Austin Eguavoen, Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has refuted claims that he resigned as interim coach of the Super Eagles.
The NFF had appointed Eguavoen to lead the team for the qualifiers after it was unable to finalise an agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia, citing complications related to German tax regulations.
A part of the NFF’s announcement stated, “Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, will now oversee the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Uyo, September 7) and Rwanda (Kigali, September 10).”
Under his leadership, Nigeria secured a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Saturday, but were held to a goalless draw by Rwanda in the second match on Tuesday.
Following the draw in Kigali, reports surfaced suggesting that Eguavoen had stepped down as interim coach. However, ahead of the next round of AFCON qualifiers against Libya, Eguavoen denied these claims.
“It’s unfortunate that some people spread false information. At this critical time, we don’t need negative stories,” Eguavoen said upon arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
“I only mentioned that I would sit down with the NFF leadership after these two matches to discuss the way forward. When I saw the resignation rumours, I was concerned. The reports out there are not true. I’m still in charge. As the NFF Technical Director, I’m responsible for leading the Super Eagles at this time,” he clarified.