The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Super Eagles interim boss, Augustine Eguavoen, as the Group Stage Best Manager at the ongoing AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.
The 56-year-old ex-international led Nigeria to three straight victories against Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea Bissau in Group D. In doing so, Eguavoen who won the 1994 edition as a player, equalled his own record set in 2006 as a coach.
Announcing the award on its website after AFCON 2021 group stage, CAF said its Technical Study Group shortlisted the Best of the first round. He was awarded for winning the three matches of the round-rubbing stage.
The Eguavoen-led Nigerian team have been outstanding at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, being the only side so far to have come away with 100% result.
Responding to his victory on Twitter, Eguavoen, himself a former Super Eagles defender, said: “Many thanks to the Confederation of African Football for this award.
“The Best coach of the Group stage. Wouldn’t have been possible without my fantastic group of players and colleagues.
“Thank you Nigerians, for your support. It’s needed now, more than ever.”
Cameroon striker, Vincent Aboubakar was awarded player of the first round after scoring five times for Cameroon, while Egypt’s Mohamed Elshenawy was the goalkeeper of the group stage.
Guinea’s IIaix Moriba was selected Young Player of the first round.
Editing by Tola Oguneye and Tony Okerafor