Augustine Eguavoen to Continue as Head Coach of Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Augustine Eguavoen will continue as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. This announcement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Augustine Eguavoen’s future following Nigeria’s recent outings in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The NFF made the official statement on Thursday, reassuring fans of continuity in the team’s technical leadership.

Augustine Eguavoen, who initially assumed the role on an interim basis, stepped in when the NFF failed to appoint a permanent coach ahead of the qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. Under his leadership, the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 win against Benin and a 0-0 draw with Rwanda, results that have kept the team in a favorable position for AFCON qualification.

Augustine Eguavoen’s Return Amid Speculation

Despite rumors that Augustine Eguavoen had left his role after the stalemate against Rwanda, the NFF has now clarified that the 58-year-old will remain in charge. His leadership has been met with mixed reactions, especially considering his previous stints with the national team, but the recent qualifiers have shown promise. Augustine Eguavoen, who has managed the Super Eagles on three prior occasions, is no stranger to the challenges of leading one of Africa’s most high-profile football teams.

In the recent matches, Augustine Eguavoen showcased tactical discipline, especially in the convincing 3-0 win against Benin. However, the goalless draw with Rwanda raised questions about the team’s attacking prowess. Regardless, the NFF’s decision to retain him suggests confidence in his ability to secure AFCON qualification and perhaps beyond.

NFF Confirms Coaching Staff Stability

The NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, provided further clarity on the situation by announcing that Augustine Eguavoen will continue to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming AFCON qualifiers, including a critical match against Libya next month. According to Olajire, the federation’s Executive Committee approved the recommendation of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee to keep Augustine Eguavoen at the helm.

In addition to Augustine Eguavoen, the current technical crew, which includes Fidelis Ilechukwu, Daniel Ogunmodede, Olatunji Baruwa, and Tomaz Zorec, will also remain intact. This continuity within the coaching setup is expected to provide stability as the Super Eagles prepare for tougher challenges ahead, both in the AFCON qualifiers and other international tournaments.

Focus Shifts to AFCON and CHAN Qualifiers

With the confirmation of Augustine Eguavoen’s extended role, attention now shifts to Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifier against Libya. The Super Eagles are currently in a strong position in their group but will need to secure consistent results to ensure a smooth path to the 2025 AFCON tournament. Eguavoen’s tactical acumen and his ability to motivate the players will be crucial as the team prepares for these vital encounters.

Furthermore, the NFF has tasked Augustine Eguavoen and his technical team with overseeing the Super Eagles B team in the qualification campaign for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). This responsibility adds another layer to Eguavoen’s duties, as the CHAN tournament is a key competition for local-based players, offering them an opportunity to shine on the international stage.

New Leadership for Super Falcons

Alongside the confirmation of Eguavoen’s position, the NFF also announced a major change in the coaching staff of the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team. With the departure of Randy Waldrum, Coach Justin Madugu has been appointed to lead the Super Falcons on an interim basis. The decision to appoint Madugu, who has a wealth of experience in women’s football, was also approved by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

Madugu will take charge of the Super Falcons as they prepare for the Women Africa Cup of Nations finals, set to take place in Morocco in the summer of 2025. The search for a permanent head coach is still ongoing, but the NFF is confident that Madugu and his technical team will guide the Super Falcons through this transitional period successfully.