Nigeria coach gives European clubs hints on how to stop Mo Salah
Talks on our he made Super Eagles playing better than under Rohr
Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has explained the tactics he employed in stopping Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah in their AFCON opener win on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria totally outclassed the Pharaohs of Egypt in the AFCON group D game at the Stade Roumde Adjia in Cameroon.
All eyes were on Mo Salah who is currently one of the best players in the world but the Liverpool forward was insignificant in the fixture.
Salah was soo isolated that he didn’t have the ball in Nigeria’s box in the entire first half and when he did in the second half he was shot of ideas.
He was uncharacteristically quiet and coach Eguavoen who was the brain behind the tactics that stopped the inform Egyptian offered a hint into how it was done.
“Salah is one of the best players in the world, the strategy wasn’t a specific marker, but we instructed the players to close him down at any time and their must be a second player behind the marker.”
The 1994 AFCON winner also talked about his team, his understanding of the personal he has and his substitutions in the 1-0 win against Egypt.
“We know the strength of our players, we know Ejuke is good from the left side, and it was impossible to substitute Simon It was a tactical change and Ejuke had chances to finish the game.
“For Umar, maybe first time in such a big stage, he gave me some excuses after the game and we will talk to him later.”
Eguavoen who could become only the third person to win the AFCON as a player and manager after the likes of Mahmoud El-Gohary, Stephen Keshi talked about the noticeable changes in the Super Eagles playing style.
Just as Okocha eluded during his punditry work at SuperSport on Tuesday that same players but different results, Eguavoen explained how he has achieved this.
“The same set of players, every coach have their style, philosophy and leadership.
“I told the players to see me as their brother and father, my assistant I called them my colleagues.
“We have a path towards the same direction, we have the privilege to serve the country and we must always give our best.”
Eguavoen did absolutely well, if he wins Afcon, surely he will take us to the world cup , no doubt about it cos we won’t change a winning team or coach!!