Ademola Olajire

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday said the Acting Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia would pick three points against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

The spokesman of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, said in a statement that the Eagles coach believed that Nigeria could re-create the October ’77 feat.

“All the 19 expected home boys are in camp as at Tuesday’s afternoon, no other person wants to suffer the fate of Segun Oduduwa, Usman Mohammed and Stanley Dimgba.

“The trio was on Monday barred from showing up at the Bolton White Apartments after reporting late to the camp of the intermediate squad.

“Siasia said that discipline, strong mentality, self-belief and support of Nigerians can steer the Eagles to heights attained by their predecessors.

“The team at that time pounded the Pharaohs, 4-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lagos in October 1977.

“Siasia believes that the October feat could be repeated, if players show enough commitment to prosecuting the match against the Pharaohs.

“We can re-create October 1977, why not? The home boys have come in and full training has commenced.

“Everyone is rearing to go. By the time the foreign-based players arrive, the competition will be what we want.”

The statement also quoted the coach as saying that he insisted that they invited players, capable of giving the nation the three points in Kaduna and another three points in Alexandria.

“Apart from being two points behind the Egyptians on the Group G table, the Eagles also lag behind the Pharaohs on goals scored.

“The Pharaohs have scored eight while Nigeria have scored two in the two matches played by each team, meaning the Nigerians have to start racking up the goals,” the statement added.

On October 8, 1977, the Eagles thrashed the Pharaohs 4-0 in a 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium, Lagos. The inimitable Segun Odegbami bagged a brace, while Skipper Christian Chukwu and John Nwadioha got the other goals.

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