Augustine Eguavoen has responded to the post-match comments made by Tunisia coach for the AFCON 2021 round of sixteen clash against Nigeria.
The Tunisian coach boasted after the game that the Eagles of Carthage nullified the threat of the Nigeria team by targeting their wingers, especially Moses Simon.
There was much hype around the Super Eagles before Sunday night's clash with fans and pundits alike installing them as favourites to win their fourth Africa Cup of Nations after maximum nine points from three games in the group stage.
Eguavoen has insisted that Nigeria being named as favourites did not crank up the pressure on the players before facing Tunisia.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Eguavoen explained : "We were not under any pressure, we came in here with free mind, relaxed, to enjoy the game and win it but it just didn't happen.
"When you talk about the Tunisian coach talking about the team being predictable, that's not 100% correct.
"Our wing play is our strength but the only thing is that we have to vary it, we tried to play through the middle which means open up the field and play from the sides, then the ball must come in Awoniyi's feet or Iheanacho's feet but it wasn't coming.
"When you talk about the Tunisian coach talking about the team being predictable, that's not 100% correct.
"Our wing play is our strength but the only thing is that we have to vary it, we tried to play through the middle which means open up the field and play from the sides, then the ball must come in Awoniyi's feet or Iheanacho's feet but it wasn't coming.
"Why? Because they had a lot of midfield players who tried to block the line of pass.
"We are not a team who want to play long ones behind defenders who possess the ball very well.
"Even at that half chances were being created and towards the end of the game playing with ten we could have equalised and won the game"
"We are not a team who want to play long ones behind defenders who possess the ball very well.
"Even at that half chances were being created and towards the end of the game playing with ten we could have equalised and won the game"
The Super Eagles are expected to arrive via chartered flight to Abuja on Monday evening, before the players depart to their European and South African clubs.
Igho Kingsley
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