With the Super Eagles set to play host to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, September 7, interim Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen will be seeking to guide the team to victory and restore fans’ confidence following a poor run in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers campaign.
AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN highlights six key moves the NFF Technical Director must make for the Eagles to impress in Uyo and deliver a good result.
1. Psych the Players for a Winning Mentality
This is one area Eguavoen must focus on if the Super Eagles are to rediscover their winning mentality.
Still winless in their World Cup campaign, the 2025 AFCON qualifiers offer the team another opportunity to find redemption and return to winning ways against Benin.
Having lost to Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles must be motivated to avenge their shock defeat by putting Benin to the sword..
2. Solidify Eagles’ Defence
The recent games played by the Super Eagles have seen the team concede five goals in all competitions, a situation Eguavoen must address, starting with the Benin game.
With the availability of William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, Eguavoen should find the right defensive quartet to solidify the team’s backline.
3. Work on Eagles’ Pace and Fitness
Nigeria’s loss to Benin in the World Cup qualifiers exposed the players’ lack of pace and inability to track back once they lost possession.
With the same Benin side coming to town on September 7, Eguavoen must ensure the players work on their pace and fitness as well.
4. Demand Consistency and Commitment from Players
In some cases, a few players often give their best for their clubs but falter when they don the green and white jersey in international competitions.
Playing for the senior national team is a matter of pride for the players, and it is expected that Eguavoen secures their commitment and consistency in games, regardless of the opposition.
5. Avoid Sentimental Selection
This is another area Eguavoen must be firm in if the Super Eagles are to bounce back to winning ways in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin.
He must be ready to drop players who have been inactive at their respective clubs in Europe this season. Selecting the right eleven players based on form will guarantee victory against Benin.
6. The Best Way to Defend Is to Attack
In the past, the Super Eagles were known for their attacking prowess, but recently, the goals have dried up for the senior national team.
With Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon leading the array of strikers at Eguavoen’s disposal, he must ensure he finds the perfect striking partnership to break down Benin’s defence.
