Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen is optimistic that his team will achieve their objectives, despite facing a familiar opponent in former head coach Gernot Rohr.
Eguavoen, who also serves as the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), worked closely with Rohr during his time with the team and acknowledges the German coach’s familiarity with the players.
“We worked with Gernot Rohr for so many years. He was our head coach, a very good coach, no doubt. He knows us, inside and out,” Eguavoen noted
He is part of us. We know him also, inside out, and we know what he is capable of.”
The Super Eagles will face Benin on Thursday in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, hoping to replicate their previous victory over the Cheetahs, whom they defeated 3-0 in Uyo.
A single point from this game will secure Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament, and Eguavoen believes his team’s objective is clear despite their familiarity with Rohr.
“Nigeria is a country you don’t toy with,” Eguavoen said.
“We respect everyone, but our mindset going into games is to win. It is easier said than done, but we fight for every ball, we fight for every point, and that is what we’ll do tomorrow.”
Eguavoen optimistic of getting the job done against Benin
Eguavoen emphasized that Benin is “not a push-over” and that the Super Eagles will work hard to achieve their objective.
Nigeria currently tops Group D of the qualifiers with 10 points, ahead of second-placed Benin.
Rwanda, whom the Super Eagles will meet in their final game in Uyo next Monday, is third with five points, while Libya is in last place with one point.
Two teams from the group will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
