Mikel Blames Ref For Eagles’ W/Cup Ouster

Nigeria dramatically crash out of World Cup (photo credit: Reuters)

Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has said the referee denied the team a “clear penalty” following their 2-1 defeat to Argentina at the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday.

Marcos Rojo handled the ball as the game stood 1-1 but the referee, after consultations with VAR, and protest by Nigerian players, waved off calls for penalty.

The Manchester United star then netted an 86th minute goal to give the South Americans the win which saw them progress from Group D to the second round.

“It was a clear penalty for me,” Mikel said. “If you look at the Portugal game yesterday, this wasn’t close to that. This was worse. We have seen it again in the dressing room. It was a clear handball.”

Iran were awarded a penalty during a meeting with Portugal on Monday after Sardar Azmoun nodded the ball onto the arm of Cedric.

Mikel said, “The referee looked at the VAR. He said it hit the hand. I asked why he didn’t give the penalty, but he said he didn’t know.”

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