Eguavoen explains reason behind Awoniyi substitution vs Sudan and aims dig at Sadiq again

Augustine Eguavoen has discussed his decision making during Nigeria's 3-1 win over Sudan at the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, one of which saw Taiwo Awoniyi make way for Umar Sadiq in the 82nd minute.

The three-time African champions left the stadium with three points courtesy of goals from Samuel Chukwueze, Awoniyi and Moses Simon while Khedr Safour Daiyeen pulled a goal back from the spot on 70 minutes.

In Nigeria's first two matches, Eguavoen has maintained a certain consistency in his substitutions with Kelechi Nwakali, Umar Sadiq and Alex Iwobi getting game time from the bench in both games.

The substitutions have not had the desired effect, for example, the Super Eagles conceded after three changes were made in the second half in this evening's clash.

Eguavoen has defended his decision to substitute Awoniyi but once again criticized the performance of his replacement Umar Sadiq, just as was the case after the Super Eagles' opener against Egypt.

Asked if his bench is strong enough, Eguavoen said at the post-match conference : "Substitution yes has been spot on, you can see Awoniyi the lone striker, of course Iheanacho behind him, he was tired.

"It was necessary for us to bring in fresh legs, but the instruction giving to the player that comes in is a little bit different from what he goes in there and does so makes it a bit difficult.

"I think we have a bench rich enough to pull us through".

Awoniyi netted his first goal for the Super Eagles just before halftime when a free-kick from Iheanacho ricocheted off his head and ended in the back of the net after a blunder from the Sudan goalkeeper.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel