Home-Based Eagles Rue Performance In Niger

ThankGod Ike says the home-based Super Eagles squad feel gutted after losing 2-0 to Niger and are determined to do everything to qualify.

Goalkeeping errors from Segun Oluwaniyi handed the hosts two goals in the first half, and a plethora of misses by the forwards consigned the Nigerians to a defeat that has stunned and angered fans back home.

Ike says the players are well aware of the implications of failing to qualify.

“We are all disappointed,” the defender told newsmen. “Nigerians put so much trust in us and we did not deliver. It will be a shame for us if we fail to qualify but we are determined to make sure we don’t miss out.”

Ike said the team played well enough to win.

“They did not even create chances. We just gave away two goals, but we are not blaming anybody.

“We created so many chances and had about 10 shots on goal and five that went wide. But we were just unlucky not to score.

“We won’t make the same mistake in the second leg.”

That game comes up in Kano in two weeks time.

Nigeria line up v Niger

Segun Oluwaniyi – Terna Suswan, ThankGod Ike, ThankGod Amaefule (John Huan), Mutiu Adegoke, Isiaka Olawale (Hassan Taiwo), Reuben Gabriel, Chinedu Ezimora, Uche Nwofor (Bello Kofarmata), Osas Idehen, Ejike Uzoenyi.