September 7, 2024 — Augustine Eguavoen, the interim coach of the Super Eagles, has expressed his belief in the team’s ability to defeat any opponent following their commanding 4-0 victory against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. The game, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, showcased the Super Eagles’ dominance and provided a strong statement of their capabilities under Eguavoen’s leadership.
In a post-match statement, Eguavoen emphasized the quality and potential of the players at his disposal. “We have quality players who can beat any team, but we also maintain respect for our opponents,” Eguavoen said. “Any coach coming in can achieve the same results with the Super Eagles if they understand the team and the tactics involved.”
The interim coach attributed the resounding win to the tactical formation employed by the technical crew, noting that the team’s versatility allowed them to execute their game plan effectively. “We can choose any system and formation, and it’s something we deliberate on extensively,” Eguavoen explained. “With the caliber of players we have, we can adapt our formation to meet the challenges posed by different opponents.”
Eguavoen also addressed previous criticisms regarding the former Super Eagles coach’s performance, suggesting that success is heavily reliant on belief, commitment, and strategic planning. “The psychological aspect of the game is crucial,” he added. “As a group, we have aligned our goals and are committed to achieving them. We have a clear vision of where we want to be.”
The coach praised the defensive unit’s performance, describing it as “superb,” and highlighted the importance of the team’s cohesion. “Our defense has been solid, and we’ve only been training together for a week,” Eguavoen remarked. He further explained the strategic decision to warm up six players for the second half, noting that it was a tactical move to manage the game effectively without unnecessary haste.
Eguavoen acknowledged the Cheetahs of Benin Republic as a competent team with a well-thought-out game plan. “They were a good team, and they came prepared,” he said. “Our preparation and adaptation to their strategy played a significant role in our victory.”
The Super Eagles’ impressive performance under Eguavoen comes after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) faced challenges in finalizing a deal with German coach Bruno Labbadia due to stringent regulations imposed by German tax authorities. Eguavoen’s interim appointment was a necessary step to ensure the team’s preparedness for the ongoing AFCON qualifiers.
With this victory, Eguavoen has bolstered his position and demonstrated his capability to lead the Super Eagles towards a successful campaign. The team’s next match is scheduled against Rwanda on September 10, 2024, and fans are eagerly anticipating whether Eguavoen’s tactical acumen and the team’s current form will continue to yield positive results.
