Nigeria: Eguavoen open to coaching Super Eagles for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Interim head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles Augustine Eguavoen has expressed his willingness to continue leading the team through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) calls on him, Soccernet.ng reports.

However, the former international defender has also urged the federation to swiftly decide on appointing a permanent manager, emphasizing the importance of clarity and preparation.

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“If I am called upon (by the NFF to manage the Super Eagles through the remainder of the 2026 WCQ series), I don’t know what I will say,” Eguavoen told Kennis FM.

“But all hands must be on deck. We want to try and qualify for the World Cup. March is just around the corner. If we have to do something (about the team), we need to do it quick.”

Eguavoen, who took the reins in September, successfully led Nigeria to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite this achievement, the NFF remains intent on appointing a foreign coach to lead the three-time African champions.

With the World Cup qualifiers resuming in March 2025, Eguavoen has stressed the urgency of finalizing the coaching situation.

“That person should come in as quickly as possible, settle down, so that we could speak, tweak things, exchange ideas, and talk about the way forward,” he continued.

“The earlier (that a substantive coach is found), the better.”

Nigeria face an uphill task to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles have struggled in their qualifying campaign, failing to win any of their first four games and trailing behind Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa in a group where only the top team secures automatic qualification.

The urgency is palpable as Nigeria seek to return to the global stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.