By Tony Ubani
Augustine Eguavoen has moved to explain his shock decision to resign as coach of Nigeria’s under 23 football team, the Dream Team V.

The Nigeria under 23 trainer quit his post following an underwhelming showing at the Caf Olympic qualifying tournament in Morocco.

The Nigeria under 23s failed to make it the semi finals of the competition and failed to qualify for the men’s football event as a result.

“Football has given me everything today. I want to thank all Nigerians and the Federation for all the support that they have given me but I had a target and since I did not meet it, I have to step down (as coach of the Dream Team V)” Eguavoen told SuperSport.

The former Super Eagles defender also took out time to explain the reasons behind the capitulation of his wards in Morocco.

“Most of them found the stage too big. Apart from a few of them like Obiora (Nwankwo), Raheem Lawal and Mackson Ojobo who has been playing at a high level for Enyimba in the Caf champions league. “I understand the feelings of Nigerians and I apologize,” Eguavoen said.

The Nigeria under 23 team finished in third place at the Caf Olympic qualifiers behind Senegal and Morocco in Group A.

 Says there were positives of Olympic qualifier

Notwithstanding the crashing of the U-23 team from the Olympics that totally brings a dark end to Nigerian football, Austin Eguavoen still believes that there were positives from the team that lost two matches and won one.

“There are positives to be taken away from this team. One is that we redeemed our imaged with the 4-1 win over Algeria. I asked myself questions after the defeats by Morocco and Senegal. I psyched the players and juggled the team to get this victory.

Another positive thing is the fact that Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi was here and has spotted some players he can use in his re-building process of the national team. I think these are positives one can take away from here”, the coach added.