Former Nigerian forward, Peter Osaze Odemwingie has expressed his unwavering support for Super Eagles interim manager, Augustine Eguavoen.
The Super Eagles is currently under Augustine Eguavoen’s leadership following Finidi George’s resignation in June after managing just two games with the deal with Bruno Labbadia crashing a few days after announcing his appointment.
Bruno Labbadia also coached VfB Stuttgart.
(Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
This marks Eguavoen’s fourth stint as head coach of the Super Eagles. Since taking over in September, he has led the team to the top of their AFCON qualifying group, accumulating 7 points from 3 matches.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Nigeria Football Federation’s, NFF next move, whether they will continue their search for a foreign coach or make Eguavoen’s position permanent—many Nigerian football enthusiasts and former players have voiced their support for Eguavoen, recommending him for the job.
Austin Eguavoen (L) and William Troost-Ekong (R) during the pre-match presser. Photo | Brila
Eguavoen himself has stated that if the NFF offers him the role on a permanent basis, he would carefully consider the decision.
“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.”
“It will be a tough one. They’d have to give me a long-term contract with patience and clauses, because winning is not guaranteed every week or every day.” he told to Brila.net
In an interview with Brila.net, Odemwingie reflected on his personal relationship with Eguavoen and praised his qualities as both a coach and a person.
According to Odemwingie, Eguavoen’s passion and reliability make him deserving of the role on a permanent basis.
“Eguavoen was the general manager when I signed my first professional contract with Bendel Insurance under him,” Odemwingie recalled.
“The beauty with him is that he’s a lesson to our country. He’s well-spoken, he was a committed player, and now he’s a committed coach. He’s always available and takes the job with passion—it’s his life. He has a role to play, and he’s always been reliable. Right now, he’s doing well with 7 points in 3 games. It depends on what he is happy with.”
Odemwingie went on to describe Eguavoen as a blessing to Nigerian football, whether in a permanent or interim role.
“He’s involved with CAF, he takes coaching courses, and he’s just a blessing to have. Whether permanent or not, he’s always there, ready for the job because it’s home for him, and it’s his passion.”
Speaking on Eguavoen’s future, Odemwingie said, “I wish him all the best in his role. What he wants is also important—if he wants it permanent and he makes it known to the public then he has plans and obviously he will put forward his plans to the NFF and if they think it allign with ther vision then he can have it permanently. He’s done well in the past and is still doing well now. I wish him all the best.”
Should Eguavoen’s role be made permanent, his immediate task would be to lead the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria is currently fifth in their qualification group, and the road ahead looks challenging.
Notably, Nigeria missed out on the last World Cup, losing the qualification ticket to Ghana under Eguavoen’s leadership.
Ghana’s Jordan Ayew (3rd R) fights for the ball with Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka (2nd R) during the World Cup 2022 qualifying football match. (Photo by Pius Utomi EKPEI / AFP)
He stepped down immediately after missing out. Now, with a second chance, Eguavoen may feel he has something to prove and could be the one to turn Nigeria’s fortunes around, leading them back to the global stage.
