NFF finally breaks silence on appointment of Eguavoen as Super Eagles’ coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed the purported appointment of former Nigeria international, Austin Eguavoen, as the interim manager of the Super Eagles following the departure of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro over the weekend, labeling it ‘a joke taken too far.’

Eguavoen has held the position of the NFF’s Technical Director since 2020 and previously took on the role of Super Eagles manager on an interim basis for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, stepping in after the departure of German coach Gernot Rohr.

After the Super Eagles were eliminated from AFCON 2021 with a painful defeat to Tunisia in the round of sixteen, he returned to his duties as the Technical Director.

In the wake of Peseiro’s exit, there has been a flood of reports in certain sections of the media and social media suggesting that Eguavoen had been directed by the NFF to assume the interim manager position for the Super Eagles.

It was further mentioned that Enyimba International coach, Finidi George, who served as Peseiro’s assistant during the recent AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, would act as Eguavoen’s assistant until the NFF appoints a permanent manager for the Super Eagles. This would include preparations for upcoming international engagements, such as the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a double-header against South Africa in June 2024.

However, a reputable source within the NFF dismissed these speculations yesterday, brushing off any connection between Eguavoen and the Super Eagles job. The source clarified that the former national team captain is not even under consideration for an interim role.

“As far as I am aware, there is no truth to the rumors surrounding Eguavoen, and, in fact, his name has never been mentioned in connection to any role within the Super Eagles,” stated the source, adding that those promoting Eguavoen for the position are simply spreading unfounded claims.