‘I try to make everybody very comfortable’ – Eguavoen reveals reason for change in attitude of Super Eagles”

Nigeria produced a solid performance to beat Egypt in their opening game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Tuesday.

Forward Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the 30th minute to give the Super Eagles, who are seeking their fourth AFCON title, a 1-0 win over their North Africa opponents.

The performance was a clear improvement from the lackluster displays they produced during their World Cup qualifiers back in October and November under former manager Gernot Rohr.

The current manager Austin Eguavoen, who took over in December, says “every coach has his own style” and feels that the reason for the improvement is in how he treats the entire team.

“It’s difficult but every coach has his own style, his own philosophy,” Eguavoen said in a post-match interview. “When I got the boys together I told them to see me as their brother as their friend, as their family. And of course my backroom staff, I don’t call them my assistant coaches, I call them my colleagues.

“So I try to make everybody very comfortable but that’s not to say they have to take advantage of that. The message is – we are pulling the same string towards the same direction, towards the same set goal, just give your best.

“And you know coming from Nigeria and coaching Nigeria is a privilege. So when you have the privilege to serve your country, let’s make the best of it.”

Nigeria will look to build on their win when they face Sudan in their next group stage encounter.