Following the draws for the 2016 Olympics on Thursday, Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia is clear on the task ahead of his lads who have been drawn in Group B of the competition alongside Sweden, Colombia and Japan.
The African U23 champions are up against Sweden who are European U21 champions, Asian champions, Japan and Colombia who finished runners up to Argentina in the South American qualifying event.
Siasia at the Olympic draws in Maracana. Image: Goal
“The group will be difficult but it is fair enough for us to qualify from if we prepare very well for the competition. I am confident we will qualify from the group,” Siasia said in an interview with Goal after attending the draws in the famous Maracana Stadium, Brazil.
“Like I said, all the teams are tough there are no more easy teams to beat. It’s all about good preparation.
“We hope to prepare very well for the tournament and treat all teams equally with respect and map out our programmes and strategy. I am sure of qualification from the group with hard work from us.”
Dream Team VI. Image: Goal
The Dream Team VI begin their quest for glory against Japan on August 4 at the 41,000-seater Arena da Amazonia in Manaus. Sweden and Colombia will play the group’s first game.
“Japan has come of age in this kind of tournament and they can spring up surprises if they are underrated. So we need to work hard on and off the pitch of play and know that this is a battle that must be won to qualify from this group. I am sure of the talents we have home and abroad but the players must be ready for the tournament,” he said.
Nigeria already defeated hosts Brazil 1-0 in a preparation game in March.
Credit: Goal
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