The kidnappers of Samson Siasia’s mother are reportedly demanding a large sum of money before they will release her.
The U-23 Eagles coach’s mother was abducted in Bayelsa a few days ago and Siasia and the Nigeria Football Federation have appealed for her release.
However, on Saturday, the media officer of the U-23 Eagles Timi Ebikagboro, who is with Siasia and the team in Gambia, tweeted: “Kidnappers of Coach Siasia’s mother are demanding a 150 million ransom, he is begging them to release her, pls we are on our knees.”?
Meanwhile, the on Saturday morning defeated Gambian club Real De Banjul 3-0 in their first friendly game at their pre-Africa U-23 Cup of Nations camp in The Gambia.
The encounter which was played at the FIFA Goal Project, Banjul and watched by a handful of spectators including the President of the Gambian Football Federation, Lamin Kaba Bajo, saw Siasia fielding a strong team including the likes of Emmanuel Daniel, Oduduwa Segun, Captain Sincere Seth, Oghenekaro Etebo, Stanley Dimgba, Kufre Ebong and Tonbara Tiongoli.
Etebo scored all three goals.
The Nigeria U-23 immediately took control of the game piling pressure on the Gambian vice champions, with wingers Stanley Dimgba and Tonbara Tiongoli tormenting the defence line of their opponents at will, and in one of such early moves Etebo fluffed a clear chance to put Nigeria ahead after collecting a pass from Dimgba.
The pressure continued and in the 25th minute, Etebo put the Nigeria U-23s ahead from the penalty spot after captain Seth was fouled in the eighteen yard box.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Nigeria U-23s.
Etebo connected a fine pass from Seth to make it 2-0. Barely three minutes later, Etebo was on target again for his hat-trick, after collecting a pass from Dimgba and firing the ball beyond the reach of the opposing goalkeeper.
The Nigeria U-23 thereafter dominated the game even with the introduction of Victor Osihmen, Bature Yaro, Prince Aggrey, amongst others.
Reacting after the game, Siasia expressed disappointment with the way the team played in the first half despite dominating the game, adding that they should not be missing chances to score goals after creating them.
“I’m not impressed with what my boys displayed, I expected them to let their dominance count in front of goal and if they can’t convert these chances then we will be in trouble in Senegal. We will keep on working on them and hopefully they will get it right.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria U-23 will rest on Sunday to return on Monday to play its second friendly game against the Gambian U-20s. The encounter billed to kick off by 4pm will be played at the Independence Stadium, Banjul.