Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf praised the efficiency of his team as they beat hosts Ghana 2-0 on Monday, September 18 in their last Group A match to reach the last four of the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles had drawn their opening two matches in the group phase of the WAFU competition and needed a win to remain in the competition.
Nigeria’s positive response excites head coach Yusuf who made five changes to the starting line-up that faced Guinea.
“Against Ghana, we took our chances,” said the Super Eagles coach.
“In the first half, we couldn’t score. In the second half, our first two chances we scored the goals and we still missed some two chances.
“Like I told you earlier, it’s all about taking your chances and doing the right things at the right time and you can win the game.”
Nigeria is billed to the play the Group B leaders on Thursday, September 21 at the Cape Coast Stadium in the second semifinal on the day.
Meanwhile, Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu said his boys had a bad day at the office after losing 2-0 to rivals Nigeria in their final 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations, Group A match on Monday, September 18 at Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars were second best on the afternoon and could not replicate the form that saw them account for Guinea and Mali to confirm their semi-final slot.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles ran rampant with a pair of second-half goals from Anthony Okpotu and Peter Moses in the 53rd and 56th minutes respectively doing the damage.
“I think the game against Nigeria was a difficult one, but all the same I have to congratulate the boys for what they did even though we lost the game, they played through a lot of difficulties,” said Konadu.
“We have to congratulate Nigeria, they took their chances and played very well. It was a day, nothing really worked for us.
“We will go back, rest well and recover for Thursday and the semifinal.”
Ghana will face the second best team in Group B on Thursday, September 21 at the Cape Coast Stadium in the first semifinal of the day.
COMMENTS