Put it in a cooler - Former Super Eagles media officer urges NFF to abandon foreign coach ultimate search

 

Former Super Eagles media officer wants patience from the football governing body in its coaching search.

Former Super Eagles media officer Oluwatoyin Ibitoye has called for patience regarding the search for a new coach for the Nigerian national team. 

His comments come in the wake of interim coach Augustine Eguavoen's recent performance with the team in the road to AFCON 2025.

Following the Super Eagles' latest AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda, Ibitoye took to social media to share his thoughts:

"Please keep your search for a foreign coach for the @ng_supereagles in the cooler for a bit longer,” he posted. 

“Let's buy some time. Let's see what Coach Austin Eguavoen and the team will cook for us in October and maybe in November. If the food is sweet fine, if the food no sweet, we go know wetin to do."

Ibitoye's comments reflect a desire to give Eguavoen more time to prove himself in the role before making any definitive decisions about the team's long-term coaching situation.

The statement follows the Super Eagles' performance against Rwanda in Eguavoen's second match in charge of the AFCON 2025 qualifier campaign. 

Similar to their previous game against the Benin Republic in Uyo, Nigeria demonstrated strong control over the match but struggled to capitalise on their opportunities.

A notable moment in the game came when Ademola Lookman found the net, only for the goal to be controversially disallowed. Replays suggested that the goal was legitimate, adding to the frustration of the Nigerian side.

Despite the team's dominance, the match in Kigali ended in a goalless draw, with both sides sharing the points.

Ibitoye's advice to "buy some time" and evaluate Eguavoen's performance over the coming months suggests a cautious approach to the coaching situation. 

It also indicates that the team's performances in October and November could be crucial in determining the future direction of the Super Eagles' leadership.

As discussions about the team's future continue, all eyes will be on Eguavoen’s next move, especially in the wake of rumours he had resigned, which he has swiftly denied on his return from Kigali. 

But for now, as the Super Eagles return to their respective clubs, in their upcoming matches, veteran journalist, Ibitoye, is not alone in his call for patience for Eguavoen and his team of NPFL coaches. 

Nigerians have also expressed their desire and wish to see the Technical Director and his crew continue their interim roles.