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I don’t know why I didn’t award Nigeria the second penalty – Referee reveals

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There was more drama in the World Cup on Tuesday in Group D where Nigeria lost 2-1 to Argentina during their final game at the 2018 World Cup against Russia.

On the 75th minutes, there was a call from Nigerian players for a penalty to be awarded to them but after the referee went to look at the VAR screen, he decided not to award the penalty and that has called for agitation from some football fans.

Cuneyt Cakir, the Turkish referee who officiated the Nigeria vs. Argentina match has said he doesn’t know why he did not award the Penalty to Nigeria.

read also: CELEBRITIES CRY AS ARGENTINA BEATS NIGERIA

According to Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi, the referee admitted that the ball touched the hand of Marcos Rojo in the 82nd minute, but he put up a defence in not awarding the crucial penalty kick.

The penalty, if awarded and scored at a time the match was 1-1, could have wrapped up a second round ticket for the Eagles.

Speaking at the post-match briefing in St Petersburg, Mikel said: “I asked the referee if he thought the ball struck Rojo’s hand and he said ‘yes; The referee told me that the ball came off Rojo’s head before it hit his hand.”

read this: JULIET IBRAHIM REACTS AFTER TRAVELLING TO RUSSIA TO WATCH NIGERIA LOSE AGAINST ARGENTINA

Mikel added: ”I then asked Cakur why he didn’t award the penalty to Nigeria, he said: ‘I don’t know.’ That was sad because we checked the match video in the dressing room and it was a clear penalty kick.”

“When the ball touches your hand in the penalty box, it’s a penalty. No two ways about that. Maybe he didn’t want to give us the second penalty. It is sad we had to exit the competition this way.”

Speaking about his future with the National team, Mikel said he would be most delighted to lead the boys going further into the future.

read more: ANAS QUESTIONS REFEREE’S DECISION NOT TO AWARD NIGERIA A PENALTY IN THEIR LOSS TO ARGENTINA

“I’m happy playing with this bunch of players. I expect them to grow into a great side and I think this team would make a good impression in the next four years. They are good boys with bright future,” he said.

“Of course, we did everything we could; we pushed and pushed to get the goal but it was not to be.”

“We want to thank all Nigerians for their support; we have to keep going.”

read this too: Nigerians rain curses on Cuneyt Cakir for refusing to award Nigeria a second penalty

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