Augustine Eguavoen, the caretaker coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has outlined specific conditions that he believes are essential for him to consider taking on the head coaching position on a permanent basis.
As the current NFF technical director, Eguavoen emphasized the need for a long-term contract, patience, and strong support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure success in the role.
In an interview with Brila FM, Eguavoen stated,
“The Super Eagles job I’m doing right now, if I were to switch permanently, is something I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply about because it’s not a small job.”
He acknowledged the challenges that come with the position, highlighting that consistent victories are not guaranteed.
“You have to give me a long-term contract with patience and clauses because winning is not guaranteed every week or day,” he added.
Eguavoen boasts a rich history with the Super Eagles, having previously served as the coach for both the U23s and the Golden Eaglets.
However, despite his extensive experience, he pointed out that his prior tenures as head coach of the Super Eagles were brief, never exceeding six months.
“In 2006, I was there for six months; every other time it was two months, two games, or three games,” he recalled.
He pointed out the longer tenures of previous coaches like Clemens Westerhof and Gernot Rohr, stating,
“They got some time. I never got straight two years.”
Looking ahead, Eguavoen faces the challenge of guiding the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and overseeing the home-based Eagles’ qualification for next year’s CHAN tournament in East Africa. The NFF must provide the necessary support and commitment.
As he prepares for these important assignments, Eguavoen’s call for a long-term strategy reflects his desire to foster stability and success within the Super Eagles setup.
