Super Falcons: 3 reasons Eguavoen deserves permanent job after Comoros win

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have made a winning start under interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen.

The 10-time African champions defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games second-round qualifying tie at Remo Stars Stadium on Friday, October 9.

Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scored in the second half to secure the victory after Nigeria struggled to convert their early chances.

A veteran tactician and administrator in men’s football, the Comoros game was Eguavoen’s first time handling a women’s team at national or club level.

The Nigerian Football Federation remains undecided about whether a foreign or indigenous coach would lead the Super Falcons going forward.

However, Eguavoen’s debut offered encouraging signs as the Super Falcons pursue Olympic qualification.

3 reasons Eguavoen could be the right coach for Super Falcons

1. Eguavoen delivers immediate Super Falcons results under pressure

The first reason Eguavoen deserves serious consideration is his ability to get the job done despite limited preparation time.

Several key players players were unavailable, a number of newbies were invited and the technical crew were working together for the first time. Still, Eguavoen brought his experience to bear in squad management and team organisation.

Nigeria dominated much of the first half against Comoros but struggled with their final ball and finishing. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Alozie also struck the woodwork before the break.

However, the Super Falcons returned with greater purpose after half-time. Alozie opened the scoring in the 48th minute, while Kanu doubled the advantage on the hour mark.

The 2-0 victory gives Nigeria a valuable advantage ahead of Tuesday’s second leg and puts them in a strong position to reach the third qualifying round, where Morocco await the aggregate winners.

It could be at that point that Eguavoen may need to demonstrate that his positive start can develop into consistent performances against stronger opposition.

2. He is willing to trust young players

The retirement of veteran defenders Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale has increased the need to develop the next generation of Super Falcons stars. Even more so, when you consider the ages of Francesca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala and Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and several others on the other side of 30.

Eguavoen took a step in that direction by handing former Nigeria Under-20 captain Joy Igbokwe her senior international debut in the starting line-up.

Janet Akekoromowei and Suliat Abideen also earned their first senior caps after coming on as substitutes. MK Dons captain Favour Omenazu, 24, is also a first-timer in camp who could make her maiden appearance in the second leg.

Eguavoen has never been one too shy to give youth a chance. In his first-ever spell in charge of the Super Eagles, Eguavoen took nine players who were only 21 or under to AFCON 2006, including 18-year-olds John Mikel Obi and Victor Obinna.

A permanent appointment would give Eguavoen more time to identify emerging Super Falcons talents, strengthen competition for places and build continuity within the squad.

His challenge will be to ensure that opportunities for younger players translate into improved performances and greater squad depth.

3. He offers continuity and local knowledge

If the NFF decides against recruiting an expensive foreign coach, Eguavoen could offer a practical alternative.

His experience as the federation’s technical director gives him an understanding of Nigerian football’s structures and the challenges facing the national teams.

That familiarity could help him settle into the role without the adjustment period a new appointment might require.

However, the NFF must weigh those advantages against the need for a clear long-term plan, adequate resources and strong international results.

There are a number of tactically astute coaches, with the hunger to succeed in international women’s football that the NFF can still engage for the Super Falcons. They will also not demand a huge salary that will dig a massive hole in the federation’s small purse.

However, if that is not the path the NFF wants to follow, Eguavoen remains a positive choice. And he has made a convincing first impression. Progress in the Olympic qualifiers and evidence of sustained improvement could strengthen his case for the permanent position.