Nigeria legend Austin Okocha believes there was no way Alex Iwobi wouldn't be shown a red card for dangerous play during the second half of the Super Eagles' 1-0 loss to Tunisia in a round of 16 clash at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night.
Seven minutes after entering the game as a substitute, Iwobi was red carded for a heavy challenge on Youssef Msakni as he controlled the ball.
Nigeria's caretaker boss for the game, Augustine Eguavoen argued that the number 18 did not deserve a harsh punishment but Okocha, Iwobi's uncle, is of the opinion that his nephew's action merited a red card for dangerous play whether it was intentional or not.
Speaking on punditry duties for SuperSport, Okocha said : "As a player we always try to retain possession especially when you've had a bad touch but also the referee dished out yellow first because he realized that it wasn't dangerous play until the VAR called him.
"And when they look at replays, sometimes they tell a different story and when we saw that replay I said it that he's off, whether it was intentional, whatever, he was a bit dangerous on the Tunisian player but that wasn't his intention.
"I mean these referees play to the book. We've had a bad day and when it rains it pours."
Youssef Msakni's strike shortly after the interval proved the difference in the round of 16 clash.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material,
and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced,
published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior
express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Uchenna Ogundu made his Bundesliga debut for Augsburg in their 3-2 victory over Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena. The 19-year-old Nigerian forward was introduced as a second-half substitute dur...
Porto coach Francesco Farioli has confirmed that Nigerian striker Terem Moffi is edging closer to a starting role ahead of the clash against Rio Ave FC on Sunday. Moffi, who joined FC Porto on lo...
2019 Golden Eaglets invitee Aribim Pepple delivered a standout performance on Saturday afternoon, inspiring Plymouth Argyle to a resounding 5-2 victory over EFL League One leaders Cardiff City at Home...
Brentford’s Super Eagles centre-back Benjamin Fredrick is edging closer to a return to competitive football after suffering a knee injury in late November during a training session with Belgian Pro ...
February 21, 2026
🍪 Cookie Preferences
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Choose your preference:
Comments 0
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!