Head coach of Nigeria’s Under-23 team, Samson Siasia believes his side have improved with each game at the ongoing Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Senegal.
Nigeria’s Dream Team VI put up shaky performances in their opening two games of the Under-23 Afcon where they conceded four goals despite defeating Mali and drawing with Egypt.
A 0-0 draw with Algeria in their final group game has however suitably impressed Siasia who believes things are getting better with his side.
“First I want to congratulate the boys for qualifying for the semifinals because it is not an easy thing to accomplish.
“The most important thing is that they (Algeria) didn’t score against us.
“We conceded in the last couple of games (against Mali and Egypt).
“Our defenders played well against Algeria and we didn’t concede so that represents an improvement from our performance in the first game,” he said.
Nigeria will next meet Senegal in the semifinals with the winner claiming a place at the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
Senegal are overwhelming favourites but Siasia says his charges will be looking “to take our chances.”
“The important thing is to qualify for the semifinals so now that we have achieved that, I am happy.
“We will try to take our chances and see what happens from there,” he said.
Wednesday’s game between Nigeria and Senegal at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar is live on SuperSport with build-up commencing from 4:45 CAT.