Nigeria and Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has apologised to Super Eagles fans for the team’s performance which led to their elimination from the 2021 AFCON.
Nigeria could not get past the Round of 16 after a perfect group stage which saw them win all their matches to qualify top of the group.
The Super Eagles fell to Tunisia in their first knockout game losing to a lone goal by Youssef Msakni. Their woes were further compounded by the dismissal of Iwobi moments after he came on in the second half.
“Moments of joy can quickly turn into pain and anguish. As much as it’s a part of football, we came for more,” Iwobi wrote on his Instagram. “Our fans, who shared these moments with us both in Cameroon and across the world, deserved more.
“The beauty of the game is the next moment of jubilation is never too far around the corner. We will be back to fight for our nation, stronger. We owe it to you, and I owe it to myself.
“Thank you for all the words of support and encouragement – It doesn’t go unnoticed.”
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While many Nigerians have accused Iwobi of being the cause of the AFCON elimination by being sent off, the Super Eagles Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen defended Iwobi stating he didn’t think his challenge was worthy of a red card.
“It’s a little bit difficult, I don’t like to talk too much about referees because they are the masters but there’s nothing wrong if one makes his observations,” Eguavoen told reporters.
“Iwobi’s red card I don’t think was the first foul and it wasn’t intentional also but we have to look at the VAR later and see.
“However, first offence I don’t think demands a red card, it wasn’t dangerous play, and then right in his face, I can see one of the most gentlemen in the team Wilfred Ndidi got smashed right in front of the referee.
“Normally in the game of football when there’s a foul and there’s an advantageous position you let it run so that’s just the only thing I see but again you know the referee is a gentleman and he should be able to control his emotions once the game is on.
“Everywhere is tensed up, it has happened there is nothing we can do about it.”
The Super Eagles will now look forward to their World Cup Qualifier playoffs against Ghana in March.
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