Rohr Finally Reveals The Player To Be Blamed For Loss To Algeria; Onyekuru Not At Fault

Published: October 01, 2019

More than two months after the conclusion of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, coach Gernot Rohr has finally revealed the player to be blamed for the injury time goal conceded by the Super Eagles in their 2-1 loss to Algeria in the semifinal of the competition.

With almost the last kick of the game, Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez scored a brilliant free-kick to send Algeria through to the final for the first time in 29 years.

According to Rohr, the Super Eagles players did everything in their power to prevent the ball from going in and Henry Onyekuru had to lie down behind the wall.

The German absolved the Monaco winger of any blame and pointed an accusing finger at Daniel Akpeyi.

In an interview published by German newspaper Mannheimer Morgen today, Rohr explained : ''At first, it was unfortunate that this foul had even occurred near the 18-yard box.

''Then the wall wanted to jump, and one threw himself on the floor to fend off the ball. We took care of everything, just that our goalkeeper was not behind the wall''.

Daniel Akpeyi has not been invited to the Super Eagles since the end of the 2019 AFCON, missing the friendly against Ukraine and is not listed among the 23 players in contention to face Brazil on October 13.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel