by Mark Bassey
The gaffer of the national U-23 men’s football team, Samson Siasia has warned players who have prospects of playing in his the team, against giving money to anyone to secure a spot in the squad.
While addressing players after the team’s training session on Tuesday, December 9, at the FIFA Goal Project, Siasia implored the players not to buy their way into his team.
He said: “Do not give money to either my assistants or any agent with the hope of making this team. If I find out, the player(s) will be dismissed from camp. I did not mandate anybody to collect money on my behalf. Anyone who falls prey to such cheats will be sent out of camp forthwith. Money cannot buy you a place in my team. Instead, your talent and discipline will take you to the top of your career.”
“As long as you hold the passport of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you are eligible to play for this country. I was spotted and selected through this type of process. I’ll also like to give young ones like you the chance to play for our country. It is your country, too,” Siasia added.
Speaking further, Siasia disclosed that so far, he has been fair to every player who has attended the screening exercise. He said: “I’m overwhelmed with the turn out of players who are here for the screening exercise”.
The head coach of the U-23 team also told the invited foreign-based players that there would be no untouchable players, saying that only fitness and form will guarantee them a place in the team. “You can only secure a place in the team with dedication, hard work and discipline. Nobody is superior to another player in this camp.”
