We didn't deserve to win U23 tournament - Siasia

Nigeria U23 team coach Samson Siasia has dropped a bombshell by saying his team did not deserve to be champions of Africa if their preparations for the U23 AFCON were anything to go by.

Nigeria beat Algeria 2-1 in Saturday’s final to clinch the second edition of the tournament, which also doubles as a qualifier for the Olympics.

Former Super Eagles coach Siasia said his team’s build-up to the U23 AFCON was nothing to write home about.

“From how we prepared, we did not deserve to win anything. It was just a miracle we won,” lamented the coach.

“We had to manage everything, from kits to what have you, for the past one year.”

He added: "Motivating the boys was not easy at all, it was tough but thank God we survived it."

Siasia’s Dream Team VI were criticised after the first two games for conceding two goals in the second half after a convincing lead in the first half.

The coach was therefore selective in crediting those behind his team’s triumph.

"I dedicate the victory at the U23 championship to God and well-meaning Nigerians who were praying for us to succeed, but not the wicked ones who wanted me and the team to fail," Siasia said.