Super Eagles interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen has shared his thoughts on the possibility of taking on the role permanently, should the Nigeria Football Federation offer him a contract.
Eguavoen also doubles as the NFF technical director, but stepped in following the NFF’s failed attempt to appoint Bruno Labbadia.
Bruno Labbadia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
The 58 year-old, who led Nigeria to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, was tasked with leading the team through the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
He performed admirably, guiding the team to a 3-0 victory over Benin in Uyo, and secured a goalless draw in Rwanda.
The head coaches of Nigeria and Rwanda, Austin Eguavoen and Torsten Spittler during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match.
Speaking on Brila FM’s, “No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze”, Eguavoen was asked about the possibility of stepping down from his administrative role to become the Super Eagles’ permanent head coach.
“My priority is giving back to football, especially to the young ones coming up. We played through the youth ranks, and in my role as technical director, my colleagues and I work to help young players climb that ladder to the top. I love that job,” he responded.
“The Super Eagles job I’m doing right now, if I were to switch permanently, it’s something I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply about because it’s not a small job.”
Team photo of the Nigeria MNT before their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match against Rwanda in Kigali. Photo | IG (ng_supereagles)
Eguavoen stressed the importance of stability and patience in the role.
He explained that,”It will be a tough one. You have to give me long term contract with patience and clauses in that contract because winning is not guaranteed every week or day.
“You will give me time to tweak the team till I find what I want.“
He also raised concerns about whether the NFF would provide the same level of patience and support if another local coach took the helm.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau. Photo | NFF
“If they’re going to give me a long-term contract with guaranteed patience, why not? Otherwise, I don’t know.”
Eguavoen will once again lead the Super Eagles when they face Libya this month in the AFCON qualifiers.
Libya National team. Photo | Libya Observer
Nigeria, currently top of their group, will look to secure qualification with a win in Uyo on October 11th, followed by the reverse fixture in Libya four days later.
Additionally, the NFF has confirmed that Eguavoen will also oversee the CHAN Eagles.
