The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is steadfast in its quest to appoint a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, despite Augustine Eguavoen’s commendable leadership.
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Eguavoen, who is also the Technical Director, guided the team through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, securing an unbeaten run with three wins and two draws.
His tactical acumen ensured Nigeria’s smooth qualification for the tournament in Morocco.
The NFF initially planned to hire an expatriate coach after the team’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This decision led to the resignation of Finidi George, who briefly held the head coach position following José Peseiro’s departure.
A short-lived appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia in August further complicated matters, leaving the Super Eagles without a permanent leader.
Eguavoen stepped in as a stabilizing force, earning respect for his efforts. However, the NFF continues to prioritize hiring a high-profile foreign tactician, citing a belief among top officials and the House Committee on Sports that such a move will elevate the team’s competitiveness.
A major challenge remains securing sufficient funding for the coach’s salary, though sponsorship negotiations have been promising.
The Super Eagles face tough challenges ahead, including a crucial away match against Rwanda in March 2024 as part of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Currently sitting fifth in Group C, four points behind the leaders, the task for any new coach will be monumental.
However, Eguavoen’s ongoing role and the support of the current technical team could provide continuity and stability during this transitional phase.