Super Eagles Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen appoints Ilechukwu and Ogunmodede for AFCON qualifiers
Interim Super Eagles manager Augustine Eguavoen has bolstered his coaching team with the appointment of Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede as assistant coaches for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, made the announcement on Monday, confirming that Ilechukwu, the head coach of Enugu Rangers, and Ogunmodede, who leads Remo Stars, will join Eguavoen on the bench for the two crucial fixtures.
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“Ilechukwu led the Flying Antelopes to triumph in Nigeria’s elite division last season, with Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars finishing in second place,” Olajire stated.
In addition to Ilechukwu and Ogunmodede, Eguavoen’s backroom staff will include Slovenian fitness trainer Tomaz Zorec, goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, and match analyst Eboboritse Uwejamomere. This team will work together to prepare the Super Eagles for the important AFCON qualifiers.
The Super Eagles squad, along with the coaching staff, is expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday to begin their preparations for Saturday’s match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, which will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium at 5 p.m.
Following the match in Uyo, the team will travel to Kigali on Sunday for the second qualifier, where they will face Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
The inclusion of Ilechukwu and Ogunmodede, both successful in the Nigerian Professional Football League, is seen as a strategic move by Eguavoen to ensure the Super Eagles are well-prepared for the qualifiers as they aim to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.