Africa Cup of Nations

Alex Iwobi: 'Nigeria can learn from Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak'

| 16 July 2019

Alex Iwobi: 'Nigeria can learn from AFCON heartbreak'

The Super Eagles saw their hopes dashed by Riyad Mahrez's stoppage-time free-kick.

Alex Iwobi believes Nigeria can learn from the heartbreak of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat to go on and secure third place in the tournament.

The Super Eagles were beaten 2-1 by Algeria when Manchester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez scored a free-kick deep into stoppage time.

With hopes of a third Africa Cup of Nations title dashed, Gernot Rohr's side must now lift themselves to face Tunisia, who were knocked out by Senegal after extra-time.

"We always take lessons from our mistakes," Arsenal winger Iwobi told a press conference.

"Even though we lost the semi-final, of course it hurts, there is no better place to put it right than in the third-fourth place play-off match.

"We are a young team and hope to return home with the third place. We will enter the game with the needed respect and seriousness."

The Carthage Eagles had made it through to the semi-finals for the first time since winning the trophy on home soil in 2004.

Tunisia coach Alain Giresse admits his players could struggle regroup following their 1-0 loss on Wednesday night.

"I believe this is going to be a psychologically tough encounter because we are not over that defeat from Senegal yet," Giresse said at a press conference.

"This is football and we understand the whole team disappointment – but we have to forget that and focus on Nigeria game."