Head coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has taken full responsibility for his team’s 4–0 defeat to Argentina, admitting that early goals from the South Americans shattered his side’s rhythm and game plan.
Speaking after the heavy loss, Zubairu said the early concession unsettled the players and affected their confidence, making it difficult to recover.
“We conceded a goal very early in the game, and the second goal came not long after the first. I think that was what disrupted our entire approach,” he said.
The coach, however, lamented his players’ poor response and lack of fighting spirit, noting that the team failed to show the right mentality after going behind.
“I believe the boys did not display a positive character. Our level of fight when we had the ball was not enough,” he stated.
According to him, the inability of the Flying Eagles to press or react quickly after losing possession gave Argentina room to dominate and dictate play throughout the match.
“That gave the Argentines the opportunity to operate freely, as they saw a lot of space. Whenever we lost the ball, we were not responding quickly enough,” Zubairu added.
Despite the disappointing performance, the coach maintained that defeat is part of the game and insisted he would take full blame.
“That’s football; sometimes it is like that. I take the blame. I take full responsibility, not the boys. When they won, they won. So, when they lose today, I accept responsibility,” he said.
