The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has emphatically denied reports that Augustine Eguavoen has been appointed the interim coach of the Super Eagles. This comes after widespread speculation that the former Nigerian defender would take temporary charge following the departure of Jose Peseiro.
Peseiro, the Portuguese tactician, led the Super Eagles to a commendable second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. However, his contract expired at the end of February, leaving a vacancy in the national team’s coaching staff.
Many fans and media outlets anticipated Eguavoen, currently the NFF’s Technical Director, to step in as he did in 2021 after Gernot Rohr’s dismissal. However, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has quashed these rumors.
“There’s nothing for Eguavoen as far as I know,” Gusau is quoted as saying by The Punch. “In fact, nobody ever mentioned him in any capacity for the Super Eagles.”
This statement throws the search for a new head coach wide open. Eguavoen’s previous stint as interim coach at the 2021 AFCON ended with a disappointing Round of 16 exit for the Super Eagles. While some fans favored his return due to his experience with the team, the NFF seems determined to explore other avenues.
The NFF has remained tight-lipped on potential replacements for Peseiro. Speculation is rife, with several foreign coaches being linked to the role. However, the footballing body has yet to confirm any official discussions with potential candidates.
