Kelechi Nwakali has spoken of what he brings to the table in the Super Eagles.
The young midfielder was left impressed after training with interim coach Augustine Eguavoen for the first time.
The Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Sunday with the hosts winning their first game, and the swords are already out, with many disappointed with the scoreline.
Winning a football competition is not just about accumulating the best players in a squad. It has to do with chemistry, hard work, superior tactics, luck and having the widest variety of qualities in the team.
As the Super Eagles gear up for their tie against Egypt, these qualities are needed to overcome the Pharaohs. Should the Nigerian side be intimidated by the credentials of the North Africans? One player thinks not. Kelechi Nwakali believes the Super Eagles has varied qualities, which would help the team to victory in Cameroon. He spoke recently about what he brings to the table and the quality that Augustine Eguavoen expects the team to deliver.
What Nwakali brings to the table
Kelechi Nwakali was a surprise inclusion to the 28-man list submitted to CAF. The former under 17 star was not in the initial 40-man list by Gernot Rohr, but Augustine Eguavoen included him in the team.
Despite his surprise inclusion, many believe he has the necessary ingredients to play for the Super Eagles, and his quality could be of importance.
In a recent interview, the SD Huesca midfielder spoke of what he brings to the table. He said his main asset is his ability to spray long passes accurately.
First tournament, great expectations
The Super Eagles start their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a crucial tie against the Pharaohs of Egypt. The game should set the tone on how far the Nigerian team could go in the tournament.
The Super Eagles last won the tournament in 2013, but fans are apprehensive and don’t know what the present team can deliver.
Nwakali is heading for his first senior tournament. He is confident the Super Eagles will deliver. Despite being unable to deliver on the promise after winning the Golden Ball award at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup, the Huesca midfielder is optimistic about the team’s chances.
While extolling the interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, he spoke about what he brings to the table. Nwakali said that Eguavoen likes to play quick and compact football.
Nwakali told NFF TV that he is not oblivious to his strengths. He claims passing the ball and holding the game is his main strength. He opined that he would be glad to bring his asset to bear whenever the coach wants it.
Nwakali commended Augustine Eguavoen. He claims to be impressed with the work he is doing. According to Nwakali, Eguavoen has immense quality, and he was left impressed with the style he has introduced into the team.
Nwakali believes that individual qualities are vital to the team’s progression. Despite it being a team game. He is optimistic about the Super Eagles doing well in Cameroon.
Meanwhile, as Eguavoen leads the team to Cameroon, a small reminder his tenure elapses after the AFCON, with Jose Peseiro to take over.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
