'If you disrespect people you have a problem' - Eguavoen tells Super Eagles stars ahead of Afconq v Benin

Interim manager Austin Eguavoen has voiced strong confidence in the Super Eagles' ability to clinch victory in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

 The Super Eagles are set to face Republic of Benin on September 7 at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and will follow up with a match against Rwanda three days later at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

Speaking to the media team of the Nigeria Football Federation, Eguavoen emphasized the need for the players to draw inspiration from their recent achievements in Ivory Coast to reverse their current form.

The Super Eagles have struggled recently, winning only one of their last five matches across all competitions.

Their lone victory came in a friendly against Ghana in March, while they drew with South Africa in June and suffered losses to Ivory Coast, Mali, and Republic of Benin.

Eguavoen, however, remains optimistic about the team's prospects. "I am very confident that we will scale through the two games and beyond. We have the materials, we have the players and personnel, we have the support, we have everything."

He urged the players to reflect on their near success at the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast, reminding them of their recent high achievement.

"The other thing we have to remind the players about is that they were almost African champions months ago. It is not even a year yet. What went wrong?" Eguavoen questioned.

The interim manager stressed that it is up to the players to turn their form around, with the full backing of the Federation and the nation.

"They are the ones to turn the table around, it is not bad. I have spoken to them; we are still going to have a few meetings before the game proper."

Eguavoen concluded with a call for respect towards their opponents, particularly Benin Republic. "I am very confident they would come out there and make the nation proud. But we would treat Benin with optimum respect because if you disrespect people you have a problem. We will play them with big respect but this is our home".

Adeyemi Adewale

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