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In a striking revelation, former Nigerian international and pastor Taribo West has voiced his concerns regarding the capabilities of Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen, suggesting that he falls short in delivering during crucial tournaments.

Taribo West, who is also the founder of the Shelter in The Storm Miracle Ministry, shared his candid thoughts in a recent interview on Brila FM’s popular program, ‘No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze.’

The comments from Aribo have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, as they reflect a growing sentiment about the team’s performance under Eguavoen’s leadership.

As the Super Eagles prepare for upcoming challenges, the pressure mounts to see if the coach can rise to the occasion and prove his critics wrong, especially in high-stakes competitions where every match counts.

He expressed that Eguavoen’s technical skills are commendable, yet they are overshadowed by a lack of grace in his approach. This shortcoming, according to him, is hindering the Super Eagles from reaching their full potential and securing victories that fans eagerly anticipate.

“Anytime Eguavoen leads the team, he brings a certain touch, taking the team back to those glorious days.

“In major tournaments, where you expect them to cross the line, something always happens. What Eguavoen is lacking is only grace.”

West recognized that Eguavoen’s strategic methods frequently elevate the performance of the players, showcasing their talents on the field. However, despite this enhancement in individual play, the team has faced challenges in translating those efforts into tangible victories.

“The team will play well, but the results won’t favour them,” Aribo stated

At 59 years old, Eguavoen embarks on his fourth tenure leading the national squad, a role he has previously occupied during three separate periods: from 2005 to 2007, in 2010, and once more in 2022. His extensive experience and familiarity with the team dynamics are expected to play a crucial role as he takes the helm once again.

During his initial tenure, Eguavoen guided the Super Eagles to a commendable third-place finish at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. Fast forward to the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where the team showcased a strong performance by winning all three of their group matches.

However, their journey was abruptly halted in the round of 16, as they faced a disappointing defeat against Tunisia, marking a significant setback for the squad.

Eguavoen’s aspirations to lead the Super Eagles to the 2022 World Cup were thwarted when they fell short against Ghana, losing on goal aggregate.

However, in his current role, the team has kicked off their 2025 AFCON qualifiers with promising momentum, securing four points out of a possible six. This strong start indicates a renewed vigor and determination as they aim for success in the upcoming tournament.