"I'm Still in Charge" - Eguavoen Denies Resignation Reports

Interim coach of Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen has firmly denied reports suggesting his resignation.

Following a 0-0 draw against Rwanda in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, rumors surfaced that Eguavoen had stepped down from his role. However, Eguavoen clarified, "I am still in charge," dispelling any doubts about his position.

Eguavoen, who has had multiple stints with the Super Eagles, was appointed as the interim head coach after the departure of Gernot Rohr.

Despite the team's recent drop in FIFA rankings from 38th to 39th globally, and maintaining their position as the fifth-best team in Africa, Eguavoen remains committed to leading the team through the AFCON 2025 qualifying games.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had initially announced Bruno Labbadia as the official coach, but due to unresolved issues regarding tax modes and percentages, Eguavoen was reinstated as an interim solution.

He is set to oversee upcoming matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, assisted by Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede.

Eguavoen's coaching career has been marked by various roles, including managing the Nigeria U23 team and serving as the Technical Director of the NFF.

His tenure has seen both successes and challenges, such as leading the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and facing early exits in other tournaments.

In response to allegations of lobbying for his current position, Eguavoen stated, "When a situation like this arises and you are called upon, you can’t refuse. It is a task I have performed before and falls within my responsibilities. The Federation’s leadership believes I can help, so I accepted. But let it be known: I did not ask for this; I did not lobby for this; I did not apply for this. It is God’s favour."