Okocha names the two players that should be held responsible for Tunisia's goal vs Nigeria

Published: January 25, 2022

Nigeria legend Austin Okocha has insisted that goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and right-back Ola Aina should be held responsible for Tunisia's match-winning strike against the Super Eagles in a round of sixteen Africa Cup of Nations clash on Sunday night.

Less than two minutes after the restart, Tunisia took a shock lead as Youssef Msakni's low bouncing shot from 25 yards out went through Okoye.

Aina, who was in splendid form in his previous two matches at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, did not pressurize the Tunisian goalscorer, allowing him to take a shot after he was not closed down by Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo.

Speaking on punditry duties for SuperSport, Okocha stated : "You expect when things go the wrong way that the goalkeeper might save the day but I thought he went a bit early to his right side and then it was difficult for him to adjust and make that save.

"It was a well taken shot there by the Tunisian and luckily for them that decided the game."

Aina, who was caught out of position in the build up to Msakni's goal, was also blamed by the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner.

On Aina, the former PSG dazzler said: "You buy a foul, do something, stop the momentum of the game and let your players recover but he made it easier for them."

Aina was visibly in tears after the referee blew the final whistle and had to be consoled by team officials including goalkeeper coach Alloy Agu.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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