By John Essien
Coach Augustine Eguavoen has not ruled out the possibility of becoming the permanent Manager of Nigeria senior national team despite the appointment of Jose Peseiro.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the Portuguese as the new Super Eagles Coach following Gernot Rohr’s sack.
Peseiro, 61, previously worked at Panathinaikos, Real Madrid, Sporting CP, Al Ahly, Braga, and most recently as Venezuela’s national team coach – a position he left in August over unpaid salaries.
Eguavoen was appointed as the interim handler to lead the three-time African kings to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and so far, his side has put up an impressive performance at the ongoing tournament, having qualified for the knockout stage with a game to spare.
The former Enyimba gaffer speaking ahead of Wednesday’s showdown with Guinea Bissau said the decision to continue as coach of the team lies with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) but pledged to offer his support to Peseiro when he takes over as permanent manager.
“I was part of the group who interviewed some coaches as Technical Director, I have to be involved,” Eguavoen said during his pre-match presser.
“The table has not turned. It is still up to the federation to decide, but if the contract has been signed, we have to respect it.
“The only thing I can guarantee is, if Jose Peseiro comes in, we’ll have a very good working relationship because I know the terrain and he doesn’t.
“We have to make sure we provide him with a platform for him to be very comfortable and relaxed to do his job.
“I’ll support him from the bottom of my heart – 100 per cent because it’s not about me, it’s about the country.”
