Austin Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has publicly denied reports that he has stepped down as the interim coach of the Super Eagles after overseeing the team’s two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. Eguavoen was appointed to lead the national team for these crucial encounters following the NFF’s struggles to secure German coach Bruno Labbadia, due to complications with stringent German tax laws.
The NFF’s decision to appoint Eguavoen, a seasoned coach and former player, was seen as a strategic move to stabilize the Super Eagles’ campaign in the absence of a permanent head coach. A statement from the NFF, announcing Eguavoen’s appointment, read: “In the event, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, will now take charge of the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Uyo, September 7) and Rwanda (Kigali, September 10).” This announcement came after it became clear that negotiations with Labbadia could not be concluded in time for the qualifiers.
Eguavoen, a veteran of Nigerian football, boasts a wealth of experience, having previously managed the Super Eagles on several occasions, including at the 2006 and 2021 AFCON tournaments. His return to the helm this time, although under temporary circumstances, was met with optimism by many Nigerian football fans, who hoped his familiarity with the team would help navigate these important fixtures.
The Super Eagles delivered a strong performance under Eguavoen’s guidance, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This victory buoyed the team’s morale as they traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, for the second game. However, despite their efforts, the Super Eagles were held to a goalless draw in a tightly contested match against Rwanda on Tuesday, September 10. The results leave Nigeria in a favorable position for qualification, but there is still work to be done.
In the wake of the two matches, rumors began circulating that Eguavoen had stepped down from his interim role. However, the 59-year-old swiftly dismissed these reports, asserting that his role was temporary from the onset and that any further decision would be at the discretion of the NFF. “I never said I was stepping down. My appointment was for these two games, and I remain fully committed to whatever decision the NFF makes moving forward,” Eguavoen stated during a post-match interview. His response highlights his dedication to the role, even as uncertainties linger regarding the appointment of a permanent head coach.
As the NFF continues its search for a long-term solution, Eguavoen’s interim leadership has reinforced his status as one of the most reliable figures in Nigerian football. The fans and stakeholders now await further announcements from the federation, hoping for clarity on the future of the Super Eagles’ coaching situation ahead of the next round of qualifiers.
