Super Falcons Interim Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has spoken for the first time since taking charge of the Nigeria women’s national team, expressing confidence in the squad ahead of the 2028 Olympic qualifying fixture against Comoros.
Eguavoen acknowledged that his appointment as interim coach came as a surprise to some, but stressed that his experience in football management and coaching has prepared him for the responsibility.
“Many were shocked I had to come in as the interim coach, but it has to do with football and it is a very sensitive job. In my years of management and coaching, it is something I can handle,” Eguavoen said.
The Coach also pointed to his previous involvement with Nigeria’s women’s national teams, noting that this is not his first experience working around the Super Falcons, Falconets or Flamingos.
He expressed his appreciation for the support of the coaching and female technical staff, saying he believes the team can overcome the challenge ahead.
Eguavoen also spoke positively about the condition of the players currently in camp, revealing that the squad has been training well and that their fitness levels have not been a major concern.
“We have players now in the camp and watching these women’s training, we are very optimistic because they are sharp and also in season, and we are not in doubt about their fitness and performance,” he stated.
With the first leg against Comoros approaching, Eguavoen said both the players and technical team understand the importance of the fixture and are focused on securing a positive result.
“They know and we also know what is at hand, and they are ready to go and they have given their commitment. There is one goal in mind and it is to win this game and see what happens next,” he added.
The Interim Coach also addressed the absence of some players originally included in the squad and the decision to call up replacements.
According to Eguavoen, some of the withdrawals were related to injuries, while the technical team had also been in contact with several players from the beginning of the preparations.
“Sometimes you cannot control what is not in your hands. I remembered reaching out to some of the players right from the start, and for some of the players we made them stay back because all is just injury matters,” he explained.
Eguavoen further described representing Nigeria as an opportunity rather than a right, urging the players available in camp to make the most of their chance.
“ Nigeria is big. When you are in the position to represent the country, it is not a right, it is an opportunity, and we sing that every time,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s depth of talent gives the team the ability to respond when players are unavailable.
“I am sure these players want to take a chance because we are so blessed with talent, so we have to make use of it. When one is not available, we have to bring in another.”
The Super Falcons are scheduled to face Comoros in the first leg of their 2028 Olympic qualifying fixture on Friday, October 9, with Eguavoen set to lead the team in his first competitive assignment as interim head coach.
