CHAN 2018: Injuries Almost Cost Eagles Game Against Angola – Coach Yusuf

FRANCIS ACHI/Tangier, Morocco

Having came from a goal down to defeat the Panacas Negras of Angola 2-1 in a thrilling and highly tension soaked semi – final  encounter at the CHAN tournament , Salisu Yusuf , the chief coach of the Super Eagles has said that injuries to the players almost cost Nigeria the game.

Yusuf , who  spoke to PM EXPRESS in Tanger immediately after the game, said he was very excited to tinker the team to the semi – finals of the tournament. He praised the players for exhibiting great fighting spirit when the team were a goal down and some players were injured, adding that he was forced to change the tactical formation of the team , as new players were introduced to replaced the injured ones .

” It was a very difficult game . Injuries to Kalu Orji early in the first half was not what we envisaged in the game, but Timothy Danladi came in and did his best.

“Sunday Faleye was also injured . We tried to manage him  till the end of first  half and he was later replaced with Gabriel Okechukwu , who scored the winning goal. Emeka Ogbuuh was also injured .Nigeria were simply destined to win the game.” Salisu Yusuf said.

He was very particular with the hand injury that Sunday Faleye suffered in the game , which might have cost him to play his last game in the tournament depending on the medical result from the medical officials  of the team .

” We will wait on the medical report on Sunday Faleye’s injury before we can confirm if he will be ruled out of the remaining games of the tournament, but if the player is ruled out , we still have some other players in the attack that can be very effective for the team as witnessed today with the performance of Gabriel Okechukwu,” he concluded .