In a surprise move, Augustine Eguavoen, the interim coach of the Super Eagles, has announced his resignation from the role effective immediately after the team’s unconvincing 0-0 draw against Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday.
Eguavoen revealed that he was only given a mandate to oversee the Eagles’ matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. “I have been given a mandate to handle two games. I will want to say I am very pleased with the boys and again, thanks to the NFF leadership and all the boys who supported me in terms of discipline and working hard,” he said.
Despite his departure, Eguavoen expressed optimism about the team’s future. “I want to be closer to the team as it should be and I can give inside story and inside information that we need to be able to overcome Libya. No team is a pushover anymore but with this spirit that these boys have exhibited and from what I have seen, we have a very bright future,” he stated.
The Super Eagles played out a goalless draw against Rwanda, with Eguavoen’s side struggling to break down the hosts’ defense. The team’s profligacy and the brilliance of Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari denied them all three points.
Eguavoen’s resignation comes after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed him as interim coach on August 30, 2024, following the inability to secure the services of German coach Bruno Labbadia due to stringent German tax laws. The NFF will now face the task of appointing a new coach to lead the team against Libya in their next match.
