AAG Qualifiers l Nigeria Vs Zambia: Siasia up for game of his life

Careers of footballers as well as coaches are tied to a particular game. A single match could either make or mar ones career just in the twinkle of an eye. Sani Keita sudden fall from grace to grass could be attributed to his one minute of madness for Nigeria against Greece in the 2010 world cup in South Africa among others.

Having represented the country as a footballer, Siasia made the switch to management in 2004 as assistant to Austin Eguaveon. He became the pride of the nation after leading the national  U-20 and U-23 sides to second place finish at the FIFA world cup and Olympic male soccer event in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

However, a first round exit in 2009 with the U-20 side in Egypt  and subsequent failure to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2012 nations has seen his reputation decline. Also, failures with Nigeria premier league sides, Ocean Boys and Heartland Fc has not been helpful to his coaching CV.

After about 3 years in the coaching wilderness, the Nigeria football federation offered the former Nantes player a career lifeline with the dream team VI, but this could soon be a career death trap. The tactician faces an up-hill task to qualify the U-23 side for the All Africa Games male football event after a barren draw in Nigeria with Zambia.

The 51 capped international has lots of work on his hands if he stands a chance of saving his already collapsing career. He words in part  "I'm not worried about them, I'm just looking after my team".
On the other hand, his employers, the NFF, doesn't seem relaxed as they have given the coach the mandate to win at all cost. The scribe of the NFF said "on our own part, we have done everything to ensure the team does well in Zambia and qualifies for All Africa Games. The onus is now on the coach and his wards to do well."

Call it the game of his life, call it a must win, call it the most important game of his career, but one thing is sure, a lost for Nigeria might signal the end of Samson Siasias coaching career in Nigeria.