2008 Olympic silver medalist, Ambrose Vanzekin, has lauded the Super Eagles’ performance in the early stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.
The team, under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, secured a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo before a goalless draw against Rwanda in Kigali, leaving Nigeria at the top of their qualifying group with four points from two games.
Speaking on Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze,” Vanzekin expressed his thoughts on the team’s showing and areas that need improvement.
Reflecting on the Benin game, Vanzekin stated, “The game they played against Benin, I didn’t expect much because the team was lacking many things.”
He pinpointed a lack of determination as a key issue that troubled the Eagles before Eguavoen took over.
“What was lacking? Determination—the spirit of ‘today, we no go gree.’ That fighting spirit, that hunger to win at all costs, was missing,” Vanzekin remarked.
Following the commendable showing against the Cheetahs and Amavubi, Vanzekin lauded Eguavoen’s ability to inspire his players and get the team firing again.
“Eguavoen is a good coach, and the way he motivates players, even when they are down, is commendable,” he added.
Vanzekin believes Eguavoen has what it takes to lead Nigeria, even urging the Nigeria Football Federation to offer him the role full-time.
“I just hope that even if he’s not interested, the NFF will see him as worthy and ask him to be the coach,” he said.
Former international Taiwo Enegwea also weighed in, applauding the team’s improving attitude and growing confidence.
“The way and manner in which we are playing is encouraging, but there’s always room for improvement,” he said.
Eguavoen, amid rumours of resignation, has confirmed he will continue to lead Nigeria through the crucial AFCON double-header against Libya in October.
Victories in those matches could seal Nigeria’s qualification for Morocco 2025.
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