The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have turned to a familiar face, Austin Eguavoen, appointing him as interim head coach of the Super Eagles after negotiations with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through.
This decision sees Eguavoen take charge of the national team for the fourth time.
As Nigeria prepare to face Benin in Uyo on September 7th, before travelling to Kigali to tangle with Rwanda three days later, here are three key reasons why Eguavoen is the right man to lead the Super Eagles during this crucial period.
Eguavoen's deep knowledge of the players
One of Austin Eguavoen’s most significant advantages is his intimate knowledge of the current Super Eagles squad.
Out of the 23-man team called up for the upcoming fixtures, Eguavoen has previously coached 16 of them in his prior stints with the national team. This familiarity is crucial, as it allows him to quickly implement his tactical philosophy without the need for an extended period of adjustment.
His understanding of each player's strengths, weaknesses, and preferred playing styles ensures that the Super Eagles can hit the ground running in their upcoming matches.
This familiarity also fosters a strong sense of trust and respect between the coach and the players, which is vital for team morale and performance.
Super Eagles impressive in parts at AFCON 2021
Austin Eguavoen’s most recent tenure as head coach came during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he led Nigeria to the Round of 16.
Under his guidance, the Super Eagles dominated the group stage, winning all three of their matches and earning accolades as the best team of the group stage. Eguavoen himself was named the best coach of the group stage, a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players.
Although the team was ultimately eliminated in the Round of 16 by Tunisia, the former Nigeria international could rightly argue that individual mistakes, by Maduka Okoye on the decisive goal and Alex Iwobi in getting sent off, decided the outcome.
His ability to inspire the team to play an attractive and effective brand of football will be crucial as the Super Eagles aim to secure victories in their upcoming fixtures.
Experience within the Nigeria international set-up
Austin Eguavoen’s extensive history with Nigerian football is another reason why his appointment makes sense.
Over the years, he has managed various national teams, including the U-17, U-20, U-23, and the Super Eagles, both as a caretaker and interim coach. His experience spans two decades, beginning in 2002 when he first took charge of the Nigeria U-20 team.
This wealth of experience, coupled with his deep understanding of the unique challenges and expectations that come with coaching Nigeria, makes Eguavoen a steady hand in turbulent times. He knows what it takes to navigate the pressures of international football, and his previous successes with the national team provide a solid foundation for the upcoming matches.
