National U-23 coach Austin Eguavoen has resigned from his post after failing to qualify Nigeria for the London 2012 Olympics football event.Despite their 4-1 victory over Algeria in the African U-23 Championship on Friday, the team failed to advance to the next stage following their two loses to Morocco and Senegal in Group A.Eguavoen who has come under heavy criticism from his employers and the general public quickly took the path of honour.I hereby resign my post as coach of the national U-23 team. Despite all the support I received from the Nigeria Football Federation, Im so sorry I couldnt make it, Eguavoen said in a letter forwarded to the NFF on Saturday.Eguavoen was the Golden Eaglets coach in 2003 before joining the Super Eagles as assistant to Christian Chukwu before later taking charge of the team, leading them to a third-place finish at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. He was appointed the U-23 team coach in 2010.The 46-year old former Enyimba coach, who plans to return to the domestic league, said he took responsibility for the teams failure in Morocco.He said, First of all football has given me what I have today. I thank every Nigerian for being there for me and giving me all the support needed for this tournament.We came into this tournament prepared. Losing Kingsley Udoh in the first game, just three minutes from start was a big blow.Our first half against Senegal was awful but we were in our best against a very technical Algeria but unfortunately we rose up to the occasion late.I apologise to Nigerians for our disappointing outing. I had an option to come and not to but I had confidence in this team; unfortunately it didnt turn out the way we wanted. I am deeply sorry.My contract is tied to this tournament with a target of reaching at least the semi-finals of the Olympics in London, but I have failed to hit that target. Right now I would just take two months off and maybe return to the local league, he said.
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