Exclusive: Samson Unuanel advises NFF to Retain Eguavoen as Nigeria Coach

Veteran Nigerian coach Samson Unuanel has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint Augustine Eguavoen as the permanent Super Eagles coach, calling the search for a foreign manager a completely wasteful exercise.

The three-time African champions are without a substantive handler following the resignation of Finidi George after two matches in charge of the team.

The NFF had appointed former Bayer Leverkusen coach Bruno Labbadia to replace the Ajax legend, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching. However, the move fell through due to strict regulations imposed by German tax authorities.

However, the former Enyimba, Kwara United, and Sunshine Stars manager is advocating for Eguavoen to be entrusted with the role, citing his impressive performance as interim coach against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

“Pursuing a foreign coach is simply a waste of time and financial resources. What should you be looking for in a coach? Someone who can steady the ship, deliver results under any circumstances, and someone you can rely on to always be there for the team,” Unuanel told SportBoom.com in a no-holds-barred interview.

“If we truly want to be serious, we should allow Augustine Eguavoen and his technical crew to continue the good work they’ve started. After all, as the saying goes, a coach is only as good as his last match.”

“If we’re being honest, we don’t have the resources to hire a foreign coach, especially with the country’s current economic struggles. No nation in our financial situation would spend money on bringing in an expatriate.”

Result against Rwanda a good one

Ademola Lookman’s brace, along with a goal from Victor Osimhen, powered Nigeria to a commanding 3-0 win over Benin Republic in the first round of qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON, set to take place in Morocco.
Three days later, they faced hosts Rwanda in a goalless 0-0 draw at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

In contrast to many who criticized the 2013 African champions for their performance against Amavubi, coach Unuanel disagrees, asserting that there are no longer any underdogs in football.

He further explained: "The first game was on Saturday, followed by the next on Tuesday. Considering the short time frame, it wasn't enough for the team to perform better than they did against the Benin Republic."

"Let’s not forget that there are no longer any minnows in African football. Underestimating any team today is inviting defeat.”

"Take Ghana, for example—no one would have expected them to lose at home to Angola. Teams across Africa are progressing, and securing a draw against Rwanda on their home turf was a solid result by any standard."