- Augustine Eguavoen steps up as Super Eagles head coach for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers
- Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, and William Troost-Ekong return to the squad for the qualifiers
- Eguavoen's football career spans over two decades as both a player and a coach
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Augustine Eguavoen, the former Super Eagles Technical Director, the head coach for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
This decision follows the sudden withdrawal of German coach Bruno Labbadia, who was initially appointed to succeed Finidi George. Labbadia reportedly declined the position due to complications surrounding German tax laws.
According to the NFF's statement on X, these tax-related issues were the primary reason for the breakdown of the agreement.
15 facts about new Super Eagles coach Eguavoen
TheRadar has compiled interesting facts about Augustine Eguavoen:
1. Early Life and Origins: Born on August 19, 1965, in Sapele, Delta State, Augustine Eguavoen is originally from Edo State.
2. Educational Background: He pursued his secondary education at Edokpolor Grammar School in Benin.
3. Start of a Professional Career: Eguavoen began his professional football journey in 1984 as a 19-year-old defender for NNPC, earning a modest salary of N120 per month.
4. Progression at Bendel Insurance: In 1985, he transferred to Bendel Insurance, where his earnings saw an increase to N350 per month.
5. Season at ACB Lagos: The 1985-1986 season saw Eguavoen playing for ACB in Lagos.
6. Move to Belgium: Eguavoen's talent caught the attention of Belgian club Gent, which he joined in 1986, remaining with them until 1990.
7. Further Success in Belgium: He later spent four years with another Belgian side, K.V. Kortrijk.
8. National Team Leadership: Eguavoen represented Nigeria extensively, even captaining the Flying Eagles during his international career.
9. Historic Victory: He proudly captained the Super Eagles when they claimed their first Africa Cup of Nations title on foreign soil in Tunisia in 1994.
10. World Cup Achievement: Eguavoen was a key figure in Nigeria's "golden generation," which qualified for the World Cup and played in the USA.
11. End of Playing Career: He concluded his playing career in Malta with Sliema Wanderers in 2001, where he also took on the role of player-coach.
12. Return to Nigeria: Eguavoen returned to Nigeria in 2002 to coach his former club, Bendel Insurance.
13. U-20 National Team Coach: He took charge of Nigeria’s U-20 team from 2002 to 2003, contributing to the development of future stars.
14. Super Eagles Coaching Stint: From 2005 to 2007, Eguavoen served as head coach of the Super Eagles, leading them to a third-place finish at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
15. Broad Coaching Experience: Eguavoen’s coaching career is diverse, with stints at clubs like Black Leopards (2008), Enyimba International (2008-2009), Nigeria (caretaker) in 2010, Nigeria U23 (2010-2011), Sharks F.C. (2012-2013), COD United F.C. (2013), Bendel Insurance F.C. (2014), Gombe United F.C. (2014-2015), and Sunshine Stars (2017).
Super Eagles announces team for September AFCON qualifiers game
Previously, TheRadar reported that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have announced their squad for September’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen included among the 23 players selected.
These upcoming fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda on September 7 and 10, respectively, will serve as the first challenge for new head coach Bruno Labbadia, who recently took over the reins of the national team.
