Former Nigerian international Taribo West has praised Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen's technical skills but highlighted a lack of grace preventing him from securing key victories. Despite early success in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, West believes Eguavoen’s near misses are due to this missing element, advocating for investment in local coaches.
Former Nigerian international Taribo West has commented on Augustine Eguavoen’s coaching stint with the Super Eagles, praising his technical abilities but highlighting a key shortfall—grace. Eguavoen, who also serves as the Nigeria Football Federation's Technical Director, was appointed as head coach after a deal with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through. This is his fourth spell leading the national team.
In his previous stints, Eguavoen had some success, including guiding Nigeria to third place in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. However, his tenure has been marked by close calls, including Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a loss to Ghana on goal aggregate. Despite this, Eguavoen has begun the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with four points from six.
Speaking on Brila FM, Taribo West, who now runs a ministry, said Eguavoen brings technical skills and nostalgia for the Super Eagles’ glory days. However, West pointed out that while the team often plays well, they struggle to deliver results when it matters most, attributing this to a lack of grace.
West also questioned the need for foreign coaches, advocating instead for greater investment in local talents like Eguavoen. Eguavoen remains in charge for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Libya, despite recent rumors of his resignation.
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