Super Eagles interim coach, Samson Siasia, has expressed optimism that Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, will rediscover his goal-scoring form in the double-header tie against Egypt later this month.
The 26-year-old forward, has notched 14 goals this season for Watford in the English Premier League, however he has failed to score since scoring against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup in January.
Speaking to Goal in Abuja, the Nigerian coach said: “I am not worried about Ighalo’s recent lack of scoring goals for his club.
“I have been in constant touch with the player and I know that he would deliver against Egypt home and away.
“I know Ighalo for years now and I think I know what he is capable of doing. If he is in the right mood and gets the right delivery from the necessary quarters – I mean the midfield – I am sure he would bang in the goals against any team.
“I can assure you that Odion is desperate to deliver against Egypt because he knows the importance of the two matches and he told me, “Coach I want to be in Gabon o,” so no Pharaoh or Pharaohs can stop us from getting the 2017 AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) ticket.
“At times it happens like that to strikers but they can also quickly come back and start scoring goals at will. I am very optimistic that Odion will score for us against Egypt”, Siasia added.
Ahead of the Pharaohs tie, Siasia’s home based Super Eagles team defeated the Dream Team VI 2-0 at the training pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.
Source: The Whistler