Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, has apologized to Nigerians for the team’s ouster at the 2018 World Cup in Russia on Tuesday.
The former Watford man missed scoring chances as the Eagles lost 1-2 to Argentina on Tuesday to crash out of the tournament.
He expressed disappointment over the development but admitted it is part of the game.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for an injury-free World Cup outing in Russia. Out of almost 200 million Nigerians, It’s a privilege to represent the country at the World Cup,” the striker told Complete Sports.
“However, It’s sad that we went out in a bad way, losing to Argentina in our decisive last group match. It was a sad day for me, sad day for the team and a sad day for the country.
“We deserved more in the match. We had a penalty which the referee didn’t give us. I also missed a couple of scoring chances that could have won the game for us.
“That’s football for us. Sometimes you lose like this and sometimes you win.
“I want to apologize to my teammates and to Nigerians for the loss. I take responsibility for those goals missed. It has happened, and we all should put that behind us and move forward.”
He added that, “no one criticised me in the dressing room. You know it’s team work. We were 23 players fighting to make Nigerians proud.
“No one in the team blamed me for the loss. Even if anyone has criticised me, I would take it in good faith. Criticism is part of football.
“As a footballer, if you don’t take criticisms and handle them in positive manner, then you’re not doing your job well.
“So, I’m ready to take whatever criticism that may come upon me now because of Nigeria defeat to Argentina. I believe that life has to go on despite what happened. Life won’t end here. I believe that I have better days ahead.
“I am very proud of this team because we have been united and working together. No problem of any kind in the team.”
