The Nigeria Football Federation NFF has appointed Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu as assistant coaches to Augustine Eguavoen for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda. This move follows the NFF’s unsuccessful attempt to secure German coach Bruno Labbadia, whose potential contract was derailed by complications related to German tax laws.
Augustine Eguavoen, the NFF’s Technical Director, will lead the Super Eagles in these crucial matches. Eguavoen is no stranger to the role, having first managed the team in 2005, where he led them to a third place finish at the 2006 AFCON. He returned as interim coach in December 2021, guiding Nigeria through a strong group stage performance in the 2021 AFCON, though they were eventually knocked out in the Round of 16.
Journalist Tobi Adepoju broke the news on social media, announcing Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu’s appointments. Ogunmodede, currently the head coach of Remo Stars, and Ilechukwu, who has led NPFL champion Rangers, are known for their close relationship both on and off the pitch. Their combined expertise is expected to strengthen the national team’s coaching staff as they aim for victories in these pivotal fixtures.
The Super Eagles will kick off their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign with a match against Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic in Uyo on September 7, followed by a clash with Rwanda three days later.
Editorial
The recent appointments of Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu as assistant coaches to Augustine Eguavoen signify a strategic move by the Nigeria Football Federation to bolster the Super Eagles’ coaching team ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. These appointments reflect the NFF’s commitment to surrounding Eguavoen with experienced and talented individuals who can contribute to the team’s success.
Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu bring a wealth of experience from the Nigerian Professional Football League NPFL, where they have both demonstrated their ability to manage and develop top-tier teams. Their knowledge of local football dynamics, coupled with Eguavoen’s experience on the international stage, could prove to be a winning combination as Nigeria seeks to qualify for another AFCON tournament.
The decision to bring in these two coaches also highlights the importance of unity and collaboration within the coaching staff. Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu’s close relationship is expected to foster a positive atmosphere, which could translate into better team cohesion and performance on the field.
As the Super Eagles prepare to face the Benin Republic and Rwanda, fans will be watching closely to see how this new coaching setup influences the team’s strategy and execution. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the success of these appointments will be measured by the results achieved in these crucial qualifying matches.
Did You Know?
- Augustine Eguavoen has a long history with the Super Eagles, having served as both a player and coach for the national team.
- Daniel Ogunmodede has been instrumental in the rise of Remo Stars, guiding them to prominence in the NPFL.
- Fidelis Ilechukwu led Rangers to an NPFL championship, solidifying his reputation as one of Nigeria’s top coaches.
- The Super Eagles have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, with their most recent victory in 2013 under coach Stephen Keshi.
- The upcoming match against Benin will be the first competitive fixture for the Super Eagles since their World Cup qualifying campaign earlier this year.
