Siasia confident of progress against Congo after 2-1 first leg victory

The Nigeria U23 coach is positive his side would nick the all important victory against Claude Leroy’s team when they travel to Pointe Noire in a fortnight

Two second half goals by Junior Ajayi meant the Nigeria U23 team was cruising towards victory with a clean sheet before Congo scored their lone goal to make the return leg in Pointe Noire more competitive.

Coach Samson Siasia has vowed to push his players to the limit to achieve the needed victory and ensure they are one step closer to the African U23 Championship and the 2016 Olympics.

Siasia said that despite playing very well in the match decided at the Adokiye Amesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, there is still much work to be done to seal the ticket.

“My boys worked hard on the pitch and every one played very well. But sincerely speaking I think the game is still open. So we need to work hard before the second leg and go to Congo in search of victory,” Siasia said.


“It was an explosive match from both sides and the visiting team played well too. But my boys put in their best and played very well. As usual we created chances and the only chance the Congo team had was converted by them.

“The Port Harcourt fans did very well to support the team. They came out in large numbers and their presence boosted the team and we are most grateful to the Governor of the state and the people of Rivers State for their massive support to the team. We will go back home and enjoy this victory and focus on the next game.”

Siasia took confidence in the knowledge that Claude Leroy’s team is now familiar and would be stopped in Pointe Noire.

“As regards the second leg match, we know the Congo team now unlike before. They came to defend. So when we play in Congo we will defend too and wait for our chances to score because we are a side that creates lots of chances in every match,” he said.

“We will go there create these chances and try to convert them too. You know that they need to score so it won’t be the same way they played here that they will play at their home.

“Since they will come out to attack, we will attack as well as defend. I am confident of getting the needed result to move ahead and qualify,” Siasia assured.