Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, prompting the coach’s resignation.
After a 1-1 draw with Nigeria on Tuesday, Ghana’s Black Stars qualified for the World Cup based on the away goals rule.
The match’s outcome provoked outrage among Nigerians on social media, with some supporters vandalizing the Abuja stadium. Eguavoen has resigned “with immediate effect,” according to a statement released by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday.
The association also declared the cancellation of the “two-and-a-half-year agreement given to the coaches” and the “immediate termination of the whole technical staff of the team.”
“Following Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Augustine Eguavoen, the erstwhile Technical Adviser, has stood down from that position with immediate effect,” the statement stated.
In the meantime, the NFF has withdrawn the two-and-a-half-year contract offered to the coaches and has terminated the appointment of the team’s entire technical staff with immediate effect. After a thorough examination, a new crew will be named to spearhead the effort of reviving the Super Eagles and preparing them for future challenges.
“‘We appreciate the coaches and team officials for their contribution to the country and wish them success in their future endeavors,’ stated Dr Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary.”
The technical crew was also disbanded only a few weeks after it was formed. Following his performance at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, the NFF sacked Portuguese strategist Jose Peseiro for Eguavoen.