AFCON ouster: We are sorry, Everton star Iwobi begs Nigerians

Everton midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has apologised to fans following Nigeria’s second-round exit in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles were knocked out of the competition following a 1-0 loss to the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the round of 16 on Sunday night.

Nigeria went into the clash as the clear favourite after winning all three group games, while Tunisia only qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, winning just one game in the group stage.

However, the Super Eagles struggled to break down a well-organised Tunisian side, who eventually secured a smash and grab 1-0 win.

The Super Eagles cause were also not helped by the dismissal of Alex Iwobi five minutes after coming on. Iwobi was one of Nigeria’s stars going into the tournament, but he had a disappointing competition.

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The ex-Arsenal midfielder has now apologised to fans for the team’s exit, but he insists they will rise again from the defeat.

Iwobi said on his social media pages: Moments Of Joy Can Quickly Turn Into Pain And Anguish. As Much As It’s A Part Of Football, We Came For More.. Our Fans Who Shared These Moments With Us Both In Cameroon And Across The World Deserved More! The Beauty Of The Game Is The Next Moment Of Jubilation Is Never Too Far Round The Corner. We Will Be Back To Fight For Our Nation, Stronger. We Owe It To You, And I Owe It To Myself. Thank You For All The Words Of Support & Encouragement – It Doesn’t Go Unnoticed 🦅

Iwobi and the rest of his Nigerian teammates will turn their attention to the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff against Ghana in March.

The two West African rivals will clash in a two-legged playoff for one Africa’s five places at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.