Assistant coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf says “ill luck” was responsible for the marginal 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in the first leg of the African Nations Championship qualifier in Port Harcourt las Saturday.

In a post-mortem of the match, Salisu said, “if we had had a little more luck, we could have scored four goals at least,” he said.

Salisu Yusuf

Salisu also rose in defence of Abia Warriors striker, Chisom Chikatara who failed to put away any of the chances that came his way in the match.

The Abia Warriors attacker was guilty of missing no less than three excellent opportunities against the Stallions in the second half at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

Salisu does not question the quality of the forward and believes he did not enjoy the rub of the green.

“I think it was down to ill luck that made him miss those chances.

“Our decision to bring in Chikatara and (Gbolahan) Salami late in the game was tactical because we wanted to attack with strength in the second half and we achieved that.

The trainer then took the time to review the game which Nigeria won 2-0 courtesy of goals in each half by Bature Yaro and Salami.

“It was a tough game but we could have won 4-0. The boys did very well.

“The Burkinabes are good and could have scored here. Generally our boys have done very well but made some mistakes.

“There is never a perfect game in football so we will go back to the drawing board and try to rectify some of the mistakes we have made in the first leg,” he said.