FROM INTERIM TO PERMANENT? – Eguavoen Eyes Super Falcons Head Coaching Job

Super Falcons interim coach, Austine Eguavoen has shared his satisfaction with Nigeria's performance after the team thrashed Comoros 5-0 in the second leg of their 2028 Olympic Games women's football qualifiers, securing a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory.

The Nigerian side delivered an impressive display in Ikenne on Tuesday, October 13, to progress to the next round of the African qualifying campaign, where they will face Morocco's Atlas Lionesses.

Speaking after the match, Eguavoen praised the players for their response to his demands in training, describing the victory as a satisfying outcome after he appealed for support as he settled into his role with the team.

The interim coach also identified several positives in the team's overall performance and promised stronger in the next round, particularly if he remains in charge.

Eguavoen Hails Players After Five-Star Display

Nigeria entered the second leg with a 2-0 advantage from the first meeting but produced an even more convincing performance on home soil to complete the tie with a 7-0 aggregate scoreline.

The Super Falcons scored five times in the return fixture, with Uchenna Kanu and Toni Payne both registering braces, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to complete the rout.

The result pleased Eguavoen, who credited the players for responding positively to his requests and translating their efforts in training into an impressive performance on the pitch.

Speaking after the game, he said:

"Very pleased, I'm very, very happy. Congratulations to the girls, they made my day."

"I remember I kept begging them, because I'm in a new term, we need everybody's support and the response in training showed in the game."

The coach is satisfaction with the team's commitment, particularly after he had called on the players to support him as he took charge of the side.

The victory also gave Nigeria a convincing start to their Olympic qualification campaign as they continued their pursuit of a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

‘Comoros Improved, But We Still Scored Five’ - Eguavoen

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Eguavoen acknowledged that Comoros presented a different challenge in the return fixture.

The visitors had lost the first leg 2-0 but showed greater willingness to compete in Ikenne, forcing Nigeria to maintain their intensity before eventually pulling away in the second half.

Eguavoen suggested that Comoros' improved approach made the contest more complicated than the final score might indicate.

He said:

"Yes, five nil, first leg was 0-2. I would say the comrades team improved. They improved, they got five behind the net, so it was a little bit of a tricky one."

The coach also believed Comoros had approached the match with a different mentality because of the aggregate deficit, leaving them with little to lose.

"I'm 100% sure that they knew they had nothing to lose, so they had to play, they had to play, but congratulations to us, as I said, I'm very impressed with the team."

"Next game, hopefully I'm here."

Although Eguavoen acknowledged the opposition's improvement, Nigeria's attacking quality ultimately proved decisive as the Super Falcons scored three times in the space of eight minutes during the second half before adding a penalty.

The 5-0 result ensured that Nigeria completed the tie without conceding a goal across both legs.

Eguavoen Hints Request to If He Remains in Charge

Looking ahead to the next round, Eguavoen suggest that if he remains and continue in his interim role, the Super Falcons could improve further.

Although, it should be noted that no confirmation of his appointment for the next round was provided in his remarks.

The coach indicated that additional time with the squad would help the technical crew work on the team's overall performance, particularly as some players had joined the group late.

He also acknowledged that his position beyond the current assignment was not guaranteed, suggesting that he would return to his office if another coach was appointed.

Eguavoen said:

"I'm 100% sure that they knew they had nothing to lose, so they had to play, they had to play, but congratulations to us, as I said, I'm very impressed with the team."

"Next game, hopefully I'm here."

The Super Falcons will now prepare for their third-round encounter against Morocco, with the two-legged tie scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027.

Late Call-Up Blessing Okpe Impresses Eguavoen

Eguavoen also singled out Ogbe for praise, explaining that the player's late inclusion in the squad had proved worthwhile.

The coach is satisfied with the opportunities taken by players who were brought into the squad late, as well as the competition for places within the team.

According to the coach, Ogbe received her opportunity after another player withdrew from the squad, allowing her to join the team despite the late call-up.

The interim coach revealed that he had already discussed the possibility of recommending her to the team's director should he leave his position.

He said:

"I know I'm telling the director, if I don't continue in this job, I'll go back to my office and then whoever becomes the coach, I will recommend Ogbe."

"Luckily for Ogbe, the player pulled out and she had a chance to come and I think she has proven that her late call-up was worth it."

Ogbe's inclusion appears to have made a positive impression on the coach, who indicated that he would recommend her to any successor if his interim appointment ends.

Super Falcons Turn Attention to Morocco

Nigeria's 7-0 aggregate victory over Comoros has secured their passage into the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Super Falcons will face Morocco's Atlas Lionesses in their next assignment, with the tie expected to provide a sterner test of Nigeria's progress.

Eguavoen will hope to build on the positives from the Comoros matches, particularly the team's attacking efficiency and its ability to convert pressure into goals.

However, the coach's future with the side remains uncertain, with his own comments indicating that he hopes to remain in charge but recognises that another appointment could be made.

For now, the immediate focus is on Nigeria's qualification campaign and preparations for the next round and confidence in further improvement as the team still has more to offer in their pursuit for a place at Los Angeles 2028.