Abuja – Godfrey Gaiya, former Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Sports, says the tactics employed by Super Eagles’ Head Coach Sunday Oliseh against Tanzania on Saturday suggested he was being cautious.
Gaiya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that Oliseh needed to do that because it was his first competitive match in charge.
He said he rated the former national captain’s first outing with the team well in view of this.
NAN reports that the Eagles had drawn 0-0 with Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam in their Group G Match Day 2 encounter.
The match was in the 2017 AFCON Qualifiers, with the Eagles still placed second behind the Pharaohs of Egypt, who are with the maximum six points from two matches.
“The draw was a welcome development, knowing full well that the coach had just a few days with the foreign-based players before moving to Tanzania.
“Also, the coach was actually inviting some of the players for the first time and he needed to tread with caution, so as not to concede defeat in his first outing.
“I saw that he was very cautious and didn’t want to gamble, didn’t make any decision that may backfire if the boys could not respond to it.
“He played a very cautious game and he wanted to get a draw at least, which he got. Therefore, one can score him well,’’ Gaiya said.
He also noted that Nigeria had great chances of finishing top in Group G in spite of its current position in the group.
“I see Nigeria as that team that can get that sole spot in our group.
“My optimism is based on the fact that Nigeria can beat Egypt here to get three points and can play at least a draw in Egypt.
“I also expect Nigeria to beat Tanzania on our home soil and it is also possible to beat Chad in their home.
“So, I do not think that because Egypt is leading with six points, it will erase our possibility of qualifying,’’ Gaiya said.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
Nigeria is currently second in the group with four points after defeating Chad 2-0 in its first qualifying match in Kaduna.
Egypt is placed top with six points following 3-0 and 5-1 victories against Tanzania and Chad respectively.(NAN)
