AFCON 2021: Eguavoen reveals his tactics against Egypt, makes statement of intent

The Super Eagles kicked off their AFCON campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating Egypt with a dominant display

Super Eagles boss Augustine Eguavoen has revealed that keeping possession and cutting Mohamed Salah’s supplies was the key to beating the Pharaohs in their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria cruised to a 1-0 victory at the Stade Omnisport Roumde Adija thanks to a wonderful goal from Kelechi Iheanacho.

However, Iheanacho’s strike was not the only notable thing in the game. Nigeria dominated the game, bossing possession and creating more clear chances than the Pharaohs.

The Egyptians were like passengers on the pitch as they could not offer anything going forward. Queiroz’s men were outplayed, and if not for the brilliance of Mohamed El Shenawy in goal, the scoreline could have been embarrassing.

Eguavoen has now revealed that Nigeria’s display was the product of a proper game plan.

“We tried to play high pressure at every given time. We know we can mix it up by ball possession and going direct when necessary,” Eguavoen said after the game.

“So we have three things in mind, first the mission was to win the game, and how do we win the game? The process is keeping the ball and then keeping Salah, try to cut him off the game.”

He also affirmed the team’s commitment, stating that they would approach every game with a serious mindset.

“We are gonna approach every game like it’s a final, so we gonna take it game after game and see where we get to because every team that has come to AFCON should be respected regardless of the name of the country.”

“There are no minnows anymore in football, so if you don’t plan or put in effort, you can be shocked.”

“So I don’t know who’s gonna win, but we will try with our own ways to approach every game with all seriousness”, he added.