Iroha: Siasia’s Boys Must Beat Congo

Former Super Eagles defender, Ben Iroha, believes victory in the first leg of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games qualifier for Nigeria’s U-23 team against Congo is very crucial in the team’s aspiration to qualify for the Games holding in Brazil.
Iroha who also was a former Super Eagles and U-23 team assistant coach, declared that coach Samson Siasia and his wards should ensure they get a decent result in the first leg by ensuring a thorough preparation.
“At this stage, every single match is very important and difficult at the same time,” Iroha, who assisted late coach Yemi Tella win the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea, said.
“We know that any country playing against Nigeria always tighten their belts and we cannot expect anything less from Congo.
“So I believe the way to go is for the team to ensure they prepare adequately, expect the worst from Congo even though the first leg match is coming up in Nigeria.”
He explained that apart from on the pitch training, Siasia should look for the Congolese match video tapes to watch, in order to really know the make-up of their team and playing style.
“At this point you don’t leave anything to chance, you prepare well on the pitch, sneak into opponents “bed room” to know how and when he sleeps and when,” he added.
“Siasia is hugely experienced and has gone through this route before, so he needs to get his lieutenants to rally round to get information about his opponents. The fact Congo edged out Ghana underscores their strength and we should not take them for granted. They are always full of antics and should be taken very seriously because the Brazil 2016 Olympic Games ticket is very important.”