Eguavoen lists conditions to become permanent Super Eagles coach

Super Eagles’ Interim Manager, Austin Eguavoen, will only accept the job on a permanent basis if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is ready to meet some conditions.

Eguavoen, who has led the Super Eages to a one win and a draw in the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, is currently preparing the team for a double-header against Libya in Uyo on October 11, and in Benina, on October 15.

Speaking on a BrilaFM programme, yesterday, Eguavoen described the Super Eagles’ job as one of the most interesting tasks in modern football, adding, however, that there are certain conditions he needs to make a success out of it.

He said: “The NFF must give me a long-term contract with patience and clauses in the contract because winning is not guaranteed.

“The NFF will give me time to tweak the team till I find what I want. If they are going to give me a long-term contract with guaranteed patience, why not? Otherwise, I don’t know.”

The former Enyimba of Aba manager added: “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. 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.”

Drawing from his past experience as manager of the team, Eguavoen said a good coach needs time to perfect his plans for the national team.

“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 said.

On his relationship with Super Eagles players, the NFF Technical Director said: “I am surprised at the level of respect the boys gave to me. I think it comes from the respect I give them too.”

As Super Eagles’ interim manager, Eguavoen is also in charge of the home-based national team, which will soon start preparations for their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying series.

He was in Benin on Wednesday to watch the Bendel Insurance versus Shooting Stars Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) game as part of his scouting process for the CHAN team.