UYO, AKWA IBOM—The Super Eagles of Nigeria, under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, demonstrated their formidable prowess with a decisive 4-0 victory against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday. The emphatic win has reinforced Eguavoen’s belief in the team’s potential to triumph over any opponent.
Eguavoen’s confidence in his squad was evident in his post-match comments, where he underscored the high caliber of players at his disposal. “We have quality players to beat any team, but we respect every team,” Eguavoen said. “Any coach can come in and do the same job with the Super Eagles. It’s all about mindset, understanding our opponents, and executing the game plan effectively.”
The match showcased a display of tactical flexibility from Eguavoen, who attributed the dominant performance to the strategic formation employed by the technical crew. He emphasized the adaptability of the team, stating, “We can decide to use any system. It’s something we discussed, and I slept over it. With the caliber of players we have, we can opt for any formation.”
Eguavoen’s strategic approach was evident throughout the game, as the Super Eagles’ formation allowed them to dominate proceedings from start to finish. Despite the tactical success, Eguavoen remained pragmatic about the nature of football, acknowledging the inherent uncertainties of the sport. “Football is about winning, losing, and drawing. I don’t believe we have a poor result,” he noted.
Reflecting on the previous regime, Eguavoen subtly critiqued the former coach’s performance, attributing the shortcomings to a lack of belief and clear objectives. “It’s about belief, what’s at stake, and what you want to achieve,” Eguavoen stated. He assured that the current group is united in their vision and goals, asserting, “Psychologically, as a group, we are aligned with where we are and where we aim to be. We will definitely achieve it.”
The Super Eagles’ defense was a highlight of the match, with Eguavoen praising their superb performance. “The defense was fantastic,” he said, acknowledging the week-long preparation leading up to the game. The coach’s strategic substitutions, including asking six players to warm up for the second half, were part of a calculated approach to manage the game effectively without unnecessary haste.
Eguavoen also commended the Cheetahs of Benin Republic for their competitive spirit and well-prepared game plan. Despite the loss, the Benin Republic team posed a challenge, demonstrating their readiness for the clash.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Eguavoen, who was appointed as interim coach following the collapse of the contract negotiation between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and coach Bruno Labbadia. The NFF had to reconsider its options due to the stringent regulations imposed by German tax authorities, which ultimately led to the decision to appoint Eguavoen.
Eguavoen’s tenure as interim coach has been marked by a focus on tactical flexibility and mental preparedness, elements that were evident in the Super Eagles’ commanding performance against the Cheetahs. The win not only boosts the team’s morale but also sets a positive tone for their AFCON campaign.
As the Super Eagles continue their journey in the tournament, Eguavoen’s leadership and the team’s demonstrated quality will be pivotal in navigating the challenges ahead. With the group united in their aspirations and a clear strategic approach, the Super Eagles are poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 AFCON.
