Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen, has described as “baseless and hurtful” the reports suggesting that he and Coach Ladan Bosso are being considered to take over as head coach of the Super Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should current coach Eric Chelle fail to secure World Cup qualification.
Eguavoen, who previously managed the national team on multiple occasions, strongly refuted the claims, insisting he remains fully committed to his role as technical director and supportive of Chelle’s leadership.
“I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I really have no idea where they are coming from,” Eguavoen said. “I have a very good working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle, and I have absolutely no interest in taking over the squad. I am praying for him to succeed.”
The former Super Eagles player also criticised what he described as attempts to sow division within the national team setup, recalling similar incidents during the tenures of Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro.
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“This was how the same speculators created schism and disaffection between myself and Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro at different times. It is uncalled-for,” he added.
Eguavoen called for unity within Nigerian football circles, stressing that collective support is crucial as the Super Eagles face a tight finish in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“We all need to work together to see the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup and win the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,” he said.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, three behind Benin Republic and South Africa, who occupy the top two spots. With only two matches remaining, Nigeria must win their final two fixtures against Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday and Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14, and hope South Africa drop points to stand any chance of qualification.
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