AFCON 2021: “Don’t expect massive changes against Guinea-Bissau” – Super Eagles coach, Eguavoen
Though the Super Eagles already book a spot in the round of 16, the Super Eagles interim coach has revealed that he would not make massive changes in their last group phase fixture against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria qualified to the round of 16 in style after defeating the Northern Africans, 1-0 and the Falcons of Jediane 3-1.
After securing the qualification in their last game, it will be expected of the coach to make massive changes to the team, to rest some players. The 56-year old told the media that will happen- he will rest one or two players, but massive changes should not be expected.
“It’s always good to qualify, we have done that in style. Everyone that has come here is ready to play and I have always told them ‘your chance will come’, but don’t expect massive changes but there will be one or two,” Equavoen said in a press-conference.
Nigeria’s ambition for a 100% record in the group phase can be dealt a blow by complacency.
However, coach of the Nigeria national team that won bronze in Egypt, 2006 revealed during the press conference that they have respect for their opponents and they will take this game with the “same enthusiasm” as the first two matches.
“We have always respected our opponents and we will keep respecting them,” said Equavoen.
“We are going to approach this game with the same enthusiasm as we did in the first two games.”
In addition, the 56-year old confidently said that the team will be more clinical in front of goal.
“Generally, you don’t expect the game to go smoothly for 90 minutes, there will be ups and downs,” he added.
“We create a lot of chances and putting them away is a bit of a concern. However, we have worked on that and we hope that we can improve on that.”
Nigeria will square up with the Djurtus later today at 17.00 local time.
