In the aftermath of the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against the Cheetahs of Benin during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has firmly denied allegations that he attributed the result to the torrential rain in Abidjan.
The match, held at the Felix Houphuet Boigny Stadium, saw the Eagles salvage a point with a late header from Victor Osimhen, following an earlier lead by Benin.
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Rumors circulated that Eguavoen had blamed the rainy conditions for the team’s struggle, sparking controversy among fans and sports commentators. However, Eguavoen swiftly addressed these claims on Friday in Nigeria’s prominent sports WhatsApp group, Sports World Platform. In his post, Eguavoen emphasized that weather conditions were not mentioned during his post-match conference. “At the post-match conference yesterday, no one talked about the weather,” he clarified, urging the group’s members to verify the information with journalists who attended the briefing.
Eguavoen’s frustration stems from what he sees as a misinterpretation of his remarks by certain journalists, a sentiment echoed by some fans who took to social media to defend him. Several supporters praised Eguavoen for his dedication to the Super Eagles, with many urging him to remain focused on the team’s progress. Among them, Sunday Okechukwu encouraged Eguavoen to keep faith, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup.
Critics and supporters alike debated the alleged misquote on the Sports World Platform. While some members advocated for stricter regulations against misinformation, others called for greater accountability among journalists. Barrister Kelechi Nweke highlighted similar instances in the past, pointing out the damage inaccurate reporting can cause. “That’s how some journalists concoct stories without evidence,” he lamented, referencing previous disputes involving Nigerian football figures.
Despite the controversy, Eguavoen’s achievements were widely acknowledged. Under his leadership, Nigeria has already secured a spot in the 2025 AFCON with two matches left in the qualifiers. For many fans, this is proof of his competence and dedication. “You have qualified the Super Eagles for Africa’s biggest football fiesta,” said Sunday Agunbiade, who advised Eguavoen to stay focused despite criticism.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, expectations are high. The draw in Benin, while disappointing for some, did not deter the optimism surrounding Eguavoen’s leadership. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that public figures face in the era of social media and rapid news dissemination. Amid the storm, Eguavoen remains steadfast, focusing on leading the Super Eagles to greater heights in the upcoming tournament.
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