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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed former Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen as interim coach of the national team.
Eguavoen replaces Jose Peseiro who left the role after leading the team to the final of the 2023 (AFCON).
Nigeria lost to host nation Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the competition on 11 February. Peseiro’s contract with the team expired in February as well.
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There were reports that the NFF was negotiating with the Portuguese to renew his contract. However, Peseiro will no longer lead the senior men’s national football team.
Eguavoen is coach (interim) of the Super Eagles yet again
58-year-old Eguavoen has had previous experience managing the national team. He acted as its technical director from 2020 to 2021.
He has also served as caretaker coach of the Super Eagles in two different spells – first in 2010 and again from 2021 to 2022.
During his second stint as caretaker boss, Eguavoen led Nigeria to a round of 16 place at AFCON 2021. However, he failed to guide the team to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The Super Eagles were beaten by rivals Ghana in the playoffs.
Peseiro departs the Super Eagles
In a post on his X account on Friday afternoon, Peseiro said: “Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles.”
“It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.
“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.”
Meanwhile the NFF is yet to make an official statement to confirm or deny the latest development.
