Afrigather 
The previous worldwide is the top of the soccer physique’s technical arm and is charged with making a course for soccer improvement within the nation
Augustine Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF), has provided his insights into the continued 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, specializing in the Tremendous Eagles’ performances and addressing questions on head coach Jose Peseiro’s job safety.
Impressed by the Tremendous Eagles’ displaying within the match so far, Eguavoen highlighted Nigeria’s commendable efficiency in Group A.
The workforce secured two victories and a draw of their preliminary three matches, securing a second-place end.
Notably, they managed to search out the again of the web thrice whereas conceding solely as soon as, showcasing a strong defence led by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Eguavoen, expressing satisfaction with the workforce’s defensive file, emphasised the necessity for enchancment in changing probabilities into targets.
In an interview with the Vanguard, Eguavoen acknowledged the issue of excelling on the AFCON, stating,
“The Eagles are enjoying with warning. It’s a fragile stage. You can’t afford to lose factors.
“In the event you misplaced three factors, you’d be strolling a tightrope. The one factor we’re lacking is the conversion of probabilities into the web. Once you don’t convert your probabilities, the top comes to harm you.
“We’ll develop with recreation after recreation. The Tremendous Eagles are a powerful workforce. Nigerians must be affected person.
“In the event you have a look at the efficiency the one factor that we’re lacking is that we aren’t placing the ball within the internet, which might flip round to harm any workforce as a result of purpose is paramount.
“Defensively, we’re very stable; the goal-keeping division is stable. The organisation of the workforce is nice. By the point we meet larger and harder opposition, we are going to develop with the sport.”
Eguavoen additionally addressed the problem of Jose Peseiro’s job safety.
Whereas the settlement between Peseiro and the NFF is for the top coach to proceed in his function if he guides the workforce to the AFCON semifinals, rumours are circulating that Peseiro might not obtain a brand new contract even when Nigeria carry the trophy.
Sustaining a impartial stance, Eguavoen claimed ignorance of the inside selections of the NFF however affirmed his assist for any alternative made by the federation.
Eguavoen burdened the significance of sustaining a optimistic narrative, whether or not Peseiro stays or departs, to keep away from demoralising the coach.
“If that’s the choice of the federation, then I stand by it,” the 1994 AFCON winner added.
“One factor that I counsel now’s that whether or not Peseiro leaves now or later, let’s say optimistic issues about him. If he retains listening to adverse issues about himself he will get demoralised.
“Even when we’re going to half methods, let’s achieve this amicably. There may be at all times tomorrow. If he wins AFCON for us, then we are saying he ought to go; he’ll go to an even bigger nation.
“Let’s watch out of what we are saying. Let’s converse positively concerning the boys and the coaches.”
It might be recalled that Eguavoen, then the interim supervisor, led Nigeria to the final version of the AFCON in Cameroon.
The Tremendous Eagles gained all their group matches underneath Eguavoen’s cost however stumbled out within the spherical of 16 after a tricky 1-0 loss to Tunisia.
