Former Super Eagles striker, Julius Aghahowa, has blamed goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, for Nigeria’s shock defeat to depleted Tunisia in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

Nigeria were tipped as favourites following their impressive run in the group phase and Tunisia underwhelming display. The North Africans were as well without a host of players due to coronavirus.

However, Youssef Msakni’s second-half strike was all the 2004 winners needed to upset Nigeria and progress to the quarter-finals to face Burkina Faso.

Msakni’s shot from 25 yards bounced and caught Okoye off guard and his weak parry was unable to prevent the ball from nestling in the corner of the net.

“Okoye should have saved that ball because he saw the ball coming towards his direction,” the former Shakhtar Donetsk striker said.

“I am really disappointed and feel he should have done better. This was a game we didn’t deserve to lose at all. But it has happened and we have to accept our fate.”

Nigeria now have to focus on the 2022 World Cup play-offs tie against Ghana who were absolutely abysmal in Cameroon.

The games will be played in March with the winner qualifying to Qatar.