“It’s his passion” – Ex-Stoke City striker backs Eguavoen for full-time coaching role with the Super Eagles

Former Stoke City and Super Eagles attacker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, has backed Augustine Eguavoen to become the permanent head coach of the Nigerian National football team, Soccernet.ng report.

Eguavoen was appointed in the early days of September after talks between the NFF and former Wolfsburg coach, Bruno Labbadia, fell through.

Since then, the 59-year-old has lead the three-time AFCON winners to two wins and a draw from three games as they look to seal qualification to the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Following the team's performances over the last two International breaks, Odemwingie believes Eguavoen has what it takes to lead the Super Eagles.

“Eguavoen was the general manager when I signed my first professional contract with Bendel Insurance under him. The beauty with him is that he’s a lesson to our country. He’s well-spoken, he was a committed player, and now he’s a committed coach. He’s always available and takes the job with passion—it’s his life. He has a role to play, and he’s always been reliable. Right now, he’s doing well with 7 points in 3 games. It depends on what he is happy with.

He’s involved with CAF, he takes coaching courses, and he’s just a blessing to have. Whether permanent or not, he’s always there, ready for the job because it’s home for him, and it’s his passion.

I wish him all the best in his role. What he wants is also important—if he wants it permanent and he makes it known to the public then he has plans and obviously he will put forward his plans to the NFF and if they think it allign with ther vision then he can have it permanently. He’s done well in the past and is still doing well now. I wish him all the best,” the former LOSC Lille man told Brila.

Nigeria are currently top of their AFCON 2025 qualification group, leading with seven points from three games.