Sports
Few managers comprise the queer knack for getting into noteworthy instances and offering steadiness cherish Austin Eguavoen.
Time and all another time, the former Nigeria captain has been the tear-to man for the Tidy Eagles for the length of turbulent intervals, and all another time, he answered the resolution when Nigeria wanted him.
With four aspects out of a that you just might well well perhaps be also have faith six within the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Eguavoen’s return to the touchline has been met with mixed emotions.
In opposition to Rwanda, nonetheless, he showed each and every his tactical strengths and some areas of field.
Right here, we glance at three issues he did factual and two he might well well perhaps comprise handled higher.
What Eguavoen Did Appropriate
Tactical Flexibility in Squad Rotation
Eguavoen’s resolution to rotate the squad used to be each and every fearless and tactical.
Dropping key avid gamers cherish Victor Osimhen to the bench to commence Victor Boniface who has had a higher preseason preparation with his membership shows Eguavoen is no longer shy to be conscious the tricky calls.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru used to be additionally given the nod over Alex Iwobi as Evuavoen gave the influence to strive one thing varied in Kigali.
Whereas this transfer might well well perhaps raise eyebrows, it used to be a transparent signal that Eguavoen understands the significance of squad depth, particularly when video games near thick and rapid.
The intervening time coach additionally showed factual squad management as most life like three outfield avid gamers – Iheanacho, Tanimu, and Yusuf – did no longer play a minute of football over the 2 video games.
Defensive Solidity
Despite some concerns surrounding Nigeria’s lack of midfield creativity, the Tidy Eagles kept a dapper sheet in opposition to Rwanda.
That is the second consecutive dapper sheet for the Tidy Eagles under Eguavoen, an enchancment on the team’s unpleasant file of zero dapper sheets in four video games under Finidi George.
The backline, led by William Troost-Ekong and reinforced by the stable presence of Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, stayed compact and denied Rwanda any breeze purpose-scoring opportunities.
Eguavoen’s emphasis on defensive building ensured that even when the team wasn’t firing up entrance, they remained resilient at the support.
Efficient Spend of Substitutions
Recognizing that the first half lacked the important sharpness in assault, Eguavoen made key substitutions early within the second half, bringing on Osimhen and Moses Simon.
This commerce injected vitality into the team and almost about paid off. Osimhen’s presence in an instant created problems for Rwanda’s defense, and Simon’s drag on the flank equipped an additional outlet.
These subs almost changed into the tide in Nigeria’s favour, showing that Eguavoen wasn’t shy to alter his manner when issues weren’t working.
Where Eguavoen Fell Brief
Midfield Creativity
Whereas Nigeria created several probabilities, the Tidy Eagles lacked true creativity in midfield.
Wilfred Ndidi, in general reputable, seemed drained and struggled to present the roughly ahead-pondering play desired to unlock the Rwandan defense.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who used to be given the nod earlier than Alex Iwobi, had about a sparkling moments but couldn’t replicate Iwobi’s imaginative and prescient and skill to withhold the ball thru midfield.
Eguavoen’s resolution to bench Iwobi from the commence left Nigeria lacking the artistic spark desired to collapse a resilient Rwandan aspect.
Inconsistent Pressing
Whereas Eguavoen’s excessive-pressing sport labored wonders in opposition to Benin, it used to be less effective in opposition to Rwanda.
Nigeria pressed in bursts but lacked the consistency to inspire stress right thru the match.
This allowed Rwanda to grow into the sport, particularly within the second half, when they managed extra possession. The disjointed press additionally left gaps in midfield, which the Rwandans infrequently exploited.
The Tidy Eagles’ inability to press cohesively and safe the ball excessive up the pitch used to be a passed over opportunity to dominate a technically rotten opponent
Final Thoughts
Within the monumental scheme of issues, a goalless draw a long way from home in opposition to Rwanda isn’t a disastrous consequence for Nigeria.
Eguavoen’s return has been marked by stable defensive displays and some wise sport management.
On the replacement hand, the shortcoming of creativity in midfield and leisurely transitions highlight areas that want pressing consideration.
The Tidy Eagles boss need to procure a manner to ship out the most life like in his attacking avid gamers while guaranteeing that his team controls the tempo of video games from commence to attain.
For now, the four aspects from six provide a stable foundation, but there’s composed powerful work to be executed if Nigeria is to true their put at AFCON and past.
With Eguavoen at the helm, there’s cautious optimism, but most life like time will expose if he’s the man to e-book the Tidy Eagles to the promised land.