Eguavoen explains winning strategy Nigeria used against Egypt

“Nigeria vs Egypt match was the high point of games played in Cameroon AFCON, and it lived up to expectations”

By Uzor Odigbo

Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, has explained the strategies Eagles adopted to beat the Pharaohs of Egypt in AFCON 2021 group D game.

Kelechi Iheanacho had put Eagles ahead in the first half of the game.

However, the coach of the team Augustine Eguavoen in an interview after the game said,

“The reception has been great since we arrived in Garoua, it has been an interesting AFCON from the first 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.

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“For Umar, maybe first time in such a big stage, he gave me some excuses after the game and we will talk to him later.”

On Salla, Eguavoen said no instructions to pocket one of the best players in the world but to close him down.

“Salah is one of the best players in the world, the strategy wasn’t a specific marker, but we instructed the players to close him down at any time and they must be a second player behind the marker.

On why Eagles floorished better in Cameroon than under former coach Genort Rohr, he explained that: “The same set of players, every coach have their style, philosophy and leadership. I told the players to see me as their brother and father, my assistant I called them my colleagues. We have a path towards the same direction, we have the privilege to serve the country and we must always give our best.”

Eagles will play Guinea Bissau in their next game while Egypt take on Sudan.