President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has disclosed that Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Austin Eguavoen may become Nigeria’s permanent coach if he wins the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Pinnick made this known on Wednesday during an interactive session with sports journalists in Lagos, where he also dispelled insinuations that the Federation does not value Eguavoen.
Recall that the NFF appointed Eguavoen after the termination of Gernot Rohr’s contract as Super Eagles coach a fortnight ago.
“We know that Eguavoen can do the job expertly, but we also know that he will be more useful controlling the technical department. However, if we cannot get the coaches to start work immediately, we will empower them to take the team to Cameroon.
“And if Eguavoen wins the Nations Cup, we might have a rethink. In that case, the foreign coach will now become the technical director, while Eguavoen takes the position of technical adviser.”
“We know Eguavoen can do it, but we also want someone who can do it better. If we are unable to sign him soon, then we will work with the current team. But I am not going to tell you that if we have him signed today, he is not going to lead the team to the AFCON.”
The Super Eagles are pitted in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau. The team will commence their campaign against Egypt on January 11.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
