Mikel Obi Backs Augustine Eguavoen for Super Eagles Job, Gives Crucial Reason

Mikel Obi Backs Augustine Eguavoen for Super Eagles Job, Gives Crucial Reason

  • Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel has backed Augustine Eguavoen for the national team job
  • Eguavoen led the team to a win and a draw against Benin Republic and Rwanda over the break
  • The NFF have been in the process of appointing a successor to former manager Finidi George

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has thrown his weight behind Augustine Eguavoen to take over the permanent managerial position of the Super Eagles.

Eguavoen led the team on short notice during the September international break after negotiations with German manager Bruno Labbadia collapsed despite an official announcement.

Austin Eguavoen passing instructions to Super Eagles players.
Austin Eguavoen passing instructions to Super Eagles players during the 3-0 win over Benin Republic. Photo from @coacheguavoen.
Source: Twitter

The Eagles defeated Benin Republic 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, before picking a point on the road against Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali.

Multiple reports in the media suggested that the interim coach stepped down after yesterday's match, but BSN Sports debunked it, claiming he is still in charge for the time being.

Read also

Augustine Eguavoen's record in charge of national team amid calls to be Super Eagles coach

Mikel backs Eguavoen for Eagles' job

Former captain Mikel Obi has tipped Eguavoen to be handed permanent control of the team after the performances against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Obi praised the former Gent star and likened him to Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti regarding man management.

“Austin Eguavoen was the manager who coached me as a kid at U17, he took us to the World Cup, fantastic guy. He is a manager who gives you all the reasons in the world to express yourself,” he said on the Obi One Podcast.
“He reminds me so much of Carlo Ancelotti, no jokes, he reminds me of Carlo, his man management is top. He speaks to players really well, he is so humble, puts his arms around you and gets you on his side.

Read also

Samson Siasia names player who can transform Super Eagles, rates him like Jay Jay Okocha

Mikel, who was handed his Super Eagles debut by the ex-international, claimed his ability to deliver on short notice is worth considering.

“He came in on a short notice and got the team playing well, you can't change so much or teach them so much in a short space of time. It's about communication and man management, and I saw that in the game,” he added.
“I hope he does well and gets it permanently, there's nothing bad in appointing a home-based coach, it didn't work with Finidi, but I think Eguavoen deserves a shot. If he gets it, fair play,” he concluded.

Westerhof backs Siasia for Eagles' job

Legit.ng reported that former manager Clemens Westerhof backed Samson Siasia in taking over the permanent managerial position of the Nigerian national team.

The Dutch manager, who led the country to the 1994 AFCON triumph, has backed Siasia, who recently served a five-year FIFA ban, to take over the vacant position.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit NG. He has four years of working experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria (August 2020 - September 2020), OmaSports (December 2020 - June 2021), El Futbolero (July 2021; September 2021- November 2021), and Sports Brief (November 2022 - July 2024). He is a press conference and interview specialist and has attended trainings held by Reuters, AIPS, and FIJ. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (2021) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Reach me via elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com

Tags: