Nigeria’s senior football teams, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, are expected to continue under interim management until the end of 2024. This decision arises from ongoing financial constraints faced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Initially appointed as the technical director, Augustine Eguavoen will remain as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles throughout the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, aiming to lead the team effectively despite the financial challenges. Eguavoen has previously shown a capability for the role, making his continuation a pragmatic choice for the NFF.
In a similar vein, Justin Madugu has been tasked with temporarily leading the Super Falcons, who will also be in a holding pattern until a more permanent solution can be established. This interim leadership reflects the NFF's strategy to maintain stability within the teams while navigating their budgetary limitations.
The NFF’s decision to delay the appointment of permanent coaches is largely attributed to the financial difficulties they are currently facing. According to a report from ESPN, an NFF official noted, “There are no funds to pay a foreign coach, and Eguavoen has performed well, so there’s no urgency for a new appointment.” This perspective highlights the NFF's focus on fiscal responsibility while ensuring that the teams remain competitive.
Eguavoen’s responsibilities have expanded as he will also oversee Nigeria’s B team at the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), indicating the trust placed in him to guide multiple teams through challenging fixtures. Despite taking on additional duties, reports suggest that his salary has been reduced due to cost-cutting measures implemented by the NFF, which underscores the ongoing financial pressure on the organization.
On the other hand, the situation for the Super Falcons is less immediate, as they do not have any major tournaments lined up until the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in 2025. With this in mind, Madugu, who successfully guided the team through Olympic qualifiers, is expected to manage the team for now while the NFF evaluates the best path forward for the women's squad.