Head Coach of Plateau United, Fidelis Ilechukwu has apologized to Nigerians after Plateau United missed out on a place in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Plateau United slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Al Akhdar in the 2nd leg of the play-off in Libya on Wednesday, missing qualification on away goal rule after a 4-4 aggregate scoreline.
The Nigerian side won the first leg 4-1 in Abuja last week but conceded three times in the second half against Al Akhdar.
Speaking after the game, Ilechukwu said, “I want to tell all football loving Nigerians that I’m very sorry as Plateau United couldn’t make it to the group stage.
“It was a disappointing game and a sad evening for me and the entire team, as it was one of the lowest moments of my coaching career.
“I would never have imagined Plateau United not qualifying for the group stage of the Confederation Cup with a 3-0 advantage after the 1st half ended 0-0.
“Having learnt a bitter lesson in the Champions League game against Esperance in Tunis, we came into the game against Al Akhdar full of confidence.
“At a point, we had the game in our hands and almost made history for ourselves but not converting the half chances that came our way, was our biggest challenge.
“Plateau United scoring a goal or two in Benghazi, would have broken barriers. I have tried to recall and analyse a few high points of the game but difficult for me to say exactly how Plateau United conceded the third goal in added time.
“Our campaign may have ended abruptly, but I want to reassure Nigerians that the team will bounce back from the ashes of the painful defeat in Benghazi,” Fidelis Ilechukwu said.
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