Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to various tactical formations, following their resounding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match on Saturday.
Former Coach Jose Peseiro, led the team to the AFCON final in February while playing with a 3-4-3 formation.
Jose Peseiro during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage match between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
However Peseiro’s successor, Finidi George, had experimented with 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 systems, but those changes saw mixed results, with the Super Eagles winning just one game, drawing one, and losing two in their last four matches, conceding in all.
Nigeria’s head coach Finidi George. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Eguavoen then Reverted to the 3-4-3 formation in the crucial qualifies against the Cheetahs r, and the Super Eagles delivered a commanding performance, securing a clean sheet and goals from Ademola Lookman, who scored twice, and substitute Victor Osimhen.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Eguavoen highlighted the team’s flexibility and quality.
“The formation is only information. We have players of quality, and we can decide to play with any system,” the 59 year-old coach said.
Super Eagles coaches led by Austin Eguavoen during a training session. Photo | X (CoachDan_Ijabal)
“We discussed this, and I slept over it. With the calibre of players we have, we can play any formation and be successful. It’s all about understanding the opponent and giving the right information to the players.”
The coach praised his team’s resilience, particularly in the face of recent criticism.
“When much is expected by Nigerians, that’s when you see them performing. We’ve faced a lot of backlash, but the boys showed their potential today.”
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their next AFCON qualifying fixture against Rwanda’s Amavubi on Tuesday, as they aim to continue their winning momentum.
