NFF eyes Eguavoen to lead Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2025 qualifiers

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is considering an interim solution for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

With the position of head coach still vacant following Finidi George’s resignation in June, the spotlight has turned to Austine Eguavoen, the current technical director of the NFF.

News360 Nigeria reports that Eguavoen is being lined up to lead the Super Eagles through their crucial qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

This move comes as the NFF continues its search for a permanent head coach, a process that has yet to yield results.

Eguavoen is no stranger to the Super Eagles, having previously served in various coaching capacities.

His experience and familiarity with the team could provide the stability needed as the squad faces these important fixtures. However, it remains to be seen whether this temporary appointment will turn into a longer-term solution.

“There is no way the new coach can take charge of the Super Eagles for the games against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

“The two games are less than three weeks away,” the source told News360 Nigeria.

“He will be coming into a new environment and he has not worked with the players before. He can’t be saddled with the responsibility of inviting players to camp now.

“For now, everything is leaning towards the technical director (Eguavoen) leading the team for the two games.

“He is also expected to pick some local coaches for this short assignment.”

News360 recalls that Eguavoen led the Super Eagles to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in interim capacity.

The Super Eagles will host neighbours Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday September 7.

The West Africans will travel to Kigali three days later to keep a date with Rwanda.

For now, fans and football analysts alike are waiting to see if Eguavoen will indeed be the man to guide Nigeria’s national team through this critical phase of AFCON 2025 qualification.