ALL AFRICA GAMES QUALIFIER: Manu to Lease Siasia Flying Eagles

By Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Flying Eagles Head Coach, Manu Garba, has availed the services of players of the team to U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, ahead of the second leg of the All Africa Games qualifier against Zambia in Ndola.

Nigeria's U-23 will be hoping to pass the litmus test on April 11 that will guarantee them a spot at the men’s football event of the All Africa Games in Brazzaville.

The Dream Team V1 fired blank in the first leg played in Abuja against the Junior Chipolopolo, to find the odds heavily stacked against them.

But ahead of the trip to Lusaka where the Zambians will enjoy a groundswell of home support, Siasia has found himself under pressure, to shore up his team by incorporating some members of the outstanding Flying Eagles that won the Africa Youth Championship in a remarkable manner last week.

Garba raised no objection when asked about the possible inclusion of some his players into the U-23 side
He said the call on whether to include the players was a decision to be made by Siasia alone.
The Flying Eagles are expected to embark on a 10-day break before they reassemble for the FIFA U-20 World Cup preparation in New Zealand.

"He (Siasia) can include as many as six or more players from the team. It is a choice that is left for him to determine those he requires. We will make due recommendations if he makes a request, "Garba said.
He down played the concern that his players would struggle to blend into tactics of Siasia, insisting that there are some players who can easily blend into any team.

"The most important thing is to forge a synergy with the U-23 players. It is possible to blend the players into the structure. Some players can easily adapt," concludes Garba