Former Super Eagles forward, Anthony Ujah has expressed his support for interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen, emphasizing the respect he commands among players.
Ujah hopes the Nigeria Football Federation will entrust Eguavoen with the permanent role as Super Eagles coach.
Ujah, who made his U23 national team debut under Eguavoen and earned his first Super Eagles cap under the late Stephen Keshi, praised former’s leadership.
Stephen Keshi (far left) and his assistant coaches.
The striker, who has seven caps for Nigeria between 2013 and 2015, spoke on Brila FM’s, “No-Holds-Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze”, about the ongoing search for a new head coach.
“The team is in a transitional phase, moving from coach José Peseiro to finding a new coach.
“Eguavoen as the interim manager is one thing I’m really happy about” Ujah stated. “I don’t know how long he’ll be there, but he’s a good man, and the players respect him.”
Anthony Ujah. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Ujah further highlighted the importance of respect between players and coaches, referencing the recent conflict between Victor Osimhen and Finidi George.
“One thing in football is that if players don’t respect the coach, it becomes difficult. Unfortunately for Finidi, that’s what happened. Whatever happened between him and Osimhen wouldn’t have happened with Eguavoen because they all respect him.”
Ujah believes Eguavoen’s calm demeanor and clear instructions set him apart as a coach who doesn’t need to raise his voice to command attention.
“He’s not in Nigerian football by mistake. He has an aura about him, and the players listen to him without him needing to shout. If given the chance, he will bring the best out of the team. His instructions are clear, and he’s a nice person.”
As for Nigeria’s chances in the World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their group with three points from four games, Ujah admitted the challenge ahead but remains optimistic.
Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu during the FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, Photo | NG_SuperEagles
“Winning all the remaining matches will be difficult, but we don’t need to look back. If Eguavoen is given time, I believe he’ll do very well,” Ujah concluded.
