Augustine Eguavoen, the interim Super Eagles coach has began the process of handing over to incoming technical adviser, Jose Poseiro.

Nigeria’s exit from the continued Cameroon 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 0-1 to Tunisia within the round of 16, in line with sources, has dashed Eguavoen’s hopes of keeping the job completely.

Talking after Sunday’s loss to Tunisia, Eguavoen introduced that he would return to his job as Nigeria Soccer Federation’s (NFF) Technical Director, including that he would go away the decision of who becomes the coach of the staff to the Federation.

He mentioned: “I’m the interim coach and Technical Director of the NFF, I’ll return to my place and permit the Federation make a decision on the best way ahead.”

In 2006, Eguavoen took the staff to the semifinal of the match in Egypt after beating the same Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on penalties within the quarterfinals.

Talking with The Guardian yesterday at Resort Le Ribador, shortly earlier than the staff left Garoua for Abuja, Eguavoen mentioned he felt bad that the Super Eagles crashed out of the match at such stage regardless of the help from Nigerians.

“I turned emotional just like the players on the finish of the match, however that’s soccer for you. We tried our greatest to win, even after Alex Iwobi was given a red card.

“Before then, we had an enormous probability to change the sport, however issues didn’t work for us. Within the second half, we knew that Kelechi Iheanacho was on yellow and we didn’t need to risk him. Our game plan then, was to undergo the center and that was why we brought in Alex Iwobi and Sidiq Umar. However the red card to Iwobi affected the plan. I’ve spoken with the players. I’ve informed Iwobi to move on. He’s a young boy and must be inspired.”

On if he resigned instantly after the match as reported within the media, Eguavoen mentioned: “I didn’t resign. Some individuals are mischievous. I never mentioned so. I do know that you can’t be all people’s favorite. Such report coming from a journalist isn’t good.”

Eguavoen additionally absolved President Muhammadu Buhari of blame for Eagles’ defeat, saying the loss has nothing to do with the decision by the president to players and officers of the team.

Because the staff crashed out of the match on Sunday, there have been reviews on social media attributing the loss to the decision by President Buhari, who referred to as the players and their officers at about 11.00 a.m. on Sunday to give them phrases of encouragement.

“Mr. President has been our primary supporter. And like a father, his name to his children was to encourage us. I commend him for the step he took. We recognize his help for the staff.

“It was unlucky we couldn’t go previous the spherical of 16 on this match. We have now to place this disappointment behind us as shortly as doable and face the duty forward, which is the qualification for Qatar 2022 World Cup,” he said.

Eguavoen additionally absolved goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of any blame in Sunday’s defeat by Tunisia.

“We can’t maintain Okoye accountable for the defeat. That will likely be unfair. The ball got here via our bodies, and it grew to become tough for Okoye to see it. I nonetheless fee Okoye as one among our greatest goalkeepers,” Eguavoen mentioned.