AFCON 2025Q: Eguavoen defends Iheanacho, Sadiq’s invitation

Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen has defended some of his controversial call-ups to the Super Eagles.

Eguavoen was criticised for inviting the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Umar Sadiq for the Super Eagles 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Iheanacho and Sadiq have struggled for regular playing time at their respective clubs this season.

The likes of Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare and Josh Maja, who have been in good form in Europe, have been consistently overlooked by the gaffer.

Eguavoen claimed it is difficult to bring in new players into the team with the limited time they have to prepare for matches.

“I have had to stick with the players I know, it will be difficult I have not worked with previously because of the short time to prepare for these matches,” Eguavoen told Eagle7fm Sports Radio.

“We have had only three, four days for these matches, so the time is not there (to look closer at new players).”

He added: “Time is my biggest challenge because the calendar is so choked.

“I want to improve our large pool of players, so that we could have capable replacements.

“We should be patient when we have friendlies, we will try to bring some new players and work with them.

“I know Nigerians love this game so much, but sometimes we’re not patient.”