The interim boss has managed to make the three-time AFCON champions an exciting team to watch again, but he insists it wouldn't have been possible without his predecessor
Super Eagles interim boss Austin Eguavoen has said that former coach Gernot Rohr deserves some credit for Nigeria's brilliant performances at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles have been the most impressive side in the competition so far after winning all of their three group games, scoring six goals and conceding just one, which came from the penalty spot.
Eguavoen has received all the praises for the team's brilliant displays in Cameroon. Despite a far from ideal preparation, the former Gent defender has managed to make the team an exciting side to watch again, which is a stark contrast to what fans saw before the competition.
Eguavoen only came in a month before the start of the tournament, replacing Rohr, who was sacked following the second round of 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Rohr came in for criticism in the last few months of his tenure due to the Super Eagles uninspiring performances, which is why Eguavoen is getting more plaudits for the work he has done in a short period of time.
However, the former Enyimba coach insists Rohr also deserves to take the plaudits because he assembled the squad.
“There's no way we are not going to give Gernot Rohr credit because he's the one who put this team together, Eguavoen said after Nigeria's win over Guinea-Bissau, as per Modo.
“We still inherited a team of about 98% Gernot Rohr together, so there is no way we are going to leave Gernot Rohr out of this.”
“He did a good job assembling these boys, but it's quite unfortunate what has happened.”
“And if we win the Africa Cup of Nations, it's for everyone, not just me alone,” he added.
Nigeria will continue their quest for a fourth continental title when they play their second-round game on Sunday.
No doubt about giving Rohr credit but Coach Eguaveon did make this team a lot more compact and Nigeria can now line up a formidable 3 different first eleven in preparation for the world cup;
1. Okoye Uzoho Noble
2. Aina Ndah Ebuehi
3. Zaidu Collins Calvin
4. Ndidi Etebo Bonke
5. Ekong Kevin Balogun
6. Omeruo Ajayi Awaziem
7. Samuel Dennis Lookman
8. Iwobi Kelechi Olayinka
9. Osimen Awoniyi Onuahu
10. Nwakali Aribo Onyeka
11. Simons Desser Ejuke
Without veterans like Amhed Musa and Odion Ighalo also without the likes of Umar Sadiq and Henry Onyekuru while drafting strikers like Dennis and Desser to the flanks. It’s absolutely mind blowing!