AFCON 2021: Eguavoen speaks ahead of crunch clash with Egypt

In a pre-match conference, Eguavoen gave an assuring update that the team has settled in very well. "They (the organisers) have been very supportive and [there is] nothing to worry about. 

"It’s nice to be here, we saw the game, it started yesterday, we enjoyed it as well. And hopefully, it will be a peaceful one till the end of the tournament." the former Super Eagles captain said.

Eguavoen, who won the 1994 AFCON champion revealed that his boys are fully focused on the task at hand and do not plan on giving anything away .

"I can guarantee you that the boys are ready from [the] first minute, we will contest the ball and contest the game and try and win every game. But we will take it game after game," said Eguavoen.

The Super Eagles kick off their Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) 2021 against seven-time champions Egypt on Tuesday.

Ahead of the clash Eguavoen sounded confident of his approach. “We have all the tools and ingredients to pull surprises, we won't underrate anybody.

"Egypt is a heavyweight but I won't come here and start telling you our game plan, we will see tomorrow.” Eguavoen told reporters.

Despite absences in the squad, Eguavoen firmly rejected the idea of the squad being 'depleted'. The interim coach did not shy away from giving his two cents on player absences.

Eguavoen told reporters," When there's a regulation that says when a player is invited, there is a window of time for the player to be released. And if they want to respect that, well, I don't know what that means.”

However, Eguavoen held both parties accountable .“It boils down to the individual as well. You have your country to serve and you don't have two nations to play for, 

"We also battled [with] such when we were playing and we fought it because it’s a privilege and honour to play for your country ”Eguavoen said.

Victory on Tuesday evening will give the Super Eagles a valuable morale boost ahead of the other Group D ties against Sudan and Guinea Bissau.