Poor Marking Frustrates Lagerback

Nigeria boss Lars Lagerback lamented a lapse in set-piece concentration which allowed Argentina to score the only goal in the opening match of  Group B.

Gabriel Heinze was unmarked when he headed in Juan Veron’s corner in the sixth minute, while Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama made several top saves.

“Unfortunately, there was a mistake from our side that created the corner kick”, said Swede Lagerback.

“We were sleeping on one of the corners and that was enough. We were punished.”

While Argentina’s vaunted midfield and forward line were thwarted by an outstanding display by Hapoel Tel-Aviv keeper Enyeama, Nigeria wasted several potential goalscoring opportunities at the other end.

Striker Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi was particularly profligate, while Taye Taiwo and Kalu Uche missed good chances in the second-half.

However, Enyeama is confident the Super Eagles can respond positively in their next game against Greece, who lost 2-0 to South Korea in Port Elizabeth, on 17 June in Bloemfontein.

“We’re not going to kill ourselves. We have two more game to play”, said the 27-year-old.

“We thank God the score was a little encouraging”.