The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have finalized the coaching team for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Two-time Super Eagles coach and NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen, who is stepping in following Bruno Labbadia’s decision not to assume the role, has selected two coaches from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to join him in the dugout.
Fidelis Ilechukwu, the head coach of reigning Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers, and Daniel Ogunmodede, the manager of Remo Stars, will be Eguavoen's assistants.
Fidelis Ilechukwu
Fidelis Ilechukwu brings a wealth of experience and success to the Super Eagles’ technical bench. A former assistant coach of Nigeria's U23 team, Ilechukwu has garnered a reputation as one of Nigeria's best young coaches.
He guided Enugu Rangers to the league title and has also led Plateau United to the CAF Champions League. His coaching career includes stints with the now-defunct MFM FC and Heartland Football Club.
Daniel Ogunmodede
Daniel Ogunmodede is set to experience his first national team duties, having earned acclaim for his impressive work with Remo Stars.
Known for his effective playing style and excellent player management skills, Ogunmodede has quickly become one of the most respected coaches on the local scene.
Under his guidance, Remo Stars finished third in the 2022/23 NPFL season and improved to second place in the 2023/24 season, showcasing his coaching abilities.
Super Eagles begin AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign
Eguavoen, Ilechukwu, and Ogunmodede will join forces in Uyo as the Super Eagles' camp opens on Monday.
Also part of the backroom are Slovenian fitness trainer Tomaz Zorec, goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa and match analyst, Eboboritse Uwejamomere.
They will face Benin on September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, followed by an away game against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on September 10.
