Port Harcourt – Niger Republic National Football team coach, Francois Zahoui, said his team had learnt some good lessons from their international friendly with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Zahoui stated while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after his team lost 0-2 to Nigeria in an international friendly played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
“We came here to play, learn and make progress. We lost but at the same time gained a lot from the game,“ he said.
Zahoui , who spoke through an interpreter, commended Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, for building a good team in a short time.
Captain of Nigerien team, Souleymane Sakou, said they had anticipated a tough game against Nigeria.
“ It was a very big experience playing against Nigeria. We played and lost, but we learnt and hope to improve from here,“ he said.
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Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa scored the first goal in the 16th minute through a penalty while substitute player, Simon Moses, scored the second goal in the 84th minute.
Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, said his team was still trying to blend and form a formidable side.
“ What we are trying to do is to play against ourselves, and not just against our opponents.
“We are learning how to move together as a team,“ he said.
Oliseh said the coaching crew wanted to see if the players had corrected the mistakes made in the match against Tanzania.
He said though his team won, “ there is still a lot of work to do,”
He said the Nigerien team was talented and would be difficult to defeat if they blended. (NAN)
