The Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic 15-game unbeaten start to the season ended with a narrow 120-117 loss to the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, at TD Garden on Monday.
Former Nigerian international Chikelue Iloenyosi has come to the defense of Coach Augustine Eguavoen, following the Super Eagles’ disappointing 2-1 loss to Rwanda in their final AFCON qualifier.
Despite taking an early lead, the three-time African champions were unable to maintain their advantage, with Rwanda staging a comeback to secure the victory.
Speaking with Brila.net, Iloenyosi emphasized that Eguavoen should not be blamed for the defeat, asserting that the coach made no errors in his approach.
According to Iloenyosi, the real issue lies beyond the coach’s tactics.
“Eguavoen has never been part of the problem,” Iloenyosi said. “Even if you bring in someone like Mourinho to coach Nigeria, the team still lacks character.”
Iloenyosi pointed out that the Super Eagles’ performance against Rwanda reflected deeper issues, with players failing to position themselves correctly and lacking the necessary drive and determination.
“The pattern we played ( against Rwanda ) the boys didn’t position themselves well, no passion and character in the national team.
Losing the game is not Eguavoen fault. Even if you bring in another coach, they will still lose that game.”
He also highlighted the responsibility of the Nigeria Football Federation to address the broader issues affecting the national team.
On the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Iloenyosi acknowledged that the team will need luck to qualify, sitting fifth in their group with just three points from four games.
The CHAN Eagles’ interim coach is set to release the final squad list for the team ahead of their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Ghana.
Former Edo Queens coach, Stanley Osaze, has revealed that the team’s loss of concentration in the final moments of their semi-final match against TP Mazembe Women ultimately cost them a spot in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
In an exclusive interview with Brila.net after the team’s defeat, Osaze highlighted the key factors that led to their loss, noting that the fighting spirit and intensity displayed during their last group match against Sundowns Women was missing in the semi-final.
He explained the team’s inability to maintain focus throughout the match played a significant role in their downfall.
“Sometimes in football you can give your all and you play well and in the long run, never say never, that’s what we call it, it can just happen,” Osaze stated.
“I think the guests lost concentration towards the diamond and that was their strong point in their last game before this game.”
“I was expecting something that had happened in the last game where the spirit was up.”
Osaze also pointed out a tactical change by the head coach, where a defender was brought into command.
Edo Queens were defeated 3-1 by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe
While this strategy was intended to strengthen the team’s defense, Osaze felt it ultimately did not work in their favor.
“You never had that attitude in the last game before the semi-finals and so that was what I think.”
“However, there was a tactical change from our head coach where a defender was brought into command so they fought back. I think that one didn’t work for us.”
Osaze, regardless explained the harsh realities of football, stating it’s a game full of unpredictability and human error.
He complimented and advised the team to hold their heads high for their accomplishments.
“It was a major issue but sometimes in football you do one plus one, you get nine. Sometimes you get zero, sometimes you get one. It’s also a natural game, they are humans.”
“You cannot look at human errors and so it’s part of the game. So I think the loss, my agenda was that they lost concentration towards the end of the game. That’s my take.”
Nigerian defender Victor Collins has expressed confidence in his future with the Super Eagles despite not making his national team debut during the last international window.
Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju, popularly known as “Headmaster,” has called for full support for Austin Eguavoen and his technical crew.
Rafael Nadal’s emotional farewell to the Davis Cup took another somber turn Tuesday, as the 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he wouldn’t pick himself to play again after his defeat to Botic Van De Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has agreed to a new one-year contract, ensuring his continued tenure at the club until at least the summer of 2025, according to reports.
Heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has called out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul following his controversial
victory over Mike Tyson.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will discover their group stage opponents for the rescheduled 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Friday, November 22, when the official draw is held at the Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Sale, Morocco.
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