KIGALI – Austine Eguavoen, the interim coach of Nigeria’s senior national football team, has announced his departure from the role following the Super Eagles’ 0-0 draw against Rwanda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Eguavoen, who was appointed on a temporary basis after talks with German coach Bruno Labbadia broke down, was tasked with leading the team through two key qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Eguavoen guided Nigeria to a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in their opening match and followed it up with a goalless draw in Kigali against Rwanda, securing four points from a possible six.
Speaking at the airport in an interview with Pius Idoko, Eguavoen made it clear that his mandate was limited to these two games.
“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 supported me in terms of discipline and working hard,” Eguavoen stated.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with the players’ performance and discipline but confirmed that his tenure had ended.
When asked about Nigeria’s next qualifier against Libya in October, the coach declined to comment, noting that his role was strictly tied to the two games.
“It ends today, which is the two games mandate. I can’t talk about Libya because I haven’t been told, but however, I can talk about it a little bit in case we have another coach. 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,” he added.
Eguavoen praised the team’s spirit and commitment, expressing optimism about the future of Nigerian football. “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 concluded.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected to announce a permanent head coach ahead of the Super Eagles’ next AFCON qualifier against Libya.
