Eguavoen: Super Eagles played below standard

Super Eagles Football Manager Augustine Eguavoen has expressed his disappointment as his team lost to Rwanda in the ongoing AFCON 2025 qualifier, stating that the team played below standard.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Eguavoen emphasized that the result was not what they had planned for, especially after scoring and pushing for a second goal.

A report stated that the recent football match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo concluded with a stalemate in the first half, as neither team managed to score.

Eguavoen while speaking after the match on Monday lamented about the team’s unfortunate defeat to Rwanda in Uyo.

He acknowledged that the loss was a significant setback, given the team’s meticulous preparations and strategy to emerge victorious.

He, however, expressed confidence in his teams’ ability,stating that football is all about victories, defeats, and stalemates.

“Our performance fell short of expectations, and I must admit that I am deeply disappointed.”

“Despite taking the lead, we conceded against the run of play, leading me to modify our tactical formation; however, the adjustment did not yield the desired outcome.”

“Following the second goal, we adjusted our formation and introduced two additional strikers, but unfortunately, this strategic change did not yield the desired outcome.”

“Football is all about victories, defeats, and draws. Although our talented squad did not yield desired results today, my confidence in the team remains unwavering,” Eguavoen said.

Samuel Chukwueze put Nigeria on the scoreboard, but the lead was short-lived as Samuel Marie of Rwanda leveled the match with a skillfully executed goal in the 10 minutes that followed.

Rwanda’s Coach, Torsten Spittler, after the match commended his team’s discipline and adherence to strategy, stating, “I’m proud of the boys because they played according to plan.”

Following the win, Spittler shared his satisfaction at beating the Super Eagles in Nigeria, attributing the success to his team’s execution of a strategy designed to frustrate the hosts.

“I extend my sincerest praise to my players for their outstanding display in Nigeria. Our resilient defense and quality football warranted this deserving win.”

“Today may prove to be a fortunate day for us, despite not qualifying for the AFCON. We’re thrilled to have secured three valuable points.”

“From the start, we made life difficult for the Nigerian team, and their players’ body language reflected their discomfort,” the Rwanda’s coach stated.

Nevertheless, despite the loss, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured top spot in their group with 10 points, qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Who is Eguavoen?

Augustine Eguavoen is a Nigerian former footballer and football manager born on August 19, 1965, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is married with children.

Playing Career of Eguavoen

Eguavoen played as a defender for various clubs, including ACB Lagos (Nigeria), KSV Waregem (Belgium), Gent (Belgium), and Ourense (Spain). He earned 35 caps for the Nigeria national team, scoring 1 goal.

Managerial Career of Eguavoen

The present Super Eagle manager managed several Nigerian clubs, including Enyimba, Niger Tornadoes, Sharks, and Sunshine Stars.

Achievements of Eguavoen

As a player, he won the 1994 African Cup of Nations with Nigeria and participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

As a manager, he led Enyimba to win the 2003 Nigerian Premier League and guided the Super Eagles to the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations third-place finish.

Style and Legacy

Augustine is known for his defensive tactics and discipline and his contribution to developing Nigerian football talent through his coaching roles.

Know about Super Eagles

Super Eagles is the nickname for Nigeria’s national football team.

History

The team was founded in 1949, had its first international match in 1949 vs. Sierra Leone joined FIFA in 1959, and became a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Achievements

Super Eagles has been 3-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners in 1980 (hosted by Nigeria), 1994 (in Tunisia), and 2013 (in South Africa).

Team Records

Most capped player of the Super Eagles is Vincent Enyeama with 101 caps, top scorer, and Rashidi Yekini with 37 goals.

Current Squad

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye, and Daniel Akpeyi.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ola Aina, and Jamilu Collins.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Samuel Chukwueze, and Victor Osimhen.

Rivals

Ghana Black Stars, Cameroon Indomitable Lions, and South Africa Bafana Bafana are all the Eagles’ rivals.

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