Afcon Qualifiers: Eguavoen May Lead Eagles In Matches Against Benin And Rwanda

NFF Delays Appointment of National Team Coach

Austin Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is expected to take on the interim role as the Super Eagles handler for the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. The NFF has yet to appoint a new head coach for the national team, leading to Eguavoen’s potential continuation in the role.

The NFF had previously assured the public that a new head coach would be named before the start of the AFCON qualifiers. However, concerns arise as the promise remains unfulfilled, less than a month before the campaign begins.

Various coaches have been linked to the vacant position, but political factors and a lack of funds have contributed to the ongoing delay.

Eguavoen is not new to the interim role; he previously took charge of the team temporarily when the former manager, Gernot Rohr, was sacked in 2022. Under Eguavoen’s guidance, the Eagles reached the round of 16 in AFCON 2023.

According to a source, Eguavoen has already compiled a provisional list of players and submitted it to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Invitations have been sent to the respective clubs of the selected players. Even if a new coach is appointed before the qualifiers, they will rely on the list compiled by Eguavoen. However, the chances of a permanent manager being appointed in time seems unlikely, as there is still work to be done on the project, according to an official.