Eguavoen keen on versatility among Super Falcons

Super Falcons caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has said players must be capable of playing more than one position to represent Nigeria, describing versatility as an added advantage in his squad, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Eguavoen made the disclosure while explaining midfielder Christy Ucheibe’s deployment in central defence following the absence of Oluwatosin Demehin and the international retirement of Osinachi Ohale.

“My philosophy is that for a player to be able to play for us, because it’s not a one-woman team, you must be able to play more than one position, which is an added advantage,” Eguavoen said at the post-match press conference.

He added that Ucheibe possessed the qualities to operate in different positions and said the squad’s versatility gave Nigeria more options.

“In fact, the entire team can play more than one position. That’s the advantage we have. So, it’s a blessing for Nigeria,” he said.

Eguavoen also disclosed that goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie could play as a centre-back, pointing to her ability on the ball during training.

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“She can play centre-back. If you see what she does with the ball during training, she can,” he said.

The coach further revealed that he had tried to persuade Ohale to reconsider her international retirement but ultimately respected her decision.

“Unfortunately, Demehin is not here. Osinachi has retired, despite the fact that I tried to convince her, but she had already made up her mind, so we have to respect that,” he said.

Nigeria defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their second-round tie in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Friday.

After a goalless first half, Michelle Alozie opened the scoring three minutes after the restart with a close-range finish, before Uchenna Kanu headed home Nigeria’s second on the hour mark.

Nnadozie, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, kept a clean sheet as the Falcons secured the victory.