Akinwunmi, Fresh hail Eagles in defeat

The leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Super Eagles in the match against Serbia.

Nigeria lost 0-2 to Serbia on Tuesday at The HIVE Barnet, London, in an international friendly preparatory to the World Cup in Russia.

Speaking to Tribunesport after the match, the duo of Seyi Akinwunmi, first vice-president of the NFF and the Chairman, Technical Committee, Ahmed Fresh, in separate interviews, said they were happy with the team’s performance, adding that it was a quality friendly game that brought the best out of the team despite the defeat.

According to Akinwunmi, “It was a good work for the team. All the players were tested and happy to ensure that we continue to have all these friendly matches and our choice of opponents have been justified by what happened today [Tuesday] with the result,” he said.

In his reaction, the chairman, technical committee of the NFF, Ahmed Fresh said he was impressed with the pattern played, describing the match as a preparatory one that will help Nigeria.

The chairman Niger Football Association added: “We are happy with the pattern played and in football, you win some and lose some. The coaches know better. We are happy despite the result. Though Nigerians don’t like losing, it will help us plan ahead of the most crucial match against England in June.

“We are not perturbed by the result of the match. There is nothing to worry about. We are on course for a good outing at the World Cup. The coach must have seen the loopholes and will sure plug them if there is any. He is not worried, so why should I? He is in charge and knows what to do,” Akinwunmi said.