Augustine Eguavoen advocates for a Nigerian coach to lead the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He emphasizes the urgency of appointing a homegrown coach to understand local football dynamics and effectively connect with passionate fans while urging the NFF to act quickly.
Augustine Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has strongly advocated for the appointment of a Nigerian coach to lead the Super Eagles as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approach. Eguavoen emphasized that a homegrown coach would better understand the unique challenges of Nigerian football and connect with the team’s passionate fanbase.
The Super Eagles have been without a permanent head coach following Finidi George’s resignation after a disappointing run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Eguavoen, who temporarily took over, led the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, with the World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, he believes it is critical to appoint a new coach without delay.
Eguavoen expressed concerns over the urgency of the situation, highlighting that March is fast approaching and the Super Eagles need to begin preparations. He stressed that the appointed coach must be able to settle in quickly, discuss tactics with the team, and start planning for the upcoming qualifiers.
Despite rumors of the NFF considering foreign coaches, Eguavoen maintains that a local coach is the right choice for the job. He believes that Nigerian coaches are more familiar with the country's football culture and can more effectively engage with both the team and the fans. Eguavoen urged the NFF to make the decision swiftly to ensure the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
