As discussions swirl around Augustine Eguavoen’s future as Super Eagles coach, former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has voiced concerns that the caretaker manager might be made a scapegoat should Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign falter.
Eguavoen was appointed with a mandate to secure Nigeria’s spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a task he has successfully achieved.
However, the more challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers loom, with the Super Eagles currently struggling in their group.
Nigeria sits second-to-last in their group, having earned only three points from four matches. The qualifiers will resume in March 2025, presenting a daunting task for whoever is at the helm.
Ikpeba, a long-time member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee, praised Eguavoen’s efforts in restoring unity and commitment to the team following a turbulent period but expressed concerns about the potential fallout should the World Cup dream slip away.
“Eguavoen has done great with what he has done with the boys,” Ikpeba remarked. “He has brought unity and commitment to the team after the terrible times some few months ago.”
“Decisions now have to be made (whether he stays or go).
“What I don’t want us for Eguavoen to be a scapegoat when he does the World Cup qualifiers and we still don’t qualify even though he did not start the qualifiers. It is for him to decide what he wants.”
Despite Eguavoen’s progress, the NFF has reiterated its intent to hire a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. Whether Eguavoen will continue to guide the team or hand over the reins remains a pressing question as Nigeria aims to secure its spot on the global stage in 2026.
