Super Eagles Vacant Coaching Role: NFF Debunks Appointing Augustine Eguavoen

• The NFF says it has not appointed Augustine Eguavoen as Super Eagles coach
• The football body is presently searching for a new Nigeria coach
• Former coach Jose Peseiro left his position after his contract expired

The Nigeria Football Federation has debunked reports suggesting that it has appointed Augustine Eguavoen as the Super Eagles' interim manager following the departure of Jose Peseiro from the role.

Rumours had circulated that the former Nigeria defender had been appointed to temporarily take charge of the national team for its upcoming March international friendly games until a new manager is appointed.

According to The Nation, a source at the NFF has now tagged the rumours as “a joke taken too far” as the football body has yet to decide on the Super Eagles' coaching role.

Troost Ekong backs Jose Peseiro to continue as Super Eagles coach

Football

“There’s nothing for Eguavoen as far as I know, and, in fact, nobody ever mentioned him in any capacity for the Super Eagles. I think those guys are just joking. Nobody has mentioned Eguavoen as Super Eagles’ interim manager.”

Eguavoen has been the NFF's Technical Director since 2020, and he was named Super Eagles manager on an interim basis for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ikpeba calls for Peseiro’s respect

Meanwhile, former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has criticised Nigerians for attacking former Super Eagles coach Peseiro's performance at the 2023 AFCON, Complete Sports reports.

The 63-year-old tactician led Nigerians to the silver medal at the competition in the Ivory Coast but faced heavy criticism from fans of the Super Eagles for his style of play in the tournament.

Ikpeba claims Peseiro, who left his role as Super Eagles coach after the expiration of his contract with Nigeria, deserves so much respect and not criticism for his exploits with the national team.

Nigerians with huge relief as Algerian ignores Peseiro, appoints another manager, report

Football

Odegbami happy with Peseiro’s exit

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nigeria legend Segun Odegbami has advised the NFF to hire a local coach for the Super Eagles to replace the departed Peseiro following the expiration of the Portuguese contract.

The 1980 AFCON winner boasts Nigeria needs a coach who will win trophies for the nation, unlike Peseiro as he aimed a subtle jibe at the former Super Eagles head coach.

Peseiro announced a few days ago that he was stepping down as Nigeria coach, only weeks after leading the Super Eagles to the 2023 AFCON final in Ivory Coast.