Posted by John Mikel Obi, a former Chelsea midfielder, has spoken highly of Augustine Eguavoen, the caretaker coach of the Super Eagles, for his talent in bringing out the best in his players.
Mikel started his career under Eguavoen’s tutelage at the U-17 level and advanced to the U-20 squad.
After that, in 2005, the then-37-year-old made his senior team debut with the Super Eagles while playing for the team as a defender.
The Nigerian national team included the ex-Lyn Oslo player at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Third place was the Super Eagles’ final tournament standing.
This is Eguavoen’s fourth stint as coach of the Super Eagles.
Augustine Eguavoen, the interim manager, was my manager when I was a child, so I know him.
He recalled his time working with him as their coach at the U-17 level, when they advanced to the World Cup, in an interview with the Obi One Podcast.
A manager who speaks to you clearly and offers you the freedom to express yourself is a wonderful, wonderful guy.
His man management is fantastic, and he really makes me think of Carlo Ancelotti. He has a great way with players. What a modest guy. He has great communication skills and will put his arm around you if you ask him to.
Most importantly, he rallies his team behind him. Getting the team to play so well after being brought in on short notice is rather impressive. So much information cannot be imparted in such a brief period.