Ekeji expresses confidence in coach Siasia

Yesterday, the Flying Eagles who were reduced to ten players as a result of a red card were beaten 0-1 by Venezuela, thereby creating doubts about the ability of the current team to repeat the performance of the 2005v squad which went all the way to the finals in Holland. Speaking to journalists yesterday in […]

Yesterday, the Flying Eagles who were reduced to ten players as a result of a red card were beaten 0-1 by Venezuela, thereby creating doubts about the ability of the current team to repeat the performance of the 2005v squad which went all the way to the finals in Holland.

Speaking to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Ekeji noted that the team’s loss had nothing to do with Siasia’s technical ability.He said that he has so much confidence in the ability of the former Super Eagles star and would not hestitate to throw his weight behind him.

Ekeji maintained that Siasia that he knows very well would go back and study the tape of the match and would do all the necessary work on the team.He expressed optimism that the Flying Eagles who know the implication of losing the next match would come out smoking in their remaining matches.

The DG said the battle for the two group tickets is still a straight fight between Nigeria and Spain, just as he maintained that even though they lost the match, the Flying Eagles played with a lot of understanding.

He cited the red card which sent Lukman Haruna packing from the match as one of the main reasons why the Flying Eagles could not beat their opponents.Our boys played with so much understanding. It is just unfortunate that we lost a player to red card. Technically and tactically, our boys were not found wanting” he observed.

“The group is still open. I think Tahiti is in the same group. They were beaten 8-0 by Spain. It’s probably going to be between our boys and Spain. Like I said, in the next match, the Eagles will come out smoking because all other matches are must win for them.

“Siasia is a very very serious coach. He would give it his best. So let us hope that his best would be good enough to see us through to the next round”.Reiterated that the loss did not come about as a result of technical deficiency as such he will not blame it on the coach.

He also called on Nigerians to give respect to Venezuela who beat almighty Brazil to qualify for the junior World Cup.Venezuela has come of age. They will surprise many teams in the Championship.