Mounie has expressed his frustration following the loss but has now shifted his focus to their game against Sierra Leone on Tuesday.
“To concede right at the death it’s disappointing. We fought hard in the game and thought we did enough to get at least a draw,” Mounie told the media.
“Things like this happen in football and we have to put it behind us. The game against Sierra Leone is what we should be thinking about now. Hopefully, we can get a good result and get the qualification ticket.”
Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr, who has now led his side to qualify for their second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations finals, has expressed his sympathy with the Squirrels for the loss, given their effort in the encounter.
What’s still to play for in Afcon qualifying? Twitter.com/Cafonline Can Nigeria end the campaign in style?
The Super Eagles wrapped up qualification with two matches to spare on Saturday, with their place in Cameroon assured before a ball had been kicked against Benin.
They duly went on to beat the Squirrels thanks to a last gasp goal by Paul Onuachu, but fans remain unconvinced that Gernot Rohr is getting the best out of these troops.
Perception is critical, and a strong conclusion to the campaign against tiny Lesotho in Lagos will be an ideal way of putting a good spin on a troubled qualifying programme and ensuring they have the wind in their sails as they head to the Nations Cup.
Rohr has expressed his satisfaction with the displays from his side during the campaign and promised fans they will see the Super Eagles play more good football.
“It was a good result to win 3-0 against Lesotho. We did not concede a goal and we wanted to be more solid after our two games in November [against Sierra Leone],” Rohr told the media.
“We did two clean sheets it is good for the team’s stability. To also score four goals was also interesting. We recorded four wins and two draws, same as we did for the [2018] World Cup qualifiers.
Seye Omidiora 07:00 SAST 2021/04/02 Which of Gernot Rohr’s players need to up their game before next year’s continental showpiece? Getty Nigeria
Having secured progress to the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Cameroon next year after going unbeaten, Gernot Rohr’s team ought to start preparations for the showpiece in earnest.
Stars like Victor Osimhen thrived throughout qualifying, scoring five times and assisting as many, and the frontman is expected to dominate in the Central African nation in 2021.
However, while the Napoli striker was in fine form for the majority of qualifying, a few of Rohr’s team need to make headway before the start of the continental showpiece if Nigeria are to claim a fourth African title.