Yemi Olanrewaju claimed Enyimba were fortunate to secure a spot in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The two-time African champions defeated Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante 3-2 on penalties in their second preliminary round contest on Sunday.
The two teams battled to a 0-0 draw over two legs.
Enyimba had chances to seal victory in regulation time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium but failed to put them away.
Olanrewaju said his players must improve their performance in the group stage.
“I wish we could have ended the game before the penalities considering the chances we missed. We were lucky to escape and we can’t go the next stage like this.
“If we are to progress to the quarter-finals, we must take our chances.
“There was a bit of anxiety from the lads and they were in a hurry for everything.
“We were not calm in the final third. We are lucky to have scale through and get to the group stage,” he said.