Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo has admitted that the team were relaxed against Madagascar which led to their defeat on Sunday in Alexandria.
He said the 2-0 loss is a wake-up call to as they aim for their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt.
“I think this is a wake-up call for us, today, we played very poorly, we were relaxed and our mentality was not very good. Probably it is because we have already qualified, but this game has shown us that there is no easy team in this competition,” Ighalo told reporters after the game.
“We have to go back, regroup and ensure we do well in the next game which is a match with no room for mistakes,” he said.
Nigeria were stunned 2-0 by Madagascar who scored in each half of the match to top group B with seven points.
It was also their first win against Nigeria in five outings.
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Nigeria will meet the second placed team in Group F in the knockout stage which could either Ghana or Benin Republic.