AFCON 2021: Nwakali reveals his key asset, speaks on Eguavoen’s tactics

The Huesca star could play a major part in Nigeria’s campaign after he was included in the three-time African champions 28-man squad

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has revealed that his key asset is his ability to play long passes. He also stated that interim boss Augustine Eguavoen likes to play quick and compact football.

The Super Eagles begin their quest for a fourth African Cup of Nations crown on Tuesday, but this is amidst a lot of apprehension from Nigerian fans who are not sure of what to expect from the team.

Nwakali will be making his first senior appearance at a major tournament, but the Huesca man is yet to reach the heights many would have expected of him when he won the Golden ball award in the 2015 Under-17 World Cup.

Nevertheless, ahead of the first game on Tuesday, Nwakali has spoken on what he could add to the Super Eagles side.

“As a player, I know where my strength Lies, which is passing the ball, holding the game, and I think if the coach thinks my quality is gonna be needed in the game or any game, I’ll be glad to bring it in,” he told NFF TV.

“First of all, it’s a team game, but sometimes you need to bring individual qualities to make the team better.

“So I think as a player, I’ve got one of the strongest parts, which is passing the ball from a long distance and then we can make something out of it.”

Meanwhile, the jury is still out on interim boss Eguavoen, although he will step down from his post after the AFCON for new coach Jose Peseiro to take over.

But Nwakali has given some insights on what the gaffer has worked on with them in their training sessions.

“This is my first time of meeting with him as a coach, but with the style he has introduced to the team, he’s good.

“Because he wants the team to play more compact, and when we have the ball, we need to be quick to attack and make use of those spaces very quickly and play in numbers,” he added.