Siasia plots new strategy for Tunisian rematch

SAMSON Siasia is expected to ring some changes in his Nigeria U23 team for tomorrow’s rematch against Tunisia.

  Siasia’s team lost 5-3 to their Tunisian counterparts at the Stade El Menzah with goals from Etim Emmanuel and Junior Ajayi, who hit a brace.

  The team created a hatful of chances in the second half after the first half ended 3-3, but were undone by poor finishing.

  “We will try a number of other players in the second match and see how things work out,” Siasia said after Sunday’s training at the Stade November 7 in Rades, outside Tunis.

  “We thank the NFF for organising these matches because they will really help us prepare for the qualifiers against Gabon, and other matches in the race to the All-Africa Games and the 2016 Olympics.”

  Siasia did not blame any of the players for the loss on Sunday, adding, “without appearing to be making excuses for them, we arrived in Tunis on Friday afternoon and immediately went to training but the weather did not help matters.

  “Most of them were traveling outside the country for the first time and you can’t wish that away. The weather was a critical issue. However, in the first match, my assistants and I noticed a number of areas we need to improve on seriously before we can say we have a team.”