By George Essien
Super Eagles Interim Coach Augustine Eguavoen says he is ‘excited’ after masterminding Nigeria’s 3-1 win against Sudan at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday in Garoua, a game he describes as ‘tough’.
Villarreal winger, Samuel Chukwueze handed Nigeria a dream start after just 3 minutes, firing in from close range before Taiwo Awoniyi headed in a second before the break. Man-of-the-Match winner Moses Simon made it 3-0 for Eguavoen’s men shortly after the restart.
However, the Falcons of Jediane got a consolation goal when Walieldin Safour converted a 70th minute penalty after Ola Aina stamped on a Sudanese player in the box.
Speaking after match, the 56-year-old tactician admitted the win did not come on a platter.
“Congrats to the boys, the second game was not so easy. No game comes easy,” Eguavoen, who led Nigeria to a 3rd place finish at the 2006 AFCON, said.
“From the first day, we knew it was going to be tough and we tried as much as possible to be ready for any opponent that comes through.
“So, what we saw this evening (Saturday) is expected, but we are excited that we were able to pull through the line and we are in the next round.”
Nigeria top Group D with the maximum 6points from two games, while Egypt occupy the second spot with 3points. Guinea Bissau and Sudan are placed 3rd and 4th respectively with a point apiece.