Austin Eguavoen Denies Stepping Down as Super Eagles Coach Amid AFCON Qualifiers

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Austin Eguavoen, has refuted claims that he is stepping down as the interim coach of the Super Eagles following the recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Eguavoen was appointed to manage the team for these matches after the NFF failed to secure German coach Bruno Labbadia due to what they cited as stringent German tax laws.

A statement announcing Eguavoen’s appointment noted, “Coach Augustine Eguavoen will now take charge of the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Uyo, September 7) and Rwanda (Kigali, September 10).”

The 59-year-old led Nigeria to a solid 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Saturday, but the team was held to a goalless draw by Rwanda on Tuesday.

Following the draw in Kigali, reports emerged suggesting that Eguavoen had stepped down. However, Eguavoen has denied these reports and confirmed his continued role ahead of next month’s AFCON qualifiers against Libya.

“It’s unfortunate that false information is being spread. At this time, we don’t need negative stories,” Eguavoen stated upon arriving at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

“I only mentioned discussing the situation with the NFF after these games to plan for the future. I was concerned to see that story. What’s being reported isn’t accurate. I’m still in charge as the Technical Director of the NFF and responsible for leading the Super Eagles,” he added