Augustine Eguavoen
AFCON 2021: Tunisia assistant coach Bilal Kadri confident against Nigeria
Tunisia assistant coach Bilal Kadri is confident about his team’s chances against Nigeria in the round of 16 AFCON match. The Eagles of Carthage have failed to impress with their performances in the tournament so far. However, they still made it to the knockouts, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. But their round of 16 opponents are Nigeria who have won all their group matches and are regarded as one of the top favourites for the continental crown. Tunisia’s prospects have also suffered due to their Covid-crisis that has left several of their key players sidelined. However, their assistant coach Bilal Kadri is still confident about his country’s chances against the Super Eagles in their Africa Cup of Nations match. “Our target was to reach the s...
AFCON 2021: Augustine Eguavoen defends Umar Sadiq amid criticism
Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has defended Umar Sadiq amid criticism about his performances in the Africa Cup of Nations so far. The 24-year-old was featured off the bench in the Super Eagles’ first two matches against Egypt and Sudan. While he was included in the playing XI against Guinea Bissau. The forward opened the scoring in their 2-0 win over Djurtus, but he also missed several goalscoring opportunities at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium. And that prompted a lot of criticism from fans and pundits alike who expect more from him. However, Eguavoen leapt to the defence of the Almeria striker, insisting that he remains an integral part of his squad. “We have a lot of confidence in him. He has been scoring goals for the club he is playing for,” he said (as per G...
AFCON 2021: Chris Green warns Nigeria not to underrate Tunisia
Former Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation Chris Green has issued a warning to the Super Eagles not to underrate their round of 16 opponents Tunisia. Green insisted that Mondher Kebaier’s side will come out fighting for their lives to do well in the knockouts. However, he still considers Augustine Eguavoen’s side as genuine contenders for the AFCON 2021 trophy. Green said (as per The Sun Nigeria): “The Super Eagles is giving a good account of themselves under Coach Augustine Eguavoen and it gladdens my heart. There is a new philosophy in the team and the players are beginning to enjoy a good flow. I consider the Eagles genuine contenders for the AFCON trophy. “I want warn here that the Eagles must not lower their guards because the Tunisian will come out tacticall...
Johnathan McKinstry believes Nigeria could win AFCON 2021
African football expert Johnathan McKinstry believes that Nigeria have the potential to go all the way in AFCON 2021 and win the prestigious trophy. The Super Eagles have been brilliant so far in the tournament, winning all three of their Group D matches. They faced tough opponents in Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in their opening game at Roumdé Adjia Stadium. However, Augustine Eguavoen’s side managed to overcome the Pharaohs with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring to help them secure a 1-0 victory. Nigeria then eased past Sudan last weekend, with three of their players earning their names on the scoresheet to claim a 3-1 win. While their final group game against Guinea-Bissau also proved to be an easy encounter as they grabbed a 2-0 victory. The Super Eagles are now set to f...
Nigeria progress to the knockout stages with 3-1 victory over Sudan
Nigeria claimed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Sudan on Saturday to progress to the knockouts of AFCON 2021. The Super Eagles made a brilliant start at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium as they scored the opener inside the first three minutes of the match. Samuel Chukwueze tapped home the first goal for his side after being set up by Moses Simon. Union Berlin forward Taiwo Awoniyi then added another on the stroke of half-time to put his side in a dominating position. If the fans of Sudan were hoping for a comeback after the interval, then they were hugely disappointed. The Super Eagles struck their third goal within 30 seconds of the second half, with Simon earning his name on the scoresheet. The Falcons of Jediane pulled a goal back when 20 minutes were remainin...
Super Falcons new boss signs agreement with NFF
New Head Coach of the Women’s National Team of Nigeria (Super Falcons), Randy Waldrum, on Wednesday signed his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, as he started his work with the nine-time African champions. The simple ceremony took place at the Super Falcons’ Emir Hotels abode in Antalya, Turkey. President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, affirmed the belief of the football-governing body in the ability of the 64 –year old American to propel the Super Falcons to a higher level in women football’s global ranking. “We believe that Mr Waldrum is the right man to take the Super Falcons from where the team presently is to that higher level that we want it to be. We have been champions of Africa on nine occasions and it is time that we move up to competing stoutly for honours at glo...
Tijani Babangida: Gernot Rohr to blame for Eagles poor form
Former Super Eagles winger Tijani Babangida has blamed Gernot Rohr for the national team’s poor form after ending the 2020 calendar year without a win. Babangida made this known during an interview on Friday. The Eagles drew 4-4 against Sierra Leone in Benin City and 0-0 in Freetown in their final games of 2020, and thus failed to clinch an early ticket for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Cameroon in 2021. Former Ajax winger Babangida blamed Rohr for the national team’s woes. “The coach of the Eagles is the one to be blamed for the poor form of the team. He is the one in charge of the team and one thing I know he has deviated from is that he has not followed the football culture of Nigeria’s national team,” Babangida said. “We used wingers during our time with the team, but looking...
Andrey Arshavin: Moses is a strong character for Russian championship
Former Russian attacking midfielder Andrey Arshavin says Victor Moses’ arrival has strengthened Spartak Moscow and expects him to help the club this season. Moses scored his first goal in Russian football as Spartak Moscow thrashed their hosts Krasnodar 3 – 0 last weekend. The former Nigerian international was also involved in the Moscow derby against CSKA eight days ago. Speaking on the impact of Moses on Spartak Moscow since his arrival, Arshavin who also played for the club during his days, said Moses is a strong character for the Russian championship and has improved the team. “I think it was clear that this is a strong footballer for our championship. Moses has strengthened the necessary position for Spartak.” Andrey Arshavin said “I remember how he played for Wigan against us. He pla...
