Profile of Augustine Eguavoen, age, family, coaching career

Augustine Owen Eguavoen, born on August 19th, 1965, in Sapele, Delta State, is a former professional footballer and esteemed manager of various football clubs, including Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, and the Nigerian national football team.

Augustine Eguavoen’s Age

At present, Augustine Eguavoen is 58 years old.

Augustine Eguavoen’s Football Career

Eguavoen commenced his illustrious career as a Centre-Back with ACB Lagos, showcasing impressive performances that led to a move to Gent in 1986. His football journey continued with stints at K.V. Kortrijk, CD Ourense, Sacramento Scorpions, Torpedo Moscow, and culminated in Malta with Sliema Wanderers. A pivotal member of the Nigerian squad, he contributed to the country’s maiden World Cup qualification in 1994 and triumph in the African Nations Cup that same year. His football journey concluded after the 1998 World Cup, amassing a total of 49 appearances for Nigeria, along with one goal.

Augustine Eguavoen’s Coaching Path

Transitioning to coaching, Eguavoen commenced in Malta with Sliema Wanderers for the 2000/2001 season, steering the club to a commendable 2nd-place finish. Subsequently, he assumed the role of caretaker coach for Nigeria in June 2005, assembling a coaching team that included luminaries such as Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi, and Ike Shorunmu. His coaching voyage led him to South Africa, taking charge of Premier Soccer League side Black Leopards in March 2008. During the 2008/2009 season, Eguavoen assumed the helm at Enyimba International in Aba, where he orchestrated a 3rd-place league finish and clinched the Federation Cup.

In June 2010, the Nigeria Football Federation invited Eguavoen to temporarily replace Swedish coach Lars Lagerbäck until the future direction was decided. Although initially serving as caretaker manager, Eguavoen declined pursuing a permanent position. August 2010 saw him appointed as head coach of the Nigeria national under-23 football team, aiming for qualification to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Despite his efforts, the team exited in the group stage, prompting his resignation on December 5, 2011. Following this, Eguavoen assumed the managerial role at Sharks F.C. in October 2012, before moving on after seven games due to the team’s challenging position in the league table.

Subsequently, Eguavoen signed on in April 2013 to guide Nigeria National League side COD United, showcasing his commitment to football development. In November 2013, the Edo State government sought his expertise to rejuvenate Bendel Insurance with aspirations of reclaiming a Premier League spot. However, he resigned in July 2014 to take up the managerial position at Gombe United F.C.

In April 2017, Eguavoen embarked on a new journey as the manager for Nigeria Professional Football League side, Sunshine Stars. Regrettably, his tenure was short-lived as he resigned barely six weeks after his engagement by the Ondo state government.