Super Eagles Interim Coach Samson Siasia has told the home-based players preparing for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Egypt to improve on their game or leave the camp.
Siasia said gave the instruction following his team’s 0-0 draw with Katsina United FC, a Nigeria National League (NNL) side, in a friendly match played at the Main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja.
He said the home-based players currently in camp lacked the necessary qualities needed to win the crucial game against Egypt in Kaduna on March 25 and the return-leg on March 29 in Egypt.
“We are not playing well for now; we can’t make four accurate passes among ourselves, it’s embarrassing.
“We didn’t create one clear-cut chance at goal against Katsina United; we will see if there is room for improvement but what I saw on Thursday wasn’t what I was expecting.
“The players are nonchalant, no good dribbling or good crosses; whether they play well or not, we need to play and win that game against Egypt.
“If a Super Eagles team is playing with a team like Katsina United in the NNL, the players shouldn’t be touching the ball.
“The only time they should touch the ball is to bring the ball out from their net; so, it’s either they improve or they go home,’’ he said.
According to Siasia, the technical crew will soon select the players that will team up with the ones coming from abroad.
He said the performance of the home-based players could make him to shift his attention to the foreign-based players.
This, he said, could affect his perception in the future about inviting home-based players to the senior national team.
Aminu Balele-Kurfi, Chairman of Katsina United, told newsmen that he was happy with the outcome of the match.
He said the encounter had exposed some tactical flaws in his team.
“The most interesting thing is that my boys have done excellently well in this match.
“We would have beaten this Super Eagles team silly if not for the wrong calls of the referees.
“Our players were more composed than the Eagles, though I like the way the Eagles were shooting from all cylinder.
“I can tell you that Katsina United FC has arrived, having displayed this wonderful performance.’’
NAN reports that the home-based Eagles on Wednesday lost 0-2 to the national U-23 team, popularly known as “Dream Team VI’’ in a test match at the National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday.
The Super Eagles are preparing for two-legged AFCON qualifier against Egypt, while the U-23 are preparing to engage 2016 Rio Olympics hosts Brazil in a friendly match on March 24. (NAN)