AFCON 2021: Eguavoen Reacts To Nigeria’s Loss To Tunisia

Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has reacted to the Super Eagles’ exit from the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Cameroon.

Naija News reports that Nigeria crashed out of the tournament on Sunday after a 0-1 loss to the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the Round of 16.

A second-half goal from Youssef Msakni was enough to send the three-time African champions out of the tournament.

Giving his thoughts on the match during the post-match press conference, Eguavoen said the Super Eagles exited the tournament due to bad officiating.

He, however, stated that his players fought a good fight, adding that it was always very difficult playing against a tactical side like Tunisia, especially when the officiating was not fair.

“We tried to come back after the Tunisia goal, and we chased the game. But then we got a red card. It was clear that the officiating wasn’t fair.

“I won’t criticise the referee because they are masters of the game, but Alex Iwobi’s red card wasn’t fair. The foul wasn’t an intentional one,” he said.

Speaking further, Eguavoen disclosed that he had told the players to quickly put the loss behind them and face the job at hand in March.

”I have told the players to pick up and ensure they qualify Nigeria for the World Cup,” he said.

Following Nigeria’s knockout from AFCON, all attention now shifts to the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against historical rivals Ghana in March.