Former Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen is reportedly set to be appointed as interim coach of the team following the departure of Jose Peseiro.
Nigeria’s national team job became vacant after February 29, 2024, when Peseiro’s contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially expired.
The Portuguese tactician took over 18 months ago and led the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in the Ivory Coast.
He was, however, unable to end the country’s 10-year trophy drought as Nigeria lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Eguavoen to take charge as interim Super Eagles coach
Afrik Foot sources indicate that Eguavoen is in line to be appointed as the interim coach of the Super Eagles.
The 58-year-old has prior experience in managing the national team, having acted as its technical director from 2020 to 2021.
He has also served as caretaker coach of the Super Eagles in two different spells – first in 2010 and again from 2021 to 2022.
During his second spell as caretaker boss, Eguavoen guided Nigeria to a round of 16 finish at AFCON 2021 but could not lead them to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup after the Super Eagles were beaten by rivals Ghana in the playoffs.
Peseiro bids Super Eagles farewell
Meanwhile, Peseiro has expressed his gratitude to the NFF and all Nigerian supporters after ending his stint with the Super Eagles.
In a parting message, the former Porto and Venezuela coach said it was a privilege to be part of the Nigeria national team.
“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment,” Peseiro wrote on X (formerly Twitter)
“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the players, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.
“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.”
Nigeria’s next assignment will be in June when they take on South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
