Nigerian and Madrid CFF player, Chidinma Okeke, has called on Nigerian fans to bear with the team following the Super Falcons’ inability to qualify for the 2020 Olympics, after the team settled for a 1-1 draw with the Les Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Monday in Lagos.
The first leg tie in Abidjan had ended in a 0-0 draw leaving Cote d’Ivoire to advance on away goal rule.
Okeke who featured at the recently-held 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup expressed her sadness and disappointment via a tweet over the worrisome development.
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“Crashing out of the Olympic race leaves a bad taste in our mouths. It really hurt most because it’s the dream of every sports men and women to play at the Olympic Games.
“Results are remembered but we can always learn from our mistakes and grow. Apologies to the fans,” the former FC Robo Queens player tweeted.
Nigeria’s last appearance at the Olympics football tournament was in Beijing 2008 and will await her chance to play in the France 2024 olympics.
After a goalless first leg in Abidjan, Nina Kapho gave the ivorians a shock lead in the 12th minutes, before new captain Asisat Oshoala netted the equaliser in 34th minute.
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However the Chris Danjuma side failed to find the much needed winner in the second half of the game, as he Ivorians held on to a famous win at the backyard of their enemies.