Hon. Victor Apugo, Proprietor of Superstars Academy and a member of the NFF Youth Development Committee, has congratulated the Super Eagles on their AFCON qualification and urged Nigerians to rally behind Coach Austin Eguavoen and his team...CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
Apugo emphasized that Eguavoen and the players deserve appreciation for qualifying the national team for AFCON with two matches to spare. He made these remarks in Uyo after the Superstars annual scouting program, which featured respected international scouts, including Cameroonian legend Patrick Mboma and Chelsea scout Seyi Olafinjana.
Apugo commended the Gusau-led NFF board and the Super Eagles for their AFCON qualification achievement. He advised the NFF to provide coaches and players with sufficient time to prepare, rather than rushing them into short-term preparations.
“Nigeria has talented coaches, but the way they are treated and supported hinders their success,” Apugo said. “Even in youth and female categories, teams don’t go into camp on time, unlike other countries. This puts our coaches at a disadvantage.”
Apugo acknowledged that the Super Eagles’ reserve team should be as strong as the starting team. However, he believed that Coach Eguavoen’s experimentation against Rwanda was understandable.
With the Super Eagles facing a tough challenge in the World Cup qualifiers, Apugo stressed the need for support. Nigeria currently ranks fifth in Group C with 3 points from 4 matches.
Group C Standings:
1. Rwanda – 7 points
2. South Africa – 7 points
3. Benin – 7 points
4. Lesotho – 5 points
5. Nigeria – 3 points
6. Zimbabwe – 2 points
Apugo, who has produced world-class players through Superstars Academy, commended the NFF’s efforts, saying that hope is not lost. He emphasized that Nigeria has talented players who can qualify the country for the World Cup.
