Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong, has tendered an apology to Nigerians after the team’s ouster from the forthcoming 2022 Qatar World Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Eagles were held 1-1 by Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday, but failed to qualify for the biggest football showpiece on the away goal rule, following a goalless draw in Kumasi in the first leg last Friday.
Black Stars captain Thomas Partey scored the opening goal before Troost-Ekong put the Eagles level on the night, but it was not enough to see them pick the World Cup ticket.
It’s the first time since 2006 that the three-time African champions failed to take part in the global showpiece.
Following the disappointment, the Eagles stand-in captain took to his Instagram to apologise to his fellow countrymen.
“To all Nigerians, on behalf of the team, we want to apologise for not securing the World Cup ticket,” Troost-Ekong wrote on Instagram.
“Despite giving it everything possible, it wasn’t meant to be. First and foremost, as Nigerians, we share your emotions and we take our responsibility as a group.
“We sincerely thank the Nigerian fans for their overwhelming support, the NFF President who did everything possible to make the qualification happen and of course the Minister.
“A bitter pill to swallow but believe me, we will be back better and stronger!”
After picking the ticket at the expense of Nigeria, Ghana alongside Morocco, Cameroon, Tunisia and Senegal will represent Africa at the World Cup that will kick off in November.
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