When the Sani Abacha Stadium was a fortress like Camp Nou, Salisu Yusuf was the mastermind on the touchline and he’ll bring that fear factor to the CHAN Eagles.

Yusuf’s Kano Pillars was likened to Barcelona by former Enugu Rangers and CHAN 2014 star, Ejike Uzoenyi, as the latter predicts a good outing for the Eagles in Morocco.

Nigeria will be making its third appearance at the tournament and though the team has never won the competition, this year may be different the Ajax Cape Town winger has suggested.

Uzoenyi helped Nigeria to a third place finish and also capped the tournament with the MVP award.

Speaking on Monday in a telephone chat on Brila FM’s Sports Square, Uzoenyi opined that Yusuf could be the X factor in Morocco, but the players must play to instruction.

‘When Salisu Yusuf was in charge of Pillars, visiting the Sani Abacha stadium was like going to face Barcelona.

‘The Coach is well respected in among Coaches and players because he loves good football.’

‘At this time it’s clear that the Coach has a good squad at his disposal but he remains the key element in the team and the players must heed his instruction for Nigeria to progress in Morocco,’ the former CHAN MVP said.