Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has assured his team have fixed their defensive lapses after they posted a clean sheet against Algeria at the weekend.
Nigeria let in four goals in their first two games against Mali and Egypt, before they posted a more assured display back in defence to hold Algeria to a goalless draw.
Siasia said: “We have learnt our lessons. Two games in which the first half looked good and the last half didn’t. We made our corrections and you can see from how we played in the last game.
“We are not going back home empty–handed; it’s no retreat, no surrender. We have to get ourselves ready for tomorrow’s game (semi-final vs Senegal); it’s going to be a difficult one. It’s going to be 11 players against 11, so we have our chances to qualify.”
He also argued that skipper Azubuike Okechukwu’s absence on account of a one-match suspension will give another player the chance to shine on Wednesday.
“We would have loved to have Azubuike because he is the captain and a big motivator, and you have to have a leader on the field. But he’s suspended, so we have to live with that. There is no need crying over spilt milk,” he said.
“In life, you always have to make adjustments in several areas. Azubuike’s absence will give another player the opportunity to prove himself.”
The coach also said he is using FIFA U-17 World Cup sensation Victor Osimhen sparingly so that the youngster is not consumed by the occasion.
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