Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has spoken out in support of Augustine Eguavoen, the interim head coach of the Super Eagles, insisting that Eguavoen has no “godfather” and was appointed based on merit. Pinnick also urged the players to adopt a mindset of being fully committed to representing their country.
Pinnick’s comments come in the wake of Eguavoen’s recent return to the Super Eagles as interim head coach. Eguavoen was reappointed last month after the NFF failed to reach a final agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia. He has been tasked with leading the Super Eagles in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, set to take place in September.
Addressing the claims that Eguavoen was appointed due to favoritism or external influence, Pinnick dismissed the notion entirely. “Eguavoen is absolutely nothing like that,” Pinnick told Arise News, referring to suggestions that the interim coach has a “godfather.” He emphasized that Eguavoen’s appointment was consistent with standard practices in football management, noting, “If you remember the Shuaibu Amodu time, as a technical director, even in major teams in global football, a technical director takes charge when there is a vacuum in the coaching crew.”
Pinnick explained that Eguavoen, who also serves as the Technical Director of the Nigerian Football Federation, was chosen to fill the interim role due to his existing position within the organization. “That is what happened. Eguavoen is still the technical director of the Nigerian Federation. If it was someone else in that position, that person would have taken charge,” he stated.
The former NFF President also shifted the focus to the players themselves, emphasizing the need for a strong commitment to national duty. He encouraged the players to have the mindset of being willing to “die for their country” when representing Nigeria on the field. “I believe that it is more about the players, not even the coach. The players should look at that green-white-green flag, should look at that emblem, and say ‘I want to die for Nigeria,’” Pinnick declared.
Eguavoen’s appointment has reignited discussions about the selection process for the national team’s coaching staff and the broader strategies employed by the NFF. As interim head coach, Eguavoen faces the immediate challenge of leading the Super Eagles through crucial AFCON qualifiers. His previous tenure with the team, combined with his current role as Technical Director, positions him uniquely to navigate the complexities of team management and preparation.
The upcoming AFCON qualifiers are seen as critical for Nigeria, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how Eguavoen will guide the Super Eagles through this phase. His experience and familiarity with the team are expected to play a vital role in ensuring a strong performance. However, the call for a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication among the players, as emphasized by Pinnick, suggests that success will depend not only on coaching strategies but also on the players’ commitment to representing their country with pride and determination.
Pinnick’s remarks have sparked further conversations about the state of Nigerian football and the expectations placed on both coaches and players. While Eguavoen’s appointment remains interim, the pressure is on to deliver results that will justify his selection and potentially secure a more permanent role. The focus now shifts to the team’s preparation and performance in the upcoming matches, which will serve as a litmus test for the current leadership and the future direction of Nigerian football.
With the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on the horizon, the Super Eagles are gearing up for what promises to be a challenging campaign. Eguavoen’s leadership, combined with the players’ resolve to rise to the occasion, will be critical in navigating the path ahead. As Nigeria prepares for its next chapter in international football, the spotlight remains firmly on the team’s ability to perform and bring pride to the nation.
