The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Eguavoen

  • Eguavoen rules self  out of  Super Eagles’ return

    Eguavoen rules self  out of  Super Eagles’ return

    Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen , has expressed deep distaste over reports in sections of the media on Wednesday that he was being tipped, alongside Coach Ladan Bosso, to take over the job of coaching the Super Eagles for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, should Coach Eric Chelle fail to qualify the team for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.

    Read Also: 2026 FIFA WCQ: Red-hot Akor, Sanusi  swell Eagles as 20 train for Lesotho

     “I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I really have no idea where they are coming from. 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.

     “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. 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.”

  • CHAN: Eguavoen invites Rabiu Ali, 29 others for Ghana clash

    CHAN: Eguavoen invites Rabiu Ali, 29 others for Ghana clash

    Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has invited 30 players to camp as the team ramps up preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.  

    The tournament, now in its eighth edition, is exclusively for footballers playing in their home country’s domestic leagues under standard professional contracts.

    In a statement by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Head of Communications, Ademola Olajire, on Monday, the invited players have been instructed to arrive at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

    Kano Pillars’ evergreen midfielder, Rabiu Ali, who has scored eight goals this season, is among the players called.

    Others are Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, and Abia Warriors’ exciting forward Sunday Megwo.

    There are also Enyimba FC goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, Remo Stars’ wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers’ midfield ace Kazeem Ogunleye, and Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf.

    Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins, called up for last month’s 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, and Plateau United’s Adamu Abubakar were also called up.

    Read Also: Eguavoen rails over below par Super Eagles against Rwanda

    The Super Eagles B will train ahead of the first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, billed for the Accra Sports Stadium on Dec. 22, while the second leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Dec. 28.

    The CHAN finals is scheduled for February, jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

    List of Players:

    Goalkeepers: 

    Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)

    Defenders: 

    Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Mayo (Rivers United)

    Midfielders:

    Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)

    Forwards:

    Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United); Osy Martins (Lobi Stars); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Samuel Ogunleye (3SC); Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors); Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors); Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars). 

  • Eguavoen rails over below par Super Eagles against Rwanda

    Eguavoen rails over below par Super Eagles against Rwanda

    Interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has admitted that it was just a general bad day for the Super Eagles following shock Monday’s  home loss to the Wasps of Rwanda in the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers played in Uyo.

    Despite scoring first at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Eagles conceded two quick goals to allow the Rwandans secure a famous win on Nigerian soil in their  final game of the AFCON 2025  qualifiers.

    Eguavoen admitted that the Eagles were poor and he questioned the lack of productivity of the team’s strikers who were unable to reproduce their impressive clubs form for the country.

    “It was below standard but I feel very sad right now, it was not what we planned for,” Eguavoen said  at his post-match conference. “We scored a goal but against the run of play we conceded and then we tried to change formation but it didn’t work. It happens some days like that.

    “We conceded the second goal and then we tried to change the formation by bringing in two strikers it just didn’t work.

    Read Also: Full list of 24 qualified countries for AFCON 2025

    “Goals win games we all know that. They are scoring goals for their club sides and they are also scoring goals in training but when it to games they don’t score goals. We keep asking the same question.”

    Speaking in the same vein, Super Eagles skipper, William Troost-Ekong, said the players must take responsibility for their woeful performance against Rwanda.

    He noted that with two goals conceded from set pieces in two games, the Super  Eagles must improve in that area even as  he begged Nigerians to see the game as a little blip that the team will get over.

    He said: “We have to take responsibility. The set piece goal makes now two games that such goals were conceded. We have to work on that. We also have some changes in the team but I will take responsibility for that.

    “Set pieces are hard to defend and they could be very key to a game. It changes the momentum. It was one worst game that it could happen and this was it.”

  • I want to give players confidence, Eguavoen backs Boniface

    I want to give players confidence, Eguavoen backs Boniface

    Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has reaffirmed support for striker Victor Boniface, despite the forward’s ongoing struggle to replicate his impressive club form on the international stage.

