Our goal was not to defeat Nigeria, says DR Congo coach

Florent Ibenge, head coach of DR Congo, says his team “did not come to win” the Super Eagles in the international friendly played on Monday.

According to Ibenge, the friendly which ended 1-1 was to help the Nigerian team prepare for the World Cup.

Ibenge disclosed this to NAN on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

“We did not come to win the Super Eagles of Nigeria but to give her a good match that could prepare the team well for the World Cup in Russia,” he said.

“We came to give the Super Eagle a good match to prepare and strengthen her for the World Cup.

“Nigeria has a good team and it was necessary to play a good game to put the team in a good shape for the World Cup.”

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles coach, said his side’s performance was below par, attributing it to fatigue.

“We didn’t win the match but it was an interesting test for everybody, especially for some players we did not know so well and I am satisfied with their performance,” Rohr said.

“We did not have the profile I saw in the center-forward but now we have found it.

“In this game, we also saw that we have some problems with our fullback, we will work on it, as we have few days to be ready.”

Rohr reiterated the fact that injured Simon Moses will miss the World Cup, saying, “we have had two scans on him to confirm the nature of his injury and both came out with the same result that he needs to be out by close to four weeks.

“I don’t think it is necessary for him to travel to London again. He is out of the World Cup.”