Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has explained his side’s shock 2-0 loss to Africa Cup of Nations first timers, Madagascar, on Sunday.
The German tactician said his players did not show enough hunger because they had already qualified for the round of 16.
The win saw Madagascar finish as group winners on seven points.
“Madagascar deserve to win the Match, they were the better team,” Rohr said.
“We had possession of the ball but it was not good football (from the Eagles). It was too slow and we missed the fighting spirit. But when a team has already qualified, they hardly show desire which I saw in the Madagascar team.
“Congrats to Madagascar but the next game for us is more important.”
The German coach also gave reason why he decided to change his line-up which saw the likes of Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Samuel Kalu, John Ogu all start.
“We wanted to give rest to five of our players. That was what we did. I didn’t want to lose a player to injury or for a player to get a second yellow card, so that everybody will be available (for the knockout). And (Jamilu) Collins is coming back from injury. So I think the next game we will prepare very well,” he said.
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