TheCable

Gernot Rohr says there is no shame in losing to Madagascar, a team making her debut in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Franco-German Eagles tactician who is married to a Malagasy admitted to journalists at the post match press conference that the Barea’s deserved to win on Sunday at the Alexandria stadium.

He added that he rang a change to his team to rest some players due to the fact that Nigeria already qualified for the round of 16.

While stressing on the importance of winning the knock-out match than the group match, he however said that it was unfortunate that Nigeria lost the game.

“We lost to a good team because Madagascar was the first to qualify for the tournament and there is no shame in losing to such a team,” Rohr said.

“Madagascar was the better team today.

“We started with giving them a gift and after, we could not find a solution. We made five changes because we wanted to give rest to some players and also preserve those with cards.

“Sometimes it happens when you are already qualified; the players are relaxed and playing easy.”

Nigeria finished second and will meet the second placed team from Group F in Alexandria on Saturday.