AFCON qualifier: Why Eguavoen's job is finished with Super Eagles

Advertisements

Interim Head Coach of Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, says his charge has been fulfilled: to lead the team in their two qualifying games, against the Cheetahs of the Republic of Benin and Rwanda.

Super Eagles played a goalless draw with Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday, getting a point after they defeated Cheetahs of the Republic of Benin 3-0 on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, gaining a maximum three points.

Eguavoen was brought to handle the Super Eagles as Interim Ciach after the deal to hire German coach, Bruno Labbadia, failed over tax isdues.

After the Kigali match, Eguavoen insisted that the mandate given to him was to handle the team in the first two matches with Benin Republic and Rwanda and nothing more.

According to him, “I have been given a mandate to handle two matches. I will want to say that I am very pleased with the boys and again thank the NFF leadership and all the boys supported me in terms of discipline and working hard.

“It ends today, which is the two games mandate. I can’t talk about the Libya match because I haven’t been told about that game.”

He, however, said no team is a pushover anymore, adding, “But with the spirit that these boys have exhibited in the two matches (against Benin and Rwanda), we have a bright future with the Super Eagles.”

Super Eagles lead the Group D standing on four points while Benin Republic that defeated Libya 2-1 in the group’s other game are second on three points. Rwanda with two draws are third on two points while Libya are in the rear on just one point.

Eguavoen made just only one change from the squad that started against the Cheetahs, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking the place of Alex Iwobi in yesterday’s clash with Rwanda.

Defender Bruno Onyemaechi should have put Nigeria ahead after only three minutes, but he miscued his shot after a great pass by Ademola Lookman. Two minutes later, midfielder Wiflred Ndidi’s shot went straight to goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.