Coach Salisu Yusuf has remained upbeat Nigeria could still make it to the U23 AFCON in Morocco despite a shambolic goalless home draw with Guinea in a final playoff.
Both teams will clash again Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco, with the overall winners advancing to the tournament proper, which also serves as qualifying series for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“I am disappointed (with 0-0 draw), but it’s not the end of the world as we can correct our mistakes,” Salisu Yusuf maintained after a drab display by his team in Abuja.
“The most important thing is we didn’t lose here because they had two shots on goal which were very critical.
“Thank God the defenders were up to it, but I still believe we can qualify if we work extra hard.
“It’s going to be tough, but I believe if we are focused and we have the positive mindset to go there and win, we can win even away.”