2023 AFCON Qualifiers: Salisu Yusuf gives update on Nigeria U-23 ahead of Guinea clash

Nigeria’s Under-23 square off against Guinea on Wednesday, and a victory would put them in a comfortable position 

Nigeria Under-23 coach Salisu Yusuf has revealed that his team is prepared for their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier game against Guinea Bissau on Wednesday.

The Olympic Eagles saw off Tanzania 3-1 in the previous round of qualifiers. And that set up a date with their Guinean counterparts for a spot in this year’s AFCON.

Salisu Yusuf’s lads welcome the Guinean side to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Wednesday. Then they travel to Morocco for the second leg on the 28th of March.

The former Enyimba coach already has most of his players in camp ahead of the fixture, but he revealed that two players are yet to report to camp.

 

“We are missing Gift Orban from Gent,” Salisu said in a radio interview on Brila FM.

“Orban has not arrived. We sent him the invitation letter at the same time we sent it to other players, but I don’t know why he’s not here.

“There is also, Charles Uba. I think he will arrive today, but he will not be part of the match on Wednesday, probably the second leg.”

 

Salisu also admitted that the team was not under a lot of pressure. But he asserts that they would be at their best so they can get the victory.

 

“So far so good, the home-based lads have put in a lot of effort,” Salisu added.

“We already had a team that played Tanzania, but we are adding more players. And we have seen that there is a big development.

“We are not under any pressure, but being the player or being the coach, you always want to deliver.

“You want to do the best, you want to play your game and we are focused on that. It is our hope and prayer that at the end of it all, Nigeria will have victory.

 

The Olympic Eagles would be looking to get things sorted in the first leg and ensure that the second leg is a mere formality.