Ola Aina: Why “Confident” Super Eagles fumbled 2022 World Cup qualification

Nigeria had Ghana on the ropes in the second leg of the 2022 World Cup playoffs and could have easily wrapped up the contest in the first half, Olaoluwa Aina claimed in an interview with FL.

As he looked back to that fateful when the Super Eagles tripped at the finish line against their arch rivals, Aina said the team was confident of win and the World Cup ticket.

“We went into the game in Abuja very confident; I certainly did, and I feel like we was on the front foot from the first whistle,” the RB said recounting the game.

However, despite the early dominance, Ghana drew first blood inside the 10th minute through captain Thomas Partey.

Although Nigeria responded, William Troost-Ekong converting from the spot after a review showed Ademola Lookman was tripped in the box.

The Super Eagles Stand-in captain dispatched perfectly to level the score in the 26th minute.

Wave and wave of Nigeria’s attack was repelled in the first half and subsequently in the second, wasted opportunities that eventually would see Ghana progress.

“You see Victor’s (Osimhen) goal was disallowed, but we had many opportunities in the first half to maybe even put the game to sleep very early,” Aina continued.

“But it wasn’t to happen, it wasn’t to be and these things happen in football.”

The tie, over two legs ended 1-1 on aggregate but the Black Stars punched their ticket to Qatar on away goals rule.