Nwosu to Siasia- You Need New Player

Former Nigeria captain, Henry Nwosu, has urged the national Under-23 team coach Samson Siasia to invite new players to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2015 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.

The U-23 team on Tuesday lost 3-1 to Burkina Faso in the semi-final of the ongoing 2015 All Africa Games.

Nwosu, who spoke to our correspondent on Wednesday, said the team needed sharp attackers to qualify for the 2016 Olympics.

“The team has a good technical department which is led by Siasia,” he said.

The problem of the team is the attackers. They failed to convert the chances created for them. The midfield did well and had a level of cohesion but when the attackers weren’t scoring, the opponents made use of their own chances.

“The team need to work on their defence too. They allowed goals that were not meant to have been conceded. They lost focus at a point in the game and they failed to communicate well with their goalkeeper.

“Siasia should get new players to reinforce the team.

“The players may come from the home or the foreign leagues. He should ensure they are the ones that will correct the mistakes and ensure qualification.

“Since they weren’t at the last Olympics, it will be bad if they don’t qualify for this one too. They had a good preparation for the Games but mistakes happen and it is better if they are noted and corrected in time.”

Nigeria will play Congo for bronze on Thursday. The U-23 Africa Championship will serve as the qualifiers for the men’s football event of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The tournament will hold in Senegal between November 28 and December 12.