West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie is still reeling from Nigeria's African Nations Cup failure.
Odemwingie was stung by the criticism he received over Nigeria's failure to reach the African Nations Cup finals in the new year.
He said: "It's been tough. My country is so big and we didn't qualify for the African Nations Cup and football means so much to them.
"There were critics looking for reasons and I felt a little bit over-blamed for the team's failure to qualify. It was a collective effort.
"I think the personal criticism was more about my relationship with the manager. I think that's what caused this situation.
"I was always appreciated and supported in the national team because I play and give 100 per cent for the team.
"But I had a little dispute with the coach and he has a lot of support in Nigeria so there was a little negative reaction to it."