Technical Adviser of the Nigeria Professional League All-Star, Salisu Yusuf, has assured that the players will give a good representation of Nigeria as they file out against Valencia CF on Wednesday to kick-start action in their tour of the Spanish LaLiga.
Yusuf spoke at a press conference at the Valencia FC Media Center alongside Valencia coach, Pako Ayestaran shortly after the NPFL All-Star concluded their morning training session at the Valencia FC Cuitat Esportiva.
“We know that Valencia is a big club in a big league. We have seen their high standard facilities and good level of organisation but we are here to give a good account of ourselves and to promote our country and our football. We will give Valencia a good match.”
“We know their style of play. We know they like to attack and they like to win and we are ready for them”, Yusuf added.
Valencia coach, Ayestaran, said he has not particularly followed developments in the NPFL but he has some general knowledge about Nigerian football and believes the match against the Nigerian league All-Star will help his club in their build up to the season opener just a few days ahead.
“I have not particularly followed the evolvement of the Nigerian league. I have worked abroad for some time but perhaps I just concentrated on my job. However, I know that Nigeria football is strong on attack and the players are aggressive and strong. We are building up now to the opening of the season with several warm games and the match against the NPFL All-Star will add to our preparation for season opener. Perhaps, my players may not be as fresh as they should be when the season kicks off in ten days time”, remarked the Spanish club Manager.
Ayestaran pointed out that Valencia does not go on break as some clubs do, but only takes a transition after each season and added that “one of the main targets of the club is to be in the Champions League at the end of the season”.
