Super Eagles team captain William Troost-Ekong has subtly recommended Austin Eguavoen for the role of Super Eagles head coach following Nigeria’s brilliant start to the African Cup of Nations qualifier campaign.

The Super Eagles recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, September 7, to begin their 2025 AFCON qualifiers campaign on a strong note.

Atalanta forward and Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman scored a brace, with Victor Osimhen coming off the bench to apply the finishing touch, giving Austin Eguavoen’s side a three-goal advantage.

In a post-match reaction, the Al Kholood defender expressed confidence in Eguavoen, who has been charged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to lead the team on an interim basis after German tactician Bruno Labbadia rejected the NFF’s offer to coach the team.

“…We have strong faith in our team and in our coach [Eguavoen], who feels like a family member returning to us,” the former PAOK defender told Brila.

“With the attacking talent we possess, if we perform well and focus on solid defense, we will create opportunities and score.

“Today’s performance is a positive sign of the direction we are heading. It is the first step of many on our journey to AFCON.”

The Super Eagles have been without a substantive head coach following Finidi George’s resignation in June.