Former Nigerian international, Tarila Okorowanta has called on the Nigeria Football Federation, to consider keeping Augustine Eguavoen as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
Speaking on Brila FM’s, “No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze”, Okorowanta expressed confidence in Eguavoen’s abilities and emphasized that the interim coach deserves the job.
Eguavoen, currently serving as the Super Eagles’ technical director, stepped in as interim coach for Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations, qualifiers, where the team was left without a permanent manager.
Super Eagles coaches led by Austin Eguavoen during a training session. Photo | X (CoachDan_Ijabal)
Under his guidance, Nigeria secured a draw and a win against Benin and Rwanda, respectively, leading to discussions about whether he should be given the position full-time.
“Eguavoen did well in those two qualifiers,” Okorowanta stated. “Nigerians don’t waste complain. Look at what happened with Finidi George—if he (Eguavoen) didn’t perform, no one would have suggested giving him the job.”
Okorowanta further stated that the familiarity between the players and Eguavoen could be crucial to the team’s success.
“He did well, one draw and win against Benin and Rwanda.
“We don’t have coach what are waiting for again? Let him continue because the boys are used to him.” he said.
“Do we really want to bring in a new coach who the players aren’t familiar with and start from scratch? They’ll play nonsense”
“Eguavoen will set the path,” he continued. “He’ll tell the players exactly how he wants them to play, and they will follow because they already know him. The players love him.”
While acknowledging that the NFF may eventually appoint a new head coach, Okorowanta stressed the importance of allowing Eguavoen to continue in the meantime.
“He’s a certified coach, and he’s always ready. Let him continue for now,” he concluded.
