Austin Eguavoen is not Super Eagles’ Interim Coach – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has labeled the rumored appointment of former Nigerian international, Austin Eguavoen, as the temporary manager of the Super Eagles following Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro’s departure last weekend as “a joke taken too far.” Despite Austin Eguavoen’s position as the NFF’s Technical Director since 2020 and his previous temporary assignment as the Super Eagles manager for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after German coach Gernot Rohr’s exit, he returned to his director role after the team’s elimination from the tournament by Tunisia.

Since Peseiro’s departure, there’s been rampant speculation in certain media outlets and on social media about Austin Eguavoen being asked by the NFF to step in again as the interim manager. Rumors suggested that Finidi George, coach of Enyimba International and Peseiro’s assistant for the recent Africa Cup of Nations, would act as Eguavoen’s assistant until a permanent manager is appointed by the NFF, with the immediate challenge being the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in June 2024.

However, a trustworthy source within the NFF unequivocally refuted these rumors, stating, “As far as I know, there’s nothing concerning Eguavoen in any capacity for the Super Eagles,” and further dismissed the speculation by adding, “In fact, nobody ever mentioned him for the Super Eagles’ interim manager position.”

Listeners of Brila FM, a sports radio station based in Lagos, have expressed their opposition to the possibility of Eguavoen’s return as the Super Eagles manager, questioning his suitability for what is considered one of the most prestigious coaching roles globally. An upset caller to the station implored, “Please, tell the Nigeria Football Federation not to appoint Eguavoen as Super Eagles coach; we no go to the World Cup again because that Baba don’t know anything o. He is not a better coach o and we no go gree NFF o.”

Another listener criticized the NFF’s silence and inaction, asking, “Who did this to Nigeria? Has Eguavoen forced himself upon us? I think we have to blame the NFF, who don’t know what they are doing.” This caller acknowledged Eguavoen’s current role within the NFF but emphasized, “All we want now is for the NFF to do the right thing.”