CAR vs Nigeria; “Nigeria Played with 12 men”-Savoy

Raoul Savoy, the Central African Republic’s head coach, has disclosed the key reason for his team’s loss against Nigeria on matchday four of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Savoy claims that the centre referee Louis Hakizimana provided the Super Eagles an unfair edge, making it easy for the Super Eagles to win in Douala, Cameroon.

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On October 7, the Swiss coach orchestrated a surprising 1-0 triumph over the Nigerians at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the Super Eagles’ first home defeat in a World Cup qualifier in 40 years.

With a win in their adopted home of Cameroon, the Central African Republic would have surpassed the three-time African champions at the top of Group C.

On the half-hour mark, though, Rangers defender Leon Balogun evaded the offside trap to connect with a deep Chidozie Awaziem cross and thump home Nigeria’s first goal in Douala.

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After good effort from Watford defender William Troost-Ekong, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen made it two-nil in first-half stoppage time.

Coach Savoy, on the other hand, believes the referee should not have allowed both goals to stand because the first was offside and the second came after a foul on his goalkeeper.

“Nigeria played with 12 men because the referee helped them to win,” the Swiss tactician told the press after the encounter.“The first goal was from an offside position, and my goalkeeper was fouled for the second goal.“We did not concede against Nigeria over the two legs; they scored with the help of the referee.”