National Teams
Sylvanus Okpala: Former Nigeria star calls for Eguavoen stay as Super Eagles coach
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
After leading Nigeria to four points from their first two games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Benin Republic and Uganda, there are increasing calls for Augustine Eguavoen to be retained as head coach.
Eguavoen stepped in following the resignation of Finidi George, while the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) searches for a new permanent coach.
Former Nigeria midfielder Sylvanus Okpala believes the NFF should keep Eguavoen in charge, highlighting his positive results against Benin Republic and Rwanda in Kigali.
“We are looking for results, and Eguavoen has delivered,” Okpala said on Brila FM.
“Nigerians want good outcomes for the Super Eagles, and Eguavoen has provided that. I’m unsure what more they want.”
Known as “Quicksilver,” the 63-year-old Okpala supports the idea of Eguavoen leading the team, ideally with capable assistants.
He questioned the rationale behind seeking a new coach when Eguavoen has already shown effective results: “If they retain him, what’s the problem? I don’t see anything wrong with keeping a coach who has delivered good results.”
With the Super Eagles and Super Falcons both in search of a permanent coach, the men’s team’s situation is particularly pressing, as they have four crucial games remaining in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers before the end of the year.
