Algeria coach, Georges Leekens believes only an absence of ‘efficiency’ cost his side a positive result in Saturday’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
The Algerians frittered away a plethora of chances and ultimately lost 3-1 to a talented Nigeria side at a packed Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Leekens praised the attitude of his players and explained that the outcome of the game could have been decent if they had converted their numerous goal scoring opportunities in both halves.
“Let me start by paying tribute to (the late Nigeria head coach), Stephen Keshi who I knew very well.
“He was my player and was a very good person and my good friend.
“The game was a very tight game but we were not efficient offensive but Nigeria were.
“We created so many chances but we also gave away so many chances and with the quality of players Nigeria has, (you are sure to be punished).
“We pushed Nigeria hard in the end and took several risks defensively which allowed them to score a third goal against us.
“I think it was a balanced game and we had a good game.
“Nigeria has a good team but even at 2-0 down, we did not give up and I praise my boys for their attitude in trying to fight back,” Leekens told assembled media at the post match conference.
The Belgian was taking charge of his first game in charge of the Fennec Foxes after he replaced Milovan Rajevac, who was ousted by reported player power play in October.
Leekens had just two weeks to prepare for the game and he stated, quite predictably, that the absence of ample time made things complicated for him.
He further revealed that he had just seven days to properly work with his side before the crucial game.
“Most of my players play abroad and only three or four of them play in (the Algerian league).
“But I know them well because I have been coach of Algeria in the past. I am also familiar with (the people at the Algeria Football) federation.
“I had just a week to monitor my players and the Nigeria players on television and with my computer.
“But I praise my players because they showed character.
“The only problem we had was an absence of efficiency because we had a lot of chances in the first and second halves,” he said.
Algeria currently sits bottom of Group B with a solitary point from their first three qualifying matches.
Credit: Supersports