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“He’s like a family member”- Troost-Ekong backs Eguavoen to lead Super Eagles to AFCON 2025

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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has backed Augustine Cerezo Eguavoen to lead the team to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following their 3-0 bashing of Benin on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Eguavoen was appointed as the interim coach by the Nigeria Football Federation due to their inability to secure a permanent coach.

It was not an unfamiliar position for Eguavoen though, as he had previous stints with the Super Eagles, most recent of which was in 2023, when he took the team to the 2021 AFCON.

Eguavoen’s first test was against Benin on Saturday, and it was a great result for the Nigeria, as they claimed a 3-0 win over Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Following the result, Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong expressed his satisfaction with the impact Eguavoen had on the team.

“We respect Benin, the last time we played against them, they won the game. But like I said, we have great belief in our team and in our coach, who is like a family member who has come back to us,” Troost Ekong said.

“I think that with the attacking talent we have, if we play very well, we try our best to keep the door shut at the back, we will create chances and score.

“I think today was a good indication of the direction we are heading. It is the first step of many that we will take to get to AFCON.

Next up for Nigeria is a fixture against Rwanda, and if Eguavoen wins with the team, he could get a permanent contract.