Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen has revealed why he has
not fielded some of the players in the Super Eagles squad for the ongoing
Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have played two matches so far,
securing wins against two North African sides, a 1-0 defeat of Egypt and 3-1
thumping of Sudan on Saturday.
And having secured a place in the round of 16, Eguavoen
hinted at providing the opportunity for some fringe players in his squad to
play.
The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner explained that he
deliberately left some of the players out of the first two games because he
wanted to avoid taking risks.
He also pointed out that some players were new to the squad
while others, such as fullbacks, Tyronne Ebuehi and Jamilu Collins, arrived
late to camp.
Addressing reporters after the Super Eagles’ win over Sudan,
Eguavoen was asked if he intends to make changes to the starting lineup.
“You are already giving a lineup which is good. I have been
long enough with this team, as a technical director from afar but this is the
closest I have been with this team, which is about three weeks now,” he said.
“We actually started with quite a number of players, to be
precise 24 on the fourth of January and on the fifth we flew out.
“On arrival here, nothing happened because we retired to bed
at about 2 am and then preparation started on the sixth, and on the 11th we are
to be on the field, so that was why when you see the lineup in this first two
games it’s a little bit difficult to take risks.
“It’s better to play with people that know themselves so
that was why we maintained what we had up to this point in time.
“We made it clear to all the players that everybody that has
come here has a chance to play.
“Now coming to the next game with qualification secured, with
a win on our mind as well I think we’ll give a couple of players the
opportunity to play “
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