Angry Congo Brazzaville fans reportedly descended on their Under-23 national team coach, Claude Le Roy shortly after the second leg tie against Nigeria ended 0-0 in Pointe Noire on Sunday.
The scoreless draw which ensured Nigeria’s U- 23 national team popularly, Dream Team VI qualified on 2-1 aggregate for the Africa U- 23 Championship that would produce Africa’s three automatic representatives in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil took emotional toll on the fans and Le Roy was singled out as the fall-guy.
According to reports, Le Roy was almost manhandled by home fans that descended on the pitch after the final whistle and could have been beaten to the pulp if not for security personnel that whisked him away from the angry mob and smuggled him into the dressing room.
They were reportedly angered by the team’s poor performances in the two-legged tie, despite the abundant support the Le Roy-led team relieved from the fans and government. “They were not happy that the team failed to secure at least a 1-0 victory that could have fetched them victory and qualification ticket of the African U- 23 Championship despite the 100% support they were given,” a member of Nigerian contingent who witnessed the bizarre event said.
“Instead of their team, the fans hailed the Nigerian team until they left the pitch”, he adds.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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