Nigeria failed to qualify for world cup because we lacked character, zeal to beat Ghana – Augustine Eguavoen

The head coach of the Nigeria national team, Augustine Eguavoen has disclosed that the side failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup because they lacked the character and zeal in the playoff against Ghana when it mattered most.

The gaffer was in the dugout late last month as the Super Eagles locked horns with the Black Stars in a double-header encounter in the final round of the African qualifiers for this year’s world cup.

After a 1-1 draw aggregate, Ghana qualified ahead of Nigeria thanks to the away goal rule.

Speaking to SuperSport on Monday, Coach Augustine Eguavoen has opened up on why the Super Eagles failed the Black Stars test.

“We lacked the character, zeal to beat Ghana when it mattered most,” the coach stressed.

He admitted, “The Ghanaians showed they wanted it more than our boys and that was why it ended that way. We didn’t do any of that. We did not fight or push enough for the winner and how do you do that? It is with fast-paced football, creating chances but that didn’t happen.”

Since the defeat to Ghana in the playoff, Coach Augustine Eguavoen and his deputies have all stepped down from their various roles.