Nigeria U23s manager, Samson Siasia, has admitted he faced a selection headache before announcing the 21 players that will defend the colours of Nigeria at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

The former Nantes striker has advised the dropped players not be discouraged but to work harder to make the roster in the even the Dream Team qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.

“I feel sad telling you guys to go, but the truth is that only 21 players will have to make the trip to Senegal, and these selected ones are those the technical crew have seen to be able to give us an Olympic ticket in Senegal, ” Siasia stated, according to thenff.com.

“Don’t feel discouraged, go back to your clubs and keep on working on your game, you will have your chance to be part of the team.”

The Nigeria Under 23s begin their campaign at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations on Sunday against Mali before tackling Egypt and Algeria in that order.