Nigeria U17s coach Emmanuel Amuneke has admitted that his team were second best against Croatia, adding that they had wanted to maintain their 100 percent record prior to the contest.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring after 20 minutes but goals from Brekalo and Maji� condemned the defending champions to their first defeat at the Fifa Under 17 World Cup since losing to Switzerland on November 15, 2009.

“My players wanted to win, but we were not the best tonight,” said Emmanuel Amuneke speaking to Fifa.com after the game.

“The Croats have asked us many problems. They prevented us from playing our game and deserved to win.

“My players are very talented, but still have room for improvement collectively.”

The Golden Eaglets will be back in action on Wednesday in the second round of the competition.

Photo Credit : fifa.com