Gifted Markson
The spotlight is once again on Austin Eguavoen as the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
With the NFF yet to finalize the appointment of a permanent head coach, Eguavoen, who has been a steady presence in Nigerian football, has been tasked with guiding the team through these crucial fixtures.
The 59-year-old, who has a rich history with the Super Eagles both as a player and a coach, has reportedly compiled a preliminary list of 40 players for the double-header. However, the final squad will be trimmed to 23, with the official announcement expected later this week.
Fans can expect to see familiar faces such as Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Semi Ajayi among the selected players.
These stars have consistently performed at the highest levels and are likely to be key figures as Nigeria embarks on their qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles will kick off their journey on September 7th at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where they will face Benin Republic. Just three days later, they will travel to Kigali to take on Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium.
Both matches are crucial as the team seeks to secure early points in the race to qualify for the continental showpiece.
Eguavoen’s experience and knowledge of the game will be vital in navigating these challenges, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the permanent coaching role.
As the Super Eagles gear up for these encounters, the nation will be watching closely to see how the team performs under his stewardship.