BREAKING NEWS: Austin Eguavoen to lead Super Eagles in 2025 AFCON qualifiers after Bruno Labbadia deal falls through
Former Super Eagles head coach and NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, will step in to guide the Nigerian national team in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda this September.
This development follows the breakdown in negotiations between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and German manager Bruno Labbadia, who was poised to take over as head coach.
The NFF had been in advanced talks with Labbadia, hoping to finalize his appointment before the crucial AFCON qualifiers.
However, according to reports from Kicker, discussions hit a snag over unresolved issues related to salary and other entitlements. Despite hopes that an agreement could be reached by Friday, the negotiations ultimately collapsed, leading Labbadia to withdraw from the role.
With the qualifiers fast approaching, the NFF has turned to Eguavoen, a familiar figure in Nigerian football. Eguavoen, who has previously managed the Super Eagles on several occasions, including their campaign in the 2021 AFCON, will now be tasked with leading the team through these vital matches.
Eguavoen’s immediate challenge will be to rally the squad and secure positive results against Benin Republic and Rwanda, as the Super Eagles aim to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
The NFF’s search for a permanent head coach will continue, but for now, all eyes will be on Eguavoen as he takes charge once again in a critical period for Nigerian football.
