Why Super Eagles lost to Ecuador – Ugenyi

By Cecilia Ologunagba

A U.S-based sports enthusiast, Anozie Ugenyi, says unfair officiating made the Super Eagles suffer defeat in their second friendly match of the U.S. tour.

Eagles suffered a 0-1 defeat against Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey in the U.S. on Thursday.

During coach José Peseiro’s first outing with the squad, the under-strength Eagles put up a gallant fight but were unlucky to lose 1-2 to Mexico in Dallas, Texas on Saturday.

Ugenyi, a co-founder of Nigerian Sports and Cultural Carnival in New Jersey, said it was clear that the referee refused to utilise the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in spite of protests.

“There were some questionable calls by the referee which angered a lot of Nigerians, including Amaju Pinnick, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“Pinnick protested a lot about it in the VIP booth where he was sitting with other Nigerian officials.

“Going by what the VAR means, the referee is supposed to have utilised it and perhaps award two penalty kicks against Ecuador. But he didn’t,’’ he said.

However, he commended the team for the zeal displayed during the match, even as he lamented their inability to convert the scoring chances they had into goals.

“It is my opinion that we could have won if we had taken chances. The top striker missed three chances with the goalkeepers, which we would have scored from.”

Meanwhile, Ugenyi stated that it was also noteworthy to say that there was team cohesion.

“My advice is to keep them together and infuse some confidence in the home-based players,’’ Ugenyi said.

The football enthusiast noted that the game was a great one, with the momentum shifting from side to side.

”Ecuador pressed in the first half and the Super Eagles were in the driver’s seat midway into the second half.”

NAN