Eguavoen, currently serving as the NFF's Technical Director since 2020, had previously stepped into the role of Super Eagles manager on an interim basis for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, succeeding German coach Gernot Rohr. However, he reverted to his Technical Director position after the team's exit from AFCON 2021 following a heartbreaking defeat to Tunisia in the round of sixteen.

Contrary to circulating reports in certain sections of the media and social platforms, a reliable source within the NFF has dismissed any consideration of Eguavoen for the interim Super Eagles managerial role. The source categorically stated, "There's nothing for Eguavoen as far as I know, and, in fact, nobody ever mentioned him in any capacity for the Super Eagles. I think those guys are just joking. Nobody has mentioned Eguavoen as Super Eagles' interim manager."

The rumors have prompted strong reactions from the public, with callers on a popular Lagos-based sports radio station expressing their disapproval of the potential return of Eguavoen to the coaching position. Some listeners emphasized their concerns, describing him as a misfit for one of the most high-profile coaching jobs globally.

"Please, tell the Nigeria Football Federation not to appoint Eguavoen as Super Eagles coach; we won't go to the World Cup again because that Baba doesn't know anything. He is not a better coach, and we won't agree with NFF," one frustrated caller exclaimed.

Another caller criticized the NFF's handling of the situation, saying, "Who did this to Nigeria? Has Eguavoen forced himself upon us? I think we have to blame the NFF, who don't know what they are doing. The NFF has not come out with any categorical statement after Peseiro's contract expired. I think it's the prerogative of Eguavoen to step in as an interim coach since he's the Technical Director of the NFF, but all we want now is for the NFF to do the right thing."