Interim coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Austine Eguavoen has defended the duo of Chidera Ejuke and Sadiq Umar who were off colour in yesterday’s 1-0 win at the 2021 delayed Africa Cup of Nations. The duo were introduced in the second half of Nigeria’s win with Ejuke replacing Samuel Chukwueze on the right while Sadiq came in for Taiwo Awoniyi to lead the attack and charge for the second goal. Ejuke was particularly wasteful spurning two good chances with poor decision as he went for glory when the best option would have been a ball across as Nigeria has numbers in the box waiting to pounce. Sadiq on his part failed to maintain the tempo set by Awoniyi in ensuring the Egyptian back line have no space to enjoy building from the rear. Eguavoen has leaped to the defence of the duo. “We know the strength of our players, we know Ejuke is good from the left side, and it was impossible to substitute Simon, it was a tactical change and Ejuke had chances to finish the game. For Umar, maybe first time in such a big stage, he gave me some excuses after the game and we will talk to him later”, he explained.
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