Eguavoen Lacks Grace In Major Tournaments – Taribo West

Taribo West, a clergyman and former Nigerian international, asserted that Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen lacked grace in important competitions.

This was revealed by Taribo, the creator of The Storm Miracle Ministry’s Shelter, in a recent interview with Ifeanyi Udeze on Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred.”

He acknowledged that Eguavoen’s lack of grace and skill are keeping him from being successful with the Super Eagles team.

“Anytime Eguavoen leads the team, he brings a certain touch, taking the team back to those glorious days.

“In major tournaments, where you expect them to cross the line, something always happens. What Eguavoen is lacking is only grace.”

West admitted that although Eguavoen’s tactical style frequently brings out the best in the players, it is not very effective.

“The team will play well, but the results won’t favour them,” said West.

He added, “I don’t see why we go for foreign coaches when we can invest more in our local coaches.”

The senior men’s national team was placed under the temporary leadership of Eguavoen, who also holds the position of Technical Director for the Nigeria Football Federation.

The 59-year-old has led the team for four different periods of time; he held the position in 2005–07, 2010–11, and 2022.

While winning all three of the team’s group matches at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, the team was eliminated from the competition in the round of 16 after a close loss to Tunisia. Eguavoen led the country to third place at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt during his first term.

He barely missed the opportunity to assist the Super Eagles go to the 2022 World Cup, losing to Ghana on goal aggregate. The team began its 2025 AFCON qualifications with four points out of a potential six during his current stint.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli