Former Nigerian CB, Taribo West has offered his candid assessment of Austin Eguavoen’s stint as interim coach of the Super Eagles.
Eguavoen recently led the team to a 3-0 victory over Benin and a goalless draw against Rwanda in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, in the absence of a permanent head coach.
Speaking on Brila FM’s,”No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze”, West acknowledged Eguavoen’s potential to lead the national team but highlighted one critical shortfall — grace.
Austin Eguavoen, flanked by Gernot Rohr (L) and Jose Peseiro (R) during a CAF Coaching Session.
“Anytime Eguavoen lead the team he brings a certain touch into the team which is different.
“It’s like taking the team back to those glorious days the way they play,” West reflected.
However, the former defender now Pastor, pointed out a recurring issue that seems to plague Eguavoen during crucial tournaments.
“But my problem is in a major tournament where you are expecting that they must cross the line something will happen.
“I think Eguavoen can be the right coach but he needs grace. What is lacking from Eguavoen is only grace.”
West explained that while the Coach’s tactics and approach often brings the best out of the players on the pitch, the results don’t always align with their efforts.
“For the players, it works — the team will play well, but the results won’t favor them. There’s something wrong.
“If not I don’t see why we are going for these foreign coaches when we can invest more in our coaches.”
African Football vs. European Football
West also touched on the popular debate over why Nigerian players excel at their clubs but struggle to replicate that form when they play for the Super Eagles.
Benin’s #8 Hassane Imourane fights for the ball with Nigeria’s #11 Samuel Chukwueze during the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers group C football match. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
He emphasized that the issue isn’t the players’ commitment but rather the unique challenges of African football.
“It’s not that the players don’t give their all,” West clarified.
“African football is different from European football. Every team in Africa wants to beat Nigeria, whether they have quality players or not.
“Other African countries plan against Nigeria and the players. The players put in all their heart but the opponents go at every extreme length to frustrate the Super Eagles team.”
