Why Eguavoen should resign as Super Eagles coach despite securing AFCON qualification

• Augustine Eguavoen still experiences that his period as interim coach of the Nigerian team was met with endless skepticism
• Despite qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the interim leader continued to divide opinion among many.
• We highlight some of the reasons why the 59-year-old manager should consider stepping down from his role as interim coach of the Super Eagles

Augustine Eguavoen’s tenure as interim coach of the Super Eagles has been far from without criticism.

Appointed after the Nigerian football Federation (NFF) has failed to find a replacement for the outgoing Finidi George, the 59-year-old tactician has achieved remarkable results with the team.

One of his achievements is the emphatic qualification of the Super Eagles for 2025 Africa Nations Cup (AFCON). However, despite these successes, fans have pointed out shortcomings in Eguavoen’s approach during his six games in charge.

Criticism increased after Nigeria’s surprising defeat in the final AFCON qualifying match against Rwanda. Despite having already secured a spot in the tournament, many fans criticized the interim coach for his team selection, which they said contributed to the unexpected loss.

In light of these renewed waves of criticism, we examine why Augustine Eguavoen should consider stepping aside as interim coach of the Super Eagles after achieving AFCON qualifying success.

Why Eguavoen should resign as interim coach

Save yourself from embarrassment

The need to protect his legacy and avoid potential embarrassment to the Super Eagles should be a top consideration for why Coach Eguavoen might consider stepping down from his role.

If the 59-year-old experiences a dip in form, as was the case at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, the same fans who once hailed him as a savior could quickly turn on him, reigniting calls for his removal.

The endless call for foreign coaches

Another crucial factor for Eguavoen to consider during his tenure as interim coach is the continued clamor for a foreign manager to take charge of the Super Eagles.

Despite the recent positive results achieved by the 59-year-old, a significant portion of fans continue to hope for a foreign tactician to lead the team. These adherents, currently lurking, will undoubtedly reappear in large numbers at the slightest opportunity.

The never ending criticism

Eguavoen must also reckon with the relentless wave of criticism he continues to face from Super Eagles fans.

The 59-year-old has faced his fair share of criticism, and with every match the team plays it seems like a new wave of criticism arises. This ongoing challenge may cause him to reconsider how long he is willing to endure such an intense and sustained adversity.

How Libya Helped Nigeria

Legit.ng reported on how Libya helped Nigeria qualify easily for AFCON 2025 despite their hostage situation at Al Abraq International Airport last month.

The Mediterranean Knights have been involved in three moves, two of which have indirectly contributed to the Super Eagles’ ease into the tournament in Morocco.

Source: Legit.ng