Amid growing speculation surrounding his role with the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has categorically denied reports that he has stepped down as interim coach of the national team. Eguavoen, who took charge of the Super Eagles for two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, remains firmly at the helm.
Eguavoen was appointed interim coach in late August after the NFF’s failed attempts to secure German coach Bruno Labbadia, who declined the role due to complications with German tax laws. The Nigerian coach led the team to a resounding 3-0 victory over the Benin Republic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on September 7, but his side struggled in the second leg, earning a goalless draw in Kigali, Rwanda, on September 10.
Shortly after the draw, reports emerged claiming that Eguavoen had stepped down as interim coach. However, upon his return to Nigeria at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Eguavoen addressed the rumors during a media briefing, expressing disappointment at the misinformation.
“It’s quite unfortunate that people just trigger something that is not correct,” he said. “And the situation we are in now, we don’t need negative stories. I only talked about sitting down with the hierarchy of the federation after these two games, and we will see how to go about prosecuting the next games.”
The 59-year-old coach clarified that he remains in his dual role as Technical Director and interim coach. “Whatever people are reading out there isn’t correct. I’m still very much in charge. I’m the Technical Director of the NFF, saddled with the responsibility of taking the Super Eagles at this moment.”
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Eguavoen’s confirmation puts to rest the swirling rumors ahead of the next crucial set of AFCON qualifiers, where Nigeria is scheduled to face Libya in a double-header in October. The Super Eagles, who are considered one of the powerhouses of African football, will look to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament, and Eguavoen’s continued leadership will be crucial in ensuring that objective.
