A grassroots football coach with Same Tempo FC, Oluwatobi Omotoso, says the experience of the newly appointed interim head coach of the Super Falcons, Austin Eguavoen, will benefit the team.

Speaking during an interview on Saturday, Mr Omotoso said Mr Eguavoen would bring valuable knowledge needed to redirect the team.

Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently appointed Mr Eguavoen the interim head coach of the Super Falcons.

This action is against the backdrop of the sacking of Justine Madugu and his technical crew, for failing to qualify for the 2027 women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The ten-time champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) lost to South Africa on August 13 in the continental playoff, ending their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history, since its inception in 1991.

Mr Eguavoen, also a former Super Eagles head coach, is expected to lead the Falcons for their 2028 Olympic Games double-legged qualifier against Comoros in October.

According to Mr Omotoso, Mr Eguavoen has extensive experience in football management, having previously coached the Super Eagles.

“Obviously, he is bringing a wealth of knowledge to the team as it stands,” Mr Omotoso said.

The grassroots coach said Mr Eguavoen’s previous involvement with male football should not affect his ability to manage the female national team.

According to him, the basic principles and tactics of football remain similar, irrespective of gender.

“Football is general, be it male or female,” he said.

Mr Omotoso noted that though women’s football was generally less fast-paced, Mr Eguavoen’s experience could still add value to the Super Falcons.

He said the coach’s knowledge from the men’s game, could provide a different perspective and contribute positively to the team.

On the possibility of retaining Mr Eguavoen, Mr Omotoso urged the NFF to assess his performance during his interim tenure.

He said results, team development and Mr Eguavoen’s ability to establish a good work relationship with the players, should guide the decision.

“If he does well, considering the results and how well he relates with the team, I think they should retain him,” he said.

Mr Omotoso said there would be no need to appoint another coach, if Mr Eguavoen delivered the desired results with the team.

He urged the NFF to consider a coach with strong football knowledge when selecting a substantive Super Falcons head coach.

According to him, such experience can be acquired from either the male or female game.

He added that commitment and the ability to bring out the best in the players should also be critical considerations.

Mr Omotoso said the priority should be appointing a coach capable of helping the Super Falcons achieve positive results. 

(NAN)