Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, has dismissed recent claims linking him to the Super Eagles head coach position, calling the reports “false” and “disheartening.”
Speculations had spread in some media outlets suggesting that Eguavoen and Ladan Bosso were being lined up as possible replacements for current coach Eric Chelle if the team fails to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued through the NFF Communications Department, Eguavoen expressed disappointment over the rumours, stressing that he maintains a positive and professional relationship with Coach Chelle and has no intention of taking over his role.
“I’m deeply hurt by these unfounded reports,” Eguavoen said. “Coach Eric Chelle and I have a great working relationship, and I have no interest in his job. I’m praying for his success because that’s what matters most for Nigerian football.”
He also cautioned against attempts to stir division within the Super Eagles’ technical setup, recalling how similar stories in the past sought to create rifts between him and former coaches Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro.
“This kind of speculation only breeds unnecessary tension,” he said. “Our focus should be on unity and helping the team qualify for the World Cup and go all the way at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.”
Eguavoen’s remarks come just a day before Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, scheduled for Friday, October 10, at 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
