Super Eagles Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has vowed that his team will secure a victory in Monday’s final Group D match against Rwanda’s Amavubi in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, despite already having qualified for the tournament.
At a pre-match press conference on Sunday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Eguavoen assured that his players are well-prepared to handle the challenge, emphasizing that professionalism would guide their performance.
“Even though we’ve already secured our spot in the Morocco 2025 AFCON, our focus remains sharp. Our boys are 100% professionals and understand what it takes to win. They will give their best, just as they would against top teams like Brazil or Argentina,” Eguavoen stated with confidence.
The coach also addressed concerns over the team’s focus, given Rwanda’s desperate need for a win. He reiterated that the Super Eagles would approach the match with the same intensity and commitment, regardless of the qualification status.
Eguavoen also provided clarity on the absence of Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina. Lookman, he explained, was released from the squad due to a minor injury that prevented him from playing at full capacity, while Aina’s release was requested by his club, Nottingham Forest, in order to maintain a positive relationship with the Premier League side.
Regarding Gabriel Osho’s substitution during the Benin Republic match, Eguavoen explained that it was a tactical decision rather than a reflection of Osho’s performance. “We needed to shift from a back-three to a back-four, and I discussed the change with Osho, who understood the reasoning,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent away performances, Eguavoen acknowledged the growing strength of opposing teams but expressed pride in the Super Eagles’ ability to secure points on the road. “We haven’t lost any away games. Football has evolved, and teams now prepare better against Nigeria. Earning points away from home is something we should all be proud of,” he concluded.
