Siasia and his heavy burden

Samson Siasia

In the past two years, Nigerians have been clamouring for Samson Siasia to take charge of the Super Eagles because he did well with the U-23 team at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The team won silver after losing 1-0 to Argentina in the final.

If coaching the senior national team is by election, Siasia would have emerged Eagles coach in 2008, even before Shaibu Amodu and Lars Largerback. However, the man so loved by Nigerians took over officially as Eagles coach on Wednesday in Abuja.

Siasia carries a huge burden. I really hope he is working out a result-oriented strategy to raise a new-look Eagles. I have always said we need a new team. The Eagles showed at the World Cup that Nigeria needed another bunch that could run and fight for the ball for 120 minutes.

Many Nigerians want Siasia to succeed and so I expect him to be fair to himself by doing the right things without sentiments. I was shocked that the unveiling was almost turned into a church service. It was supposed to be a formal event especially for the new coach. Again, he did not appear in our national colours and the NFF did not deem it fit to present him Eagles jersey. But why was my friend, Siasia, celebrating? Why?

Anyway, he should note that the current Eagles give their best to their respective clubs and believe playing for Nigeria is secondary. Such attitude should be discouraged because we cannot be forcing players to play for the country. If we do, we are not going to get any result.

I do not know much about Simon Kalika but I believe he is a coach just like Siasia. Two of them are expected to rub minds on tactics. Good enough, but what happens to the fitness of the players? When Eagles leave their respective clubs, they throw caution to the winds and indulge themselves in things that could affect their form – like drinking and womanising. So they need a good physical trainer to knock them into match fitness shape. In their clubs, they obey all rules as professionals. So in the Eagles camp, general discipline should also be maintained. Players should respect camp rules and report on schedule anytime they are invited.

Much as I desire changes in the team, I also know that blending the players into a team with cohesion is another big issue. The Eagles need the cohesion of the 1994 glorious team. We need to bring back the wing play, get strong defenders and strikers with deadly scoring skills in and outside the 18-metre box. In the past 10 years or more, Nigerians could not point at one player who is the consistent striker of the Super Eagles. Siasia can bring out another player in the mould of Rashidi Yekini.

In the Nations Cup qualifiers, Nigeria is trailing Guinea in Group B. The Guineans have six points from two games while Nigeria has three. It is important not to lose any game again and ensure Guinea falls in Nigeria. This is a big challenge and the current Eagles cannot do it. Siasia needs some fresh players to bring out the best in the others in the team. All shirts should be competitive to enable Nigerians to see the best of the players.

Siasia should know that this job is more than what happens on the pitch. His relationship with his players means a lot. I know he is good in this area but he has to do more and also extend it to his employers. He must be able to work ahead and present his needs for the team early enough so that the NFF will have no excuse for failure. So far, he has good relationship with the media and I expect him to also maintain this.

Above all, my fear for Siasia is the Nigerian factor. I honestly pray he will not be consumed by the Nigerian factor. He must stand firm to attain his desired goals with the Super Eagles.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/