Home-based Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2020 Championship African Nations (CHAN) due to their profligacy in front of goal against the Sparrow Hawks of Togo.
Head coach of the Super Eagles B Imama Amapakabo made this known to reporters on Saturday.
The Nigeria side failed to qualify for next year’s tournament as they could not turn the table against the Togolese in the second leg of the qualifier having lost the first leg 1-4 in Lome, Togo.
Despite the 2-0 win at the Agege Stadium on Saturday, the result was however not enough as they lost to the Hawks 4-3 on aggregate.
Having lost 4-1 in the first leg in Lome, Amapakabo invited eight new players to beef up his team.
Though Theophilus Afelokahai retained his position in goal, most of the new invitees were thrown into the starting lineup.
Kano Pillars forward Nyima Nwagua, Enugu Rangers midfielder Anthony Shimaga, Enyimba defender Ifeanyi Anamemena and Kano Pillars Ifeanyi Nweke all started Saturday’s game with Alimi and Sunusi Ibrahim leading the attack.
Lobi Stars forward Sikiru Alimi scored both goals for the home side, who also wasted a number of chances in the game.
With a lot of stoppages and time-wasting by the visitors, the referee added 10 minutes but the Hawks still held on to progress on a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
Speaking further, Amapakabo commended his players for playing to instructions, adding that the scoreline would have been better if they had converted their chances.
He said: “The players played according to instruction and what we had practiced in the last week and I’m glad we were able to keep the Togolese where we wanted them, unfortunately, we had the chances but were unable to convert them to give us qualification.”
Nigeria finished second at the last edition of the competition losing 4-0 to hosts Morocco in the final.
The Super Eagles B have failed to qualify for the competition for the third time since its inception.
