The Super Eagles of Nigeria were left disappointed today despite playing at home as they failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Nigeria in the first leg of the encounter played a full time goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Complex in Kumasi with that given them an edge in the second leg but were unable to maximize the opportunity.
Nigeria in the return leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja played out a one all draw but crashed out of the competition based on an away goal rules that gave the Black Stars of Ghana the ticket.
With the Super Eagles delivery also been at an average level despite playing in front of their home fans, here are six of the Super Eagles players who were not at the peak hence cost the three times AFCON Champions the chance to feature in the most glamorous showpiece:
Francis Uzoho
The Omonia Nicosia shot stopper was not impressive in the show of the night despite having a good day at office in the first leg away from home.
He was in a very good condition to save the first goal conceded as the goal was scored by Arsenal’s Thomas Partey from a very wide range which as such gave him some option to decide what to do with the ball.
Calvin Bassey
The Glasgow Rangers defender was an absolute flop in the show of the night and it got some fans wondering why he lasted for about 87 minutes on the pitch before he was substituted.
The young prospect was in a good position to fully utilize the ball to cause dangerous threat in the opposition half but could not do so hence, he has little or no contributions in the game.
Emmanuel Dennis
The Watford forward was also silent in the major part of the game as he could not move the ball upfront with meaningful touches with only Napoli’s Victor Osimhen been outstanding by giving the opponent defenders real tough time.
Leon Balogun
The Glasgow Rangers defender was also not solid at the heart of the defence line with shaky performance which was not his usual pattern.
Oghenekaro Etebo
The Watford midfield maestro was just there on the field despite showing potential to be of immense help for the Augustine Eguavoen’s side when he was introduced from the bench in the first leg and as a result gave him a chance in the starting XI today.
Joe Aribo
The young midfield maestro should have also been substituted earlier in the second half as he lost more of the ball possession at the centre-field which affected the team’s delivery upfront.
