Keshi upbeat despite first loss

Goals from Ahmed Tesmah, Mohammed Aboutreka and Hassan Mekky rendered strikes by Uche Kalu and Sunday Mba academic as the Pharaohs nicked a heated contest 3-2 at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. Keshi refused to be saddened by the defeat praising his boys ‘for doing a good job despite the odds’. “The boys did […]

Goals from Ahmed Tesmah, Mohammed Aboutreka and Hassan Mekky rendered strikes by Uche Kalu and Sunday Mba academic as the Pharaohs nicked a heated contest 3-2 at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.

Keshi refused to be saddened by the defeat praising his boys ‘for doing a good job despite the odds’.

“The boys did well despite the odds and there is nothing to feel sad about. To have played this well against such a top side gives cause to be satisfied,” the former Super Eagles captain told SuperSport.com.

Keshi said there were positives to pick from the game; his first defeat since he took the reins of the national team on November 2, 2011.

“There were a lot of positives to draw from Thursday’s game. I am pleased with what I saw from the boys. The future is bright for Nigerian football,” he said.

The Nigeria team will arrive in Abuja by 1pm on Friday via an Ethiopia air flight.

SuperSport.com was also informed that the team would be given a one week break after which they will be expected to reconvene in Abuja.