By Nurat Uthman
In one week’s time, the Super Eagles will be hosting Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo for their final group match of the AFCON 2023 qualifier.
Despite already securing their spot in the tournament, there have been concerns about who will coach the team as Nigeria currently does not have a coach.
The contract with Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro has expired, and negotiations between the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and Peseiro have reached a stalemate due to disagreements over financial terms.
While the NFF is insisting on a pay cut for contract renewal, Peseiro is adamant about his $70,000 monthly salary, which the NFF has rejected.
With no progress being made, the Technical Committee of the NFF has taken action by considering internal options. It has been reported that, due to the urgency of the situation, the committee has decided to appoint an interim coach for the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe.
This information was revealed by a reliable source within the NFF. The source stated that the Federation is not rushing to appoint a new coach or finalize the contract renewal negotiations with Peseiro. Instead, they will name an interim coach to oversee the team’s final qualifying game for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria has already secured their place in the AFCON, which will be hosted by Ivory Coast. However, they will complete this phase with a match against Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
According to the source, NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen will step in to lead the team for the game in Uyo. Other options considered by the NFF were Coach Salisu Yusuf and Finidi George, the manager of Enyimba International FC.
The appointment of the interim coach will be made before September 4th, when the Super Eagles camp opens in Uyo for the game against Sao Tome and Principe.
Coach Eguavoen previously served as the interim coach for the Super Eagles last year during their unsuccessful campaign in the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon.
Following their disappointing performance, he also failed to lead the team to Qatar as they were unable to defeat Ghana Black Stars in Abuja.
