CAF U-23 AFCON: Siasia faces double pressure

NIGERIA’s Under-23 team coach Samson Siasia is under intense pressure to produce result when Nigeria tackle Mali in the group B opener of the Under-23 African Cup of Nations, Sunday at the Caroline Faye Stadium, in Mbour, Senegal.

Siasia disappointed after the Nation’s Cup ouster

The former Nigerian international is fighting hard not to be distracted by the kidnap of his mother, who is still unaccounted for, two weeks after she was taken in Bayelsa State. He is also wary of his team’s goal shy attitude.

“The coach is under stress following the kidnap of his mother. But he is not allowing it to dis tract him. He is rallying round the boys for a good outing on Sunday against Mali,” said team media officer Timi Ebikagboro.

He added that the boys are determined to reach the crucial stages of the tournament where an Olympic ticket is guaranteed.

“Spirit in camp is high, nobody wants to lose the first game, they see qualifying for Rio 2016 as a must.”

The team was held to a 1-1 draw by their Gambia counterparts in a friendly before they left for Senegal. Siasia is banking on Taiwo Awoniyi and Junior Ajayi to solve the goal scoring problem of the team as was witnessed at the Africa Games in Congo.

Security concerns ‘inevitable’ ahead of Clasico – Iniesta

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta admitted on Thursday it is impossible to ignore security concerns ahead of Saturday’s huge clash between Real Madrid and Barca in the Spanish capital just days after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.

The Spanish government have promised security measures on an unprecedented level for the match that will see a capacity 81,000 fans descend upon the Santiago Bernabeu with 2,400 police, stewards and emergency services set to form a triple ring of security around the stadium.

“The situation generates concern for everybody. It is inevitable, I think we all agree on that,” said Iniesta.

Iniesta

“From what I know and what the security forces are saying, all possible measures will be taken and everyone should collaborate so that before, during and after the game a sporting spectacle can take place and it is the game that is the focus for such a special day for the world of football.”

The Stade de France, where France were hosting Germany, was one of a number of targets struck during the attacks on Friday that left 129 dead and over 350 injured.

Iniesta was part of the Spain squad that travelled to Brussels for a friendly against Belgium on Tuesday only for the game to be suspended less than 24 hours before kick-off due to the elevated terror threat.

“Fear isn’t the right word, but there was concern,” Iniesta added.

“We went because it seemed like everything could take place normally despite the situation we were in before they took that decision. A completely correct decision.”

However, he wholeheartedly backed the decision for games across Spain and the rest of Europe to go ahead this weekend.

“It is a shame that people aren’t talking about sport, football or the spectacle, but it is the reality we live in and we can’t ignore it.

“We have to try to return to normality. On Saturday, it is not just Madrid and Barca that are playing, but many games and hopefully everything goes as it always has done.”

Mikel is important to Eagles – Oliseh

Coach, Sunday  Oliseh has moved to quell speculations that Sunshine Stars star, Paul Onobi is heir apparent to Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi.

Mikel was surprisingly dropped from the Nigeria side that beat Swaziland 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Port Harcourt but Oliseh says Onobi did not take the place of the Chelsea superstar.

BRAZIL, Campinas : Nigeria’s midfielder John Obi  AFP PHOTO

He added that “nobody has a fixed spot in this team” as he continues his rebuilding process with the three-time African champions.

“What I feel about Onobi is that he’s a home star.

“I said it from the onset that I don’t care if you play at home or abroad.

“If you are good enough and you can adapt to the tactics that we play, we will do it.

“I am glad that the whole world has witnessed a vindication of that policy that I will always adhere to.

“He’s solid. He’s strong on the man (tackle). He’s solid. He’s clairvoyant and one thing I like about him is that he’s very hungry.

“And that’s what we need now. “However, I must use this medium to state that Onobi did not play at the expense of (Mikel).

“Nobody has a fixed spot in this team,” he said.

“Oliseh’s record as Nigeria coach in competitive matches is near perfect as he is yet to lose a single game since taking over from Stephen Keshi in July.