U23 AFCON Qualifier: "We Will Perfect Our Strategy Before Tuesday's Return Leg" - Salisu Yusuf Assures Nigerians

U23 AFCON Qualifier: "We Will Perfect Our Strategy Before Tuesday's Return Leg" - Salisu Yusuf Assures Nigerians 

By Niyi Busari

Head coach of Nigeria U23 national team, Salisu Yusuf has reassured Nigerians that he will use the next five days to put together a better team ahead of the second leg of the CAF U23 African Nations Cup qualifier, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

Guinea U23 national team held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the qualifier on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja. The result put Nigeria in a tight corner.

Salisu admitted that his boys were not coordinated and couldn't play better than the Guineans, he however promised to use the next five days perfect his strategy ahead of the return leg in Morocco.

"The most important thing is that we did not lose here because they have two shot on target which was very critical but thank God, the defenders reacted to it. But I still believe that we can still qualify if we work extra hard." Salisu exclusively told BSN Sports.

He added, "There is no good coordination among our players, there was a big gap in transition from defense to the midfield and to the forwards. So, that was why it was always difficult for us to win balls in the midfield. The players did not train together for much time, if you observe. There are five home based players that started the game but the next five days will help us to perfect our strategy and see what will happen in Morocco. 

"I am disappointed with the result in today's game but that's not the end of the world because we can still turn things around. Playing in Morocco as neutral ground is just like starting a new game, the team that work harder can go ahead and win the game." He concluded.

Guinea will host Nigeria in Morocco next Tuesday in the second leg of the CAF U23 African Nations Cup qualifier where the overall winners pick the ticket for the CAF U23 African Nations Cup finals.