The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has moved swiftly to fill the vacancy of the head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria following the decision of José Peseiro not to continue as coach.
In a statement on all his social media handles, Peseiro announced that he’s leaving the job following the expiration of his contract as coach of the Super Eagles, he had an option of extending the deal but he turned it down due to disagreement on wages.
Peseiro who led the Super Eagles to AFCON final will now be replaced with a new coach by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) however long or short the process might take.
Eguavoen to lead Nigeria for upcoming games
According to owngoalnigeria, Augustine Eguavoen’s role as the technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) grants him the responsibility of stepping in whenever there’s a vacancy in any managerial post. In such instances, Eguavoen assumes the interim managerial position until a new coach is officially appointed by the federation.
This arrangement ensures continuity and stability within the coaching staff, allowing for a seamless transition while the NFF conducts its search for a permanent head coach.
He is likely to be in charge of the Super Eagles for the upcoming international break, especially if they are able to secure a friendly game following the cancellation of the proposed match against Argentina.
As the interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen would oversee the team’s preparations and lead them in any scheduled fixtures during this period.
Eguavoen will receive assistance from Finidi George, who has remained the longest-serving member among all indigenous coaches appointed to work with the Peseiro by the Amaju Pinnick-led board of the NFF 22 months ago.
Finidi George’s experience and continuity within the coaching staff bring valuable support to Eguavoen’s leadership and the overall management of the Super Eagles.
Augustine Eguavoen’s previous stint with the Super Eagles saw him take charge as the interim head coach following the resignation of Gernot Rohr in December 2021. Eguavoen, a former Nigerian international himself, stepped into the role with a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach.
His appointment was aimed at providing stability to the team while the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) searched for a permanent successor.
During his tenure, Eguavoen led the Super Eagles through the qualification campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.
Under his guidance, Nigeria secured their spot in the tournament, navigating through the qualifiers with a series of solid performances. Eguavoen’s leadership helped instill a sense of unity and determination within the squad, leading to notable victories and a cohesive team spirit.
Despite his interim status, Eguavoen’s impact on the team was significant. He implemented tactical adjustments, provided mentorship to the players, and fostered a positive atmosphere within the camp.
While his tenure was relatively short-lived, Eguavoen’s contributions laid a foundation for the team’s continued development and success, leaving a positive impression on both players and fans alike.
