Super Eagles’ interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen is counting his many blessings, after successfully prosecuting Nigeria’s qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports247.ng reports that the ticket to Morocco 2025 was sealed even before the kick-off for Thursday’s penultimate match of the qualifiers, yet the Eagles complemented their success with a 1-1 draw away to Benin Republic.
Their come-from-behind draw at Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire kept Eguavoen’s unbeaten run going since taking over the Eagles’ saddle, and the tactician says he is thankful to all the players for making it possible.
“We are in the driver’s seat, and everybody is happy, but we are not going to relax.
“We are not going to take our feet off the pedal,” Eguavoen said during a radio chat with Nigerian football legend, Chief Segun Odegbami on Eagle 7 FM.
He added, “I will say a lot of gratitude and big thank you to the boys, because of the way they welcomed me when I came in.
“They recognised that I had been part of the team before, and I am happy for the way they showed discipline. The way they showed respect is over the moon.”
‘Egu’ also chipped in some words of appreciation about the role officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) played in ensuring that the Eagles had a successful campaign in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
“I also appreciate the confidence that the NFF leadership gave me.
“We spoke a few times before the first match against Benin, which we won 3-0, and they made me relax.
“They told me they would be in support of me 100%.
“Also, the backroom staff; they have been wonderful. So, it’s been a successful journey,” said the ex-international defender.
The Eagles’ former skipper, who was part of their AFCON winning squad at Tunisia ’94 and coached the team to bronze in 2006, went on to throw some light on the strategies that have helped him so far during his fourth tenure in the saddle.
“First thing first, the way I operate is that I don’t monitor people. I give people freedom, but with responsibility. So, you are responsible for your own actions.
“That was the same thing I did when we went to Cameroon for the Nations Cup before the last one.
“I am not somebody who wants to dominate anyone. You give me respect, I give you respect too.
“Give people their dues, and they will also pay back. It’s reciprocal,” Eguavoen expatiated.
The one fondly called ‘Cerezo’ during his playing days then spoke about the current internal trappings of the Eagles, which made their flight to Morocco 2025 successful, in contrast with the struggles they faced during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The soft-spoken gaffer added, “It’s a collective effort. We know the strength of our boys. They are superstars. So, we operate individually and collectively.
“I think we are making progress because of the respect I show them and which they show me as well.
“Moreover, the most important thing is to think about Nigeria first.
“Furthermore, I’ve discussed with the players a couple of times, and they know when you play at the national team level, your market value goes up.”
Eguavoen concluded with an assurance that he and his players will not rest on their oars ahead of their clash with Rwanda in Monday’s final game of the qualifiers.
He stressed that, though the Eagles have already booked their place at the 2025 AFCON, they want to go through the entire qualification phase without suffering any defeat, especially as Monday’s game will be at home in Uyo.
