In a surprising turn of events, German coach Bruno Labbadia has backed out of his agreement to manage Nigeria’s Super Eagles, just days after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced his appointment.
On Tuesday, the NFF confidently declared that Labbadia, a former Germany international striker with a wealth of coaching experience, would lead the three-time African champions through their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. However, reports from Germany now suggest that the 58-year-old tactician has rejected the offer, leaving the Super Eagles in a state of uncertainty.
The sudden change of heart is reportedly due to a breakdown in contractual negotiations between Labbadia and the NFF. Despite the public announcement, it appears that crucial terms were not agreed upon before the federation moved forward with the news. This oversight has not only led to Labbadia’s withdrawal but also cast doubt on the NFF’s process in securing a head coach for one of Africa’s most successful football teams.
With the qualifiers looming, the NFF is scrambling for alternatives. Austin Eguavoen, the federation’s technical director and a familiar face in Nigerian football, is now being considered as the interim coach for the crucial AFCON fixtures. Eguavoen has previously managed the Super Eagles and could be a steadying presence as the team navigates this unexpected disruption.
The NFF is yet to release an official statement addressing Labbadia’s decision, but the situation underscores the ongoing challenges the federation faces in securing top-tier coaching talent for Nigeria’s national team.
