Nigerian football enthusiasts have urged the Nigeria Football Federation to confirm Austin Eguavoen as the permanent coach of the Super Eagles following the team’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a game to spare, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Eagles sealed their spot after Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, taking their points tally to an unassailable 11 points in Group D.
Despite the team’s underwhelming performance against the Cheetahs, with Victor Osimhen’s late header cancelling out Mohamed Tijani’s first-half opener, fans believe Eguavoen deserves the role on a permanent basis.
“Dear NFF, now that the Super Eagles have qualified for the AFCON with a game to spare, let’s please take off ‘interim’ from Eguavoen’s title. Or what do you think?” Mighty George wrote on X.
Another fan, @NaijascoutforSE, added, “I agree, not just any coach should be appointed. If it’s not a high-grade foreign coach, let Eguavoen lead the team.”
“NFF, confirm Eguavoen now!!” Obong Itata demanded.
Paul Skoles offered a balanced view, writing, “I have no problems with Eguavoen remaining in charge, but we can at least admit that the team was poor yesterday. I put that down to complacency. What is important now is the World Cup qualifiers.”
“Eguaveon should continue,” Adekunle Gbadamosi wrote, while Opelia Monday added, “Eguaveon is a good coach that understands the Super Eagles job, but then he needs to draw motivation from Hansi Flick to thrive on different approaches going into games.”
Sports Journalist Sunday Agunbiade praised the coach’s achievement, saying, “You have qualified the Super Eagles for Africa’s biggest football fiesta,” advising Eguavoen to stay focused despite criticism.
Under Eguavoen’s leadership, the Eagles remain unbeaten in the qualifiers and will face Rwanda in their final group game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Monday.