Former Nigeria international and Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has come out to debunk the reports circulating that he has resigned from his role as the Super Eagles’ interim coach. Eguavoen, whose substantive role is Technical Director of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), was appointed by the NFF to coach the Super Eagles for two AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. After leading the Eagles to a convincing 3-0 win over the Cheetahs, Eguavoen’s team could only manage a draw against Rwanda.
The NFF resorted to temporarily appointing Eguavoen as the national team coach after failing to secure the appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia. Labbadia’s appointment fell through due to what the NFF described as “stringent German tax laws.” With Eguavoen’s mandate as interim coach ending after the goalless draw away to Rwanda, speculation over who will coach the Eagles next has resurfaced.
Amid this uncertainty, and following earlier reports about him stepping down, Eguavoen clarified the situation to reporters at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. He said, “It’s quite unfortunate that people start spreading misinformation. Given the situation we are in now, we don’t need negative stories.”
He continued, “Whatever people are reading out there is not true. I am still very much in charge. I remain the Technical Director of the NFF, tasked with the responsibility of leading the Super Eagles at this moment, and that’s where we are.”
Following Nigeria’s impressive showing at the last AFCON, former head coach Jose Peseiro resigned, paving the way for Eguavoen’s interim role. Former Ajax star Finidi George was then appointed as the permanent head coach, but he also stepped down after a fallout with Super Eagles star forward Victor Osimhen. With Nigeria’s qualification for the next AFCON at stake, fans are growing concerned over the uncertainty surrounding the team’s leadership.
