Austin Eguavoen, the Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation, says he is optimistic the Super Eagles will impress with a win against Mexico in their July 3 friendly match.
Eguavoen told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja that the Super Eagles team now preparing for the match would work more on their game performance and strategies to secure a win.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a Super Eagles team of 25 home-based players have since Tuesday assembled in Abuja to prepare for the game billed for the US.
Eguavoen, who has been saddled with the responsibility of handling the team, said: “We will encourage the players.
“We all know what they need and what they are going for.
“We will just work on our games performance, strategies and game plan, hopeful that we can win, and there is a 100 per cent possibility.”
The former Super Eagles coach, while pointing out that game plan had always been there with the players, however noted that motivation was now needed.
He added: “In anything you do, there is self-motivation.
“But playing against El Tri of Mexico should be motivating enough for our home-based players to go and show what they are capable of doing.”
Eguavoen said he and the players were committed to doing well in the match.
He said: “We have committed ourselves to playing the game and we just have to accept this is a friendly game.
“I can give guarantees on the players’ training and determination.”
Speaking on his position as Technical Director, Eguavoen said he had learned a lot in the past six months, both in office work and coaching.
He said: “I have learnt a lot in about six months.
“It’s a good combination.
“I’m still coaching and I still have a lot to give to our grassroots development.”
The former Super Eagles defender went on to explain his role of coaching the team.
“If there is no coach in place, who steps in? It is the technical department which steps in and I’m the head of the technical department as we speak today,” he asserted.
Eguavoen said while Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, was not participating physically in the training, he has however always been observing the team’s activities.
He said: “Rohr has always been part of our training since the first day.
“He has also been giving advice.
“Rohr has been part of our training sessions.
“People should try to do their investigation and research and ensure that they get their facts right before they go out with stories.”
NAN reports that Nigeria will face Mexico in a friendly match at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 3.
