The Super Eagles of Nigeria are no longer in a position to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Gabon, after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Egypt in Alexandria.
Trailing Egypt by two points with just one further match to go following Chad’s withdrawal from the qualifiers, the Super Eagles needed to win to have their fate in their hands, and the they began the game the more assertive side even though it was the Pharaohs who created the finer chances.
Having bossed large swathes of the first half, Nigerians were hoping to see their team go a notch better with a goal. Instead, it was the home team that took the lead in the 65th minute, when 19-year-old Ramadan Sobhi’s tame shot towards the goal managed to evade three Nigerian defenders and the goalkeeper.
The Eagles fought back resiliently, Victor Moses going closest with a finely-hit long-range effort that came back off the inside of the post. In the end, it was too little too late, as the Egyptians held on to their narrow lead to condemn Nigeria to a second consecutive failure to qualify for the Cup of Nations.
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1 comments
Highly disappointing we are missing out of Afcon for the 2nd consecutive time. The Eagles gave their all but they lack the cutting edge to blow away the Egyptians. I think Siaone has done a good job within a month of taking over and deserved to be given the job on permanent basis while preparation must start in earnest for 2018 world cup qualifiers. I also think ENOUGH is enough of taking the Super Eagles to various parts of the country to play. Our home games used to be a ‘sure banker’ no matter the opposition until that nonsense started and we started playing ‘away’ from home. The nation’s capital (Abuja) should be the permanent home of all national teams while friendly matches can be taken to other parts of the country. Eagles shall be great again!