Super Eagles interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has responded to critics who frequently point out the number of times he has taken charge of Nigeria’s national football team. In a recent interview, Eguavoen sought to clarify the context of his multiple stints, asserting that they have often been brief and not indicative of a long-term management strategy.
Eguavoen’s Coaching Journey
Eguavoen’s coaching career began immediately after his retirement from playing, with initial roles at Maltese club Sliema Wanderers and Bendel Insurance in Nigeria. His first major appointment with the Super Eagles came in June 2005, leading to a bronze medal finish at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt before being dismissed in April 2006.
He briefly returned in 2010, succeeding Lars Lagerback, and then had another stint in 2021 during the AFCON, which ended with a second-round exit to Tunisia. Now, Eguavoen finds himself in his fourth role as the head coach, a position he took on following the NFF’s struggle to appoint a permanent successor to Finidi George.
Eguavoen’s Response to Critics
Addressing the criticisms on Brila FM during the program No Holds Barred, Eguavoen stated, “The general question to the country, will they be patient with me? Because people now say this is Eguavoen’s fourth stint as the Super Eagles coach, well agreed.”
He emphasized that his previous terms have been short-lived, stating, “But to let the people know, the first time I ever coached the Eagles in six months was in 2006. And every other time, it was either two months, two games, or three. Then in Cameroon AFCON, it was from December to March also covering the World Cup. Then people say fourth stint of Eguavoen coaching; it is not 100% correct.”
Eguavoen’s comments highlight his desire for understanding and patience as he navigates this current period as head coach of the Super Eagles, seeking to establish a more stable footing for the team moving forward.