Nigeria’s U-23 Dream Team VI coach, Samson Siasia has explained why he did not start striker Taiwo Awoniyi in last Sunday’s CAF U-23 Championship qualifier against the Red Devils of Congo.
Awoniyi was the star of the show when his brace eliminated hosts, Zambia in a 2015 All Africa Games qualifier in Lusaka in April.
However, Siasia picked Junior Ajayi ahead of Awoniyi against Congo in Port Harcourt and only introduced the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner 15 minutes to the end of the match.
The former Super Eagles coach stated that Awoniyi suffered a training ground injury on the eve of the match adding that there was also a better understanding between Junior Ajayi and support striker Etebo Oghenekaro.
“Awoniyi was a little bit injured before the game and also there is a better chemistry between Junior and Oghenekaro as they have been together for some time now,” Siasia who coached Nigeria to win the silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics said.
Nigeria will be away to Congo in Pointe-Noire on August 2 to determine the team to qualify for the CAF U-23 Championship in Senegal, which will serve as qualifying tournament for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“We expect a very hostile environment in Congo,” Siasia said after drafting Kingsley Sokari and four others into the team ahead of the crucial rematch.