Football
"I'm Still Very Much in Charge”: Austin Eguavoen Puts Misleading Headlines to Bed
Super Eagles interim manager Austin Eguavoen denies rumors of his resignation, clarifying his ongoing role with the Nigerian team and addressing misleading headlines following the Afcon 2025 Qualifiers match against Rwanda.
Image Credits: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images)
Coach Austin Eguavoan clears the air on the misleading headlines, stating he has quit his role as the interim manager of the Super Eagles.
Ex-International, and Super Eagles Interim Manager, Austin Eguavoen clears the air on the misleading headline been carried about, by the press, after the goalless draw in the Afcon 2025 Qualifiers game against Rwanda, in an exclusive interview with us at SportsBoom, after their touchdown in Abuja, Nigeria late into the night.
Clarification on Misleading Headlines
The headlines carried out that he had left his role as the Super Eagles interim manager after overseeing the last 2 games.
The Nigerian Legend minced no words in saying it was unfortunate to trigger an incorrect position.
"It's quite unfortunate that people trigger something that's not correct," he told SportsBoom.com.
He further stated it was a false narrative that was been construed, and his words twisted to suit the narratives of those peddling the stories.
The situation where we are in now, we don’t need negative stories, I only talked about sitting down with the hierarchy of the federation after the two games, and we would see how we go about prosecuting the next games.
Austin Eguavoen
Concerns About Media Representation
The well-respected gaffer noted it was a source of worry and concern for him to read and hear about such as well in the media.
"But when I saw that story, I was worried and concerned.”
"Whatever people are reading out there is not correct, I'm still very much in charge."
Current Role and Responsibilities
He rounded off with his position in the Federation, what it means, and where he is at the moment.
"I'm the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, saddled with the responsibilities of taking charge of the Super Eagles as at this moment, and that's where we are,” he commented.
Insights on Player Selection and Game Time
Moving on from that he gave an insight into why Fulham star Alex Iwobi, Nottingham Forest Lanky point man, Taiwo Awoniyi, Udinese shot stopper Maduka Okoye, and the likes didn't get much playing time or didn't play at all, he was clear and direct with his response.
"We have 23 quality, talented players from which we can pick from, at any given time.”
He further stated that he can't make use of more than what's required on the field of play at any given time.
"The difficult one is we've got talents, but they can't all play in the 11 for the 2 games.”
"Sometimes, the best players can get frustrated, which is normal, but within the squad, we know there's an agreement, and there's a cordial relationship between all players.”
Pointing out the togetherness in the team and the unity of purpose finally.
If you are called to play, you play. If you are not called, you stick to supporting the team on the sidelines.
Austin Eguavoen
Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".