Aneke regrets U-23 failure in Morocco

Nigeria Premier League highest goal scorer, Jude Aneke, says he is disappointed with the performance of the Nigerian team at the CAF U-23 Championship, which also serves as qualifiers for the London 2012 Olympic Games.The Kaduna United striker, who could join a Belgium club, Genk, soon, regretted his inability to score at the championship where Nigeria crashed out in the first round despite beating Algeria 4-1 on Friday. Aneke ended the 2010/2011 NPL season as the highest goal scorer and set a new record of 20 goals.He said I feel very bad as a striker, its most unfortunate. But we should realise that playing in the national team is different from the league. I just wanted to prove myself as a striker but Its unfortunate that I couldnt score goals, I feel very bad for myself and I feel sad for Nigeria that I did not score.Aneke was called by coach Austin Eguavoen after clubs in Europe refused to release Nigerian players in their fold for the championship, citing its absence from FIFA calendar.Meanwhile, the U-23 team will arrive in Nigeria early today from Morocco, the venue of the competition. Captain of the team, Obiora Nwankwo, Uchechi Daniel and Babatunde Michael will not be on board as they have returned to their clubs in Europe.Following defeats by hosts Morocco and Senegal in group A matches, the team crashed out and missed a chance to represent Africa in next years Olympic Games, despite beating Algeria 4-1 in their last group game.Coach of the side, Austin Eguavoen, on Sunday announced his resignation from his position. The disappointment came after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons also failed to make the train to London.
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