The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finally put an end to the uncertainty surrounding the Super Eagles by confirming that Augustine Eguavoen will continue in his role as caretaker coach. This announcement comes just ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Libya scheduled for October.
The air had been thick with speculation about who would lead the national team, especially after Eguavoen had cast doubt on his position following a lackluster 0-0 draw against Rwanda. At that time, he hinted that he was only contracted for two matches, which led to questions about his future. “It ends today. I can’t talk about Libya because I haven’t been told about it,” he told reporters at the Kigali Airport, further fueling rumors about his potential exit.
However, with the NFF’s announcement, Eguavoen is now tasked with the critical job of planning for the upcoming double-header against Libya, including player invitations and tactical strategies, a decision that has drawn a spectrum of reactions from fans, analysts, and stakeholders within Nigerian football, many of whom are questioning the NFF’s commitment to hiring a new foreign manager.
Clinton McDubus, a well-known football analyst and podcaster, shared his insights with DAILY POST. “In the circumstances, I think it makes sense,” he stated. “They’ve left it too late in the search for the coach they’ve been after. The matches are coming thick and fast, and right now, continuity beats a new start.”
According to McDubus, the timing of this decision seems prudent. “I think it’s the best decision for the team currently, at least until the new year when there’s an extended break, and a new coach can come in and have significant time to work. That is, assuming Eguavoen has not impressed enough and they still want a new foreign coach.”
While Eguavoen’s appointment as caretaker has provided some stability for the Super Eagles, there’s speculation that he has been asked to remain in the interim so the NFF can continue its search for an expatriate manager. Yet, the question remains: could Eguavoen be reinstated as a permanent coach if he performs well?
“Yes,” McDubus responded thoughtfully. “If he runs through all the qualifying games before the New Year and wins them comfortably, I believe they will just stick with him and make it permanent again.”
The focus now shifts entirely to the upcoming fixtures against Libya. The Super Eagles will host the North African team on October 11 in Nigeria, before traveling to Tripoli for the return match on October 15. As things stand, Nigeria leads Group D with four points, while Libya languishes at the bottom with just one point. The Super Eagles have had a decent run so far, having thrashed Benin Republic 3-0 in Uyo, although they could only manage a draw against Rwanda.
Under Eguavoen’s stewardship, the Super Eagles have displayed a newfound sense of freedom on the field and a solid defensive strategy, as indicated by the two clean sheets they managed to maintain. However, as McDubus pointed out, Eguavoen still has areas that require improvement if Nigeria is to secure its place in the tournament. “I think his ability to react when his primary tactic has been figured out and shut down is his biggest weakness,” he elaborated.
Typically, these challenges emerge against stronger teams led by tactically savvy coaches. “He needs to react better and make better substitutions in general,” McDubus advised. “Not just the subs he has planned ahead of the match, but subs that are relevant to the specific situation of the game.”
As October 11 approaches, Eguavoen faces a unique opportunity to silence critics and establish himself as a capable leader for the national team. If he can bring out the best in his players and adapt his strategies effectively, he could not only guide Nigeria through the qualifiers but also earn a permanent position in the process.
As football fans gear up for the matches, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher. The Super Eagles will need to rally together, display resilience, and fight for every point. In the beautiful game, as in life, anything can happen. For Eguavoen, the road ahead is both challenging and filled with potential. With the right mindset, preparation, and execution, the Super Eagles could very well soar to new heights under his guidance. The question remains: will they?
