Flying Eagles lost to a ‘very tough’ and ‘tactical’ German team, Coach Manu Garba said in Newzealand following their ouster from the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
The African champions succumbed to a 1-0 loss to the European champions at the Christchurch Stadium in Christchurch, in one of the round of 16 games and Manu has been speaking.
“I believe that our players learnt a lot from this game and a big lesson in general from the tournament,” Manu was quoted by FIFA in a report by Soccer Laduma.
“The level at U-20s is far higher than at U-17s and Germany is a very tough and highly tactical team.
“Our players lost concentration at the crucial moment and this gave the Germans a chance to score.
“Our goalkeeper played a great game though and may have saved that ball if he had a clear view, but there is nothing we can do now.
“All my players have been in great form and I am proud of them all. There have been so many unexpected results in this tournament, but one can never predict the winner. I give my thanks to New Zealand for showing love for our team, the people here have made us feel at home,” he said.
the coach had boasted that Nigeria will reach the final of tournament.
The loss means Nigeria will have to wait till 2017 to see if they can get to win the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time.
