Eguavoen retains Super Eagles interim role as AFCON qualifiers loom

• Augustine Eguavoen remains the interim coach of the Super Eagles, as confirmed by the NFF
• The Super Eagles are currently leading Group B with four points from two matches
• Eguavoen has led the Super Eagles to a 3-0 win against Benin Republic and a 0-0 draw with Rwanda

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Augustine Eguavoen will continue as interim head coach of the Super Eagles. His appointment was finalised after a recommendation from the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee, extending his leadership over Nigeria’s quest for a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The NFF disclosed this through an official statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, emphasising that Eguavoen’s guidance would be crucial in the upcoming qualifiers. 

“The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation... approved the recommendation for Coach Augustine Eguavoen to continue in his role as Head Coach of the Super Eagles,” read the statement.

Nigeria currently sits at the top of Group B with four points after securing a 3-0 win against Benin Republic and a goalless draw with Rwanda earlier this month. With the next challenge being a home game against Libya on October 6, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Eguavoen’s tactical leadership will be put to the test once more.

Notably, this is Eguavoen’s fourth tenure with the national team, having previously steered the three-time African champions through various phases of success. His ability to deliver results in high-pressure situations has made him the NFF’s go-to figure in the current AFCON qualifying campaign.

Apart from his role with the senior team, Eguavoen has also been tasked with managing the Super Eagles B team for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition reserved exclusively for players from domestic leagues. 

This tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will take place from February 1 to 28, 2025. 

His technical crew, including Fidelis Ilechukwu, Daniel Ogunmodede, Olatunji Baruwa, and Tomaz Zorec, will provide critical support during this campaign.

Also, the NFF has made a move regarding the Super Falcons. With Randy Waldrum’s sudden departure, Coach Justin Madugu has been assigned to oversee the senior women’s national team on an interim basis until a permanent head coach is appointed. The Super Falcons are gearing up for their next major competition, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco next summer.

Eguavoen denies resignation rumours, says he’s still in charge

Previously, TheRadar reported that reports swirled in on Tuesday night, September 10, that Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen had resigned from his role following Nigeria’s goalless draw against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. 

However, Eguavoen has swiftly denied these claims, clarifying that no such decision has been made and that he remains fully in charge of the national team.