By Daniel Edu
Contrary to circulating reports, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Ibrahim Gusau, has denied the appointment of Austin Eguavoen as the Super Eagles’ Interim Coach. Following the announcement by Jose Peseiro regarding the expiration of his contract with the team on March 1, 2024, speculation arose that Eguavoen had been reinstated as the interim coach.
Eguavoen, a former Nigerian national team player and head coach, previously served as the team’s interim manager in 2022 after the dismissal of Gernot Rohr in 2021. He guided the Super Eagles to the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, displaying an attractive style of football in the group stage but eventually losing 1-0 to Tunisia in the round of 16.
Despite the positive football displayed by the team, Ghana prevented them from qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the final phase of qualifiers. The news of Eguavoen’s potential return for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers raised concerns among Nigerian football enthusiasts.
When questioned by Punch about Eguavoen’s alleged return, NFF President Gusau responded with a clear “No” and emphasized that any official appointments would be communicated through the NFF’s official channels.
Reports suggested that Jose Peseiro did not extend his contract with the NFF due to a disagreement over salary terms. Peseiro, who led the Super Eagles to a second-place finish in the 2023 AFCON, reportedly requested a monthly salary of $120,000, which the NFF was unwilling to meet.
As the international break approaches in March 2024, the NFF is reportedly working to secure a new coach for the Super Eagles before their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic in June.
