Against the backdrop of the resignation of Jose Peseiro as Coach of the Super Eagles, plans have been concluded to have former Nigerian coach and captain, Augustine Eguavoen, as interim coach, Africa Today News, New York reports.
After Peseiro’s formal contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expired on February 29, 2024, without a renewal, the position of manager of Nigeria’s national team became vacant.
The Super Eagles were led by the Portuguese tactician to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) final in the Ivory Coast more than eighteen months ago.
He was, however, unable to end the country’s 10-year trophy drought as Nigeria lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Peseiro stated that he will not be renewing his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, which elapsed on February 29.
“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF.
Read Also: AFCON: Eagles Deserved Victory Over Angola – Peseiro
“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,” Peseiro wrote.
Eguavoen is in line to be appointed as the interim coach of the Super Eagles.
The 58-year-old has prior experience in managing the national team, having 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 spell as caretaker boss, Eguavoen guided Nigeria to a round of 16 finish at AFCON 2021 but could not lead them to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup after the Super Eagles were beaten by rivals Ghana in the playoffs.
Though the Portuguese born tactician had an option to renew the contract, he chose to resign from the job.