Eguavoen, who was in charge of Nigeria’s ill-fated World Cup 2022 playoff clash against Ghana, will not get the chance to redeem himself.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has downplayed reports linking Austin Eguavoen with a return as the Super Eagles' new coach.
NFF dismisses Eguavoen idea as Super Eagles next manager
The NFF is currently searching for a new manager for the Super Eagles following Jose Peseiro’s departure.
14:02 - 01.03.2024
Peseiro confirms exit as Nigeria's coach after 'Pride and Honor' of Super Eagles spell
Nigeria and Jose Peseiro have decided to part ways after a successful outing at the AFCON 2023 in Cote d'Ivoire.
Peseiro left his role as Nigeria’s coach after leading the team to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Following Peseiro’s announcement, there were reports that Austin Eguavoen had been placed in an interim role.
However, the NFF has now debunked the rumour, saying it is a joke that has gone too far. According to an anonymous NFF source who spoke to The Nation, the NFF is not considering Eguavoen in any capacity as Nigeria’s men’s national team manager.
“There’s nothing for Eguavoen as far as I know, and, in fact, nobody ever mentioned him in any capacity for the Super Eagles,” the source told The Nation.
“I think those guys are just joking. Nobody has mentioned Eguavoen as Super Eagles’ interim manager,” he added.
Eguavoen's time with the Super Eagles
Eguavoen has served in that capacity before, though. The former Enyimba coach managed Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after Gernot Rohr was dismissed.
07:42 - 02.03.2024
Who will be next Super Eagles coach? Top 3 NPFL contenders to replace Peseiro
The Super Eagles managerial seat is vacant after Jose Peseiro's departure and the NFF could announce a replacement from the NPFL.
His tenure started well, winning his first three matches in the group stage before exiting in the round of 16 after the Super Eagles lost 1-0 to Tunisia.
Eguavoen also took charge of Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff clash against Ghana, but he could not lead the team to Qatar as Nigeria lost on away goals rule.