Eguavoen under pressure as Eagles face Pharaohs, players optimistic 

As the countdown continues ahead of the Super Eagles’ first group match against Pharaoh of Egypt on Tuesday in the 2021 Afcon, team coach Augustine Eguavoen has admitted he is under pressure.

Eguavoen mood contrast with that of some of his players who are optimistic of a good outing not just against Egypt on Tuesday but doing well in the tournament. 

Said Eguavoen on his Facebook timeline,   “Pressure yes, I am obviously. It’s just not me, even with Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola or Gernot Rohr, you can’t say you won’t be under pressure,

“It’s like Manchester City, one of the best teams in the World at the moment, playing the best brand of football at the moment but with Guardiola, one coach that I adore, he has been unable to win the UEFA Champions League with City. You cannot say he is not under pressure to win it,” he said

“People expect Nigeria to win the AFCON and that puts me under some pressure but I will take it and digest it.

“We take each game as it comes. All the teams here have come to prove a point.” 

While Eguavoen is under positive pressure his players are bursting with optimism.

Midfielder Kelechi Nwakali told the media he is ready to make all the sacrifices that will ensure Eagles succeed in Cameroon, 

“As a player, I am aware of my strengths, which include passing the ball and maintaining possession of the ball, and I believe that if the coach requires my assistance, I will be happy to assist the team. 

 “Well, as I correctly stated, we came from a country where everyone believes we should win the competition. However, we must keep in mind that other teams have come to compete as well. We came to this competition, however, to represent our country and to win.” 

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is equally optimistic “We are not one of the big favourites, but we want to make our country proud. Winning the tournament, that is our goal”, he said.

Moses Simon told journalists he is ready to play any role to ensure the team succeed “If the coach instructs me to play as a central striker or centre forward, I can play the position. I did play as a top striker at Nantes last season. It all depends on the strategies the coach wants to use in any game. It is a great honour to be in the plans of the coach.

"I just have to play according to the instructions of the coach and play well with my teammates. I have no choice than to play in whatever position he thinks I should play for the team."

Simon continued: "The most important thing is for every player to play every game with a strong winning mentality and I hope that the victory will manifest for Nigeria on the pitch."

Meanwhile, nff.com is reporting that the Super Eagles will smile home with $5000 for every victory in the group stage that is $15000 if they win their three matches. 

As the tournament progresses, the bonus of the team will be increased. 

If eventually, Super Eagles top the group, they will remain in Garoua and if they don't, the team will have to leave Garoua for another venue.