AFCON qualifier: Siasia confident of another historic victory over Egypt

Samson Siasia

Super Eagles interim coach, Samson Siasia, believes his lads can recreate history once again when they face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a two-legged African Cup of Nations qualifier.

Nigeria have clashed with the North Africans on 15 occasions – with the Eagles showing their superiority by winning seven and drawing four.

A brace from Segun Odegbami, coupled with strikes from Skipper Christian Chukwu and John Nwadioha, helped the Eagles defeat the seven-time African champions 4-0 at home in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in October 1977 – their biggest victory over the side.

And Siasia insists his boys are inspired to recreate that feat and increase their winning streak over the Egyptians.

“We can recreate October 1977; why not?,” Siasia told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official website.

All invited home based players are already in the Bolton White Camp undergoing intensive training with the foreign pros expected to join the team next week.

Siasia believes his team are in high spirit and are capable of claiming all three points at home.

“The home boys have come in and full training has commenced,” the former Nantes star said.

“Everyone is rearing to go. By the time the foreign –based players arrive, the competition will be what we want.

“I insist that we have invited the players who are capable of giving us the three points in Kaduna and another three points in Alexandria.”

Both African powerhouses clash on March 25 in Kaduna, then Alexandra three days later.

Only one nation is guaranteed an automatic spot in Gabon 2017, with Egypt leading the group on six points – two better than Nigeria with four.