We Played into Nigeria’s Hands — Rigobert Song

The five-time champions were sent packing from the tournament holding in Cote d’Ivoire after a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria.

Song’s side made a lot of mistakes at the back, gifting Nigeria two goals in the keenly contested game at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Saturday.

“We had the youngest team; there are players who are discovering,” the Cameroon coach said in his post-match remarks.

“We gave the opponent the opportunity to put us in difficulty; it’s part of the game.”.

Song won the tournament twice as a footballer, however refused to blame his players for the defeat.

“As I’ve said before, we are in reconstruction. It’s by making these mistakes that we will grow. Football is like that.

“The AFCON is a competition that is played on all levels: technical, tactical, and especially mental. I have a youthful that is discovering; it played, and we still have a lot to learn.”