The interim Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, has debunked reports that he lobbied or applied for the position.
Eguavoen, who serves as the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF’s) Technical Director, was appointed as interim coach last Friday.
He said his appointment was made by the NFF and that he did not lobby or apply for the position.
The new Super Eagles coach’s immediate task is to lead the football team in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
“I’m a member of the Nigeria Football Federation, working as the Technical Director. When a situation like this comes and you’re called upon, you can’t say no,” Eguavoen said in a video shared by the NFF.
“It is a task I have to perform and a duty that falls under my responsibility,” he added.
Eguavoen’s appointment follows the resignation of Finidi George, who stepped down after just two games – included a loss and a draw in crucial World Cup qualifiers against Benin and South Africa.
The NFF has struggled to secure a permanent coach since George’s exit.
Candidates like Janne Andersson and Hervé Renard were considered, and Bruno Labbadia was briefly appointed before resigning just three days later, leaving the position vacant ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.
While Eguavoen’s reappointment marks his fifth stint as coach, he has defended the decision, emphasising that he was selected based on his role and did not actively seek the job.
