Report: Eguavoen may step in as Super Eagles coach for upcoming matches

NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen, has been linked with a potential return to the Super Eagles’ coaching role as Nigeria prepares for its crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.

The Super Eagles are set to kick off their AFCON qualification campaign in September, facing off against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda. However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is currently in a difficult situation, as the national team is without a head coach following the recent resignation of Finidi George. George, who had a brief and challenging tenure, stepped down, leaving a significant gap in the team’s leadership.

As the NFF urgently seeks to appoint a permanent coach to lead Nigeria through the 2026 World Cup and 2025 AFCON campaigns, Eguavoen has emerged as a strong candidate to temporarily guide the Super Eagles through their upcoming fixtures. His familiarity with the team and previous experience as an interim coach make him a logical choice for the role.

Although the NFF has not yet officially confirmed Eguavoen’s appointment, his previous stint with the national team, including leading the Super Eagles during the 2021 AFCON tournament, positions him as a top contender. Eguavoen had stepped in after the dismissal of former head coach Gernot Rohr, guiding the team before handing over to José Peseiro.

Adding complexity to the situation are ongoing rumors linking Swedish coach Janne Andersson and Enugu Rangers’ title-winning coach Fidelis Ilechukwu to the Super Eagles’ coaching staff. Andersson, the former head coach of Sweden’s national team, is reportedly being considered for the head coach position, while Ilechukwu is speculated to be in line for the assistant coach role.