The Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Augustine Eguavoen, has made a compelling argument for appointing a Nigerian coach to lead the Super Eagles.
Amid the ongoing search for a permanent head coach, Eguavoen believes that a local tactician is best equipped to understand the unique challenges facing Nigerian football and connect with the team’s passionate fanbase.
The Super Eagles have been without a permanent manager since Finidi George resigned following a challenging period in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Finidi, who had taken the reins from the previous coach, faced frustration after a 2–1 loss to Benin and a 1–1 draw with South Africa.
His resignation was partly due to the NFF’s decision to hire a foreign technical adviser, a move he felt conflicted with the team’s goals and vision.
Eguavoen stepped in as caretaker coach and successfully led Nigeria to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare.
However, with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, Eguavoen is urging the NFF to expedite the appointment of a new coach to guide the team through the crucial upcoming matches.
“All hands must be on deck. We want to try and qualify for the World Cup,” Eguavoen said on a sports program Sports Salsa which aired on Kennis FM.
“March is just around the corner. If we have to do something about the team, we need to do it quickly. That person should come in as soon as possible, settle down, so we can discuss, tweak things, exchange ideas, and plan the way forward.”
While there have been reports that the NFF has been in discussions with foreign coaches, Eguavoen remains firm in his belief that a homegrown coach is the best choice.
“The earlier, the better. We should stay at home for the choice of head coach,” he said.
“The technical crew has to be expanded, but the head coach should be homegrown because we understand the situation and feel the pulse of the people.”
With the Super Eagles currently sitting fifth in their World Cup qualifying group with just three points from four matches, the pressure is mounting.
They are set to face group leaders Rwanda in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
