Former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to make Augustine Eguavoen the permanent head coach of the national team.
Eguavoen has been serving as interim coach since Finidi George resigned in June, following a series of poor results. Since stepping in, Eguavoen has led the Super Eagles to an unbeaten record with three wins and one draw, including securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite this strong performance, the NFF are reportedly still considering a foreign coach for the role. Kanu, however, believes Eguavoen has proven himself worthy of a permanent contract.
“If I were the NFF president, I’d have given him the job by now,” The two-time CAF POTY told Brila FM. “What are they waiting for? Are we waiting for him to lose two matches before we say he should go? This is overdue; they have to act.”
Super Eagles need stability ahead of World Cup Qualifiers – Kanu
Eguavoen’s next major test will be guiding Nigeria’s bid for a spot at the 2026 World Cup, but Kanu stressed that a stable appointment is crucial. “They brought someone in, he’s doing well, winning matches—what else are you looking for?
“When coaches are doing well, you keep them. If they’re still looking for the ‘right one,’ when is that going to come? We don’t have time, qualifications here and there.”
Kanu also emphasized that with the wealth of talent in the Super Eagles player pool, any capable coach, whether foreign or local can succeed.
“When you have a team with 40 good players, what more could a coach ask for? You have 11 players on the pitch, another 11 on the bench who want to play; you are blessed with that,” he added.
