By Amaechi Agbo

Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen have blamed the centre referee for the Round of 16 exit of the team from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Cameroon, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Nigeria had brushed aside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau in the group stage with Tunisia sneaking into the Round as one of the third beat losers with one win from three matches.

Nigeria were favourite to win Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the Round of 16 clash on Sunday but the West African nation found themselves on the wrong side of history as they exited the competition after 1-0 defeat.

Youssef Msakni’s 46th minute strike was all that the Tunisians needed to send the three-time champions crashing out of the tournament.

Speaking at the post match briefing, Eguavoen said the players fought a good fight but blamed officiating for his wards exit. He also congratulated Tunisia on their victory and passage into the quarter-finals

“The boys fought, officiating wasn’t fair. Congratulations to Tunisia.

“I have told the boys to pick up and ensure they qualify Nigeria for the World Cup,” he said.

On his position, the former defender said he remains the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF adding that any decision on making him permanent coach of the Super Eagles is that of the NFF to take

“I’m the Technical Director of the NFF, I will go back to my job and allow the authorities to decide.”

Nigeria will regroup in March for the 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana.