The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has reportedly appointed Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu as assistant coaches to Augustine Eguavoen ahead of the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
This appointment follows the NFF’s unsuccessful attempt to hire German coach Bruno Labbadia, whose contract fell through due to complications with German tax laws.
Then the NFF announced that Eguavoen, the Technical Director, would lead the team in the upcoming matches.
Eguavoen is no stranger to the Super Eagles, having first managed the team in 2005, where he led them to a third-place finish at the 2006 AFCON. He returned as interim coach in December 2021, guiding Nigeria to a strong group stage performance at the 2021 AFCON, though they were ultimately eliminated in the Round of 16.
According to Nigerian journalist Tobi Adepoju, Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu, who share a close relationship on and off the pitch, will now bring their expertise to the national team’s bench as they aim to secure vital victories in these pivotal fixtures.
Adepoju announced on Twitter: “BREAKING!!! Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede (@CoachDan_Ijabal) has been appointed as one of the assistants to Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.”
He also posted: “BREAKING!!! NPFL champion and Rangers head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu (@FidelisILE) has been appointed as one of the assistants to Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.”
The Super Eagles are set to face Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic in Uyo on September 7, marking the start of their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, with a second match against Rwanda just three days later.
