Tremendous Falcons head coach Augustine Eguavoen and purpose keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have shared their ideas following Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Comoros within the first leg of the 2028 Olympic Video games qualifiers on the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Objectives from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu within the second half handed Nigeria a deserved benefit forward of Tuesday’s return leg, however each Eguavoen and Nnadozie careworn that the job is much from completed.
Watch Michelle Alozie purpose;
Regardless of Nigeria dominating possession and creating a number of alternatives earlier than the break, the Tremendous Falcons failed to attain within the opening 45 minutes.
Eguavoen admitted the state of affairs made him nervous however remained assured that the breakthrough would ultimately come.
“The nil-nil was a bit worrisome. I knew in some unspecified time in the future we might rating. It was only a matter of time as a result of we have been dominating the sport from starting to the top of the primary half.”
The coach additionally praised Comoros for his or her resilience whereas insisting Nigeria confirmed their superiority over the course of the competition.
When requested whether or not the Tremendous Falcons missed the expertise of Asisat Oshoala, Eguavoen acknowledged that the striker’s absence was felt however careworn that the workforce is larger than any particular person participant.
He revealed that Oshoala was unavailable as a consequence of a hamstring harm after discussions between each events.
You may’t beat expertise. Sadly Oshoala wasn’t right here as a result of she had a slight hamstring harm, however it’s in regards to the Tremendous Falcons, it’s about Nigeria, it’s in regards to the collective.
In accordance with the coach, the sturdy unity throughout the squad means any participant can step up and make a distinction when referred to as upon.
Tremendous Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie urged Nigerians to not choose opponents solely by status, noting that soccer has turn out to be more and more aggressive.
Whereas happy with the first-leg end result, she insisted the workforce should stay centered heading into the second encounter.
Soccer as of late is not a spot the place you outline a workforce by the title of the nation. We aren’t performed but.
The Brighton goalkeeper additionally warned that Comoros would come into the second leg decided to overturn the deficit.
They are going to come again with every little thing to verify they get a end result, however we’ll preserve working arduous, keep centered and ensure we end the job properly.
Nigeria’s two targets arrived from set-piece conditions, and Eguavoen revealed that attacking enhancements have been mentioned at half-time.
The coach admitted that the workforce’s remaining ball and ending weren’t on the required degree through the first half.
The ultimate ball supply was an issue. We talked about it on the finish of the primary half. I gained’t inform you what we mentioned, however we talked about it.
He added that additional work will probably be performed on attacking play and set-piece execution earlier than the return fixture.
Eguavoen additionally praised the mixing of youthful gamers from the Falconets and Flamingos into the senior squad.
The coach highlighted the function performed by skilled members of the workforce in serving to the youthful gamers settle rapidly.
The senior gamers welcomed them with open arms. The mix of expertise and youthfulness is superb going ahead.
He believes exposing promising younger gamers to the senior atmosphere is a vital a part of constructing the subsequent technology of Tremendous Falcons stars.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current setbacks, together with the frustration of failing to qualify for the FIFA Girls’s World Cup, Eguavoen stated vital classes have been realized.
The previous Tremendous Eagles coach urged Nigerians to proceed supporting the workforce as they pursue qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Video games.
Each workforce that performs in opposition to Nigeria needs to lift their recreation. It’s a lesson we’ve got realized. All we ask is that Nigerians help us and consider on this workforce as a result of this workforce has potential.
With a 2-0 benefit secured, the Tremendous Falcons are firmly answerable for the tie. Nonetheless, each Eguavoen and Nnadozie made it clear that there will probably be no complacency as Nigeria prepares for Tuesday’s decisive second-leg encounter.
The nine-time African champions will now look to construct on their first-leg success and seal qualification to the subsequent stage of the Olympics 2028 qualifiers.
