Siasia Poised For War With Ghana

CHIEF Coach of Nigeria's Under-23 team, Samson Siasia has told reporters that the qualifying tie against the Ghanaian opponents on February 24 is like "war", given the recent 4-1 defeat of the Super Eagles by the Black Stars in London. "The feeling now in camp is that we are going for war", said Siasia."All the players know that this is serious business because we are not going to Ghana to lose, despite the fact that they have changed the venue".

Nigeria defeated Equatorial Guinea 5-0 in Abuja to put the smiles back on the faces of Nigerians after the senior team's disgraceful outing in Brentford, London.

Siasia told reporters that although the matches might be different, the fact that it is Nigeria taking on Ghana again brings back the prestige question.

"The matches are quite different", said Siasia who guided Nigeria to the silver medal at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in Holland. "But because it is Nigeria playing Ghana again, obviously you know that the issue of pride and prestige comes up again"

To strengthen his team, Siasia is contemplating drafting in Kingsley Amuneke, younger brother to former Super Eagles and Barcelona winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, as well as other talented foreign-based youngsters into his team.

"I should have about five or six of these boys but their clubsides could hold them back since it is not a FIFA free day. Besides, I am not sure the FA has the money to take care of their tickets. But we'll see what happens".