NewsNow

AFCON 2021: Everton star Alex Iwobi finally speaks after Nigeria’s exit

The three-time African champions did not have the tournament they would have wished,  but the 25-year old has assured fans the team would bounce back 

Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has apologised to fans following Nigeria’s second-round exit in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles were knocked out of the competition following a 1-0 loss to the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the round of 16 on Sunday night.

Nigeria went into the clash as the clear favourite after winning all three group games, while Tunisia only qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, winning just one game in the group stage.

However, the Super Eagles struggled to break down a well-organised Tunisian side, who eventually secured a smash and grab 1-0 win.

The Super Eagles cause were also not helped by the dismissal of Alex Iwobi five minutes after coming on. Iwobi was one of Nigeria’s stars going into the tournament, but he had a disappointing competition.

The ex-Arsenal midfielder has now apologised to fans for the team’s exit, but he insists they will rise again from the defeat.

Iwobi said on his social media pages: Moments Of Joy Can Quickly Turn Into Pain And Anguish. As Much As It’s A Part Of Football, We Came For More.. 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 Round 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 & Encouragement – It Doesn’t Go Unnoticed 🦅

Iwobi and the rest of his Nigerian teammates will turn their attention to the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff against Ghana in March.

The two West African rivals will clash in a two-legged playoff for one of Africa’s five places at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This post was last modified on January 25, 2022 3:07 pm

Joba Ogunwale

Oluwajoba Ogunwale has many years of experience as a sports content writer. The most recent of these was at Opera News, after which he took up the role of Editor-in-Chief at Soccernet.

Share
Published by
Joba Ogunwale

Recent Posts

Chidera Ejuke: Sevilla star edges close to return

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has returned to light training at Sevilla following a hamstring… Read More

30 minutes ago

“I would buy him” – Former Manchester United defender urges Arsenal to sign Osimhen

Former England and Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has urged Arsenal to go all out… Read More

2 hours ago

Ola Aina’s ex-manager set to lead Onuachu and Aribo at Southampton till 2026

Former Torino FC boss Ivan Jurić, who previously managed Nigerian defender Ola Aina, is set… Read More

3 hours ago

Dessers exit nears as Rangers eye January move for South African forward

Super Eagles and Rangers striker, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, could see his time at the club… Read More

4 hours ago

I was offered drugs at Chelsea- Ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has revealed that he was offered performance-enhancing drugs when… Read More

6 hours ago

Ghana vs Nigeria: Black Galaxies unveil 26-man killer squad for CHAN qualifiers

Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has announced a 26-man squad for the first… Read More

6 hours ago