Why Bruno Labbadia should succeed as Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently announced the appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, sparking mixed reactions from fans and analysts. However, SportsRation correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan believes Labbadia has the potential to lead the Super Eagles to success, thanks to his coaching philosophy and experience.

One of the key reasons Labbadia is expected to succeed is his strong adherence to the German football philosophy, which emphasizes teamwork over individual talent. The current Super Eagles squad lacks cohesion, and Labbadia’s approach could bring the much-needed balance. German football has long been associated with work rate and efficiency, qualities that have remained consistent despite various tactical changes over the years. Labbadia’s teams are known for being well-organized, disciplined, and results-focused, making him a perfect fit for the Super Eagles.

Labbadia’s coaching style is also characterized by his adaptability. He is known for his ability to adjust his tactics based on the opponents, a feature that could be crucial for Nigeria’s diverse challenges in international football. His tactical versatility is one of his strongest assets, and it could help the Super Eagles navigate the complexities of African and global football.

Moreover, Labbadia’s familiarity with Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen is another significant advantage. The German coach has followed Osimhen’s career closely, especially during his time at VfL Wolfsburg. Labbadia has often praised Osimhen’s abilities, describing him as a “classic centre-forward” and a player who excels in one-on-one situations. His admiration for Osimhen and understanding of the striker’s strengths could help him maximize Osimhen’s potential in the Super Eagles setup.

In addition to these factors, Labbadia’s career has shown a willingness to trust and develop emerging talent. At VfL Wolfsburg, he played a key role in nurturing players like Josip Brekalo and John Brooks, demonstrating his ability to bring out the best in young players. This could be particularly beneficial for the Super Eagles, who boast a number of young and promising talents.

Despite facing setbacks in his career, including multiple sackings, Labbadia has consistently bounced back, securing roles at top clubs. This resilience speaks to the respect he commands within the football community and his ability to overcome challenges—traits that will serve him well as he takes on the Super Eagles role.

One of the hallmarks of Labbadia’s teams is their strong defensive organization. He has always prioritized a solid defensive structure as the foundation for success, which could address one of the Super Eagles’ longstanding issues. While this approach may not always produce the most exciting football, it is effective in securing results.

Labbadia’s first challenge as Super Eagles coach will be against Benin Republic on September 7, in the qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This match will be particularly interesting as the Benin Republic team is managed by his compatriot and former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr.

Given the right support, Bruno Labbadia has the potential to have a successful tenure with the Super Eagles, bringing a new era of discipline, organization, and tactical acumen to the Nigerian national team.