Algeria’s head coach, Vladimir Petković, has congratulated Nigeria following the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory in their AFCON quarter-final clash.

Petković said Nigeria deserved the win, admitting his team struggled to settle into the match from the opening minutes.

According to him, the Super Eagles controlled key aspects of the game.

“Nigeria was better than us and prevented us from playing the way we wanted,” he said.

The Algerian coach noted that his side lacked several elements required to compete at that level.

“They showed superior individual quality and physical strength,” Petković said.

He said Algeria attempted a response in the second half but fell short in attack.

“We tried to improve, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted going forward,” he said.

He described his players as disappointed by the exit.

“The players are devastated, but they performed well throughout the tournament,” he said.

He urged his team to remain positive in spite of the setback.

“This competition is over and we must now look ahead with our heads held high,’ he said.

(NAN)