AFCON 2025
Who is Austin Eguavoen? (Austin Eguavoen Background)
Austin Eguavoen is a former player and current manager who has made significant contributions to Nigerian football. Eguavoen was known for his defensive skills, especially renowned for his aerial ability and powerful headers. He represented Nigeria for over a decade.
One of Eguavoen’s most notable achievements as a player came in 1994 when Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations. His leadership and defensive prowess were instrumental in securing Nigeria’s victory.
After retiring, Eguavoen transitioned into coaching, serving as the interim coach of the Nigerian national team on multiple occasions.
How old is Austin Eguavoen?
Austin Eguavoen was born on August 29, 1965, making him 60 years old.
What state is Austin Eguavoen from?
The former defender was born in Sapele, Delta State, located in the South-South region of Nigeria. Sapele is a significant city situated along the Ethiope River, serving as a key port in the region.
Austin Eguavoen Club Career
A right-back by trade, Eguavoen began his professional football journey with the Nigerian club, ACB Lagos, in 1985, before moving to the Belgian club, Gent, after just one year.
In Belgium, Eguavoen continued to excel before moving to another Belgian side, Kortrijk (1990 to 1994). He then played briefly for Spanish side, Ourense, before returning to Kortrijk. He later played briefly for Sacramento Scorpions in the USA and Russian club Torpedo Moscow.
His thought of transitioning into coaching led him to join Maltese side Sliema Wanderers (1999 to 2001) as a player-coach, before returning to Nigeria to take up a full-time coaching job with Bendel Insurance.
Austin Eguavoen International Career
Eguavoen’s international career stretched for just over a decade, becoming a cornerstone of the national team’s defense. He earned his first international cap for Nigeria in 1987.
One of the highlights was his contribution to Nigeria’s victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
I am not interested in replacing Eric Chelle as Super Eagles boss – Eguavoen
Eguavoen also represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup on multiple occasions, being part of the Nigerian squad that took the country to its first-ever World Cup in the 1994 tournament in the United States and the 1998 World Cup in France.
Austin Eguavoen Coaching Career
Eguavoen’s coaching journey began in Nigeria with Bendel Insurance, before coaching the Nigerian Under-20 side (2002-2003).
He was first appointed as caretaker coach of the Nigeria national team in June 2005, managing the team to a bronze medal at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. He was later sacked in April 2006.
His club journey included stints with Southern African club Black Leopards (2008) and Nigerian giants Enyimba International. In June 2010, Eguavoen was named as caretaker coach of the Super Eagles for the second time. He then managed the Nigeria national under-23 football team (2010), but resigned in December 2011 after failing to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.
Eguavoen continued coaching at the club level, managing teams like Sharks F.C., Gombe United, and Sunshine Stars. In 2020, he took on the significant role of Technical Director within the Nigerian Football Federation.
In 2021, Eguavoen was unexpectedly appointed as the interim coach of the Nigeria national team for a third time, taking over after the departure of Gernot Rohr. Despite leading the team to the Round of 16 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, his side’s defeat to Tunisia resulted in his return to Technical Director.
He was called upon once again in September 2024 to coach the team on an interim basis for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Austin Eguavoen Achievements
As a Player
- Nigeria: Africa Cup of Nations: 1994
As a Coach
- Nigeria: Africa Cup of Nations third place: 2006 (Bronze)
- Enyimba International: Nigeria Federation Cup: 2008–09 Season
Austin Eguavoen Net Worth
Eguavoen’s net worth is not available to the public at this time.
Personal life & Family
Happy Birthday to my little Princess. 🎈❤️ @ValerieEguavoen pic.twitter.com/ZGq35KJQIB
— Austin Eguavoen (@coacheguavoen) July 20, 2022
The former Nigerian defender is married to Victoria Abosede, and they have been blessed with children, including their daughters Vanessa Eguavoen and Valerie Eguavoen.
