Augustine Eguavoen, the interim head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has announced his resignation following the conclusion of his two-match mandate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Eguavoen, who oversaw the national team’s 3-0 triumph over Benin Republic and a hard-fought match against Rwanda, confirmed his decision to step down after Tuesday’s encounter in Kigali.
Eguavoen, speaking at the Kigali Airport shortly after the game, emphasized that his tenure was always intended to be temporary. “I was given a mandate to handle two games,” Eguavoen told OwnGoalNigeria. “I am very pleased with the boys, and I want to thank the NFF leadership and all the players who supported me with their discipline and hard work. The task ends today, and I can’t talk about the future beyond this.”
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) appointed Eguavoen as interim coach in late August, following their failure to secure the services of German coach Bruno Labbadia due to complex tax law issues that stymied negotiations. Eguavoen’s appointment, though short-term, brought him into familiar territory, having previously managed the national team on multiple occasions.
Though Eguavoen is stepping down, he expressed his readiness to support the national team in an advisory capacity if requested. He particularly mentioned his willingness to offer tactical insights to help Nigeria’s next coach prepare for their crucial upcoming match against Libya in the AFCON qualifiers.
“I want to remain close to the team and offer inside information that could be useful,” Eguavoen said. “No team can be underestimated anymore, but with the spirit these boys have shown, I am confident Nigeria has a bright future.”
Under Eguavoen’s brief tenure, the Super Eagles delivered a dominant 3-0 win over Benin Republic last Saturday, but their performance against Rwanda on Tuesday proved more frustrating. Despite controlling large portions of the game, the Nigerian squad was unable to convert chances, with Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari putting on a heroic display that kept the match close.
For the Rwanda match, Eguavoen made only one adjustment to the lineup, starting Fisayo Dele-Basiru in place of Alex Iwobi. Victor Boniface retained his position up front, while star striker Victor Osimhen, who had come off the bench to great effect in the Benin match, once again started as a substitute.
The NFF’s search for a permanent head coach continues following the complications surrounding Bruno Labbadia’s potential hiring. Negotiations were reportedly derailed by stringent German tax regulations, which would have imposed significant financial burdens had Labbadia taken the job. As a result, Eguavoen was tapped to fill the role on an interim basis until a long-term solution could be found.
It remains unclear who will take over the Super Eagles for their future fixtures, but with the Libyan challenge on the horizon, the NFF will likely be under pressure to make an appointment soon.
Eguavoen’s tenure, though short, has been marked by professionalism and a commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s footballing talent. His departure once again leaves a void at the helm of the Super Eagles, but his willingness to assist in the transition phase could prove invaluable.
For now, Nigerian football fans will wait anxiously to see who the NFF selects to lead the national team into the next phase of the AFCON qualifiers — and whether Eguavoen’s input will continue to shape the team from behind the scenes.
