Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) contract extension offer.

The Super Eagles gaffer disclosed that due to a technical programme he is about to undergo with FIFA, it will be impossible to combine coaching the national team.

Eguavoen, who took over as Super Eagles coach in September, has been instrumental in turning the team’s fortunes around, winning two games and losing just one to Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Monday.

Under Eguavoen’s leadership, the Super Eagles have shown significant improvement, particularly in their defensive record.

In his five games, the team has kept three clean sheets, a marked departure from their previous performances.

In contrast, the team conceded eight goals in their previous five games before Eguavoen’s appointment.

Eguavoen’s impressive record has led to widespread calls for his retention, with ex-internationals and football enthusiasts praising his leadership.

Former Super Eagles player Osaze Odemwingie has been particularly vocal in his support for Eguavoen, citing his passion, commitment, and reliability as key factors in his success.

“Eguavoen was the general manager when I signed my first professional contract with Bendel Insurance under him,” Odemwingie said.

“The beauty with him is that he’s a lesson to our country. He’s well spoken, he was a committed player, and now he’s a committed coach.”

Odemwingie added that Eguavoen has what it takes to lead the Super Eagles, highlighting his impressive record of 7 points in 3 games.

Despite the praise and calls for his retention, Eguavoen has chosen not to extend his contract with the NFF.

In his exclusive chat with Persecondnews, he revealed the reasons behind his decision, citing personal and professional considerations.

The Full Interview:

PSN: How do you feel about qualifying Nigeria for AFCON 2025?

Eguavoen: I want to thank God for the qualification, the NFF, who gave me a chance to marshal the team, and also the players who knew what they wanted and went all out for it.

PSN: Now that we have qualified, what’s the target?

Eguavoen: Last AFCON, we came second. The target in Morocco is to come back home with the trophy, but it’s easier said than done. We have to work collectively to achieve it.

PSN: What has been the most challenging situation you have faced since taking over the job?

Eguavoen: The challenge is the same everywhere: games are being played three or four days apart, which is demanding on the players. But because they understand our philosophy, it’s easy to adapt and win games.

PSN: The synergy between you, the coaching crew, and backroom staff is amazing. What’s the secret?

Eguavoen: I am very free with everyone, and you have to understand that your leadership style matters, but you must know your boundaries.

In the Super Eagles camp, it’s a family thing. When I first took over in September, I had a meeting with the entire backroom staff and shared how I operate with them.

I intentionally picked coaches from the Nigerian league as my two assistants, and they have been amazing with their club from last season to this season.”

PSN: Do you intend to accept the NFF job on a permanent basis if the opportunity presents itself?

Eguavoen: I would love to take the job on a permanent basis, but I have a technical leadership program I am pursuing with FIFA. My course won’t give me enough time to manage the team.

I was offered the job, but I explained to the authorities that I need to get my diploma first, then everything else can fall in place.

PSN: You played in USA 1994. Do you dream of taking the Super Eagles to USA 2026?

Eguavoen: It would be amazing to take the team to the World Cup. That’s the project we are working on now. It’s a collective effort to qualify for the Mundial in 2026, having missed out on the last edition when I was the coach.

I want to apologize to Nigerians for that game against Ghana. We didn’t qualify, yes, but we didn’t lose to them; it was through away goals that we got knocked out.

Eguavoen’s decision to decline the contract extension will send shockwaves through Nigeria’s football community.

With the Super Eagles’ impressive performances under his leadership, many had hoped that he would continue to lead the team.

However, Eguavoen’s decision raises questions about the future of Nigeria’s football and the Super Eagles’ prospects in upcoming games.