Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has played down talks of Nigeria being the favourites to lift the ongoing 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon following their 1-0 win over Egypt last Tuesday.
Eguavoen’s side beat the Pharaohs thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s first-half goal, a performance that has raised Nigerian fans’ expectations.
But the former Nigeria international was quick to play down such talks during the pre-match briefing on Friday in Garoua, while rating high the performance of his players.
“It’s hard to say that we are the favourites after one win. We all know that Egypt are seven-time champions of the competition and they are not pushovers.
“The Pharaohs are a very strong team and whoever thinks they are not a strong team is making a big mistake. We were able to neutralise them and were lucky at some point as well.
“Though we played very well in that game but talks about being favourites now are too early. We will approach the next game with all seriousness and respect and after crossing that hurdle we look forward to the next game (against Guinea Bissau).”
The 56-year old also assuaged fears that his team might be complacent against Sudan, noting that they were well aware of the ramifications of losing points on Saturday.
“I have shared my past experience with the team so they don’t lose grip, which gives the team a serious guard,” Eguavoen added.
“The boys know that any setback will put us in bad stead, so we talk to ourselves regularly. Our eyes are on our target. We are putting our feet on the ground. We don’t expect to lose steam after that performance against Egypt.
“We also don’t expect every game to be smooth, but we will try to win every game in this tournament.”
After the 1-0 win over Egypt in their opening match, the Eagles top Group D with three points, followed by Sudan and Guinea Bissau with one point apiece following their goalless draw in matchday 1.
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