Inspite Super Eagles goalless campaign in their first match against Rwanda in the ongoing 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, Head, Super Eagles Team B, Salisu Yusuf would not entertain any doubt about the team’s progress.
The home-base Eagles had series of begging chances which if converted could have given the West African the desired 3-point from the game that eventually ended goalless at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangiers, Morocco.
But, Coach Salisu who spoke to Brila FM on Tuesday morning was full of resounding confidence assuring that his team was a tough side, full of unbeaten competitive skills and competence to claim the tournament trophy.
“We know it’s not going to be an easy one, No team is going to be easy, but we are sure of progressing in the group” Coach Salisu stated adding that “Nigerians need to be calm,”
“The team will get everything right as the tournament continues,” Salisu emphasized in the interview.
Obviously it was a frustrating night for the West Africans who saw the post and crossbar deny them no less than three occasions. But superb saves from Rwanda goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimiye also added to their misery.
The home-based Eagles were the better side, dominating possession in both halves but failed to do the most important thing – goal scoring. With veteran Rabiu Ali leading Nigeria’s onslaughts, youngster Sunday Faleye was unlucky to see his header from Osas Okoro’s assist bounce off the crossbar in the opening minutes with Ndayishimiye completely beaten.
In the 38 minute, Ali wasted a golden opportunity to send Nigeria into the lead, volleying wide after the Rwandan goalkeeper had spilled a cross onto his path.
The Amavubi survived another scare from the Super Eagles four minutes before the interval, after a long drive from Ali came off the post with Ndayishimiye beaten yet again. The second half resumed on the same tempo with Rwanda coming into the picture following the introduction of nimble footed AS Kigali midfielder Savio Nshuti.
In the 78 minute, the upright came to the rescue of Amavubi for the third time after substitute Ibrahim Mustapha’s header from an Ali corner kick hit the post to the relief of Rwanda.
As both sides eventually settled for a barren draw after 90minutes in their Group C, the stalemate leaves the Super Eagles in joint second position in the group, two points behind Libya who beat Equatorial Guinea 3-0 earlier on Monday.
Libya maintains top spot of the group thanks to their 3-0 humbling of Equatorial Guinea in the earlier kick-off.
The super Eagles next game comes up on Friday as they take on Libya at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier. The championship which began on Saturday is expected to end on Feb. 4.
