By Ime Bassey
As Nigerians celebrated the start of Samson Siasia’s Super Eagles defeating the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone Wednesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, former Super Eagles defender Edema Fuludu has urged him to continue with his level playing field in the team as well as the building of confidence among the home-based players.

Fuludu

Reacting to the Eagles victory,  Fuludu told Saturday Vanguard Sports that the match was a good start for the team as he commended the home-based players, especially the goal scorer, Ekigho Ehiosun.

“If Siasia continues with this level playing field for all players in the team, I bet you that within a few years we will have a crop of home based players commanding a starting shirt in the Super Eagles. Building confidence in a player is what a coach needs to do to bring the best out of a player, this was what Clemens Westerhof did when he was around.

“For me, yesterday’s (Wednesday) match was a good one for us as the home-based players did the Premier league proud, specifically our boy, Ekigho Ehiosun scoring on his debut. Also, I am happy that Siasia gave the home-based Eagles the chance to prove themselves and gather confidence.

“The home-based players did well, like I said, Ehiosun is leading the pack for them. He came in and scored the second goal, it shows that his goals in the league are no fluke. He had a hard-trick over the weekend and made a replica of it by scoring against Sierra Leone. I am not saying this because I am the Director of Football in Warri Wolves but as a Nigerian.

“Also, I must appreciate the performance of Ahmed Musa, the former Kano Pillars striker and last season’s Nigerian Premier League top striker. It was a delight watching him, his pace is very good for our team. Another player that caught my attention was the center back that paired Yobo, Odibe, he did a wonderful job. So also the others. luck,” Fuludu concluded.

Commenting on the jeering of the team by the Lagos fans, the Warri Wolves Director of football said they need to be patient with the team as the match was only a friendly match.

“In general, the home-based players have held their heads high, telling Nigerians that if given the opportunity they can meet our expectation. This tells us that if they play more friendly matches together and with more time in training, they would do better.