Augustine Eguavoen reflects over immense pressure as Super Eagles interim coach

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with managing the Super Eagles.

Eguavoen made the remarks after the unveiling of the new Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, FCT.

The Super Eagles have been without a permanent coach since Finidi George resigned following disappointing results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Eguavoen stepped in as interim head coach for the fourth time in August 2024 and successfully led Nigeria to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco later this year.

With Chelle now appointed as the new head coach, Eguavoen will revert to his role as head of the Technical Department at the NFF.

“It’s a hot seat, but we should do everything we can to make it as cool as possible,” Eguavoen said. “It’s not about me or Eric; it’s about Nigeria and flying our flag at the World Cup in 2026.”

Despite Eguavoen’s brief time as interim coach, the Super Eagles now face the challenge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The team currently sits fifth in their qualifying group with just three points from four matches.

Their next challenges include playing against group leaders Rwanda in Kigali, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe.