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Eguavoen’s Tough Call
Eguavoen’s Tough Call
by Patrick Omorodion
Albert Nelson, better known by his stage name Albert King, was an American left-handed guitarist and singer regarded as one of the greatest and most influential blues guitarists of all time. He died of heart attack in 1992.
He sang a popular song, ‘Everybody wants to go to heaven’ with lines like this, ‘Everybody wants to laugh. Ah, but nobody wants to cry. Everybody want to hear the truth but yet, everybody wants to tell a lie. Everybody wants to go to heaven. But nobody wants to die’.
This is the truth about human beings. They want better things which comes with saying it the way it is, but they are afraid to lead the way. Talk about belling the proverbial cat, it is being brave enough to do something that will be good for a group that you are part of, but is dangerous or difficult.
Everybody seems to agree that we’ve got to bell the cat, but no one wants to step forward and volunteer to lead.
For many years, Nigerian football coaches have been used and dumped by the Nigeria Football Federation, especially to fill the gap whenever the over pampered foreign coaches they hire throw their jobs back at their faces.
Or when they feel done in by them after believing that they were the Messiah they needed to take Nigeria’s football to a level that their Nigerian counterparts could ever get to.
Name them, Festus Onigbinde, late Paul Hamilton, late Shaibu Amodu, late Stephen Keshi, Augustine Eguavoen, Sunday Oliseh and Samson Siasia. All of these coaches have been used as interim coaches whenever the football federation found it difficult in getting foreign coaches to handle the Super Eagles. None of them have ever been given a permanent contract even for a short period with good conditions like their foreign counterparts..
This is because these coaches are quick at accepting anything thrown at them just to answer the name ‘Super Eagles Coach’. They never get to sit with the NFF to discuss the conditions of service.
However, when they are owed salary or dumped unceremoniously, they run to the media to cry about the injustice meted to them by the NFF.
It is however, a surprise that Eguavoen has come out to spell out the conditions under which he will accept to handle the national team on a permanent basis if approached with the offer.
No one can stop me anymore, says Humblesmith, releases ‘Sochi ‘
As the technical director of the federation, he was drafted to handle the team when the NFF’s attempt to hire Bruno Labbadia after the exit of Jose Peseiro fell flat.
Eguavoen has already led the Eagles in two AFCON qualifiers, beating Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic in Uyo and drawing with Rwanda in Kigali.
Coming after the disastrous outing of Finidi George in two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, Nigerians who were shocked by the shambolic display of the Super Eagles are beginning to sing Eguavoen’s praises, advocating a permanent deal for him.
The NFF who are still in a quandary over how to get a foreign coach, which is their priority, maybe thinking along that line especially as they may not have the scarce foreign exchange to hire one for now, considering the approach of the 2025 AFCON Finals.
This maybe the reason why Eguavoen, known for not wanting to rock the boat, may have chosen to bell the proverbial cat for the much undermined indigenous coaches for the first time.
While speaking with Brila FM recently, he hinted that he was not ready to jump at the offer of a permanent job without conditions like a long-term contract, patience and support to succeed at the job
Hear him: “If I were to switch permanently, it’s something I’d need to sit down, reflect and think deeply about because it’s not a small job. It will be a tough one. You have to give me long-term contract with patience and clauses in that contract because winning is not guaranteed every week or day. You will give me time to tweak the team till I find what I want.”
He wants to be given a long contract like the foreign coaches get, which will allow him plan a workable strategy to succeed.
He said, “In 2006, I was there for six months, every other time it was two months, two games or three games. Clemens Westerhof was in charge between 1989 and 1994, (Gernot) Rohr was there for six years. They got some
time. I never got straight two years.”
This is a very tough call he is making to the NFF. It’s going to be a choice that may be very difficult for the Ibrahim Gusau-led Board to make, knowing their lack of confidence in indigenous coaches.
If Senegal damned foreign coaches and gave their own, Aliou Cisse the support for nine years and he succeeded before he was shoved aside recenly, then the NFF should for once give it a try with our local coaches too.
It is high time the NFF stopped pandering to criticisms from fans and the media to make decisions on local coaches. They should know that what is good for the goose should equally be good for the gander. The same support, good salary and a good contract the foreign coaches get should be given to indigenous coaches too.
Kudos to Eguavoen for finally stepping up to bell the cat with his tough call on the NFF.
N.B. Next week, I will celebrate an avid reader of this Column and Sunday Vanguard, a great Nigerian, a nonagenarian, boardroom guru and a sports man in his school days, Dr. Michael Olawale Omolayole who turns 96 that day. Congratulations in advance sir.
In the realm of the Niger Delta, where the mighty rivers flow and the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crash against the shore, a legendary entity has emerged to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests. Tantita, a name synonymous with protection and vigilance, has become the embodiment of maritime and economic security in Nigeria.
