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22 Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has opened up on why legendary defender Taribo West wept bitterly after the Super Eagles lost to Sweden at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup.
The Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat in their second group game against Sweden despite taking the lead.
Julius Aghahowa gave the Eagles the lead before a brace from Henrik Larsson secured the win for the Swedes.
The defeat ended the Eagles’ campaign as it was their second defeat in the group after they had lost 1-0 to Argentina in their opening fixture.
Taribo, who got injured in the game against Sweden and had his jersey stained with blood, wept uncontrollably after the game.
Reminiscing on the encounter Udeze, a member of the Eagles squad at the 2002 World Cup, disclosed why Taribo was unconsolable after the game.
“I stood close to him, he was just crying,” Udeze said on Brila FM. “He was saying why should the Eagles crash out so early in the tournament.”
Udeze also said Taribo refused to be substituted after suffering the injury.
“He refused to be replaced and told the coach he wants to continue playing despite the serious injury.”
In their final group game, the Eagles held a star-studded England side to a 0-0 draw which saw a young Vincent Enyeama who made a world class save off a long a strike from Paul Scholes.
Other top stars who featured for England against the Eagles are David Beckham, Michael Owen, Ashley Cole, David Seaman, Sol Campbell, Nicky Butt, Teddy Sheringham and Rio Ferdinand.
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