Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Coach Augustine Eguavoen, has dismissed media reports suggesting he is being considered to take over the Super Eagles if current head coach Eric Chelle fails to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reacting to the claims on Wednesday, Eguavoen described the reports as false and damaging, expressing disappointment over what he called an attempt to create division within the national team setup.
“I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I have no idea where they are coming from,” he said. “I have an excellent working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle and absolutely no interest in taking over the squad. I am praying for him to succeed.”
The former Super Eagles coach also recalled similar situations in the past, when speculation caused unnecessary tension between him and his predecessors.
“This is exactly how the same speculators created disaffection between myself and Gernot Rohr, and later José Peseiro, when they were in charge of the team,” he stated. “It is uncalled-for. We all need to work together to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup and win the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.”
Eguavoen urged fans and the media to support the team’s current technical crew, stressing that unity and focus remain crucial for Nigeria’s success in upcoming international competitions.
