TheCable

Yusuf Salisu, coach of the home-based Super Eagles participating in CHAN 2018, says he’s delighted with his squad.

The Eagles played a 0-0 draw with Plateau United in their first match of the Super Six invitational tournament on Wednesday.

Despite the draw, Yusuf says he’s happy with his team’s adaptability and believes they are in good shape.

“We have to learn how to look for alternatives in the system adjusting to what we have in front of us – and we did,” he said to TheCable.

“We have put together a team with the squad we have, and we’ve got an amazing squad.

“The boys played well, the selectors have made a big effort and I’ve got a unique squad.

“We’re in good shape as I expected and we’ll keep on improving with matches and training.

“We can’t press by decree – you have to be organised and targeted. It’s important to have the ball but it’s also important to win it back as soon as possible.

“We are trying to see how the boys react to match process. The aim is to test players and see their reaction.’

“We have seen most of the players at club level. We will give them the chance to play.”

Salisu says the team will be fine when the CHAN tourney gets underway.

“There is a programme designed for the team to be successful in Morocco,” he said.

“We are trying to see the strength of the players we have at the NPFL Invitational compared to the ones that played in the CHAN qualifiers and WAFU Cup of Nations.”

Nigeria will tackle 2014 champions Libya, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea in the group stage of the fifth CHAN.