Sports
No shame in losing to Madagascar, Nigeria can still win AFCON – Rohr
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr does not think there is shame in his team losing to Madagascar at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since the Bareas qualified for the tournament before any other team.
The Eagles fell to a shock 2-0 defeat to Madagascar in their final group B game on Sunday, and ended up as runners-up, with Madagascar finishing top.
It was the first time Madagascar recorded a win against Nigeria in five meetings, and the win on Sunday would go down as their biggest victory in history.
Rohr, who made five changes from the squad that defeated Guinea in their second group match, is not giving up on his goal to win the title.
“I’m still confident that we can win the competition because we have our injured players back,” the German gaffer said in a post-match chat.
Read Also: Super Eagles lose to Madagascar, finish second in AFCON group B
“It’s normal to change the team when one has already qualified. I wanted to rest the team and give others the opportunity to play.
“It is not a shame to lose against them because they were the first to qualify for this competition in October last year.”
Rohr added: “Madagascar were the better team, but the first goal was a wonderful gift to them.
“I wanted to see other players which was why I made five changes, and that was perhaps why we were dominated by Madagascar. We have to work hard for the next match because that is more important.
“We misplaced simple passes and were poor perhaps because subconsciously we already were thinking about the next round. We have to do better in our next game.”
The Super Eagles will hope to bounce back from the defeat when they go again in the round of 16.
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