I will build result-oriented team for AFCON, says Eagles coach
Super Eagles caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen has given a clear picture of how his new team will look like in his first comprehensive interview since he was appointed to lead the team to next month’s AFCON in Cameroon.
Eguavoen, who is back in his third stint in charge of the Eagles, has spoken at length on his plans for the AFCON, his football philosophy as well as what he expects of his new team.
“Expectations are high, but we are equal to the task,” the Eagles caretaker coach told Nigeria Info FM
“We want to try and bring a smile on the faces of Nigerians at the AFCON.”
He said he hopes to do this by playing “entertaining football pushing forward to score goals while also being mindful of the defence.
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“We have intelligent players, who will play the way we want them to play,” he said.
“We want all 11 players working together.
“We will play with 11, attack with 11 and defend with 11.
“I plan to work on the defence because all 11 players have to defend because defending is not just the responsibility of the back four.”
Eguavoen said he knows at least “80%” of the Super Eagles as he has followed the team in the last one year in his capacity as NFF technical director.
His immediate task will be to name a final squad for next month’s AFCON in Cameroon.
Former coach Gernot Rohr submitted a 37-man provisional squad for the tournament last month, but Eguavoen said he is exploring possibilities to make changes to that selection.
“We are looking at how we could bring few more players on board, if that is permitted,” he revealed.
“I could bring two, three players from the NPFL.”
He said Watford winger Emmanuel Dennis and Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi are on the squad list Rohr submitted to CAF.
Former Flying Eagles captain Kelechi Nwakali has been linked with a recall to the Eagles and Eguavoen admitted “I like the kid”, but he also said has not extended an invitation to the Spain-based midfielder.