Segun Bailey 
The Nigeria Football Federation’s technical director, Augustine Eguavoen, has said the Super Eagles’ head coach Jose Peseiro retains his authority in selecting his team. Eguavoen acknowledged his department’s advisory role in football development, amidst concerns raised by local media about the Federation’s technical committee seeking insight into player selections.
Football legend, Eguavoen, reiterated that while discussions occur, the coach retains the final decision-making authority regarding team selection. “We have a coach who is in charge of the senior national team. The same thing applies to every country in the world. And we have the technical development who is in charge of football development in the country.
Yes, we can discuss, but he has the final say on who he wants to play at the senior team level. He has the final say. “But we will continue to see…he has been to a couple of games within the country and a few stadiums. So it is up to him to say [whether he] wants to include a home- based player or not.”
Eguavoen said. With the Super Eagles gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, concerns linger among fans regarding Peseiro’s capability, despite the team’s recent record of three draws and two wins in their last five matches. Eguavoen, understanding the nation’s fervour to secure the AFCON title, advocated for allowing Peseiro to focus on his duties without undue pressure, stressing the coach’s ultimate authority in senior team selections.
