I can't say no - 'Nigerian Guardiola' on leading Super Eagles against Benin, Rwanda

The Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen, also known as 'Nigerian Guardiola' has agreed to take charge of the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Leading the Super Eagles to the AFCON qualifier will mark the fourth time Eguavoen has assumed the role of Super Eagles coach.

The decision comes after German tactician Bruno Labbadia declined the NFF's offer to lead the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Pulse Sports reported that despite announcing the former Wolfsburg coach as the next Super Eagles boss, the NFF were yet to complete the paperwork behind that deal.

Eguavoen expressed his readiness to take on the challenge, stating that he would do it "for the love of the country and the game."

He acknowledged the opportunities that football has provided him and felt a sense of duty to contribute to the team's success.

He said, "I will do it for the love of the country and the game. Remember football gave me name and fame and the country gave me opportunity so it’s difficult to say no at this point because of the circumstances we find ourselves,” Eguavoen told Mastersports.

The Super Eagles will host the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 7. They will then travel to Rwanda for their second qualifier on September 10.