Argentina Coach Sampaoli : Nigeria Could Have Scored More Goals In The Second Half

Argentina national team coach Jorge Sampaoli was disappointed with the collapse of his team in the second half of their international friendly against Nigeria in Krasnodar on Tuesday evening, and has admitted that the Gernot Rohr led side could have scored more goals in the second period.

The South Americans were leading by two goals after 36 minutes, Iheanacho reduced the arrears just before half-time, Iwobi's brace and a goal from Brian Idowu on his debut secured a 4-2 win for the Super Eagles.

''In the first half we could have been three or four nil ahead, but ended up at 2-1,'' Jorge Sampaoli was quoted as saying by Eurosport.com.

"Then in the second half, in just nine minutes (20) with three long shots, they scored three goals. After this, the momentum was in favour of Nigeria.

"We did not have the energy of the first half and Nigeria's lead could have been extended further."

Argentina were without the services of their iconic captain Lionel Messi, who returned to Barcelona after last weekend's friendly with 2018 World Cup hosts Russia.

Igho Kingsley