Tantita’s significance extends far beyond its role as a mere maritime security agency. It is a power of hope, a shining example of Nigeria’s determination to protect its waters and harness its economic potential. With its unbending commitment to security and stability, Tantita has become the guardian of Nigeria’s maritime realm, ensuring the safe passage of vessels and the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
Tantita’s impact on Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated. By protecting the nation’s maritime assets and preventing piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities, Tantita has helped to safeguard the country’s economic lifeline. The agency’s efforts have ensured the continued flow of oil and gas revenues, which are vital to Nigeria’s economic well-being.
Its significance extends beyond the realm of economics. It is a symbol of national pride, a testament to Nigeria’s ability to protect its sovereignty and defend its interests. The agency’s personnel: Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Chairman, Mathew Tonlagha, Vice Chairman, Chief Kestin Pondi, the Managing Director and Tare Pondi, General Manager Operations and Technical, are the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s maritime domain, working tirelessly to ensure the security and stability of the nation’s waters.
The federal government should disregard the evil cry of satanic forces against Tantita and instead, continue to support the agency’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests. Tantita’s work is crucial to the nation’s economic survival, and any attempts to undermine its efforts would be detrimental to the country’s well-being.
As we celebrate Tantita’s significance, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The agency requires continued support and resources to effectively discharge its mandate. We must rally behind Tantita, providing it with the necessary tools and equipment to carry out its duties. By doing so, we can ensure the continued security and stability of Nigeria’s maritime domain and pave the way for a brighter economic future.
I hold strongly, that Tantita is more than just a maritime security agency; it is a guardian of Nigeria’s economic interests, a symbol of national pride, and a legendary hope for the nation’s future. Its significance cannot be overstated, and its efforts will continue to shape Nigeria’s economic destiny.
Prof. BEN BINEBAI
In a grand gesture of benevolence, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has bestowed upon the land a monumental decree, approving a staggering N275 billion worth of transformative projects. This majestic initiative promises to reshape the very fabric of Delta State, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity.
The Governor’s visionary leadership has yielded a cascade of innovative endeavours, designed to elevate the lives of Delta State’s citizens. Some of the key projects include:
Two brand-new flyovers shall pierce the skies, one at Uromi Junction, a haven of progress in Ika, and the other at Otovwodo Junction, a beacon of hope in Ughelli. These structures shall not only ease trafficy congestion but also symbolize the Governor’s commitment to modernizing Delta State’s infrastructure.
A multitude of road projects shall crisscross Delta State, connecting key communities and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. These roads shall facilitate the movement of goods and services, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for Delta State’s citizens.
Critical hospital equipment shall be bestowed upon medical facilities, ensuring the well-being of Delta State’s subjects. This initiative shall enhance the state’s healthcare system, providing citizens with access to quality medical care and treatment.
Rural electrification projects shall bring light to the darkest corners of the realm, kindling a new era of productivity and growth. This initiative shall empower rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and improve the overall standard of living for Delta State’s citizens.
These bold initiatives, born from the wisdom of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, shall transform Delta State, unlocking its true potential and securing a brighter future for generations to come. The people of Delta State shall rejoice, knowing that their Governor prioritizes their welfare and prosperity above all else.
As Delta State embarks on this journey of transformation, the Governor’s resolve remains unwavering. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, His Excellency shall guide Delta State toward a future where progress knows no bounds. The Governor’s commitment to the people of Delta State is evident in his tireless efforts to improve their lives and create a more prosperous and equitable society.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s N275 billion development drive is a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare and prosperity of Delta State’s citizens. These transformative projects shall reshape the state’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development. State’infrastructure,economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development.
Ben Binebai, Special Guest Columnist
For the attention of Bola Tinubu led Federal Government.
As the gods of old once decreed, the fate of nations hangs in the balance, awaiting the stroke of justice and equity. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is a divine imperative, a sacred mandate that echoes through the firmament, beckoning the attention of mortals and immortals alike. Like a mighty river bursting its banks, the collective voice of the Ijaw people thunders forth, demanding recognition and representation.
In this momentous hour, the very fabric of destiny trembles with anticipation. The stars align in propitious conjunction, signaling the dawn of a new era for the Niger Delta. The winds of change whisper secrets to the trees, as the earth itself begins to stir with the promise of renewal. The time for Toru-Ebe State is a time of reckoning, a moment when the threads of history are woven anew, and the fate of a people is forever sealed.
Toru-Ebe State creation stands as the authentic and lasting solution to the Ijaw people’s generational problems of balkanisation and political oppression. It is the key that unlocks the shackles of marginalisation, freeing the Ijaw nation from the chains of historical injustices. Toru-Ebe State will herald a new dawn of unity, purpose, and collective prosperity for the Ijaw people.
Let the clarion call of Toru-Ebe resound across the land, a celestial cry that shakes the foundations of power and awakens the slumbering giants of justice and equity. May the gods of the land smile upon this noble endeavour, guiding the hands of those who shape the destiny of nations. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is not merely a mortal desire; it is a divine necessity, a testament to the indomitable will of a people who refuse to be silenced.
Ben Binebai,
Special Guest Columnist