Interim manager of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen, has expressed strong confidence in his team's ability to secure victories in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. The Super Eagles will face the Benin Republic on September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium before traveling to Kigali to play against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium three days later.

In his address to the media team of the Nigeria Football Federation, Eguavoen emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from their past achievements, particularly their near success at the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast. Despite the Super Eagles' recent struggles, winning only one of their last five matches, Eguavoen remains optimistic about turning their form around.

Eguavoen urged the players to reflect on their and what went wrong in recent games, stressing that they have the talent, support, and personnel to succeed. He also highlighted the importance of respecting their opponents, particularly the Benin Republic, as underestimating them could lead to problems.

The interim manager concluded by stating that the team is ready to make the nation proud, but it is crucial to approach each game with the right mindset and respect for their opponents.

Editorial

Austin Eguavoen's call for respect and reflection ahead of the Super Eagles' crucial AFCON qualifiers is a timely reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The recent dip in form, with only one win in five matches, underscores the need for a collective effort to regain the team's winning momentum.

Eguavoen's emphasis on respecting their opponents, particularly the Benin Republic, reflects a mature approach to the game. Complacency can be a dangerous enemy, and recognizing the strengths of every opponent is key to ensuring that the Super Eagles do not slip up in these critical qualifiers.

The upcoming matches will not only test the players' skills but also their mental fortitude. With the right mindset and a united front, the Super Eagles have every chance of securing the victories they need to move forward in the AFCON qualification process.

Did You Know?

1. 
   
2. Austin Eguavoen is currently serving as the interim manager of the Super Eagles, having taken on this role multiple times throughout his career.
   
3. The Super Eagles have historically been one of Africa's most successful national teams, winning the Africa Cup of Nations three times.
   
4. Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where the Super Eagles will face Benin Republic, is one of Nigeria's premier football venues with a capacity of over 30,000.
   
5. Benin Republic, though often considered the underdog, has shown significant improvement in recent years, making them a challenging opponent.
   
6. The Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, where the Super Eagles will play Rwanda, is the largest in Rwanda and has hosted numerous international matches.