Despite fierce contest for the plum job of Head Coach of African champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun, with over 77 candidates applying for the job, former Super Eagles’ Coach Samson Siasia believes he would be chosen amongst the lot.
Speaking to AOIFootball.com in Abuja, Siasia said that he is competent enough to take the Lions to the next level that’s why he threw his hat in the ring.
“I can confirm I applied for the job and I am optimistic about my chances to get it. It does not matter if about 77 applied like you said, I believe I am capable and hopeful I will get the job,” he said.
Siasia, a former Nigeria international, enjoyed great successes with Nigeria U-20 and U-23 teams.
The former Nantes FC goal poacher led Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles to a second place finish at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
He twice managed the U-23 team, leading them to claim silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and bronze at the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro.
The former striker was appointed Super Eagles head coach in 2010, replacing Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, but was sacked in October of 2011 after failing to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles. He was replaced by the late Stephen Keshi.
Siasia also handled the Super Eagles in an interim basis following the resignation of his former teammate, Sunday Oliseh in February 2016.
Meanwhile, according to reports in Yaounde, the 50- year- old Siasia will contend with the likes of former Indomitable Lions captain, Rigobert Song; one-time Super Eagles coach Philippe Troussier, and ex- France coach, Raymond Domenech.
Other notable names on the list are former Germany captain, Lothar Mathaus, and former handler of the side Pierre Lechantre.