By: Felix Ikpotor
Head coach of Nigeria’s U-23 team, Samson Siasia, is set to drop four key players after a disappointing outing at the just concluded Suwon Invitational Tournament in South Korea.
The Dream Team VI lost two matches and won one at the four-nation invitational which ended on Monday.
Siasia is said to be ready to leave out central defender Erhun Obanor, fullback Stanley Amuzie, striker Taiwo Awoniyi and goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel.
We learnt that they stand a chance of not going to the Olympics, unless they rediscover good form.
“Siasia is not happy that a player like Taiwo Awoniyi has failed to live up to expectations by not converting the numerous chances that came his way despite his potentials,” an NFF official told Goal.
“He is considering dropping him for a more prolific striker unless he bounces back to scoring goals. That is if he considers him for the other friendly games any way.
“The chief coach is also unhappy with the form of goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, the team’s first choice in goal and he has told him to sit up or be shipped out.
“He is also not happy that Obanor has not seized the opportunity left by injured Segun Oduduwa to lay claim to the central defense position while Stanley Amuzie that he had so much hope in has been given a final warning.
“Siasia told Amuzie that if he refuses to sit up other players from Europe will take his position.
“It was a heart to heart and very blunt meeting Siasia had with members of the team after the team’s 3-1 victory over Honduras in their last match at the Suwon Tournament.
“He told the players bluntly that the Olympic Football Tournament is not child’s play and any player that is not ready should go back to where they came from.”
