Interim Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has assured players who did not feature in Nigeria’s recent matches that they will have further opportunities to prove themselves as the coaching crew continues to build a strong squad.

Eguavoen disclosed that the team initially invited 23 players but eventually had 27 in camp, leaving several members without the opportunity to feature during the two matches.

The coach said he had spoken directly with players who did not get playing time, explaining that they would be considered for subsequent fixtures.

“We invited 23 players and ended up with 27. Most of them didn’t get to feel the game. I have spoken to those ones who didn’t get involved in these two games that they have to come for next games to be given the chance,” Eguavoen said.

He explained that managing a large squad requires communication and mutual understanding, particularly when some players are unable to take part despite being invited to camp.

Eguavoen specifically mentioned Joy Omewa, Shakirat Moshood and Blessing Nkor among the players to whom he had explained the selection decisions.

“Joy Omewa is another player I wanted to play but I have explained things to her and she understood. Moshood Shakirat, a young talented player as well. I also had to explain to Blessing Nkor,” he said.

The interim coach acknowledged that he was not necessarily required to explain every selection decision but considered it important to maintain professionalism and good relationships within the squad.

“I don’t owe them explanations, but had to do it for the sake of it being professional. I think sometimes it is good that we understand ourselves that we are on the same page,” he added.

Eguavoen said the coaching crew would continue to interact with players and make use of future international windows to assess those who have yet to receive sufficient playing time.

He also cautioned against judging the team solely by individual results, noting that experimenting with players and building squad depth are important parts of the preparation process.

“Going forward it is good to have interactions and utilise that window and bring those players that didn’t have the chance to play here,” he said.

“We have to be mindful if it is a little bit of mixture. When you lose one game, people start saying a lot of stuff. They won’t say you want to try other players,” Eguavoen said.

The manager stressed that his objective is to establish a competitive squad with enough quality and depth to cope with the demands of future competitions.

“We will make sure we have a solid team and give everyone opportunity. We want to have a pool of players, which is a very big and good headache,” he concluded.

The assurance is a positive signal for players seeking to establish themselves in the national team, as Nigeria continue to assess their options and prepare for tougher challenges ahead.