Siasia Has No Worries About Absence Of Azubuike Okechukwu

Dream Team VI coach, Samson Siasia, has opined that his side can cope with the absence of influential skipper Azubuike Okechukwu in Wednesday afternoon’s semi - final clash against Senegal at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

The Yeni Malatyaspor defensive midfielder was yellow - carded twice in the group stage, which has triggered an automatic one - game suspension.

“We would have loved to have Azubuike because he is the captain and a big motivator, and you have to have a leader on the field. But he’s suspended, so we have to live with that, ” said Siasia, according to thenff.com.

“There is no need crying over spilt milk. In life, you always have to make adjustments in several areas. Azubuike’s absence will give another player the opportunity to prove himself.”

 He continued: “We are not going back home empty –handed; it’s no retreat, no surrender. It’s going to be eleven players against eleven, so we have our chances to qualify.”

Siasia has fond memories of the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor, venue of the game against the hosts, where he scored against Senegal at the 1992 African Nations Cup.