National Teams
Former Nigeria international urge NFF to stick with Eguavoen for Super Eagles post
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria ex-international Etim Esin has expressed strong support for Augustine Eguavoen to be appointed as the permanent head coach of the national team.
Esin believes that indigenous coaches should be prioritized for the Super Eagles, citing past successes under local leadership.
He noted, “The last time the Eagles won the AFCON, it was delivered by an indigenous coach who also took the national team to the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.”
Reflecting on his personal connection, Esin stated, “Eguavoen is my teammate from our days in the Eagles, so I will always support him.”
Esin emphasized Eguavoen’s experience and capability, pointing out, “Keshi, may his soul rest in peace, won the Nations Cup with the Super Eagles and took Nigeria to the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup.” He believes Eguavoen has what it takes to lead Nigeria to future successes.
Additionally, Esin advocated for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to invest in Eguavoen’s development by sponsoring him to foreign countries for further coaching education.
“The most important thing is for us to give Eguavoen another chance. If we don’t fail in life, we don’t succeed. This is an opportunity for him to learn from his past mistakes,” he said, referencing the team’s performance in the AFCON qualifiers, where they have garnered four points from six.
He concluded, “Eguavoen is not a small man in the game, and it would benefit the NFF to send him to countries like England or Holland to upgrade his coaching knowledge. We must support our own to move forward.”