Algiers: Algeria’s Head Coach, Vladimir Petkovic, has congratulated Nigeria following the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory in their AFCON quarter-final clash. Petkovic said Nigeria deserved the win, admitting his team struggled to settle into the match from the opening minutes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Petkovic acknowledged that the Super Eagles controlled key aspects of the game. “Nigeria was better than us and prevented us from playing the way we wanted,” he said. The Algerian coach noted that his side lacked several elements required to compete at that level. “They showed superior individual quality and physical strength,” Petkovic said.
He further explained that Algeria attempted a response in the second half but fell short in attack. “We tried to improve, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted going forward,” he said. Petkovic described his players as disappointed by the exit. “The players are devastated, but they performed well throughout the tournament,” he added. He urged his team to remain positive in spite of the setback.