Martins, however, acknowledged the Super Eagles players have greater exposure to high-level matches and top European leagues.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins has rued his team’s missed chances against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Friday, saying they did not deserve to lose.
He made this known while speaking to journalists at his post-match press conference after Nigeria came back from a goal down to beat his team 2-1 in the encounter played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Madagascar took an early lead through Kari Eshan, but Nigeria fought back courtesy of goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
Ilenikhena restored parity in the 45th minute after the Barea’s 16th-minute goal, before Usor completed the comeback in the 65th minute to hand the Super Eagles all three points.
Reacting to the outcome of the encounter, Martins expressed his disappointment with the result, saying it was hard on his lads.
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The French coach further noted his team had a chance to retake the lead in the game but failed to capitalise on it.
”This defeat is hard to take for me and my players because we didn’t deserve to lose in the manner that we did. We had a chance of going 2–1 up but didn’t take it,” Martins said.
He also acknowledged the difference in experience between the two teams, pointing to Nigeria’s greater exposure to high-level matches and top European leagues as a key factor.
According to Martins, the defeat provides an important learning experience for his players, many of whom are still developing at international level.
“It’s a learning curve for me and my players, who are not at the level of the Nigerian players, who are used to playing big games because they play for top teams in the top leagues,” he added.
Following their loss, Madagascar will now host the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in a matchday two encounter on Tuesday.
