National Teams
Morocco 2025: “Why I Accepted to Coach Super Eagles Again” – Augustine Eguavoen
By Wale Mustapha
Interim Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men national team, Augustine Eguavoen, has revealed his reasons for accepting the role for the fourth time.
Eguavoen, who steps in after the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) deal with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through, will guide the Super Eagles through their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
In his statement, Eguavoen explained that he did not actively seek out the position but felt compelled to accept the challenge.
“I am a member of the Federation, working as the Technical Director of the Nigerian Football Federation,” he said.
“When situations like this come and you are being called upon, you can’t say no. It is a task that I have performed, and it is a duty that falls under my responsibility.”
Eguavoen emphasized that his acceptance was driven by a sense of duty rather than personal ambition.
“For the fact that the hierarchy of the Federation now feels and thinks that I can salvage the situation, why not? But one thing should be clear to the public, I didn’t ask for this, I didn’t lobby for this, I didn’t apply for this; it is God’s favor,” he continued.
“Football gave me fame, name, and everything I have today, and it is something that I think I should be giving back to football and the Federation, of course, my employers.”
Eguavoen’s first match in charge will be against Benin Republic on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. He will then lead the Super Eagles to Kigali for their away game against Rwanda on Tuesday.
The 59-year-old, who has previously served as Super Eagles coach in 2005, 2016, and 2021, brings extensive experience to the role.
His previous tenures included guiding Nigeria through the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and leading the team to the round of 16 in the 2021 AFCON.
