Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai says the inability of the U-23 Eagles to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games is a big setback for Nigeria football.
Recall that Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles were defeated 2-0 by Guinea in the final qualifier for this year’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Guinea booked their spot on Tuesday after they had recorded a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Abuja.
The team has also failed to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after failing to go past the group stage of the U-23 AFCON.
Reacting to the team’s failure, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner told Completesports.com that another set of talent will be wasted again.
“It is so sad that the Nigeria’s U-2 Eagles failed to overcome Guinea in the second leg of the final qualifier for this year’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“I expected a lot from the players but it’s unfortunate the team won’t be part of the 2024 Olympic Games slated for Paris. This is a big setback for Nigerian football.
“It was obvious the second leg will be tough for them having failed to defeat Guinea here in Nigeria.”
