#AFCON2021: Eguavoen to give Musa another chance as he clinches ‘best coach’

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has been promised a chance to make another appearance at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon but he needs to be patient, according to interim coach Austin Eguavoen.

Nigeria takes on Tunisia for a place in the quarter-finals on Sunday (today) at the Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua.

Musa has made only one substitute appearance at the tournament, coming on for Kelechi Iheanacho in the 65th minute as the Eagles booked their place in the Round of 16 with a 3-1 win over Sudan.

Despite being an unused substitute in the dead-rubber clash with Guinea Bissau, Eguavoen has been impressed with Musa’s attitude as a leader in the team.

When asked if Musa would feature again at the tournament, Eguavoen replied, “He (Musa) will get another chance in the tournament.

“We speak every time, his attitude has been very commendable and he does not show any sign of annoyance, which is a good leadership quality he possesses.

“Hopefully, he will get some minutes pretty soon.”

Musa is not the only captain in the history of Nigerian football to be a substitute at major tournaments.

The late Stephen Keshi played only one game for the Eagles at the 1994 AFCON against Ivory Coast as the Eagles lifted the title for a second time in Tunisia, while Joseph Yobo made cameo appearances in the 2013 edition, totaling 102 minutes, as Nigeria lifted the title for the third time.

Mikel Obi also started two games at the 2019 AFCON against Burundi and Madagascar but was subbed off in the 59th minute in both games.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Super Eagles interim boss, Augustine Eguavoen, as the Group Stage Best Manager at the ongoing AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.

The 56-year-old led Nigeria to three straight victories against Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea Bissau in Group D. In doing so, Eguavoen who won the 1994 edition as a player, equalled his own record set in 2006 as a coach.

CAF announced this on its website after AFCON 2021 group stage, saying that its Technical Study Group shortlisted the Best of the Group Stage. He was awarded for winning the three matches at the group stage.

Eguavoen-led Nigerian team have been outstanding at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The 56-year-old responded to his victory on Twitter. In a statement on his handle, Eguavoen said, “Many thanks to the Confederation of African Football for this award.

“The Best coach of the Group stage. Wouldn’t have been possible without my fantastic group of players and colleagues. Thank you Nigerians, for your support. It’s needed now, more than ever.”