Super Eagles Interim Head Coach, Augustine ‘Cerezo’ Eguavoen, says Nigeria’s slim 1-0 win against Libya in Friday’s AFCON 2024 qualifying Group D match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, was a ‘huge relief’ for him and the players, Completesports.com reports.
Tom Dele-Bashiru turned in a slick cross from Moses Simon to help the Super Eagles break down the resilient Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
The Nigerians held firm control from the start but were unable to break down the Libyan defence, which packed players behind the ball, hoping to shock the Eagles on the counter.
The Super Eagles might feel hard done after Ademola Lookman was brought down inside the box by an overzealous defender, but the referee shockingly waved away Nigeria’s penalty appeal 23 minutes in, much to the frustration of the spectators.
Three minutes past the half-hour mark, team captain, Troost-Ekong, came close to giving the Super Eagles the lead but embarrassingly hooked his effort over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box after Calvin Bassey’s low drive was blocked, and the ball fell invitingly to him.
Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, failed to apply the necessary power and precision to his strike off Lookman’s delivery, allowing the Libyan goalkeeper to gather it comfortably.
Decent opportunities flowed throughout the second half, as in the first period, but the Nigerians continued to waste chances and were fortunate not to be punished by the technically disciplined visitors on the break.
Ten minutes into the second half, Lookman headed a chance over the crossbar, and four minutes later, Iwobi flashed a strike high over the bar as anxiety grew among Eguavoen’s men.
Perhaps Iwobi’s inability to get past the Libyan goalkeeper after dribbling through a sea of defenders crowned a frustrating night for the Super Eagles, as the under-pressure Mediterranean Knights grew in confidence.
However, the moment of relief came three minutes before the final whistle when Moses Simon weaved through the left channel and delivered a superb cross for Dele-Bashiru, who was on hand to drill it home. The 60,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio Stadium erupted in joy. The Super Eagles are now on the brink of securing a place in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
It was Eguavoen’s 15th win in 25 games as Super Eagles coach, with four draws and six losses.
Eguavoen, who appeared to sweat more than the players on the pitch, told a crowded post-match conference that the victory was a massive relief for him and the team.
Also Read: Super Eagles Vs Mediterranean Knights Build-Up: Discovering The Hidden Wonders Of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene
“It’s a huge relief for me and the boys, obviously,” Eguavoen said. “Three points were important, and we got them. I expected us to score more, but for some reason, we couldn’t find the back of the net early enough due to the Libyans’ tactics.
“But overall, we’re very happy. Three points are very important, and we still maintain the lead in the group. Congratulations to everyone.”
With time running out and his team still chasing the game, Eguavoen admitted it was a mixed feeling for him during the match.
He added: “I was feeling bad, but I was happy the boys were on top of the game, especially in the second half. Until the last 20 minutes, they kept pushing and controlling possession, but they were mindful of the Libyans’ strategy to break quickly on the counter.
“Of course, emotions were high, and when the goal came, it was a huge relief. We could have scored more, but the Libyans defended in numbers in front of their goal.”
Eguavoen also addressed Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface’s struggles to find his scoring touch for the national team.
“Boniface is a clinical striker, a great finisher. But he’s been struggling in the national colours. Sometimes, the chances don’t come. I remember in Rwanda, we didn’t even get a half-chance. Look at Romario – when he gets the ball, he acts quickly. But if you hesitate, defenders will recover,” Eguavoen said.
“So, if Boniface can decide quicker, I believe he’ll score a lot of goals. I’ll talk to him about it.”
By Sab Osuji in Uyo
1 Comment
Agreed that most Completesports writers are either unqualified sports journalists, don’t watch the same matches as we do or are watching theirs from the back of a black and white TV. Firstly,Tom Dele-Bashiru wasn’t invited, it was Fisayo Dele-Bashiru that played. Secondly, Frank Onyeka was the one that shot which the Libyan goalkeeper parried and Troost Ekong shot over the bar and not Calvin Bassey! Eguavoen doesn’t understand on-field coaching, instead of coaching urgency of decidion making to Boniface on the field, he is going to wait to tell him after the match LOL. I guess Guardiola, Conte, klopp, Xabi Alonso etc are mad people for shouting instructions to their players during football matches. 9ja get a proper coach before it is too late!!!