On Thursday, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, confirmed that Augustien Eguavoen will continue in his role as caretaker of the Super Eagles.
It ended speculations over who would handle the national team for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Libya in October.
Eguavoen had caused a bit of stir, after he appeared to step aside following a 0-0 draw in Rwanda, claiming he was only handed a brief for two matches.
“It ends today. I can’t talk about Libya, because I haven’t been told about it,” he told reporters at the Kigali Airport.
However, this announcement means he has to start planning for players’ invitations and tactics for the double-header against Libya.
It is a decision that has triggered varying reactions, with many questioning what happened to the search for a new foreign manager.
But Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, tells DAILY POST: “In the circumstances, I think it makes sense.
“They’ve left it too late, searching for the coach they’ve been searching for. And games are coming thick and fast.
“Right now, continuity beats a new start.
“I think it’s the best decision for the team currently, at least until the new year, when there’s an extended break and a new coach can come in and have significant time to work.
“That is, assuming Eguavoen has not impressed enough and they still want the new foreign coach.”
Another point of view is that Eguavoen has been asked to continue in the meantime, so the NFF can continue their search for an expatriate.
But is there a scenario where the former defender is given the job on a permanent basis again?
“Yes,” McDubus replies.
“If he runs through all the qualifying games before the New Year and wins them comfortably, I believe they will just stick with him and make it permanent again.”
For now, all attention is on Libya.
The Super Eagles welcome the North Africans on October 11, before travelling to Tripoli for the reverse fixture on October 15.
Under Eguavoen, Nigeria have taken control of Group D with four points, while Libya are fourth with one point.
The three-time African champions dispatched Benin Republic 3-0 in Uyo, before being held to a 0-0 draw in Rwanda.
The team played with more freedom and defended resolutely, as evidenced in the two clean sheets they kept.
But McDubus insists Eguavoen still has a bit to work on before the next matches.
“I think his ability to react when his primary tactic has been figured out and shut down is his biggest weakness.
“Typically, that happens against bigger sides with tactically astute managers.
“He needs to react better and make better subs, in general. Not just subs he has planned ahead of the match, but subs that are relevant to the specific situation of the game.”
Eguavoen’s future unclear as NFF halts search for new Super Eagles coach ahead Libya double-header
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