Eguavoen admits AFCON trepidation
Nigeria interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has revealed the expectations of a nation is causing him anxiety ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The three-time African champions begin their quest for glory in Cameroon when they face Egypt on January 11, with Sudan and Guinea-Bissau also awaiting them in Group D.
Eguavoen has been at the helm for less than a month after replacing Gernot Rohr, who was sacked by the Nigeria Football Federation on December 12, despite securing qualification for the tournament.
The 56-year-old is well aware of the pressure that comes with performing at AFCON, having won the 1994 edition as a player with the Super Eagles, but admits the hopes of his fellow Nigerians jangles the nerves.
“It’s tough. I don’t sleep well because of expectations, but I know not everybody; how do I put it now,” Eguavoen told NFF TV.
“There are people out there who want us to succeed, there are few people out there who are also in doubt, but we will do everything humanly possible to stick together – the team – the entire federation, officials.
“And we will do what we can to make sure we put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.” -africanfootball.com
