FUNNY: ''Tahiti fought like lions – Keshi''

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi
| credits: File copy

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi applauded the Tahitians on Monday following their brave challenge to Nigeria in their Group B Confederations Cup tie.

The Pacific Islanders, who were making their debut at the tournament, scored their first goal in a FIFA-organised tournament at the senior level in the 6-1 encounter.

“They came out to fight like lions and it was a little bit difficult to up our game when you know you are playing against them,” Keshi told AP.

“You think everything is easy, but they showed us they can play football and. I was worried (during the game) because we had clear chances, 100 per cent chances, and you need to bury the goals.”

The only professional on Tahiti’s team, Marama Vahirua, believes the loss has not damaged their pride of featuring in the FIFA competition.

“We’ve shown the world there’s some real quality in Tahiti. Just our presence here is a victory and it was fantastic to be adopted by the Brazilian public,” Vahirua said.

Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta also praised his team for their display on Monday, saying it was their toughest game ever.

“The last 15 minutes were really difficult for us physically because we’ve never experienced such a tough game before. I’d like to pay tribute to my players, they were fantastic.”