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NFF sacks, withdraws contract offers to Eguavoen, assistants after World Cup failure

AUSTIN Eguavoen has, as expected, left the position of Super Eagles head coach.

The former Super Eagles captain was initially appointed on a temporary basis for the Africa Cup of Nations but his tenure was extended to include the World Cup playoffs.

However, after the team fell on the away goals rule to Ghana in the playoffs, the Nigeria Football Federation has relieved Eguavoen and his assistants of their duties.

The offers of permanent roles given to Eguavoen and his assistants (who include Emmanuel Amuneke, Joseph Yobo, Paul Aigbogun, Salisu Yusuf and Alloy Agu) before the playoffs have also been withdrawn.

“Following the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the erstwhile Technical Adviser, Augustine Eguavoen has stepped down from that position with immediate effect,” the NFF announced on Thursday, two days after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Ghana that sealed the Super Eagles’ elimination.

“The NFF has in the meantime withdrawn the two-and-half years contract offered the coaches and terminated the appointment of the entire technical crew of the team with immediate effect. 

“A new crew will be announced after a proper review to lead the new charge of reinvigorating the Super Eagles to face future challenges appropriately.”

NFF general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, sent Eguavoen and his crew off with a note of appreciation. “We thank the coaches and team officials for their service to the nation and wish them success in their future endeavours,” Sanusi said.

In the six matches that Eguavoen oversaw after taking over from Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles won the first three (at the AFCON) but failed to win any of the last three.

The team defeated Egypt, Guinea Bissau and Sudan in the group stage of the AFCON in January but lost the round of 16 clash to Tunisia.

Two draws against Ghana, 0-0 in Kumasi and 1-1 in Abuja, proved costly as the Nigerian side got eliminated from the Qatar 2022 World Cup race on the away goals rule.

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Naija Times