Report: Bruno Labbadia rejects Super Eagles job
German tactician Bruno Labbadia has reportedly opted out of becoming the new head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, according to German publication Kicker. This decision comes just days after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced his appointment as the national team’s head coach.
The NFF had revealed Labbadia’s appointment on Tuesday, with an official statement shared via their X handle, stating, “The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that it has reached an agreement with German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, Super Eagles.” The announcement was made by the federation’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, following the NFF Executive Committee’s approval of Labbadia’s appointment.
However, it appears that negotiations between Labbadia and the NFF hit a snag over final details concerning salary and other entitlements. According to the Kicker report, these unresolved issues led Labbadia to end discussions with the NFF, effectively withdrawing from the role.
The NFF had been hopeful of finalising the contractual details with Labbadia by Friday, allowing him to take charge of the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September. Unfortunately, the final round of talks between both parties was unsuccessful, leaving the Super Eagles without a head coach as the qualifiers approach.
As of now, the NFF has yet to release an official statement regarding this latest development. The situation has sparked concerns among fans and stakeholders, as the team’s preparation for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers could be disrupted by the lack of a confirmed head coach.
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing challenges faced by the NFF in securing a permanent coach for the Super Eagles. The federation will now need to explore alternative options quickly to ensure that the team remains on track for their AFCON 2025 campaign.
