The Nigerian boss has stated that he is taking full responsibility for his side’s 1–0 loss to South Africa in the semi-final of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Check Out: BREAKING – CAF Make Massive Announcement Ahead Of Final
Despite the Flying Eagles creating the more clear-cut opportunities to find the back of the net, it was Raymond Mdaka’s side who delivered the decisive moment, as Tylon Smith’s goal gave Amajita a 1–0 victory at the Suez Canal Stadium.
The West African outfit are the record winners of the competition, having been crowned champions seven times, but have now been ousted at the hands of their great rivals, who have reached their first U20 AFCON final since 1997.
Nigeria head coach Aliyu Zubairu has, however, taken all the blame for the defeat and claims he will be re-evaluating his squad ahead of the U20 FIFA World Cup later this year in Chile.
“I take full responsibility for our failure to reach the final. As head coach, the blame rests on me,” Zubairu told members of the media, as per Daily Post Nigeria.
“This tournament has helped us identify the players capable of stepping up to the next level and those who are not. After our WAFU B success, we dropped many players because their quality wasn’t sufficient for the continental stage.
Check Out: Wydad President – If Rulani Backs Down From Contract Termination Then...
“A similar review will happen again. It’s clear that some of the current squad members aren’t ready for the demands of a World Cup.”
