Coach Gernot Rohr has admitted that Madagascar were the better side in Sunday evening's Africa Cup of Nations match at the Alexandria Stadium.
The Super Eagles had recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins against Burundi and Guinea but were outclassed by the Islanders who scored in each half to secure a 2-0 win.
''What happened was that Madagascar was the better team. We gifted them the first goal,we could not find a solution,'' Rohr said at the post-match press conference attended by allnigeriasoccer.com.
''We made five changes, I wanted to give some rest to some of our players who played so much especially Ndidi, Iwobi.
''Also we wanted to see the other goalkeeper. Usually when you are qualified before the third match, you give the chance to other players to play. That's what we wanted to do, to avoid injuries and second yellow cards.
''Madagascar played good counter football and we were not able to score even one goal, so that's why we have to work hard.
''The next match will be more important and the players know we have to work hard to improve to win the next match.''
Nigeria finished second in Group B with six points and will now face the runner-up in Group F in the round of sixteen on Saturday, July 6