Sunday Oliseh is upbeat as he starts life as Head Coach of the Super
Eagles of Nigeria in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against
Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
“Am I under pressure? Pressure is relative. We want to go into the
match and win, not that anyone is putting a sword at the back of our
necks.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute as Head Coach,
after having served my country as a player.”
The Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze winner spoke on
Friday evening minutes after the Super Eagles had the official
training at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, 24 hours before the
clash with the Taifa Stars.
Just as it was when Sunday Oliseh was starting out as a player with
the Super Eagles, a dozen years ago, Nigeria presently has a new group
of Trojans to choose from.
The 23 players that Sunday Oliseh has brought to Dar es Salaam have an
average age of slightly above 23, and nine of them have not played a
single match for the three –time African champions previously.
Young, dedicated and courageous, the spirit of the group was visible
for all to see at the training session, with enthusiasm and invention
in abundance.
Stand –in captain Ahmed Musa has been playing for the team for only
five years, and has 51 caps. Goalkeepers Carl Ikeme, Femi Thomas and
Ikechukwu Ezenwa have not played before, but one of them must start on Saturday.
While Austin Obaroakpo, Prince Aggrey, Solomon Kwambe, Chima Akas and
Usman Mohammed join Thomas and Ezenwa as the home –based
professionals, Musa and Ikeme are joined by Leon Balogun, Kingsley
Madu, Godfrey Oboabona, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Izunna
Uzochukwu, Obiora Nwankwo, Lukman Haruna, Rabiu Ibrahim, Emem Eduok,
Emmanuel Emenike, Anthony Ujah, Moses Simon and Sylvester Igboun as
the overseas –based.
Madu and Troost-Ekong only started out against Chad in the opener to
the Cup of Nations qualifying race against Chad in June.
“We are here for business. We don’t want to know what others are
doing; we are only interested in what we are doing. Of course, every
team goes into a match to try and win.
“The three points are very crucial to us on Saturday. That is the only
message ringing in the ears of the players,” added Oliseh.
A very lush turf at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam appears ready
for fireworks, with Tanzania Coach Charles Boniface Nwansa also keen
to earn a win in order to be considered for the job on a permanent
basis.
Yet, when both teams clashed in Dar es Salaam 35 years ago, in a FIFA
World Cup qualifier, Nigeria won 2-0 thanks to first half goals by
John Chidozie and Christian Nwokocha. Sunday Oliseh is keen to
recreate that day come Saturday.
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