Mikel Obi's exclusion caused us - Swaziland coach
Swaziland coach Harries Bulunga has revealed the inclusion of Paul Onobi by Nigeria in place of Chelsea star Mikel Obi on Tuesday destablised his team.
After holding mighty Nigeria to a goalless draw at home, Swaziland fell 2-0 in the return leg to crash out of the 2018 World Cup.
Sunday Oliseh sensationally left out Mikel, Elderson Echiejile and Godfrey Oboabona out of his starting lineup with Onobi picked ahead of Mikel.
“We saw weaknesses in the Nigeria team in the first leg unfortunately, the coach made changes and there was nothing we could do about it,” said Bulunga.
“(Oliseh) was smart enough to make some chances (and this affected what) we hoped to capitalise.
“For example, the midfield was very slow in the first leg so we wanted to capitalise on that but he changed (his tactics) and put in (Paul Onobi instead of Mikel Obi in that position) and it affected our whole set up.
“(Onobi) was aggressive, he was quick…also the left and right backs were new players that we didn’t expect to play.”
Bulunga also admitted Nigeria were the better team on Tuesday.
“Nigeria were much better, but we tried to keep them out but their individual brilliance got them through,” he said.
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