It could well be recalled that Nigeria needed a win against Fellow West African Side, Ghana across a 2-legged encounter for them to qualify for the widely anticipated World Cup tournament holding in November Later this Year.
After series of qualifying rounds, Nigeria Which topped their group were Drawn against Ghana in the qualifying Playoffs and needed nothing Short of a win in both games to cement their place in Qatar but Unfortunately Nigeria didn't Record any win in the Encounter Played both home and away.
The First leg of the Match was Played in Ghana and Ended in a Goalless draw with both teams having all to play for in the return Leg. Nigeria Played Host to Ghana in the Return Leg at Abuja Which saw a Massive Turn up of fans at the MKO Stadium in the Nations' Capital.
Ghana drew First Blood through Thomas Partey whose long range strike in the 10th Minute wasn't properly dealt with by Goal Keeper Francis Uzoho. Nigeria Drew Level 12 Minutes later through a calmly Slotted Penalty by Defender Williams Troost-Ekong. The First Half ended with a Goal apiece for both teams.
Nigeria has several opportunities to go in front in the Second Half but failed to take any of their chances and had themselves to blame as they had Their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup shattered into a Million pieces, Leaving their fans Overwhelmed by Anger which led to the destruction of the Stadium's Facilities.
Ahmed Musa recounts his Experience after the Game:
“It was a very big disappointment for me because the World Cup is one of the best tournaments that as a player you want to go there,” the Attacker told Arise TV.
“I’ve been to the World Cup twice and this one, I won’t be there; it’s a painful thing for me. That game against Ghana, I keep on imagining it till now. But in football, you have to get a sad day like that.”
“At the end of that game, I spent more than three days without eating. Even my wife was worried,” Musa said.
“The young players still have a lot of time. But I thought that would be my last World Cup. I can’t say anything more because that’s what God decided is going to happen.”
“After the (Ghana) game, we the players were in the dressing room for three hours. We could not go out because of the fans. Everybody was angry about the result.
“That stadium was at its best that day. NFF did their best. We stayed in one of the best hotels in Abuja.
“It’s just the luck that we didn’t have that day. So we don’t have to blame anyone. We, the players, have to take the blame.”
Nigeria Won't be at the World Cup in Qatar and would have to try to qualify for the next edition coming up in 2026.
0 Comments
Post a Comment