Afcon qualifier: Kanu gives Siasia tips to beat Egypt

Ahead of the crucial AFCON 2017 double header between the Super Eagles and Pharaohs of Egypt, Nigerian soccer legend, Nwankwo Kanu has given interim national team coach, Samson Siasia some tips on how to overcome the Egyptians in Kaduna.

Speaking in Lagos at the weekend, Kanu said unless there was unity of purpose, hunger in the players and focus from both the players and the coaches, victory over the Pharaohs would be hard to come by. “I don’t know why people always panic each time they talk about the Egypt match,” he started. “Remember it’s

Nigeria. I know things are not as good as you want them to be right now, I don’t feel any different because Nigeria remains Nigeria; anyway one looks at it.

He believes Nigeria has the quality to beat Egypt and charged the Super Eagles players to respond accordingly by raising their game. “As a player, it is always good whenever you are playing a big team you respond. They must not allow changes in the coaching crew get into their minds. They have to remain focused and get the result for us. As a player, wearing the green-white colour of Nigeria alone is bigger than any issue.

For Siasia and his technical crew, Papilo, as Kanu is fondly called said, “they should remain calm and find a way to work together and manage the players well.

Continuing Kanu said, “Siasia should know that it is important to manage the players well for results. He must avoid issues that can create problems between him and the players. Let the spirit in camp be high and above all, they have to be positive.

The Super Eagles began camping last week with the home-based pros ahead of the March 25 match in Kaduna. The Eagles who are second in the group behind the Pharaohs will travel to Alexandria where they are to clash with the Egyptians four days after the first leg.

Kanu