Categories: AFCON 2021Sports

Anger, Disappointment In Nigeria After Early AFCON Exit


(Top L-R) Nigeria’s goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, defender Kenneth Omeruo, forward Taiwo Awoniyi, midfielder Joe Aribo, defender William Troost-Ekong, (bottom L-R) forward Kelechi Iheanacho, defender Ola Aina, defender Zaidu Sanusi, forward Moses Simon and forward Samuel Chukwueze pose prior to the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Tunisia at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 23, 2022. Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP

 

Nigerians have been left “disappointed” after the national team’s surprise last-16 exit to Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Tunisians edged out the three-time champions 1-0 in Garoua on Sunday despite suffering a raft of positive Covid-19 cases.

The blame game began back in Nigeria immediately after the final whistle, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen both criticised.

“You need a top goalkeeper to win a tournament and Nigeria didn’t have one,” said journalist Abiola Shodiya.

“I always knew Maduka (Okoye) was a ticking time bomb. It was just a matter of time before he exploded. It didn’t take too long.”

READ ALSO: Maduka Okoye, Iwobi Disable Social Media Comments Over Threats After AFCON Ouster

Eguavoen took over as interim boss just two weeks before the tournament after Gernot Rohr was sacked.

He was widely praised after he guided the team through the group stage with a perfect record.

But the goodwill for the 56-year-old coach did not last long.

“I still cannot believe that we are no longer at the Nations Cup,” lamented Etim Inyang, a shocked fan.

“The coach (Eguavoen) was not prepared for the Tunisians, who were better tactically. He could not vary his tactics and he panicked in his changes.

“We will need another man to lead the team for the World Cup playoffs against Ghana.”

The focus for Nigeria has now shifted to the 2022 World Cup play-off against arch-rivals Ghana in March.

The matches are slated for between March 23 and 29, with Ghana — who failed to progress to the knockout stages of the Cup of Nations — hosting the first leg.

Nigeria hope to play in a fourth straight World Cup finals later this year in Qatar.

AFP

Emmanuel Egobiambu

Disqus Comments Loading...

Recent Posts

Governor Otu Felicitates Tinubu At 72

Wishing the president god's protection, good health and long life, the governor said: "I want…

13 mins ago

Evan Gershkovich: Determined US Reporter Jailed In Russia

His arrest in March 2023 on charges of spying -- the first such charge against…

25 mins ago

Calls For ‘Smartphone Free’ Childhood Grow In UK

The post in February triggered a tidal wave of reaction from parents similarly gripped by…

35 mins ago

Do Not Denigrate Nigeria In Your Sermons, Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective…

8 hours ago

Soldiers’ Death: Wanted Delta Monarch Turns Self In

Before he turned himself in to the police, the monarch spoke to journalists, insisting on…

10 hours ago

45 Killed As Bus Plunges Off South Africa Bridge

The vehicle had been heading from neighbouring Botswana to Moria in the north of the…

10 hours ago