ABUJA, Nigeria — Augustine Eguavoen, the interim head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has denied reports suggesting that he stepped down from his role following Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Speaking to reporters upon his return to Abuja, Eguavoen clarified that his earlier comments had been misinterpreted, emphasizing that he remains in charge of the national team and that his role as the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues.
“It’s unfortunate that people trigger something that is not correct,” Eguavoen said, addressing the rumors circulating in the wake of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Rwanda. “At the moment, we don’t need negative stories. I’m still very much in charge.”
Eguavoen was appointed interim coach by the NFF following the federation’s failure to secure the services of German coach Bruno Labbadia, due to complications stemming from stringent German tax laws. His mandate was to oversee Nigeria’s qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON, with matches against the Benin Republic and Rwanda on September 7 and September 10, respectively.
The Super Eagles performed convincingly in their opening game, securing a 3-0 victory over the Benin Republic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. However, they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Rwanda in Kigali, sparking rumors that Eguavoen had decided to step down from his interim role.
“I had only mentioned that I would be sitting down with the federation’s hierarchy to review the team’s performance after these two games,” Eguavoen explained. “But the report claiming I stepped down is simply false. I’m still tasked with leading the Super Eagles and preparing for the upcoming double-header against Libya next month.”
Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles player, reiterated his commitment to his role, underscoring that his responsibility as Technical Director includes not only managing the team but also ensuring Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The Super Eagles’ next challenge will be a crucial double-header against Libya, with the first match scheduled for mid-October at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Eguavoen remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, despite the recent setbacks.