    Speaking to the media after the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Rwanda on Monday, Eguavoen admitted that Boniface’s underwhelming performances have been a source of frustration. However, he emphasized that the striker remains a key part of his plans moving forward.

    The surprising defeat to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, saw the visitors overturn a deficit to claim victory. Despite the setback, Nigeria had already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, finishing atop Group D with 11 points.

    Addressing Boniface’s struggles to adapt to the national team, Eguavoen acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the player’s potential to find his rhythm.

    “Yes, good question. Boniface is capable of great things, especially in his club. When he comes here, we try to give him a lot of confidence and playing time,” he said.

    The coach acknowledged despite Boniface’s efforts, the striker has struggled to consistently find the back of the net.

    Eguavoen shared that he has had several personal conversations with Boniface to boost his confidence, emphasizing that self-assurance is a vital component of a player’s success on the pitch.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025: Eguavoen tips Super Eagles to beat Amavubi

    “I’m somebody who wants to give players confidence. I’ve done enough, but for whatever reason, he’s still not clicking with the team,” he said.

    Boniface’s struggles have drawn attention from fans, who have compared his performances to those of Victor Osimhen, a player renowned for his strong rapport with supporters.

    When questioned about Boniface’s potential inclusion in the squad for the next international break, Eguavoen responded with unwavering support, affirming the striker’s place in his future plans for the team.

    “He’s still part of the squad. He will remain part of the squad,” Eguavoen stated.

  • Morocco 2025: Super Eagles played below standard, Eguavoen says

    Morocco 2025: Super Eagles played below standard, Eguavoen says

    Super Eagles Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, who was not happy with his team’s 1-2 loss to Rwanda in the ongoing AFCON 2025 qualifier, said the team played below standard.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match, which was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, witnessed a goalless first half.

    Eguavoen who spoke after the match on Monday, said it was a sad day for the team to lose to Rwanda in Uyo, as he had strategised to win the match.

    He, however, expressed confidence in the players`ability, as football is all about winning, losing or drawing.

    “Below standard, I feel very sad right now. It was not what we planned for.

    “We scored and then against the run of play we conceded, and I tried to change formation, but it didn’t work.

    “We conceded a second goal, we changed the game formation, brought in two strikers, and it just didn’t work.

    “Football is about winning, losing or drawing. I think we have a strong squad but it just didn’t happen for us today. But I still very much believe in this team,” he said.

    Samuel Chukwueze had scored the only Nigerian goal and within the 10 minutes interval the Rwandan Samuel Marie equalised through a run of play.

    Also Speaking after the match, Rwanda Coach, Torsten Spittler, said he was proud of his boys as they played according to instructions.

    Spitter expressed happiness for defeating the Super Eagles on Nigerian soil, adding that he told his boys to frustrate the Super Eagles by playing their best.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025: Eguavoen tips Super Eagles to beat Amavubi

    “I’m very proud of my boys, how they played here in Nigeria. I think it was well deserved. We defended well and played good football.

    “Maybe today is our lucky day and a happy day for us, even though we have not qualified for the AFCON, but I think we are happy to have come here and get three points.

    “We gave them a hard time from the beginning, you could see in the faces of Nigerian players that they didn’t enjoy this evening,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite the defeat, the Super Eagles topped the group with 10 points to qualify for the AFCON scheduled for Morocco in 2025.

    (NAN)

  • Morocco 2025: Eguavoen tips Super Eagles to beat Amavubi

    Morocco 2025: Eguavoen tips Super Eagles to beat Amavubi

    Interim  Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen said the Super Eagles will go all out for victory against Rwanda on Monday, even with leadership of group D and a ticket to the 35th  Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco secured.

    The three-time African champions are determined to sustain their recent form and spirit ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that resume in four months, and Coach Augustine Eguavoen believes the absence of grieving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Olaoluwa Aina and in-form forward Ademola Lookman will not stop their momentum.

    First-choice goalkeeper Nwabali has been excused from camp to visit family and relations following the demise of his father, and English Premier League side Nottingham Forest begged for wing-back Olaoluwa Aina to be allowed to fly back to the United Kingdom for a crucial tie, with Nigeria already qualified for the AFCON.

