The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointments of Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede as assistant coaches for the Super Eagles’ interim coaching staff ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu will assist Austin Eguavoen, who has been named the interim head coach for the upcoming qualifiers.

Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede. Photo | The Whistler Newspaper

Ilechukwu recently led Rangers to a Nigeria Premier League title, while Ogunmodede guided Remo Stars to a second-place finish in the league.

Fidelis Ilechukwu | Credit: Goal

The NFF moved quickly to assemble this interim coaching crew after Bruno Labbadia declined the head coach position at the last minute.

Augustine Eguavoen (R) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Tunisia at Stade Roumde Adjia. (Photo by DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images)

Super Eagles players are expected to report to their camp in Uyo today, as they prepare for the crucial AFCON qualifier matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Nigeria will face Benin Republic on Saturday, September 7, followed by a match against Rwanda in Kigali three days later.

The 2025 AFCON tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.