Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi has blamed momentary lack of concentration which resulted in unmarked Diego Forlan’s decisive goal for the Super Eagles’ 1-2 loss this morning in the on-going FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

The African champions had given a good account of themselves in the match played at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador from 11pm Nigerian time but failed to hold the South American champions, thus jeopardising their chances of advancing into the semi-finals.

“I think my players played well and played to instructions,” Keshi told the post-match press conference. “It was just one minute’s lack of concentration that made the difference. Otherwise it was good.”

After overcoming inexplicable fright in the first ten minutes, the Super Eagles had matched the South Americans in every department of the game – except in goal scoring. Uruguay drew the first blood in the 18th minute when Forlan’s left-wing corner was cleared back to him and his low cross fell on the path of unmarked Lugano, who directed the ball past goalie Vincent Enyeama.

The Eagles bravely surged forward with midfield marshall Mikel Obi netting the equaliser in the 36th minute after evading Lugano before stroking a left-foot shot into the top-left corner.

Old war horse Diego Forlan however ensured Nigeria’s defeat when he marked his 100th international appearance with a delightful goal after unexpectedly firing home past Enyeama against the run of play in the 50th minute. All efforts made by the Eagles to equalise proved abortive.

The result means that Nigeria and Uruguay will go into Sunday’s final group fixtures level on three points. However, while Uruguay are practically assured of victory over whipping boys Tahiti, Nigeria face an uphill task over world champions Spain, who are already in the semis after winning their first two matches – having beaten Uruguay 2-1 on Sunday and Tahiti 10-0 yesterday.

“We’re very satisfied,” Uruguay’s coach Oscar Tabarez said after the win over Nigeria. “Ever since the draw, we knew this match was the most important match to play and we’ve made a huge step towards the semi-finals. We’ve not reached the semi-finals yet, but I think we’re on the way,” he added.

•Photo courtesy zimbio.com, shows substitute striker Joseph Akpala leaping over a fallen marker during the action-packed match.

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