Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has described as “hurtful and unhelpful” reports linking him with a possible return as Super Eagles head coach, insisting he is not interested in replacing Eric Chelle.
Speculation in local media had suggested that Eguavoen and Barau FC gaffer Ladan Bosso were being lined up to take charge of the national team if Chelle failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the former Nigeria international has firmly dismissed those reports, saying they were aimed at creating distractions within the national setup.
“I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I really have no idea where they are coming from,” Eguavoen said in an NFF statement on Thursday.
“I have a very good working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle, and I have absolutely no interest in taking over the squad. I am praying for him to succeed.”
Augustine Eguavoen. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Eguavoen, who managed the Super Eagles on an interim basis in 2024 before Chelle’s appointment, warned that divisive rumours had previously caused tension between him and former coaches Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro.
“This was how the same speculators created schism and disaffection between myself and Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro, when these gentlemen coached the Super Eagles, at different periods. It is uncalled-for,” he said.
“We all need to work together to see the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup and win the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations championship in Morocco.”
Focus shifts to crucial World Cup qualifiers
Nigeria are entering a critical stage in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, with two matches left to play against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
RECORD NIGERIA – JANUARY 13: Coach Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director left with Chelle right during the unveiled the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric SÃ kou Chelle at the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. Photo by Nff Copyright: xx
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C, three points behind leaders Benin and second-placed South Africa, with only the group winners guaranteed an automatic spot at the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
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FIFA docked South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho, a ruling that has reignited Nigeria’s hopes of qualification.
The race for top spot remains wide open, with Nigeria, Benin, South Africa, Rwanda, and Lesotho all still mathematically in contention. Zimbabwe are the only side officially out.
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Chelle’s men will face Lesotho at 5:00 p.m. (Nigeria time) and 6:00 p.m. local time on Friday in South Africa, with the game live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Variety, and NTA Sports.
Victory is essential if Nigeria are to keep their World Cup dream alive ahead of their decisive final qualifier at home to Benin.
