Ike Shorunmu Finally Opens up on Why Super Eagles Lost Against Senegal in Semifinal at AFCON 2002
- Ike Shorunmu is a former Nigerian goalkeeper who played 36 games for Super Eagles
- The former Zurich star has blamed himself for Nigeria's defeat against Senegal at AFCON 2002
- Shorunmu stated clearly that he was responsible for the mistake that made Senegal to win
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Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has explained how his mistake made Nigeria to lose against Senegal at the 2002 African Cup of Nations which was a painful defeat.
Super Eagles stars were in good form at the 2002 African Cup of Nations and Nigerians were expecting the team to win the championship.
Their semifinal game against Senegal in Mali was a tough one as Ifeanyi Udeze and Julius Aghahowa were red carded in the 2-1 defeat for the Super Eagles.
In the quarterfinal, Ike Shorunmu suffered an head injury against Ghana and was rushed to the hospital.
According to the report on Complete Sports, the 53-year-old explained that he was forced to play the game against Senegal which Super Eagles lost.
“Back then, in Mali we had a lot of senior players and something happened, firstly, I was injured in our match against Ghana and I was rushed to the hospital. The Minister (Sports) then didn’t come to see me at the hospital.
“Unfortunately, we lost the semi-final to Senegal, but initially I wasn’t even meant to play that game, because of the shock from the injury I suffered.
“But due to the pressure from the Coaches, who didn’t trust our reserve goalkeepers (Murphy Akanji and Ndubuisi Ego), I was included in the team.''
Source: Getty Images
Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how former Super Eagles defender Udeze told current gaffer Gernot Rohr to allow Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the team's attack in the coming AFCON 2022 qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.
Nigeria who are three-time African champions are currently in top gear in their preparation for the two games ahead of them in which one will be played in Porto Novo while the other in Lagos.
Presently at the Super Eagles camp, Gernot Rohr will have to pick from the likes of Victor Osimhen, Anayo, Paul Onuachu, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho for his attack.
These strikers have been so impressive for their clubs so far this season which is the main reason for their invitation into the Super Eagles.
Source: Legit.ng
