Sierra Leone head coach John Keister has expressed disappointment after watching his team succumb to a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria on Thursday.

The Leone Stars rode their luck at times in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie but could have been two goals up as early as the 13th minute.

In the end, it was the Super Eagles who rallied back from a goal down to earn maximum points in the Group A fixture.

Keister admitted that his young side paid for their inexperience in the game.

“We were disappointed not to get something out of the game. We came here with a positive feeling. We felt we could go back home with a positive result,” Keister told a post-match press conference on Thursday night.

“We have a lot of young players in the team and it reflected in our performance. They took their eyes off the ball and allowed Victor Osimhen to score the second goal.

“In the end, the experience on both sides reflected in the final result. We could have another goal too.”

Meanwhile, the players and their officials have departed Abuja for Conakry where they will take on Sao Tome and Principe on Monday.