AFCON 2021: Aribo defends Super Eagles exit to Tunisia

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo believes the Super Eagles gave their best against Tunisia following their exit from the 2021 AFCON.

Speaking with reporters after the match, Aribo said that the Super Eagles lost to Tunisia because they played average and were not just good enough on the night.

He firmly dismissed reports that Nigeria underestimated the Tunisians following the news of the COVID-19 outbreak in their camp.

“We came out with the determination to win the game and didn’t underrate them. You know in football, these things happen and it’s unfortunate we are out of the competition,” the Rangers playmaker said.

Aribo knows he and his teammates gave their best, but acknowledges things didn't play out as planned.

“We gave our best in the game, but unfortunately it wasn’t good enough to guarantee us victory.

"We didn’t really play well in the first half and we started playing after their goal. The red card also makes things so difficult for us." Aribo stated.

A second-half goal from Tunisian captain Youssef Msakni sent the Super Eagles crashing out of the tournament. The 30-yard shot was poorly parried by Maduka Okoye in goal for the Super Eagles.

With the Super Eagles out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Aribo will return to rangers just in time for the Old Firm derby against archrivals Celtic next week.