One of the best - Cape Verde coach reacts to 2-1 defeat to Nigeria

Cape Verde head coach, Pedro 'Bubista' Leitão, has admitted they lost to one of the best teams in Africa, following their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.

The hosts took a shock lead through Bryan Tavares, but the Super Eagles levelled after Victor Osimhen reacted quickest to a loose ball.

Gernot Rohr's men then won the game thanks to a bizarre own goal midway through the second half.

"Cape Verde doesn't have to feel squeamish about losing to Nigeria.

"Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa. We have to have the guts and humility to know that Nigeria is also an extremely strong team and losing to Nigeria is not a bad thing.

"An own goal is always difficult. It was a shame because it happened at a time when we were taking over the game, we had refreshed the team.

"But it happens. We are not here to blame anyone individually. In our team we always win together and lose together," Bubista said at the post-match press conference.

Nigeria remains top of Group C with six points and next face a back-to-back fixture against bottom-of-the-group Central African Republic.