m sure Siasia would lead the Eagles to victory.
Pastor Emmanuel
Where there is no dream there is no vision. Siasia has a dream in 2005, when he assembled the U-20 team though they narrowly lost to Argentina at the final of the World Youth Championship, WYC, in Netherlands, it is time for him to actualise that dream by defeating Ethiopia on Sunday.
Temilade Olukiran
There is no way Siasia will fall at home, he has what it takes to put smile on the faces of Nigerians. We all called for his appointment and now that he is charge I don’t see him losing to Ethiopia.
Oluwatosin Rotimi
Coach Samson Siasia is on course for victory come Sunday. All eyes would be on him and I don’t think he would want to start his reign as the head coach of the Super Eagles on a low; instead it would be on a high.
Kate Sunday
Nigeria is a football nation, we have our footballers all over the world and I know that Siasia combed everywhere before inviting those that would be on parade on Sunday because he doesn’t want to have a bad start to his reign as the coach of the Eagles.
Temi Oladipupo
We should not expect much from Siasia as the coach of the Eagles because this would be his first competitive game. Though he knows what it means to have a winning start as the coach of the once dreaded Eagles, I repeat he needs time to take us back to the pedestal that we were.
Dorcas Adebowale
I don’t deceive myself. It is, however, worrisome that Nigerians don’t like to hear the truth. Siasia is not a magician so I don’t see him recording a win on Sunday. He needs ample time if the Eagles must soar high once again. The Ethiopians are not in Nigeria to see Aso Rock or the ever busy Lagos State, they are here for real business.
Chisom Ralph
Nothing short is victory is what we Nigerians crave from him. Even if there won’t be rain of goals, we expect him to win. I personally believe in his ability to win the match other things being equal.
Engineer Yinka
Coach Siasia is a very lucky tactician. You will also agree with me that luck plays vital role in anyone’s life and the luck that has been following him will help him overcome the Ethiopians, not minding the fact that they are being tutored by a Nigerian, Iffy Onuora.
Mr Lekan Animashaun
I’m not a lover of football but from what I heard people say about Siasia, I strongly believe he would help Nigerians beat the Ethiopians on Sunday.
Joyce Ojebor
Siasia is a world class coach. The Ethiopians may be a good side as well but I know Siasia will leave nothing to chance to make sure that his winning streak that he started against Sierra Leone continues.
Samuel Saturday
No shaking on my belief that we are winning on Sunday. Siasia has made his mark in football business, he is a coach that loves to win. He would win his first competitive game as the coach of the Super Eagles. He won’t like a small country to come and dent his image, when it comes to coaching.
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