Eagles’ coach Samson Siasia returned from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia soberly deflected. He and his charges found themselves in a tight corner in the 2012 Nations Cup qualifiers after they escaped with a 2-2 draw against the Walya Antelopes last Sunday.

Before that game the team was bubbling with confidence of beating Ethiopia at home, but this turned out to be a mirag. And and according to Siasia the 4-1 win against Argentina in the June 1 international friendly in Abuja gave the team a false hope.

“I guess we played better against Argentina because the stake was high. Our bane was going to Ethiopia with a relaxed kind of attitude which actually killed us. We have been brought down to earth and have learnt a lesson,” said the coach.

The Eagles arrived Ethiopia on match day and they went on to put a dismal display which left team at the brink of defeat, but for Joseph Yobo’s late minute header. Guinea won their match against Madagascar in the other group B game thus heaping more pressure on Siasia.

“We don’t want this kind of things to happen to us anymore.

“This time around we are going to Madagascar with players who are very positive minded and that could go out there and do their best for the nation.

“I think we have learnt a bitter lesson and we just have to forge ahead and make good plans to win the remaining two matches.

“I know that we need to score as many goals as possible against Madagascar and Guinea to have a chance. I can also take solace in the fact that I have a side who can score goals.”