Eguavoen blames self for Dream Team woes, takes a bow

Speaking to reporters here in Marrakech after his side humbled Algeria 4-1 in their last group A game, Eguavoen said if given a second chance, he would direct his energy on building his squad around local players. He however noted that it takes time to package local players into a quality team capable of winning […]

Speaking to reporters here in Marrakech after his side humbled Algeria 4-1 in their last group A game, Eguavoen said if given a second chance, he would direct his energy on building his squad around local players.

He however noted that it takes time to package local players into a quality team capable of winning laurels for the country.

“My regret is that I depended on the foreign based players to prosecute this championship and that has accounted for 90 percent of our failure to do well here because majority of them, at least 8 key members are not available for this championship. So, if I have a second chance I will build my team around the home-based”, Eguavoen stated.

Speaking further, Eguavoen said he is taking a break from coaching national teams to concentrate on handling clubs in the Nigerian football league, having failed to meet his contractual terms of qualifying Nigeria to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“My contract was to qualify Nigeria for the London 20123 Olympic Games and reach the semi final, but that has not been achieved. So, what I will do now is to take time off and think of what to do, particularly to return to the local league”, Eguavoen stated.

Eguavoen, who said he came to the tournament with a good squad capable of winning the championship.