Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, has warned his players not to take advantage of his gentility and simplicity just as he called on them to take him as their father, brother and friend.
He made this known on Friday during the press conference ahead of the clash with Sudan today in the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
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“We haven’t done anything differently. It’s the same personnel. It’s just about freedom. Feel free to express yourself. I told the players to see me as their father, brother and friend.
“They should always confide in me. But don’t take advantage of me being too gentle. Everyone understands this simple fact and the backroom staff.
“We have talked about scoring goals. I have made it clear that we won’t build our team on one person scoring goals. That’s why we try to assist one another.
“If you are not in a good position, try to assist your teammates. It’s a collective effort,” he said.
Eguavoen further said he will try and emulate Cameroon who have secured a Round of 16 berth after securing 6 points from 2 games.
He also played down the feeling in most quarters that the Super Eagles are top favourites for the AFCON trophy.
“We know what it takes to win the next game. It’s not going to be easy. Cameroon secured their place in the round of 16 on Thursday. We will try as much as possible to do that on Saturday. It’s not going to be easy.
“It’s hard to say that we are one of the favourites. We have only played one game. Egypt are seven-time champions of Africa.
“They aren’t pushovers, they have a strong side. Whoever thinks Egypt isn’t strong could be making a big mistake.
“We were able to neutralize them and play very well. Tagging us as big favourites is too early. We would approach the next game with all seriousness and show Sudan respect. After crossing that hurdle, we will see what happens,” he concluded.
