Former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles coach, Manu Garba, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Super Eagles B to qualify for the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite the 0-2 loss to the Black Galaxies of Ghana on Sunday evening.
The Ghana netted two second half goals at the Cape Coast Stadium to put pressure on the Nigerian team ahead of the reverse fixture on Saturday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
“It’s the game of football and anything is possible. But we need players who can finish off well.
“The attack was blunt and may be we should have done better if we have played some international friendlies because preparation is the key,” Manu who coached Nigeria to win the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup was quoted as saying by allnigeriasoccer.com.
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The Super Eagles need to defeat their Ghanaian opponents by at least three unreplied goals to qualify for Algeria 2023.
Last Sunday, Nigeris coached by Salisu Yusuf had a good first half and threatened a couple of times to go ahead with most of the match played in the opposition half.
However the homers came off the blocks in the second half the more purposeful side and put their guests under enormous pressure.
Ghana got the the reward for their efforts five minutes into the second half as Afriyie Barnieh converted from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka the wrong way.
The Black Galaxies doubled their lead in the 86th minute when Seidu Suraj pounced on a rebound to slot hone from close range as Adewale Adeyinka failed to hold firm to a delicate cross by Daniel Abagna.
The visitors had two late chances to reduce the deficit but were unable to maximise the opportunities.
Meanwhile, Nigeria are aspiring to win the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time, after a loss in the final at Morocco 2018 to the hosts.