After initial hesitation, Augustine Eguavoen is now fully motivated to make the most of his temporary role as Super Eagles coach and prove his critics wrong. The Nigerian Football Federation NFF has thrown its full support behind the technical director, despite his earlier reluctance to return for a fourth stint as head coach. Eguavoen’s appointment came after German coach Bruno Labbadia walked away from the position, leaving the NFF scrambling for a replacement.
Despite not initially seeking the job, Eguavoen has made a solid start, leading the Super Eagles to a dominant 3-0 win over Benin and a hard fought goalless draw against Rwanda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. His performances have reportedly reignited his passion for the role, especially following the painful failures at the 2021 AFCON and the inability to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, events that dented his reputation.
Sources close to Eguavoen reveal that he is now motivated to restore his standing in Nigerian football. He has earned the trust of his players, as shown by their committed performances earlier this month. However, it remains to be seen whether the NFF will continue to back him when the going gets tough. After all, the federation distanced itself from him following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup but reportedly apologised for the way he was treated.
Looking ahead, Eguavoen hopes that the upcoming double header against Libya will go smoothly, allowing him to continue his positive relationship with the NFF and rebuild his image.
Editorial
Eguavoen’s return to the Super Eagles dugout is an interesting development in Nigerian football. As we observe the situation, it’s clear that his decision to take up the temporary position was driven more by loyalty to the NFF than by personal ambition. The question is: Can he truly redeem himself after his previous disappointments at AFCON 2021 and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers?
We believe that Eguavoen’s strong start in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers demonstrates that he still has what it takes to manage the national team. The Super Eagles’ commanding 3-0 victory against Benin and the unlucky draw in Rwanda show that Eguavoen has been able to galvanise his squad and earn their trust. His renewed determination to prove critics wrong adds a compelling narrative to his tenure.
But Nigerian football is a pressure cooker, and we know how quickly fortunes can change. The NFF may have apologised for their previous treatment of Eguavoen, but will that goodwill last if results don’t go his way? This is where we think the real challenge lies not just in winning matches, but in sustaining a working relationship with the NFF, especially when difficult moments arise.
Eguavoen must remain vigilant and ensure that the double header against Libya solidifies his place as the man to take Nigeria forward. We believe he has the tactical nous to succeed, but football is unpredictable. Will his players continue to fight for him? Will the NFF maintain their support if the team falters? These are questions that will determine the success of this chapter in Eguavoen’s career.
We hope to see him succeed and restore faith in his leadership, not just for himself but for Nigerian football as a whole.
Did You Know?
- Augustine Eguavoen has had four separate stints as head coach of the Nigerian national team.
- Before becoming a coach, Eguavoen was a key player for Nigeria, helping them win the 1994 AFCON.
- The Super Eagles have won the African Cup of Nations three times, in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
- Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup marked the first time since 2006 that the Super Eagles missed the tournament.
- The NFF initially hired German coach Bruno Labbadia to lead the Super Eagles, but he withdrew from the role, prompting Eguavoen’s return.
