KAA Gent’s former maestro poised for Super Eagles coaching role

Former KAA Gent defender, Augustine Eguavoen, has unexpectedly emerged as a top candidate for the vacant Super Eagles head coach position, Soccernet.ng reports.

Currently serving as the technical director of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Eguavoen’s name has surfaced in the midst of mounting pressure as the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions prepare for their first AFCON 2025 qualifying clash next month.

The search for a new coach gained urgency following the departure of Finidi George, who resigned on June 15 after the NFF’s decision to appoint a foreign coach to oversee him despite his recent appointment in May.

The former Ajax forward, now managing Rivers United, cited a lack of support from the Nigerian FA as his reason for stepping down.

Despite Finidi’s exit, the NFF has yet to release an official statement, instead focusing on finding the right candidate to lead the national team.

French coach Herve Renard was initially linked to the role, but financial constraints may prevent the NFF from meeting his 150,000 euros salary demand.

Other names, including Tom Saintfiet, Eric Chelle, and Steve McClaren, have also been mentioned, though largely as speculation.

With the clock ticking and the Super Eagles’ next match against the Republic of Benin less than 20 days away, the NFF is reportedly considering promoting their technical director, Eguavoen, to the head coach position.