Super Eagles of Nigeria coach, Austin Eguavoen, has disclosed that one of his substitutes, Sadiq Umar, did not play to his tactical instructions.
The languid Almeria striker came in as a substitute in the 82nd minute but could not have an effect as Nigeria defeated Sudan 3-1 in their AFCON Group D clash in Garoua.
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Speaking during a press conference following the victory, Cerezo disclosed that although his substitutions were effective in the first game, the two-cap striker failed to heed his instructions.
“Our substitution has been spot on,” Eguavoen started. “You can see Taiwo Awoniyi as the lone striker, of course Iheanacho who played behind him was tired.
“It was important to bring in fresh legs , but the instruction giving to the player that comes in is a little bit different from what he goes in there to do,” the Eagles’ interim manager stated.
The 1994 AFCON winner add Ed that although Umar could not impact the game further, the Super Eagles bench has the quality to go al the way in the tournament.
“That [players not playing to team instructions] makes it a bit difficult [to win the AFCON], I think we have a bench rich enough to pull us through.”
Umar should still be in contention to play in Nigeria’s final Group D match against Guinea Bissau, with wholesome changes expected.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the round of 16 at AFCON 2021 in Cameroon following six points from two matches.
