Former Nigeria national team coach James Peters has backed newly appointed Super Falcons interim coach Augustine Eguavoen to handle the team successfully, describing him as an experienced coach with the knowledge required for the assignment.
Peters believes Eguavoen’s experience at the highest level of Nigerian football makes him capable of guiding the Super Falcons through their immediate challenge, particularly as the team begins preparations for the 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
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The Nigeria Football Federation recently appointed Eguavoen on an interim basis, with the former Super Eagles coach set to lead the Falcons against Comoros in the second round of the Olympic qualifying campaign. The two legs are scheduled for October 9 and 13 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.
Eguavoen, who led Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, will work alongside Nasarawa Amazons coach Christopher Danjuma, former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa and former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf.
Peters, however, believes the appointment comes at a delicate stage for the national team, with the Falcons undergoing a transition that requires the introduction of fresh players.
He urged Eguavoen and his technical crew to look beyond the established names and explore the Nigeria Women’s Football League for players capable of strengthening the squad.
According to the former national team handler, giving promising domestic players an opportunity could inject new energy into the team while also creating a pathway for emerging talents to establish themselves at international level.
The call for fresh faces comes after a difficult period for the Super Falcons. Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing their World Cup qualifying play-off to South Africa, ending the country’s record of appearing at every edition of the women’s tournament since 1991.
The NFF subsequently turned to Eguavoen on an interim basis while continuing its search for a permanent head coach.
Peters’ backing therefore comes with a clear message: Eguavoen has the experience to steady the team, but the rebuilding process must also create room for new talent.
With Nigeria’s Olympic qualification campaign beginning against Comoros next month, the Super Falcons have little room for error as they attempt to secure one of Africa’s two places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
For Peters, identifying quality players from the domestic league could prove crucial as Eguavoen seeks to build a competitive squad for the demanding qualification campaign.
