Deliver results to avoid criticism – Ex-Nigeria International to Eguavoen
Former Super Eagles and Enyimba International midfielder, Duke Udi, has sent a message to Augustine Eguavoen, urging the coach to improve Nigeria’s results on the football pitch, Soccernet.ng reports.
In his fourth spell in charge of the Super Eagles, Eguavoen has qualified Nigeria for the AFCON 2025 tournament, but the final two qualifying games were far from impressive.
The Interim manager blamed the loss against Rwanda on the team’s lack of a creative midfielder, revealing they’re still searching for a player who can cut through opposition lines from the middle of the park.
Despite sealing qualification, many have criticized Eguavoen’s team for taking their foot off the gas during games, and Udi echoed the same sentiments.
“In football, if a coach is given five years, it all boils down to the results of the 3-5 games he plays. That ‘five years’ is only on paper. Behind the scenes, it might not even last three weeks.
AS Roma have changed two coaches this season because of results. The fans have every right to voice their opinions. If you are a coach and don’t want to be criticized, then deliver results. When the team performs well, everyone shares the glory.
In coaching, once the team is not doing well, the bulk of the blame falls on the head coach. There is no permanent job in this field—it’s all temporary. What makes your job permanent is consistent results.
If we look at Eguavoen’s results, they are fair. But if we look at the performances of the players and as a team, we are not playing anything. In the last game, we couldn’t even make six consecutive passes,” the 48-year-old said in an interview with Brila.
Eguavoen has urged Nigerians to be patient with the Super Eagles, as it takes time to integrate players due to the little time they have to train during International breaks.