Eguaveon Hails Players After Egypt Win

Interim head coach of the Super Eagles, Austine Eguavoen, has hailed his team’s performance against the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Group D opening clash of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Super Eagles defeated the Egyptians by a lone goal from Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho. After the match, an impressed Eguavoen said: “I want to congratulate my players on this sweet victory today. We had our plan for this game and everything was well executed. Coming into this game, we had the belief that we could beat the Egyptians and everything went well for us.”

The former Gombe United coach added: “When we assembled the players, I told them to see me as their brother and not the coach. That is not to say that they should take me for granted. I also don’t call the other coaches assistants, I refer to them as my colleagues. So, we are one family and it reflected in our performance today.”

CSKA Moscow’s winger Chidera Ejuke was introduced as a substitute in the second half on the right wing as a replacement for Samuel Chukwueze against his natural position. The coach explained the reason for his decision and he also defended Umar Sadiq’s performance in the game.

 “We know the strength of our players, we know Ejuke is good from the left side, and it was impossible to substitute Simon, it was a tactical change and Ejuke had chances to finish the game.For Umar, maybe the first time on such a big stage, he gave me some excuses after the game and we will talk to him later,” Eguaveon disclosed.

Reflecting on his experience at the ongoing tournament, the 1994 AFCON  winner said: “The reception has been great since we arrived in Garoua, it has been an interesting AFCON from the first game.”

Source

Completesports