As the Super Eagles prepare for a decisive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin, interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has a unique opportunity to set a personal milestone, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian national team is scheduled to face Benin today, Thursday, November 14, at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Following that encounter, the Super Eagles will meet Rwanda four days later in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for their final match of the AFCON qualifying series.
While fans focus on Nigeria’s qualification for Morocco 2025, Eguavoen has his sights on an unbeaten run in the qualifiers — a feat that would mark his first complete qualifying campaign as head coach.
In his previous spells with the team, Eguavoen either assumed duties from a predecessor, like Christian Chukwu, or handed the reins over to a successor, such as Samson Siasia, before the series concluded.
This time, however, he has maintained an impressive record of three wins and one draw across four matches, and finishing the series without a loss would be a notable achievement in his Super Eagles career.
Beyond personal accolades, staying unbeaten could solidify Eguavoen’s position at the helm, potentially influencing the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to retain him for the World Cup qualifiers resuming in 2025.
With the NFF reportedly constrained by budget issues, Eguavoen’s results may delay any costly decision on a permanent coaching appointment.
Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles defender who lifted the AFCON trophy with Nigeria in 1994, seems unfazed by the occasion.
Nigeria currently top Group D with 10 points from four games, needing only a draw to secure their ticket to Morocco.
Benin, trailing with six points, are eager for a win to bolster their qualification hopes, having defeated Nigeria 2-1 during their World Cup qualifier clash in June.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Eguavoen acknowledged Benin’s strength, saying,
“It's the qualifiers. Two teams are going to play tomorrow, Benin versus Nigeria. We feel at home here because this is where we almost became champions of the AFCON, but with all respect as well, Benin is a very good team.”
He added, “We expect a very tough game tomorrow but we've come here with an objective.”
As both teams prepare for a fierce contest, Eguavoen stands on the brink of a record-breaking moment.
Leading the Super Eagles to an unbeaten qualification would not only mark a personal success but also reaffirm Nigeria's strength as they set their sights on AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
