Former Nigeria defender Taribo West says the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia lost the first leg 2014 World Cup playoff against the Super Eagles due to a lack of experienced players.
The Ethiopians looked close to causing an upset at the bumpy Addis Ababa Stadium on Sunday when Assefa Behailu gave them a 57th minute lead.
But two goals from Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike denied them a win at home as the Eagles made easy their journey to next year's World Cup in Brazil.
The Ethiopians were unlucky to have lost in that manner but that is what you get when you are not exposed.Taribo, an Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games gold medallist, told our correspondent in Lagos on Monday.
They have the majority of their players playing in their domestic league and these players cannot compete against Nigeria's array of stars.
They had more possession in the game but they couldn't get the desired goals. This is due to the inexperienced players they have in their squad. I think they will get better by gaining more experienced playing in the Europe against the best players in the world.
You need to have a blend of both home and foreign-based players, like Nigeria is doing.\"
Taribo, who represented Nigeria at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, said the North-East Africans would have played better if they had a coach better than Bishaw Sewnet.
The former AC Milan centre-back said, "If they must move forward, they need a new coach to lead the team. The manager there is not bad but I think he is still lacking tactics wise. A better coach would have known what to ensure victory after putting so much pressure on the Nigerian defence.
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