Nigeria’s Football Federation Faces Call to Appoint Permanent Coach Amid Search for Foreign Manager
Veteran coach Samson Unuanel has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to appoint Augustine Eguavoen as the permanent Super Eagles coach, stating that the search for a foreign manager is a wasteful exercise. Eguavoen has impressed in his interim role, guiding the team to a commanding 3-0 win over Benin Republic and a goalless draw against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Unuanel, who has managed several top-tier clubs in Nigeria, emphasized that the country lacks the resources to hire a foreign coach, especially in light of its current economic struggles. He believes that Eguavoen, with his experience and technical expertise, is the best choice to lead the team forward.
“We don’t have the resources to hire a foreign coach, especially with the country’s current economic struggles,” Unuanel told SportBoom.com in a no-holds-barred interview. “We need to develop a home-based team and continue nurturing them. Here in Benin Republic, where I currently work, every top-flight team has a U17 squad that plays before the senior team, along with U10 teams as well. That’s the proper way to build a strong foundation.”
Unuanel also highlighted the importance of scouting and recruiting players who can consistently make an impact, as well as developing a plan B that allows for home-based players to complement foreign counterparts. He expressed confidence that the Benin Republic squad, where he currently works, would be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
Nigeria tops Group B with four points from two matches, and will host Libya on October 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. While the search for a permanent coach continues, Eguavoen’s impressive results and Unuanel’s endorsement have raised expectations about the team’s prospects in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.