President Buhari Is Not to Blame for Super Eagles AFCON Exit, Says Ex-international

• Benedict Akwuegbu says President Muhammadu Buhari is not to be blamed for Nigeria’s early AFCON exit
• The Super Eagles were eliminated from Africa’s biggest football showpiece after losing 1-0 to Tunisia in the Round of 16
• Nigerians took to social media to express their displeasure with the Eagles ouster with many channelling the blame on the president

Former Nigeria striker Benedict Akwuegbu has cautioned football fans in the country to desist from blaming President Muhammadu Buhari for the early exit of the Super Eagles at the AFCON.

The three-time African champions were knocked by Tunisia in the Round of 16 after being tipped as one of the favourites for the competition due to an impressive display in the group stages.

The Super Eagles had won all three group stage games against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau heading into the second round when they were stunned by a 47th minute Youssef Msakni stunner to send them packing.

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Nigerians would react angrily at the defeat with many putting the blame on the President who had earlier in the day called the team to wish them well ahead of the clash with Tunisia.

According to a report via Complete Sports, Benedict Akwuegbu has now beckoned on Nigerians to move on from the idea of blaming President Buhari for the loss.

“Yes, the Super Eagles started the tournament on a high and raised the Nigerians’ apetite for a possible 4th AFCON title win. But it appeared they counted their chickens before the eggs were hatched.

“The Super Eagles looked down on Tunisia probably because of their depletion on account of Covid-19. And they paid the ultimate prize. So, no one should crucify our President. He encouraged his children as father would to his children going into battle of any kind.”

Nigeria will next be in action when they tackle perennial rivals Ghana in the 2022 World Cup playoffs as both countries had been drawn against each other in the final round of qualifiers.

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Ghana Urged to Forfeit Final World Cup Playoff Against Nigeria

Earlier Sportsbrief reported Patrick Boamah has urged Ghana to forfeit their World Cup final qualifiers against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Having crashed out of the ongoing 2021 African Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Ghana are now turning their attention to the final World Cup qualifiers coming up in March.

At the AFCON in Cameroon, Nigeria got to the knockout before they were defeated by Tunisia who won 1-0 and revenged the loss of 2019 edition in Egypt.