Fulham midfielder, Sone Aluko, has joined the long list of Nigerians lamenting Super Eagles shocking defeat to South Africa in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Gernot Rohr’s lads began the quest to qualify for their first continental showpiece in four years on a disappointing note, slipping 2-0 at home to the Bafana Bafana.
Aluko, whose double saved the blushes of the country the last time both sides squared off told Goal “It was painful and every time Super Eagles lose it’s always painful.
“I’m a fan first and foremost and as somebody who wants to go back into the team it is even more frustrating because you feel like there is something you can help offer the team.
“It’s just ironical; same stadium, same two nil. We lost this game 2-0 and when I played [against South Africa in 2014], I scored two goals though there’s no saying if I played this game I’d have scored two goals.
“But we shouldn’t even be looking for miracles because the Super Eagles are big enough to win games. Any team can lose games, that can happen but I think the manner of the loss is what pains people the most.”
Next up for Nigeria is another tough clash – this time against African champions, Cameroon, for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup.
And the ex-Hull City man has advised Rohr’s team to take the positives from the South Africa debacle going forward.
“Well, success is not a very good teacher. Sometimes when you keep winning you’re successful you don’t actually learn much.
“But sometimes when you lose, it highlights the small errors and small margins you have to improve on.
“So, if we take lessons from that defeat, the Super Eagles will be back. We were missing key players and the defending wasn’t great.
“The team didn’t seem like it gelled well, so there are lots to take from the game. Even the attacking seems disjointed. Before facing Cameroon, there are lots of improvements that can be made.”
