Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu says he is surprised by Nigeriaââ¬â¢s failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw at home by South Africa to miss a chance to defend their African title.
Nigeria finished third in their qualifying group and didnââ¬â¢t garner enough points to make next yearââ¬â¢s finals as the best third-placed team in the entire qualifiers.
Badu, who was stand-in captain when Ghana beat Togo 3-1 on Wednesday to qualify, admits the absence of the African powerhouse could a take a bit of shine off the tournament to be staged by Equatorial Guinea.
ââ¬ÅI am surprised by Nigeria [inability to qualify] because they are the reigning champions,â⬠he told Africanfootabll.com.
ââ¬ÅWhen you going to such tournaments without Nigeria and great players like Uche, Obi Mikel and Onazi, it is a bit of a bother.
ââ¬ÅBut who knows? Africa football has evolved and you would never know what is next.
ââ¬ÅI am sad for them but they should still move on.ââ¬