Interim Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen recently discussed his appointment, making it clear that he did not seek the role.

In an interview with the official Super Eagles channel, Eguavoen emphasized that his selection was not the result of any lobbying on his part, but rather a decision made by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

“I am a member of the Federation, working as the Technical Director Nigerian Football Federation,” Eguavoen said. “When a situation like this comes and you are being called upon, you can’t say no. It’s a task that I had performed; it is a duty that falls under my responsibility.”

He added, “For the fact that the hierarchy of the Federation now feels and thinks that I can salvage the situation, why not? But one thing should be clear to the public: I didn’t ask for this; I didn’t lobby for this, I didn’t apply for this; it is God’s favor.”

AFCON Qualifiers Preparation and Plan

Looking forward to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Eguavoen believes in the team’s ability and strength to succeed.

“Nigeria is a nation, in terms of football, that a lot of countries respect. And there’s no difference in this one. I’m very, very confident that we will scale through these two games and beyond.”

“We have the materials, we have the players, we have the personnel, we have the support, we have everything, you know. And the only thing we have to remind these players about is that they were almost African champions months ago. It’s not even a year yet.”

Speaking on the team’s recent performance, he added, “So what went wrong? So it’s still them. We will do everything that we have to do as a technical crew, and of course, the Federation and Nigerians who rally around them. They are the ones who turn the table around.”

In preparation for the upcoming matches, Eguavoen noted, “It’s not bad. I’ve spoken to them. We’re still going to have a series of meetings or a few meetings before the game proper.”

“I’m very confident they will come out there and do the nation proud. We will treat them with all due respect and no doubt about that, because football is, if you don’t disrespect people, you have a problem. We’ll play them with big respect, but hey, this is our home.”

Nigeria will face Benin Republic and Rwanda in qualifying games for the 2025 AFCON.