Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austine Eguavoen has revealed that it was a difficult task trimming the squad from 26 to 22 players ahead of Saturday’s international friendly game against Mexico in the United States.
Eguavoen made this known during a chat with the Super Eagles media officer at the team’s training camp in Abuja on Tuesday.
The team is expected to depart the shores of Nigeria tonight and the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, stated that they have mapped out a one-year plan where there would be periodic camping for the players.
“22 players are expected to traveling to the United States tonight. We had about 26 players in camp and we have been able to trim it down to 22. Yes, there have lots of improvement, am not saying that they were down there before but up there, but we also want to let them know how we want to play and trying to figure out what position is best for each player as well.
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“It has not been easy because it has been very tough. You know when people criticize you, you should be able to accept it once you are in this job. But objective criticisms are welcome. But Again, this job is open to criticism anyway.
“Like I said before that this job is not easy and selecting those players is also not easy. When the Honourable Minister of Sports (Sunday Dare) visited us they gave us a lot of commendations because it’s not easy working with a whole lot of players from the domestic league.
“Apologies to those who felt they should be here but are not here. This is not a one-off thing but a continuous thing. Recall that the Minister also told us that we should go back to the drawing board when we have periodic camping.”
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If you are in doubt that Mr. Eguavoen is not capable to replace Oga Rohr after Saturday Match, read this.
“22 players are expected to traveling to the United States tonight. We had about 26 players in camp and we have been able to trim it down to 22. Yes, there have lots of improvement, am not saying that they were down there before but up there, but we also want to let them know how we want to play and trying to figure out what position is best for each player as well”.
I am pleased with your work Mr. Eguavoen. Please after this match against Mexico, start scouting players by yourself.
We still have more than 20 Okocha and Kanu in Nigeria.
We still have more than 10 Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu and Enyeama on the streets in Nigeria.
Don’t be lazy as I said when you asked Mr. Aigbogun and Mr. Salisu to provided you players.
You can do this yourself. That doesn’t mean you can ask for help but be cautious.
I am very happy that we are going to watch good football under our ex players in Cameroon and at the world cup.
I can’t wait to see Amunike, Egbo Manu Garba, Eguavoen, Enyeama and Ikeme to lead Super Eagles to the next Afcon and world cup.
Andriy Mykolayovych Shevchenko of Ukraine, a former player is doing great as a coach and his team is making his Country proud in the Euro 2021.
Our ex players can do it too but NFF should give them free hand to work. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Going through Mexico coach write up for the game against Nigeria ….Nigeria will be allowed to run the field. Long ball into their defence to make them tired out… allow them commit errors . The method I used in 12 games and lost only against u ‘s and Wales. … gerardo mtno.
I really would like to see what sort of tactics would be used in the game either long balls or short passes. If anyone knows how most of our local football players play, then I am expecting them to use long balls. As many of them dont understand that to break down tough teams today, you have to use short passes and speed. That’s why Rohr is playing the patient game here. Just watching on to see how tactically the team is organised.