Augustine Eguavoen chides Super Eagles stars over mentality, commitment 

By Wale Mustapha

Former Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has criticized the current set of players in Super Eagles for their lackadaisical performances during the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

The Super Eagles recorded draws in their opening two World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe which were down to miserable performances.

Eguavoen, who currently doubles as the technical director of the NFF, expressed displeasure with Super Eagles’ performances, insists that the they need to approach any game like a final, stressing that the team has the right players to seal qualification ticket to the showpiece event.

“I talk about character and changing the mentality. When we play against minors ‘small teams’ this is always our performance,” the ex-international told media.

“Even when we play against big teams, we intend to raise our game. We should approach every game like a final game. Once you do that, I don’t think there will be any problem.

“We have all it takes. I’m not being political. I have been a professional all my life and I will try to speak the truth. I’m not perfect.

“If you just change that mindset, the way you play against Ghana, Brazil, and Tunisia, that’s the same way you have to approach small countries as well.”

The three-time AFCON champions will resume the qualifiers with a double header clashes against South Africa in 2024.