Stakeholders Concerned Over NFF’s Delayed Decision on Super Eagles Coaching Role

The NFF’s prolonged delay in appointing a head coach for the Super Eagles raises concerns among stakeholders, highlighting the need for timely decisions in Nigerian football management.

A few former Nigerian internationals have shared their opinions on Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen’s uncertain future with the national team.

Recent reports indicate that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is still considering hiring a foreign coach for the Super Eagles.

The NFF appointed Eguavoen to serve as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles in September this year.

Eguavoen led the team through the recently completed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Guided by him, the Super Eagles qualified from Group D with three wins, two draws, and one loss in six matches.

However, the future of the 59-year-old remains uncertain as reports suggest that the NFF is still considering hiring a foreign coach for the three-time African champions ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in March 2025.

Consequently, former Nigerian players such as Sunday Oliseh, Samson Siasia, and Mutiu Adepoju recently shared their opinions on Eguavoen and the managerial role of the Super Eagles.

Oliseh expressed his support for Eguavoen to remain as the coach of the Super Eagles.

The ex-midfielder referred to his past international teammate as a “smart and honest guy.”

“Austin Eguavoen is intelligent; he’s definitely not foolish. I want to emphasize that he has my complete support, as he is someone I deeply respect,” Oliseh stated.

“He’s someone I had challenges with, contributing to the honor of our homeland. He’s a sincere and upright individual.”

Siasia encouraged Eguavoen to resign from his position as interim coach of the Super Eagles.

He believes that Eguavoen should not simultaneously hold the positions of team manager and Technical Director of the NFF.

He also advised the NFF against employing a coach from abroad for the team.

“We don’t want foreign coaches here because they’re not coming to make any positive impact,” Siasia remarked.

Regarding Austin Eguavoen’s future with the Super Eagles, I suggest we wait to see how the team performs before making any conclusions.

“Eguavoen already holds a position as the technical director. He should step down from his role as Super Eagles manager and focus on that job,” he added.

In a similar manner, Adepoju urged the NFF to retain Eguavoen as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

“I’d give him a high rating. Firstly, we’ve achieved one of our goals by qualifying for the AFCON,” remarked Adepoju.

They should continue to encourage him, as I believe he’s making progress. I’ll rate him highly, so let’s keep supporting him.

Honestly, the NFF should promptly decide on Eguavoen and the Super Eagles.

Omale asked, “What is the duration they expect Eguavoen to continue as interim coach of Nigeria’s national team?”

The man has achieved success by leading the team to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The upcoming objective is to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it would be beneficial to resolve the Super Eagles coaching position permanently as soon as possible.

I believe their next World Cup qualifier is in three months, which means there’s no time to waste.

If the NFF intends to keep Eguavoen, they should appoint him as a permanent coach. This would allow him to fully concentrate on his role rather than balancing it with his responsibilities as the Technical Director of the NFF.

Personally, I don’t mind whether the Super Eagles have a foreign or local coach. What matters to me is that the coach can successfully do their job, beginning with securing a World Cup ticket.

“However, the NFF needs to make a decision urgently.”

He expressed his best wishes for the team and hopes they secure a spot in the World Cup after missing out on the last edition in Qatar.