Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen has revealed why he has not fielded some of the players in the Super Eagles squad for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have played two matches so far, securing wins against two North African sides, a 1-0 defeat of Egypt and 3-1 thumping of Sudan on Saturday.
And having secured a place in the round of 16, Eguavoen hinted at providing the opportunity for some fringe players in his squad to play.
The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner explained that he deliberately left some of the players out of the first two games because he wanted to avoid taking risks.
He also pointed out that some players were new to the squad while others, such as fullbacks, Tyronne Ebuehi and Jamilu Collins, arrived late to camp.
Addressing reporters after the Super Eagles’ win over Sudan, Eguavoen was asked if he intends to make changes to the starting lineup.
“You are already giving a lineup which is good. I have been long enough with this team, as a technical director from afar but this is the closest I have been with this team, which is about three weeks now,” he said.
“We actually started with quite a number of players, to be precise 24 on the fourth of January and on the fifth we flew out.
“On arrival here, nothing happened because we retired to bed at about 2 am and then preparation started on the sixth, and on the 11th we are to be on the field, so that was why when you see the lineup in this first two games it’s a little bit difficult to take risks.
“It’s better to play with people that know themselves so that was why we maintained what we had up to this point in time.
“We made it clear to all the players that everybody that has come here has a chance to play.
“Now coming to the next game with qualification secured, with a win on our mind as well I think we’ll give a couple of players the opportunity to play “
‘Not as fantastic as against Egypt’ – Ezeji rates Super Eagles win over Sudan
Former Nigeria striker Victor Ezeji has stated the Super Eagles’ performance against Sudan was not as fantastic as their first win over Egypt at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Austin Eguavoen’s side defeated the Falcons of Jediane 3-1 at the Roumde Adjia Stadium on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Simon.
In his assessment, Ezeji highlighted the quality of the Sudanese players for the drop in Nigeria’s performance.
“First and foremost, the most important thing was that the team won. They weren’t that fantastic the way they were against Egypt but we came out with a victory,” the 40-year-old told GOAL.
“It is understandable that when you play against an opposition whose standard is low, you drop to that standard and I think that was what happened.
“When we played against Egypt, we stepped up our game and played so well that Nigerians even celebrated the performance.
“Yesterday’s game was not that bad, but it was not as good as the first on Tuesday. Overall, I think it was a decent performance.”
On Nigeria’s goalscoring chances, the former NPFL star believes the Super Eagles are improving as they chase a fourth Afcon title in Cameroon.
“If every chance created is scored then football might just be like basketball. To be very honest, we created many chances and to score three goals without a penalty is not an easy feat.
“The team is improving from scoring a goal in the first game to three goals against Sudan, the confidence is growing that they can do it. They are on the right track.
“We’ve seen virtually all the teams playing at Afcon, and we’re not saying Nigeria is the best but if they continue the way they’re going, they will definitely become favourites.”
Nigeria who lead Group D with six points after two games are scheduled to play Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday.
