Nigeria Football Federation technical director and interim coach Augustine Eguavoen hailed the Super Falcons after their emphatic 5-0 win over Cape Verde on Tuesday, a result that completed a 7-0 aggregate triumph and sent the team into the next qualifying round.
Key takeaways
- The Super Falcons added five goals in the return fixture after taking a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
- The decisive second-leg match was played at Remo Stadium in Ikenne.
- Eguavoen praised Nigeria’s discipline and application during preparations for the tie.
- Cape Verde were credited with showing greater improvement and resilience in the second meeting.
- Okoronkwo impressed after joining the squad as a late replacement.
- Nigeria will meet Morocco in the next stage of qualification.
Five-star display completes Cape Verde tie
Nigeria arrived in Ikenne holding a two-goal advantage from the opening match and produced an even more convincing display in the return leg. The Falcons struck five times at Remo Stadium to put the contest beyond doubt and progress with a seven-goal aggregate margin.
Eguavoen said he was pleased by the way the players followed instructions and reacted to the work done in training. However, he also stressed that Cape Verde offered a tougher test than the final scoreline might suggest.
“I would say the Cape Verde team improved. They improved, they got fire behind their net,” Eguavoen said. He noted that the visitors approached the game knowing they had little to lose, which contributed to their determined showing.
Morocco next as Eguavoen considers role
The interim coach also singled out Okoronkwo, who was drafted in as a late replacement and quickly settled into the group. Eguavoen said her performance justified the decision to bring her into the squad.
With Morocco awaiting the Super Falcons in the next qualification challenge, Eguavoen did not commit himself on whether he will remain in the technical area for the upcoming assignment. He reiterated that his priority is the progress of Nigerian football, whether he continues from his position as technical director or contributes recommendations for the national-team coaching setup.
For Eguavoen, maintaining a stable structure and continuity within the programme remains more important than the specific role he occupies.
