Rohr And Eguavoen: Differences In Character, Content

The replacement of Gernot Rohr by Augustine Eguavoen as Nigeria manager has brought so much differences in the content and character of the Super Eagles.

Two months ago, Nigeria’s national team the Super Eagles put in a disappointing display against Cape Verde in a World Cup qualifier. The match ended 1-1. The result meant the Super Eagles qualified for the last round of qualifiers for Qatar 2022 by a hair’s breadth.

The lacklustre performance piled more pressure on Gernot Rohr, as Nigerian fans roared the more for the exit of the German gaffer. The team lacked the colour and character that Nigerians had known of the famous Green, White, Green of Nigeria.

So the sacking of Rohr upon the roar of Nigerians was not a matter of if but when.

Augustine Eguavoen who was called in as interim manager after Rohr was sacked last December has now made his mark within one month of his appointment winning nine maximum points from the group matches at the ongoing AFCON. It was a feat last achieved by Nigeria in 2006 when Eguaoven was also in charge.

Even more, is that the Nigeria team is now playing with character unlike during the listless Rohr.

The Understanding Of Tradition

Being a part of the very successful 1994 class that won AFCON and almost made it to the World Cup quarter final, Eguavoen has the right perspective concerning the style of play and what Nigerian fans demand from their national football team.

Whilst Rohr preferred to hit teams on the break with a counter attack, Eguavoen sets up his team to control and dominate the game. This recent improvement in style of play was evident in the win against Egypt as the Super Eagles constantly played on the front foot.

Squad Rotation

Eguavoen was not afraid to make use of his squad depth which was stacked with quality and talent. After Taiwo Awoniyi was exhausted, he brought on Umar Sadiq for his national team debut and also Kelechi Nwakali as the Eagles held on for the last few minutes as the Pharaohs pushed forward for an undeserved equaliser. Samuel Chukwueze who was tipped to be Nigerian’s talisman prior to the game, surprisingly put in a lackadaisical performance for 72 minutes and Eguavoen withdrew him and sent on Chidera Ejuke who finished the game quite well.

Freedom For The Wingers

Under Gernot Rohr, wingers needed to perform more defensive duties, but Eguavoen gave the two Nigerian wingers, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze the freedom to play on the front foot which allowed Simon to become the lynchpin for many Eagles’ attack down the left.

This has also allowed the fullbacks to the join the attack, as there was always space on the flank for them to exploit.

It is sufficient to say that Eguavoen has freed the Eagles from Rohr’s shackles.

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