Eguavoen Tipped for Fifth Super Eagles Comeback as NFF Considers Coaching Change Amid World Cup Pressure
With Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging in the balance, reports from within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) indicate that Augustine Eguavoen could be in line for a dramatic return as Super Eagles head coach, marking what would be his fifth spell in charge of the national team, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
Current boss Eric Chelle, who was appointed earlier this year, is reportedly under intense pressure as the Super Eagles struggle to secure a qualification spot. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points, behind Benin Republic and South Africa, who both have 14 points. Only the group leader earns automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, leaving Nigeria with a narrow margin for error in their final two fixtures.
Chelle was brought in to complete the World Cup qualification phase after Eguavoen, who doubles as the NFF Technical Director, led the team through the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Although he successfully guided Nigeria to the continental tournament, Eguavoen stepped aside due to health issues that required surgery in Belgium.
The NFF turned to Chelle in January to handle the remaining six World Cup qualifiers, but with results falling short of expectations, top officials are now exploring a change in leadership. Insiders suggest that plans are underway for Eguavoen’s reinstatement, should Nigeria’s qualification campaign continue to falter.
If reappointed, Eguavoen’s immediate task would be to lead the Super Eagles in upcoming international friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in November, both scheduled to take place in the United States. He would also be expected to start early preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
At 60, Eguavoen is one of the most experienced figures in Nigerian football, having previously managed the Super Eagles in 2005–2007, 2010, 2021–2022, and 2024. His potential return underscores the NFF’s ongoing reliance on familiar leadership to stabilize the national team during challenging periods.
Credit: BSNSports
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