    Rapid-raider Ademola Lookman, with two goals in the qualifiers like team mate Victor Osimhen, suffered a knock in the front end of this window’s double-header, against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan on Thursday, and left camp on Saturday.

    The Super Eagles are not unaware of the fact that the Amavubi are in the same 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with them, and that they (Rwanda) are the next opponents when the World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in March 2025.

    Read Also: Obasa Games has come to stay, says Lagos Speaker

    Monday’s encounter will see the return of former number one safe hands Maduka Okoye, and Bright Osayi-Samuel could start at right wing-back in the absence of Aina, with Bruno Onyemaechi at left wing-back, and Captain William Ekong and Calvin Bassey at centre-back.

    Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika are still the options in the middle.

    Victor Osimhen, whose goal earned the one point in Abidjan that took Nigeria to the top of the pool, will hope to score against the Amavubi, having come quite close a number of times when he joined the fray as a second-half substitute in Kigali in September.

    He also has the target of overtaking former captain Olusegun Odegbami on the goals’ tally for Nigeria.

    The absence of Lookman means so much will be expected from fit-fighting and usually-dependable Moses Simon, with Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface all in the race for slots in the fore.

  • Eguavoen lists Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, 20  others for Benin, Rwanda

    Eguavoen lists Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, 20  others for Benin, Rwanda

    Captain William Ekong, Atalanta of Italy’s Ademola Lookman, effervescent winger Moses Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and 19 other players will seek for six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this month.

    Coach Augustine Eguavoen has also called goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze.

    Home-based defender Victor Collins will join up with the group for the first time, and there is a return for gangling forward Sadiq Umar, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain. 

    Defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are also listed, while France-based defender Gabriel Osho will hope to play his first competitive game for fatherland, after his inability to honour a first call-up in the summer due to injury.

    The Super Eagles will fly directly to Abidjan on 11 November, for the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th  November, before traveling down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, 18th November.

    Currently top of their Group D, the Super Eagles will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points. However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi, who have one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two match-days.

    Read Also: Dominican Republic 2024: NFF lauds Flamingos despite  early World Cup ouster

    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

    Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain) 

  • Eguavoen, Adepoju  for  Akpakomiza novelty match in Benin

    Eguavoen, Adepoju  for  Akpakomiza novelty match in Benin

    More  former Nigeria  internationals have signed up to participate in the eagerly awaited novelty match for the incoming Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo

    Spokesperson of the Organisers, Frank Ilaboya,  confirmed in Benin yesterday that Super Eagles interim manager, oach Austine Eguavoen as well as Mutiu Adepoju and Felix Owolabi be present  for the November 11th event. 

    He said:“We are excited to announce that  coach Eguavoen, Felix Owolabi and Mutiu Adepoju are storming Benin City for the match. We are truly excited because their coming will  add colour  and glamour  to the match.

    “The trio has swelled the number of ex-internationals to eight. Edo State football fans will therefore have so much to savour with these iconic names in Nigeria coming to feature in the match,” the one time Chairman of Edo State Football Association added.

    For Coach Eguavoen, the novelty match offers another opportunity to reconnect with fans and friends in  a relaxed  atmosphere.

    “As a son of the soil, I feel excited to be part of this novelty match. I always feel great going home to my dear state especially when it concerns football.

    “Everyone knows the role Edo State plays in Nigeria Sports, especially football and I think it is important to make this statement whenever opportunity of this nature comes up.

    “So, I want to commend the organisers for coming up with this wonderful idea of welcoming the incoming Governor with a novelty match. I understand the Governor Elect is a sports loving person and this will afford him the opportunity to witness at close quarters the power and influence of football in social re-engineering of our youths,” the former Super Eagles captain further added.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025: Eguavoen targets double over Libya

    Owolabi, a  1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, is equally elated to be part of the forthcoming match.

