By Victor Enyinnaya on August 13, 2016

Nigeria’s U -23 Eagles will face their Denmark counterparts in the quarter final of the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympics football event Saturday to determine who would advance to the semifinal stage of most sort-after Olympic gold medal.

The Nigerian side came thus far via their straight wins in the group’s first two matches topping their group with six points and Denmark came second in their to square up against the African Champions.

It won’t be an easy task for Coach Samson Siasia and his lads as their day’s opponent is a hard nut to crack in football. Again, the Nigerian side must be at red alert throughout the encounter as it is presumed that it will be action packed all through. The much anticipated no dull moment game will give many teeth to any bench that puts its thinking cap quickly and right on to dictate and redefine the tempo of the clash which close watchers of both countries football pedigree have coined to be a battle of the titans.

The U-23 Eagles are going into the now or never game with richer credential as former Olympic champion, having won it 20 years ago in Atlanta USA in 1996. Again, as African champions, a team whose player placed the games football record of scoring four goals in a game and of course group leaders scoring six goals and conceding six.

However, if these antidotes are anything to rely upon, on paper, the Danish side would calmly hand over the semifinal ticket to the Dream Team VI.

The greatest headache of the U-23 squad has been its defence, which let in six goals in three group games. The problem of the rear has remained unresolved by Siasia and his crew as the match against Colombia exposed the team further.

However, analysts observed that as a technical crew its headache is how to bring sanity to its defence ought not to be too stingy on the use of defence players as nobody can tell who will steady the line.

It was pointed out that a rugged but clam defence act like Sunday Ekejo would have been tried out in the game against Colombia which the coach saw as formality to know how his strength and capability would serve in the near clay footed defence line.

True that both Siasia and his assistant, Fatai Amoo were attackers during their playing days in club and the national team, commentators believe that is not enough to produce this kind of porous defence we have seen on display so far.

This stage of the championship has no tomorrow. It is a winner must emerge stuff, therefore if Siasia is dreaming of taking the team further he must device how to evolve a water tight defence that would soak in pressure when the team is under ant form of attack. Not a defence that caves in cheaply as we have witnessed. Frankly speaking, the William Ekong marshaled defence is faulty. The coordination remains suspect.

One must give it to Mikel John Obi for his leadership qualities, which clearly has manifested in his display and that of the team. His adventurous instincts, motivation and command in the field of play are simply superb. Nigerians want sanity in the rear if we must overcome Denmark. Siasia won’t be told who his day’s opponent is as he was in the France 1998 World Cup Super Eagles squad that the Danish side shocked beyond imagination. They are a tactically and technically strong team that makes use of every space and opportunity. They are dogged and so must not be treated with kid gloves. Once the defence is solid and suitable, the razor-like attackers will no doubt do the needful.

It is hoped that Karo Etobo would be fit for this all important encounter as his combination upfront with Sadiq give the defence of their opponent nightmare. When such duo continued their pressure, there is bound to be some mistakes from the defence that could give way for goals.

The winner of this quarter final game for Siasia is careful planning, by entrenching winning match plan, precise execution and the players playing strictly to instruction knowing full well that their opponent is no push over. To maximise their chances as much may not be created in this stage of the competition.

Head or tail, it will be one game to live. It is open for win for any side whose bench implements its strategies right on time and spread such for onward execution by the players.  U-23 Eagles have the strength to go further not on goals spree though.

•Photo shows Dream Team VI.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 13, 2016

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