Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr has commented on his side's shock 2-0 loss to Madagascar in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash on Sunday.
Goals by Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Charles Carolus Andriamatsinoro ended the Super Eagles' unbeaten streak in the tournament, which stretches back to the 2013 edition of the competition.
Despite his side succumbing to defeat to the islandic minnows, Rohr claimed there is no shame in having lost to the first team that booked their spot at the spectacle.
Read: Madagascar pip Nigeria to top spot
"We lost to a good team because Madagascar was the first to qualify for the tournament and there is no shame in losing to such a team," Rohr said in post-match comments, as per Punch NG.
"Madagascar was the better team today (Sunday). We started with giving them (Madagascar) a gift and after, we could not find a solution.
"We made five changes because we wanted to give rest to some players and also preserve those with cards. Sometimes it happens when you are already qualified; the players are relaxed and playing easy.
"I wanted to see other players which was why I made five changes and that was perhaps why we were dominated by Madagascar. We have to work hard for the next match because that is more important.
"It's normal to change the team when one has already qualified. I wanted to rest the team and give others the opportunity to play.
"We misplaced simple passes and were poor perhaps because subconsciously we already were thinking about the next round. We have to do better in our next game."
Nigeria will face the second-placed team in Group F – which is likely to be Ghana, who face Guinea-Bissau in their final AFCON group clash on Tuesday – in the round of 16.