Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has admitted his side lacked the killer instinct and experience, after they were defeated 2-0 by South Africa in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.
Two second half goals courtesy of Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau, saw Stuart Baxter’s side claim a famous away victory.
It’s Bafana Bafana’s first ever win over Nigeria in a competitive match.
“Nobody is happy with the result but in some negative result there are some positives,” Rohr said during his post-match interview.
“And we have to search for them. The first goal we conceded was a counterattack from the right flank and the second goal was a gift.
“My young team played a very good first half. They played well but they didn’t score and in the second half we knew that the experienced team of South Africa could be dangerous and counter us and that was what happened.
“We had difficulties to finish the game they made so many efforts. Some of our players were tired to we tried to put in some attacking players to bring in some power in the attack but it was not enough.
“We knew they were unbeaten in the last 17 games now 18. I believe that this game we made progress with my young team of an average age of 24 years. The youngest team in Africa. This game they will learn and not repeat the same mistakes.
“We controlled the game until the goal they conceded.
“You know with a young team where all is good it’s wonderful, when it’s difficult they become nervous and that was the case today.
“But I trust in these players because theg played well in the first half.
“I don’t want give excuses for the missing players. It’s right we missed some big players to score the goals.
“The game against Cameroon will be much better.”Q
Libya tops Group E with three points, following their 5-1 win over Seychelles. Baxter’s men are in second place on goals difference, while Nigeria is third with no points.
