One Point Away from Glory
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are on the cusp of securing their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. With just one point needed from their final two qualifying fixtures, the team is poised to achieve their goal unless an unimaginable catastrophe occurs. This minimal requirement allows the team to focus on other tactics and achievements once qualification is secured.
Tactical Decisions Ahead
If the Super Eagles manage to secure the necessary draw in their first leg against Benin, coach Austin Eguavoen may opt to rest his regular players and experiment with a different lineup in the final game against Rwanda. Under Eguavoen’s guidance, the Super Eagles have remained unbeaten in this qualifying series, and the trend is expected to continue as they face Benin Republic in Abidjan.
Victor Osimhen: The Goal Machine
Since his debut in 2017, striker Victor Osimhen has rapidly climbed the ranks of Nigeria’s all-time scorers. With his goal against Benin in September, Osimhen now sits third on the list, surpassing Yakubu Ayegbeni. The legendary Rashidi Yekini leads the chart with 37 goals, followed by Segun Odegbami with 23 goals.
Osimhen’s impact on the team is undeniable, with 22 goals and 11 assists, making him the highest goal contributor in the squad. He is just one goal behind Odegbami and could become Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer if he nets two more goals in this window. This would be a remarkable achievement for the 23-year-old, who also became the first Nigerian to win the CAF African Player of the Year award in 25 years.
Eguavoen’s Unblemished Record
Coach Austin Eguavoen is on the verge of completing his first full qualifying series. In his previous stints, he either took over from other coaches or started the series and saw it completed by someone else. So far, he has maintained an unblemished record, with just one draw from four games. Finishing the series unbeaten would be a significant accomplishment for Eguavoen and solidify his position as the Super Eagles’ coach for the remainder of the World Cup qualifiers in 2025.
“Nigeria is a country you don’t toy with,” said Eguavoen. “We respect our opponents. But the mindset when we come into games is to win. We know that is easier said than done. We fight for every ball, we fight for every point, and that is what we want to do.”
Financial Considerations
Sources within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have indicated that the cash-strapped federation is hesitant to make a costly investment in a permanent coaching appointment while Eguavoen continues to deliver results. His success in guiding the team through the AFCON qualifiers could ensure his continued tenure as head coach.
Conclusion
As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial matches against Benin and Rwanda, the team is confident in their ability to secure the necessary points for AFCON qualification. With Eguavoen’s tactical acumen and Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess, Nigeria is well-positioned to achieve their goal and continue their journey towards football glory.