
I can take job with conditions, says interim manager.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly abandoned its search for an expatriate coach to manage the Super Eagles and is now seriously considering appointing Augustine Eguavoen as the permanent head coach.
Eguavoen, who has served in an interim capacity for the team’s last two matches, could soon be given the full-time role if the NFF moves forward with the decision.
The NFF had initially embarked on an extensive search for a foreign coach to take over the reins of the national team following the departure of erstwhile manager Finidi George.
However, sources within the football body have indicated that the federation has grown weary of the prolonged process, citing financial constraints and the challenges of finding a suitable candidate.
“The decision will be announced after the back-to-back African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Libya, especially if he leads the team to good results,” a source told our correspondent yesterday.
Eguavoen, who is the Technical Director of the Federation, admitted he would be willing to take up the job if given a long-term contract and accorded patience and support.
“The Super Eagles job I’m doing right now if I were to switch permanently, it’s something I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply about because it’s not a small job,” he said in an interview on Brila FM monitored by our correspondent.
”It will be a tough one. You have to give me a long-term contract with patience and clauses in that contract because winning is not guaranteed every week or day. “You will give me time to tweak the team till I find what I want.
“In 2006, I was there for six months, every other time it was two months, two games or three games,” he said. “Clemens Westerhof was in charge between 1989 and 1994, (Gernot) Rohr was there for six years.
They got some time. “I never got straight two years.” He is already thinking about leading the team to qualification for the 2025 AFCON. “My bosses have confirmed I will continue for the rest of the AFCON qualifiers, I thank God for that,” he announced.
“We will approach the games one after the other. “We respect the other teams, but we will do everything possible to qualify for the AFCON.”