Yusuf stated this in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in
Akure after returning from the competition.
Sunshine Stars lost 5-4 to Remo Stars U-17 team in extra
time of the last match.
The team had played 2-2 in the first match with Sporting
Lagos, defeated Shooting Stars 3-1 in the second game, and lost the last match
5-4 to Remo Stars to finish second on the log, with only one team qualifying
from the zone.
Remo Stars will represent the region with other teams that
qualified from other regions.
Yusuf said the team did very well and would keep together as
an effective feeder team for the senior team to consolidate the achievements of
the team.
“I am happy with the way our players played and we just
needed to inject a few legs into the team. Injury to our first-choice
goalkeeper in the second match affected our game plan.
“But that is no excuse, we have to move on and take from the
positives that we have in the game.
“I will urge the management of the football agency and the
state government to keep the crop of players together,” he said.
NAN