    “This is a  wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my fans in Benin and environs. I have always had fond memories of Edo State right from my playing days. So, I am looking forward to another great moment on November 11th,” OwoBlow as Owolabi is known in his heyday, said. “With wonderful friends like the outgoing Deputy Governor,  Comrade Philip  Shaibu, and my long standing friend, Frank Ilaboya, I cannot afford to miss out on that day.”

    Other for Nigeria internationals that have  already signed up for the match are Baldwin Bazuaye, Beijing  2008  Olympic goalkeeper, Ambrose Vanzekin and Peter Obanor.

    Others are Tony Emediofu fondly called Poropo, Roland Ewere and Prince Oritsuwa Afejuku

    The novelty match, which is part of the activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony of the Governor Elect, comes up on Monday, November 11 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

  • Morocco 2025: Eguavoen targets double over Libya

    Morocco 2025: Eguavoen targets double over Libya

    The Super Eagles Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen has set a target of maximum six points from this month’s double header against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in a group D match of the Morocco 2025  Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

    Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Nigeria hosts the first game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday evening, with the return at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, Libya’s second city Benghazi, on Wednesday night.

    “We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya.

    “We will be somewhat guaranteed a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in in this qualifying campaign.

    “I admit we will miss Victor Osimhen, but I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo, and the three points in Libya,“he said.

    NAN reports that the 23 invited players trained in Uyo on Tuesday evening, with defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke arriving on Wednesday morning.

    Nigeria has four points from their two matches so far, one point ahead of Benin Republic and two ahead of Rwanda. The Eagles will go to 10 points with a double win over Libya.

    Victories for Benin Republic in both matches will take them to nine points, still short of Nigeria’s probable tally of 10, but Rwanda will remain stuck at two and Libya one.

    With only two matches left in the campaign, wins for Rwanda will leave Benin Republic stuck at three points and Rwanda at eight.

    “There are possibilities and opportunities for us to sail home at the end of these two matches, and we will do our best to take our chances and have the ticket,” Eguavoen said.

    The delegation of Libya’s Mediterranean Knights landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport around noon on Tuesday, before moving to Uyo by road.

    Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga, who will be at the centre during Friday’s encounter, alongside the other match officials, are already in Uyo.

    Read Also: Eguavoen defends red-hot Dessers’ omission for Libya  

    The Confederation of African Football has also appointed Nkhakananga’s compatriots, Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively, while Botswanan Keabetswe Dintwa will serve as fourth official.

    Cape Verdean, Delgado Rocha will be in charge of the Libya, Nigeria battle in Benina.

    He will be assisted by compatriots Djêry Gomes Lopes (assistant referee 1) and Jorge Santos Fonseca Aritson (assistant referee 2), with Hamidou Diero from Burkina Faso as fourth official.

    Amir Abdi Hassan from Somalia will be the commissioner, with Malian Dramane Dante as referee assessor and Rachid Medjiba from Algeria as security officer.

    At the back end of a doubleheader between both nations, Tuesday’s encounter will kick off at 9 pm Libya time (8pm Nigeria time).

    (NAN)

  • Eguavoen gives conditions for accepting full-time Super Eagles coaching job

    Eguavoen gives conditions for accepting full-time Super Eagles coaching job

    Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has outlined the conditions under which he might accept a full-time role.

    Eguavoen, who is currently tasked with leading the team through the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya after securing four points in the first two matches, stated that he would consider a permanent position only if certain requirements are met.

    He explained that these include a long-term contract, patience, and consistent support from the football association.

    “The Super Eagles job isn’t one you take lightly. If I were to take it permanently, I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply because it’s not a small task.

    Read Also: NFF confirms Eguavoen for Super Eagles

    “It’s going to be tough. I’d need a long-term contract, patience, and clauses in the deal because you don’t win every day. It takes time to build a team,” Eguavoen told Brila FM.

    The three-time head coach Eguavoen bemoaned not having been given enough time to fully carry out his vision for the squad.

    “In 2006, I was in charge for six months. Every other time, it was just two months or two to three games. Clemens Westerhof had five years. Gernot Rohr had six years. They got time, but I never had two straight years,” he noted.