Amid swirling rumors of a coaching change in the Nigerian national football team, former Super Eagles coach and current Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical director, Austin Eguavoen, has publicly stated that he has no interest in replacing Eric Chelle as head coach.
Eguavoen, who led Nigeria to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in an interim capacity, made these remarks in a call for unity within the football community. He emphasized his strong working relationship with Eric Chelle and expressed his full support and prayers for the current coach’s success.
The speculation about a coaching switch intensified as the Super Eagles face crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic. Reports suggested that if Nigeria fails to clinch a qualification spot, Eguavoen could take the helm for AFCON 2025, with Chelle being relieved of his duties.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation and National Sports Commission have dismissed these rumors. NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi labeled the reports as false, affirming that no decision to sack Chelle has been made. Similarly, former Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso, rumored to be an assistant under Eguavoen, denied any knowledge of plans for changes in the coaching staff.
Eric Chelle, appointed in January 2025, has faced criticism for Nigeria’s mixed performance but has also secured vital points during the World Cup qualifiers. With two crucial games ahead, the fate of his position remains uncertain, but Eguavoen's statement attempts to quell talk of internal divisions and coaching upheaval.