Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, James Peter, has voiced his concerns over the appointment of Austin Eguavoen as the interim coach of the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.
Peter has openly criticised the decision, describing it as a “wind that blows nobody any good,” questioning the wisdom of the NFF in placing Eguavoen at the helm once more.
Eguavoen, who also serves as the NFF’s Technical Director, was handed the reins of the Super Eagles after the deal with the proposed new coach, Bruno Labbadia, fell through.
This is Eguavoen’s fourth stint in charge of the Nigerian national team, having previously managed the team from 2005 to 2007, in 2010, and again in 2022.
However, his last tenure was marred by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a disappointment that still lingers in the minds of many Nigerian football fans.
Peter, a veteran coach who almost led Nigeria to victory in the football tournament at the 1991 African Games in Cairo, has not held back in his assessment of Eguavoen’s capabilities.
Speaking on a radio programme as per The Nation, Peter expressed his lack of confidence in Eguavoen’s ability to lead the Super Eagles to success in the crucial AFCON qualifiers.
“We are walking on a tightrope, and I don’t think Eguavoen has the capacity; and at this stage, it’s a hopeless situation,” Peter stated.
Peter further criticised the NFF’s decision-making process, lamenting the time wasted in deliberations over the coaching appointment.
He believes that the choice of Eguavoen reflects poorly on the organization and fears it could lead to another disappointing outcome for the national team.
“What Eguavoen will do would be nothing to write home about,” Peter added.
Eguavoen’s track record as the national team coach has been a subject of debate, with many questioning his ability to succeed in this high-pressure role.
Peter described Eguavoen as a “serial failure” and argued that he lacks the experience and competence required for the job.
“Eguavoen is not experienced, but he just wants to be there; he’s not good enough to handle the national team. He has failed many times,” Peter continued.
“Must he fail the tenth time before they know that he cannot do it? It is an unfortunate situation, and we are not putting anybody competent enough in that place.”
The 21 Super Eagles players have reported to camp ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying opener against Benin Republic on Saturday, September 7.
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