Samson Siasia

Coach Samson Siasia does not have all the players he wished for the Caf U23 Championship starting in Senegal this weekend. But of the 21 that were named last Wednesday, he must fashion a spine that will withstand the test of opponents. 

The Caf U23 Championship is one diadem that Nigeria has never won, in a category in which the country has won gold and silver at the Olympic Games. Not many in the 21-man team are well known but they have showed through the qualifiers that they can become household names.
 
Goal looks at five players who will be key to helping Siasia achieve his primary target – a ticket to Rio de Janeiro


Emmanuel Daniel One goalkeeper that has really caught the eye on the local scene, watchers of the league have been talking glowingly of him since 2013 and now he is on the big stage. Cool and calm even under pressure, the Enugu Rangers man has the entire repertoire to become one of the best Nigerian goalkeepers. But first, he must ensure that he guards the U23 team to Rio.



Relatively unknown but a rock-solid performer, the Nath Boys central defender has it all in his locker to become the next ‘Gentle Giant’ a la Uche Okechukwu if he continues to progress under Siasia. 

He also has the ability to play the ball out of defense even under pressure. Siasia will be hoping that the occasion does not get to the burly defender when they start off against Mali on Sunday.


Okechukwu has been in Turkey for the last three months and should have improved on his conditioning and concentration – two characteristics that may have restricted him from performing to his best. He now has to prove, as captain, that he can lead his team all the way.

Etebo is the most skilful player in the setup, one who is expected to make the move to the Super Eagles in the not too distant future. A lot will depend on the Warri Wolves midfielder to knit this team together. If he plays to 70% of his capacity, the opponents will be caught breathless. Dogged by a persistent knee complaint, Siasia must find a way to get the utmost out of him.


Awoniyi has huge shoes to fill as he has been described as the next Rashidi Yekini. The Liverpool protégé was called upon by Siasia in the qualifiers against Zambia, and he literally scored the goals that qualified the team for Senegal. He has since represented Nigeria at the U20 World Cup whilst getting a contract with Liverpool. On loan at FSV Frankfurt, he will be expected to show a new dimension to his attacking prowess in Senegal