Former Nigeria international blames Virgil van Dijk, De Jong for Ecuador's goal v Netherlands
Published: November 25, 2022
Former Nigeria international Efan Ekoku on Friday evening put the blame squarely on two Dutch players for the goal scored by Ecuador's Enner Valencia in The Netherlands' 1-1 draw against Ecuador in both teams' second Group A match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Ekoku was on commentary duty for the game and berated the experienced duo of Virgil van Dijk and De Jong for Valencia's equaliser after Cody Gakpo's goal.
"The only question is: did he stay onside? If Valencia already knew. Estupinan have a real Canon of a left foot and the goalkeeper wasn't able to hold it," the onetime Norwich City star said on the World Cup world feed.
"The goalkeeper came towards that ball. It was a casual play from Frenkie de Jong. They were outmuscled in the middle of the park. The right back was onside, clearly onside, played on by Nathan Ake.
"Virgil van Dijk has got to get the ball a lot quicker. That was casual defending. You've got to throw yourself to the challenge.
"The Dutch captain, I think, he was almost culpable as Frank de Hong as he payed a casual pass to a teammate," Ekoku who was part of the Super Eagles side that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia said.
Ecuador will face Senegal while the Netherlands will play hosts Qatar who are already eliminated from the tournament in the third round of matches in the group.
Izuchukwu Michael
Photo Credit : onsoranje.nl
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'He's helped me tremendously' – Igoh Ogbu credits Slavia coach for Super Eagles call-up
- Full list of 21 players in camp as Super Eagles begin CHAN preparations in Ikenne
- Confirmed: Eze signs new deal with Blackburn as another Nigerian defender joins from Wolves
- Done deal: Motherwell loan in Celtic youth product Sule from West Brom
- Official: Midfielder who is open to representing Nigeria signs new deal with Bournemouth
- 'This is what we need' – Oparanozie hails ex-England U20 forward after first goal in Nigeria colours
- Official: Nottingham Forest confirm Super Eagles defender has signed a new contract
- 'It's promising people money' – Plumptre breaks silence on impersonation after Super Falcons win
- 'Very good player' – Borussia Dortmund chief eyes new deal for Chelsea's Chukwuemeka
- Club Brugge in talks with Southampton over transfer of forward on Eric Chelle's radar


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88