The tactician has praised his side for overcoming their stifling challenges to subdue the Samurai Blue in Olympic opener
Coach Samson Siasia admitted that his boys had not been at their best in Friday’s 5-4 victory over Japan but heaped praise on them for overcoming fatigue and securing maximum points.
The Dream Team VI went into the game still reeling from their late appearance owing to flight delays.
However, they still managed to see off Makoto Teguramori’s side with Oghenekaro Etebo scoring four goals at the Arena Amazônia, Manaus.
“I just can’t describe what happened today. My boys defied science to win this game; what gave us this game was the mental toughness of the boys,” Siasia said after the game.
“For a team not to train for two days and put up this type of performance is a miracle. You know that when players are tired they tend to lose focus. That is why we conceded four goals.
“For now, all I can say is I just want to go and savour this victory with my players.
“We just won a game; we can’t and won’t allow this victory get into our heads. Our target here is to win the gold and this is just the first step of us achieving that aim.
“No two games are the same, for me this hurdle is over, when I wake up tomorrow I will then think of my next game.”
The former Super Eagles coach described the Japanese as a good team while pardoning his boys for conceding four goals.
“The team we defeated is a good side; I respect them for pushing my boys to the limit,” he continued.
“I knew that towards the end of the game my boys were tired and barely managed to hang on.
“I will not blame any one of them for the goals we conceded. We have put this match behind us. I hope my team sustains this great form and even step up a gear in our subsequent matches.”
