By Emmanuel Okogba

Nigeria vs Serbia: According to Mladen Krstajic, head coach of Serbia, it would have been worse for Nigeria’s Super Eagles when both teams met in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Serbia’s striker Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the International friendly football match between Nigeria and Serbia at the Hive stadium in Barnet, north London on March 27, 2018. / AFP PHOTO

Vanguard reports that two goals from Aleksander Mitrovic condemned Gernot Rohr and his boys to their first defeat since the World Cup qualifying campaign started.

And although Krstajic’s men dominated for a greater part on the night and got back to winning ways after losing 2-1 to Morocco on Friday, the gaffer feels the two goals scored was not a true representation of the game.

“I would like to congratulate the players on the win and their excellent performance. Also, on the approach, engagement, responsibility and discipline in the game,” Krstajic said during his post-match press conference.

“We controlled the game from the first minute and didn’t give them any chance to play. The win could have been more convincing, but it’s important how we worked.

“The only unfortunate thing is the result against Morocco, but we have proved our critics wrong with our performance in this game.

“The guys showed character and proved they are ready to play for the national team. We are moving forward, an important job is ahead of us.”

Nigeria is drawn alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in Group D of the 2018 FIFA World Cup while Serbia is in Group E with Brazil, Switzerland and Costa Rica.