AFCON disappointment: Aluko savours meeting Tiwa Savage, Dr SID in Uyo

UNKNOWN to many, Nigerian international Sone Aluko is excited by meeting two of Nigerian top artistes Tiwa Savage and Dr SID in Uyo, after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
 
The reigning African champions on Wednesday night forced Bafana Bafana of South Africa to a 2-2 draw, in the last group AFCON qualifier at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
 
The Hull City forward who scored both goals in the ill-fated match said he was sad despite his heroics to save Nigeria from another home defeat in the AFCON qualifying series.
 
Aluko who featured for Nigeria at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, via social media however, said meeting top Nigerian singers gave him some respite after a disappointing outing by the Eagles.
 
"Not the victory celebration we wanted but still amazing to see live performances and meet @TiwaSavage & @IamDrSID," the player in his twitter handle, Sone Aluko ‏@sonealuko wrote.
 
The former Birmingham City player who came on as a substitute for Raheem Lawal in the second half, further acknowledged the support of soccer-loving Nigerians, but lamented that he was unable to celebrate his brace as it should be owing to the misfortune of the Eagles.
 
"Thanks for the support/love on here and in Uyo! As for the two goals. Wow, realisation of a dream. Wish I could enjoy them properly!
 
"Super Eagles have been through worse. I know because I was a fan before player. I get the
frustration. We'll be back 100 per cent.

 
"So disappointed about the result + no AFCON. Either You win or you learn. Our team & Nigerian football will learn from this and be stronger!" Aluko who represented England at U-16, U-17 and U-18 levels stated.
 
Meanwhile, coach Stephen Keshi was short of words after the match.
"Maybe we took South Africa for granted and we paid dearly for this," said the man who coached Nigeria to win the AFCON title in 2013.
 
A brace from AFC Bournemouth striker Tokelo Rantie ensured South Africa topped the group with 12 points as the Red Devils of Congo picked the second ticket to the 2015 AFCON with 10 points following their 1-0 away win over the Jediane Falcons of Sudan.
 
Nigeria which last missed the AFCON in 2012 under coach Samson Siasia this time finished
third on the table with eight points.

Caption: Aluko with Tiwa Savage (left) and Dr SID.