African Football: Nigeria to appoint permanent coach before 2026 World Cup qualifiers resumes

Nigeria in Group C has to work extra hard before securing the sole ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles has suffered after winning none of the four games played, drawing three and losing one thus far.

Nigeria has won just three points from the possible 12 and are four good points behind Rwanda, South Africa and Benin who all have won 7 points. Lesotho in 4th place has 5 points making life difficult for the West African giants in the battle to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played across the USA-CANADA-MEXICO.

The qualifiers resumes in March 20225 with Nigeria travelling to leaders Rwanda and hosting bottom placed Zimbabwe. The NFF has planned to appoint a full time coach before the two crucial games.

The Nigerian FA will appoint a new coach for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March. Interim coach Austin Eguaveon is expected to return to his position as a technical director after qualification to the AFCON 2025, sources said.

The new coach will be given a short-term contract to cover the World Cup qualifiers, which will round up in October next year.

A decision to extend the deal of the coach to cover the AFCON 2025, which will be played in December and January of 2026, will be based on qualification for the World Cup, with Austine Eguaveon expected to be among the decision-makers.

Nigeria has had a great year (2024) after reaching the finals of the 2024 AFCON hosted by eventual winners Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles are on the verge of winning another African Footballer of the Year with Ademola Lookman set to lift the gong.

However, their coaching crisis has been nothing good throughout the year after Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro stepped down soon after the 2023 AFCON.

German tactician Bruno Labardia was appointed but did not manage a single game before departing.

Augustin Eguavon has been the man who has led them and secured a slot in Morocco 2025.