Samson Siasia Opens Up on Problem Bedeviling Current Super Eagles Squad
- Former Julius Berger star Samson Siasia has given his take on the current crop of Super Eagles players
- The former national team identified a couple of player who deserves to remain in the team despite their predicament
- Super Eagles are struggling to cement their place on the continent following their performance since 2013
Super Eagles are struggling to cement their place on the continent following their performance since 2013
Samson Siasia has given his take on the foreign-based players who form the nucleus of Nigeria's senior men's football.
The Bayelsa-born player represented the Super Eagles as a player and coach in various categories of the national teams.
Due to his exploits for Nigeria, the Yenagoa Township stadium was named in his honour by the former Governor Timipre Sylva.
Source: Getty Images
Siasia unhappy with mentality of foreign-based stars
1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Samson Siasia said the Super Eagles players have not lived up to expectations.
According to BSN, the Lokeren legend said the current players do not have a deep connection with the country, hence contributing to their level of commitment.
The Olympic silver medallist coach explained that a large percentage have not played in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Siasia emphasised that most of the foreign-based players switch their allegiance following their rejection from the country of their birth. He said:
"The player we had between 1990 to 1998, were great players who left the shores of Nigeria having played in the local league.
"We went to Europe and come back, not now that we are importing players from Europe to come play for the country.
"If most of these players born outside Nigeria, had the chance of playing for European countries, they won't come back.
Source: Getty Images
Siasia identifies European stars
Former Super Eagles coach said the senior national team is being dominated by players born in Europe.
According to Daily Post, Samson Siasia said some of the players would not be considered because of the large pool of stars in their various countries.
He said the current captain, William Troost-Ekong, reigning CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Felix Agu, Ola Aina among others were in the junior categories of their various European countries before switching.
Samson Siasia played in an era dominated by home-based players who plied their trade before going professional.
Late Rashidi Yekini played for Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, Samson Siasia for Julius Berger and El Kanemi warriors, Daniel Amokachi played for Ranchers Bees, Finidi George for Iwuanyanwu Nationale, and defunct Sharks FC, among others.
Th Super Eagles went on to dominated Africa in 1994, winning the AFCON, and lifting the Olympic gold medal after beating Brazil and Argentina, per FIFA.
Siasia gives reasons for not handling Super Eagles
Legit.ng earlier reported that Samson Siasia has sparked reactions on social media with his remarks about the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership under Ibrahim Gusau.
The former Nigeria U20 coach made grave allegations against the immediate past NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, in recent interviews.
Source: Legit.ng
