NFF Appoints Eguavoen After Labbadia Deal Fails.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Augustine Eguavoen as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles following the collapse of the deal with German coach Bruno Labbadia. The agreement with Labbadia fell through due to issues related to German tax regulations, which the NFF was unwilling to cover, leading to Labbadia’s resignation just days after his appointment was announced.

Eguavoen, who has previously led the team in various capacities, will now take charge for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. This decision was confirmed by posts on X and statements from the NFF, indicating a swift transition to Eguavoen to ensure continuity and preparation for the crucial matches.

Eguavoen Coaching Career

Augustine Eguavoen, born on August 19, 1965, has had a varied career both as a football player and coach. Here’s an overview of his coaching career:

• Early Coaching Career: Eguavoen began his coaching journey with Sliema Wanderers in Malta, serving as a player-coach during the 2000-01 season. His tenure there saw the club finish second in the league.
• Nigeria National Team: Eguavoen has been associated with the Nigeria national team, known as the Super Eagles, on multiple occasions. His first stint as caretaker coach was in 2005, where he led the team to a bronze medal at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he was sacked in April 2006. He returned as caretaker in 2010 but expressed no interest in applying for the permanent position. His most recent interim appointment was in December 2021, following the departure of Gernot Rohr, where he prepared the team for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
• Club Coaching: After his initial national team roles, Eguavoen took on various club coaching positions. He managed Black Leopards in South Africa in 2008, followed by a brief stint at Enyimba International in Nigeria, where he led them to a third-place finish and won the Federation Cup. He also coached teams like Sharks F.C., COD United, and Bendel Insurance, among others, with varying degrees of success.
• Recent Developments: As of August 2024, following the collapse of negotiations with Bruno Labbadia, Eguavoen was appointed as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This decision was influenced by his previous experience with the national team and the immediate need for leadership after the failed deal with Labbadia.

Eguavoen’s career reflects a deep involvement with Nigerian football, both at the club and international levels, showcasing his commitment to developing football within the country despite the ups and downs typical of a coaching career. His multiple returns to the national team indicate a level of trust and familiarity from the Nigeria Football Federation, even if his tenures have been marked by interim or caretaker roles.