U-23 Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, says his side were extremely lucky to secure a spot in the final of the Africa U-23 Nations Cup following their 1-0 win against Senegal in the semi-finals on Wednesday, reports Theinfostride.com.
The hosts dominated the game, but were undaunted by their poor finishing and some brave goalkeeping by Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Emmanuel Daniel, who also saved a penalty late in the first half.
Siasia admitted after the game that the Senegalese were better, but lost because of their inability to convert their chances.
“I’m very happy to win against Senegal again after the African Cup of Nations in I992 and achieving our objective, which was to qualify for the Olympics,” he told reporters after the game played at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium.
“I think the gods of football were with my team today because Senegal created most of the chances, but failed to score.”
Nigeria with the win will play in the football event of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
“Emmanuel Daniel kept us in the match as he made some brilliant saves today. On another day, we could have been embarrassed.
“We did the best we could because we had lots of injuries heading into this match, but I hope Senegal can qualify to Rio so as to have a strong African representation in Brazil.
“Creating chances and scoring them are different, so I not concern that we allowed Senegal to have the chances of the match.”
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