The Guardian (Nigeria)

Eguavoen Has Found Right Stimulant For Super Eagles, Says Shorunmu

- By Alex Monye

FORMER

Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, is thrilled that Coach Austin Eguavoen has found the right stimulus for the national team’s bid for a fourth African Cup of Nations title.

Super Eagles on Tuesday, against some pundits’ prediction, dominated Pharaohs of Egypt in their opening game of the competitio­n. Nigeria won the game effortless­ly 1- 0.

Speaking on the team’s newfound form, Shorunmu warned the Eagles against becoming complacent after a grand entry into the competitio­n, while calling on the players to listen to the instructio­ns of their coach and remain focused on their task.

Shorunmu predicted that the Super Eagles could get to the AFCON final if the players continued with the momentum they used against Egypt and approached every game with winning mentality.

He commended Eguavoen for finding the right approach to harness the talents of the players within a short time, adding that the team has displayed 100 percent commitment and resilience in Cameroun.

The former Nigerian number one goalkeeper also urged the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) to continue motivating the Eagles to ensure the team maintains the current standard.

He added: “I am not in the habit of comparing coaches; but what I can see so far the Eagles displayed so far at the AFCON shows that Eguavoen has really transforme­d the team. They now play the true African style of play.

“With their performanc­e in the first game, I believe the Eagles will go very far at the

AFCON. The players know the task ahead and the coaches working, who are all former Super Eagles players, are experience­d enough to guide them to the needed results at the championsh­ip.

“Some of the players in the current Eagles squad have played in the AFCON before; they should also able to advice their team mates that any form of complacenc­y can ruin their AFCON campaign.”

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