Ahead of the Super Eagles’ final two World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho’s Crocodiles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Friday and Tuesday respectively, Augustine Eguavoen, the former handler of the team and current technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, has called for unity, emphasising that he has no interest in Eric Chelle’s position.
Eguavoen, a former Nigerian defender, distanced himself from media reports suggesting he was being considered, alongside Coach Ladan Bosso, to take over the Super Eagles coaching role should Coach Chelle fail to qualify the team for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.
“I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I have no idea where they are coming from. I have a very good working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle, and I have absolutely no interest in taking over the squad. I am praying for his success,” Eguavoen stated.
“These speculations previously created rifts and discontent between myself and Gernot Rohr as well as José Peseiro during their tenures as coaches of the Super Eagles. It is uncalled-for. We all need to work together to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup and win the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations championship in Morocco.”
The Eagles are set to face the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday. Following this match, Eric Chelle’s side will conclude their qualifying campaign with a home game against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic next Tuesday in Uyo.
Currently, Nigeria sits in third place in Group C with 11 points, three points behind leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa. The three-time African champions need to win both matches and hope that South Africa falters against either Zimbabwe or Rwanda to secure automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America.
