Senator Neda Imasuen has congratulated Augustine Eguavoen on his appointment as interim head coach of the Super Falcons.
The senator, who represents Edo South in the National Assembly, described Eguavoen as an experienced coach capable of guiding the team through its upcoming 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Moshood Karim, on Wednesday.
Eguavoen, who is the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, was appointed to take charge of the Super Falcons ahead of next month’s Olympic qualifiers against Comoros.
His appointment followed the dissolution of the previous technical crew after the Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in the history of the competition.
Reacting to the development, Imasuen said Eguavoen’s experience in international football would be important as the team looks to put its recent disappointment behind it.
“Augustine Eguavoen’s appointment is a call to duty at a crucial time for Nigerian football. I congratulate him and have no doubt that his wealth of experience, understanding of the Nigerian game and commitment to national service will be valuable to the Super Falcons,” he said.
The lawmaker also pointed to Eguavoen’s record as a coach, particularly his role in leading the Super Eagles to the semi-finals of the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third.
Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles captain, has also had several spells as coach of the senior national team and has served in different technical positions within the NFF.
According to Imasuen, that experience should help Eguavoen understand the demands that come with managing a national team at a difficult period.
“With the Olympic qualifiers now before us, this is the time for unity, focus and a renewed fighting spirit. Nigeria expects the Super Falcons to return to the big stage, and I believe Coach Eguavoen has the experience and temperament to help begin that rebuilding process,” he added.
The Super Falcons missed out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing 2-1 to South Africa in the African playoff, following a disappointing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Imasuen urged the players, coaches, football administrators and supporters to give Eguavoen their support as he begins his new assignment.
“On behalf of the good people of Edo South, I congratulate Augustine Eguavoen. This is another opportunity to serve Nigeria, and I wish him every success. We are behind the Super Falcons and expect nothing less than a strong response on the road to the 2028 Olympics,” the senator said.
He expressed optimism that the Falcons can bounce back from their recent setback and secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Signed:
Moshood Karim
Media Aide to Senator Imasuen
