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The AFCON 2021 kicked off this January with Nigeria and Egypt on a face off battle to grab the first victory, and Nigeria showing that they are the real giants of Africa emerged victorious with a 1:0 win against Egypt.
The Super Eagles had sacked their long-serving boss Gernot Rohr just four weeks before the tournament commenced following an underwhelming World Cup qualification campaign.
And before the competition started, interim manager Eguavoen had had his work cut out following injury to experienced defenders Leon Balogun and Shehu Abdullahi, with strikers Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Odion Ighalo all forced out of the squad for Cameroon. But he revealed that his “double-team” strategy neutralized Egypt star Mohamed Salah to help the Super Eagles secure an important 1-0 win at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But the build-up to Tuesday’s crunch clash between the two Group D favorites centered around the Liverpool star, who is widely regarded as the best player in the world at the moment.
But Salah cut an isolated figure as the Egyptians struggled to impose themselves in Garoua, while the super eagles dominated the game.
“In terms of preparation and strategy, we had a special plan for Mohamed Salah because we know his quality,” Eguavoen told BBC Sport Africa.
“Basketball is one game that I love so much. When you are playing against the likes of Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan and others, if you don’t double-team you’ll have a problem.
“That is the same strategy that I bring into football. So when Mo Salah is with the ball, the closest person goes to him and the next person has to double-team to make him play back.
“It worked for us like 80%, but Salah broke loose on one or two occasions which is normal, but again congratulations to the boys because they are so intelligent.”
“There were comments and stuff being said about them before the tournament but they are absolutely professional. When you tell them something it sinks in immediately and that is a good thing we’ve got going well for us.
“They followed instructions, they did exactly what we wanted them to do. When you are tired, someone automatically fills the gap for you. This is the only spirit that can take us very far. Respect the players and they return the treatment.”
Three-time African champions Nigeria will face Sudan on Saturday (16:00 GMT), before finishing their Group D campaign against Guinea-Bissau on 19 January.
Source: BBC Sport Africa
