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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reversed its decision to appoint Jose Peseiro as coach of the national team and retained Augustine Eguavoen on an interim basis.

Former Super Eagles captain Eguavoen led Nigeria to the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations - but Peseiro was expected to take over after the tournament.

However, the NFF has now confirmed that Eguavoen, 56, will remain in charge of the three-time African champions ahead of the two-legged 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana next month.

He will be assisted by former international Emmanuel Amuneke after a good showing by the team in Cameroon.
 
"We acknowledge and appreciate the interest that Jose Peseiro has shown during our very cordial discussions and have absolutely no doubt about his capacity. We believe that perhaps in the future, there could be an opportunity to work with him," NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi said.

"However, in view of the positive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, we have decided to accept the recommendation of the technical and development committee to retain the Eguavoen-led coaching crew."

Eguavoen, who is the technical director of the NFF, had backed the appointment of Peseiro as his successor at the end of the tournament.

However, the decision to overlook the Portuguese came as no surprise.

Two days ago NFF president Amaju Pinnick told local television station Channels TV that he had informed former Porto and Sporting CP boss Peseiro to wait until the end of March for possible employment.

"I am still talking to him," Pinnick said.

"Maybe he has to wait till after the World Cup qualifiers and if in the course of his waiting, he got another job, we wish him well. The good news is that we did not sign the contract officially."