Shofoluwe urges Under-23 team improvement

Yisa Shofoluwe has praised the national Under-23 team for winning the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

However, the former Belgium-based player urged coach Samson Siasia to scout around for players capable of making the team as strong as possible.

Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-1 at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar on Saturday to win the tournament, which served as qualifiers for the men’s football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Nigeria, Algeria and South Africa will represent Africa in Rio.

A brace from Warri Wolves forward, Oghenekaro Etebo, won Nigeria the trophy after they had booked a ticket to the Olympics in their 1-0 semi-final victory over host, Senegal.

And former Super Eagles defender Shofoluwe said the team showed character after their shaky start to the tournament.

“I congratulate Samson Siasia and the boys on winning the tournament. They showed that they are a good side with the triumph,” the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist, popularly called Minister of Defence, told our correspondent.

“The boys played well and improved with each match in Senegal. They were shaky in their first two matches but they corrected their mistakes and became better till the final match where they played their best game of the tournament. They showed character with each match and deserved the title they won.”

According to the former Abiola Babes defender, the team need reinforcement in some areas ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

He said, “The team is good but they will be better if more players are added in their weak areas. Their defence and midfield are not yet strong enough to withstand the level of competition they will face at the Olympics.

“The Olympics is still some months away but we should not get carried away with the victory we have recorded to neglect those areas. Siasia has always been noted for building strong teams. The Olympic team should not be different.

“More defenders and midfielders should be identified and brought into the team ahead of the Olympics. They can earn the double honours of being the African Under-23 and Olympic champions.”