AFCON

AFCON 2021: Ndidi reveals the difference between the Super Eagles under Rohr and Eguavoen

The Super Eagles won bronze under coach Gernot Rohr in 2019, but Eguavoen’s changes could help the team do better this year

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has revealed that new boss Augustine Eguavoen has brought a new philosophy and belief into the team, unlike former coach Gernot Rohr.

And he believes it could be vital in helping the team do better than their performance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Under former German coach Rohr, the Super Eagles were ousted by Algeria in the semifinals of the 2019 Nations, no thanks to a late free-kick goal from Riyad Mahrez.

Eguavoen took over the team in December 2021, and despite the issues prior to the start of the AFCON, the team has posted outstanding displays in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles were the only team that finished the group stage with a 100% record and are seen by many as the clear favourites for the title.

They go into their second-round match against Tunisia as the favourites, and speaking on the reason for the team’s improved display compared to pre-AFCON, Ndidi says it is all down to Eguavoen.

“It is the same team but different philosophy,” Ndidi said at the pre-match presser as per Victor Modo.

“And it’s just the fact that our current manager just made us understand and made everything simple, basic.

“And just help us believe in ourselves and also gave us the push actually to express ourselves and the freedom also to express ourselves.”

“But in as much as you have the freedom, you have to play for the team,” he added.

The three-time AFCON kings will hope to continue their impressive form when they take on the Carthage Eagles on Sunday.

This post was last modified on January 23, 2022 1:57 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

View Comments

  • The coach still need to work on finishing and again cautioned the forwards to give passes to their fellow forwards when necessary like I have always said when one score the entire team scores.

  • I am proud of our national team under the coach that thinks about the team and the country. I do hope we start to believe in our citizen to run our national teams and build up new teams on all faces of our sports. After God it’s the soccer game all over the world. Almighty super eagles we thirsty for your victory which will happen by the power of super eagles.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

“Nigeria is a wounded lion” – Zimbabwe coach warns of Super Eagles threat ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees expects Nigeria's Super Eagles to play with renewed ferocity when the… Read More

5 minutes ago

Sevilla: Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho to return to action at Girona

Super Eagles stars Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho are set to return to action for… Read More

53 minutes ago

WATCH: Nigeria kidwonder Otusanya opens pro account in Brazil as Náutico edge Jaguar in five-goal thriller

Nigerian youngster Oluwasegun Samuel Otusanya scored his first professional goal on Thursday, January 16, 2025,… Read More

3 hours ago

“He celebrates like a child” – Nigeria’s Osimhen praised for bringing more than goals to Galatasaray

Former Fenerbahce midfielder İlker Yağcıoğlu has lauded Victor Osimhen for his overall contribution to Galatasaray… Read More

4 hours ago

Why Super Eagles may not win any trophy – Jay-Jay Okocha

Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha has voiced his concerns about the current state of football… Read More

4 hours ago

Forgotten Super Eagles star once on Manchester City’s books joins Turkey’s Erokspor FC

Nigeria international forward Olanrewaju Kayode has completed a move to Turkish TFF First League club… Read More

6 hours ago