Eguavoen Confident as Super Eagles Gear Up for Final Group D Clash
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Rwanda’s Amavubi in the final Group D match of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Head Coach Augustine ‘Cerezo’ Eguavoen has expressed unwavering confidence in his team’s readiness to deliver a strong performance despite the game being a formality.
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Speaking at a pre-match press conference held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday evening, Eguavoen emphasized his squad’s professionalism and hunger for victory, reassuring fans that Nigeria would approach the game with the same intensity they would show against top teams like Brazil or Argentina.
With qualification for the Morocco 2025 AFCON already secured, there were concerns about the team’s focus against a Rwandan side looking to end their campaign on a high note. Eguavoen dismissed these worries, affirming that his players are seasoned professionals who thrive under any circumstance.
“Our boys are 100% professionals, and they know what it takes to win games. They won’t blink for a minute,” Eguavoen stated. “The same approach we’d use against Brazil or Argentina is the same we’ll use against Rwanda.”
Squad Depth and Tactical Adjustments
Eguavoen praised the depth of the Super Eagles’ squad, noting that 23 players remain available for selection despite the early departure of Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina. Lookman was excused due to a minor injury that hindered his full capacity, while Nottingham Forest requested Aina’s release to maintain good relations with the club.
The coach also addressed Gabriel Osho’s substitution during the Benin Republic match, clarifying that it was a tactical decision to switch from a back-three to a back-four. “It was not a reflection of Osho’s performance, and I explained this to him. He understood,” Eguavoen explained.
When asked about Nigeria’s away form during the qualifiers, Eguavoen was quick to defend his team, highlighting their unbeaten record on the road. “We didn’t lose any away games. Football has evolved, and teams now prepare well against Nigeria. Earning points away deserves credit,” he remarked.
Eguavoen dedicated Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON qualification to fans and the nation as a whole. He also declined to confirm whether Moses Simon would feature in the matchday squad but acknowledged the player’s importance, citing his energy, pace, and intelligence as key assets to the team.
“We’ll decide tomorrow,” he said, leaving fans eager to see how the squad will line up for the final match.
The Super Eagles may have already punched their ticket to Morocco, but their desire to end the qualifiers on a high note underscores the team’s ambition and discipline. With Eguavoen at the helm, Nigerian fans can expect a spirited performance against Rwanda as the squad continues to fine-tune their preparations for the main tournament.