“We Can’t Show Them Too Much Respect” – John Keister on Clash With Nigeria

Sierra Leone head coach, John Keister has admitted in an interview with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Media Department that as a coach you respect the opposition but they can’t show the Super Eagles of Nigeria too much respect.

He acknowledge that the Super Eagles got a very set of players doing well in Overseas but all about how well they feel about going into the match and they are going there with a strong mentality as they have always done.

He revealed that It feels a lot better about the boys, the focus, the training, the environment so it easier to work around the things that they need to work on to improve the boys, around what they want to do in terms of what they want and how to go about it.

“You Know how difficult it can be in football but then again I’m not one for excuses, We believe in doing the work once you can concentrate on what you do and do it to the best of your ability. I think  that all that matters. We are gonna go there and compete and that is the fact . We are not gonna go there and lie down and that’s the fact. These are times when I don’t need to let the players understand the significance of this game. I think the players themselves should understand that. They should relish the challenge coming up with Nigerian players that are doing very well overseas. You never know but this is a good time. I have been one of those as well. I remember in 2001, Yes, I was part of that Sierra Leone team that beat Nigeria home 1-0 when no one expected anything from us. I have that feeling again with this group going into Liberia against Nigeria with the challenges we have with regards to players that are suspended, being injured personal reasons. As a coach , you respect the opposition but you can’t show them much respect and that’s the fact about football,” Keister stated.

Sierra Leone needs to win the game to keep their dreams of making it to Cote d’Ivoire 2023 alive.

Ahead of the encounter, the gaffer will look to inject fresh talents into the national team squad by extending maiden invitations to a few promising players. Sierra Leone, will be aiming to disrupt the Super Eagles’ ambitions and potentially advance their own campaign.