Coach Gernot Rohr believes the Super Eagles were unlucky to lose to tournament favorites Algeria in the semifinal of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after conceding a 95th minute goal scored by Riyad Mahrez.

The former Bayern Munich defender pointed out that Nigeria had 11 shots on goal compared to the Desert Foxes who managed 8 and claimed that the Super Eagles saw more of the ball than the North Africans.

''After the match against Algeria, of course it was a disappointment, a big disappointment when you lose in the last second from a free-kick, it is a disappointment,'' Rohr told reporters at the pre-match press conference, including allnigeriasoccer.com.

''We analyzed together the match, we saw the video with the players yesterday and we saw also that we had a good match and the statistics were even better for us, we had 11 shots on goal and we had better possession of the ball.

''Against probably the best team in the tournament, to lose in this conditions is not a shame and they have to be positive and we want to finish well together.''

Nigeria have qualified for seven Africa Cup of Nations finals and won the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel