German coach, Bruno Labbadia, has reportedly reversed his decision to manage the Super Eagles, just days before the crucial Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifying doubleheader against Benin and Rwanda, causing a stir.
This turn of events comes just three days after the Nigeria Football Federation announced they had reached an agreement with Labbadia to take over as head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the appointment early Tuesday, stating, “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The appointment is with immediate effect.”
However, according to a report by the German publication Kicker, Labbadia has now put a halt to discussions with the NFF, citing unresolved issues in contract negotiations.
Despite the NFF’s official announcement of his appointment, Labbadia’s decision to withdraw appears to stem from disagreements over key contractual elements, particularly concerning salary and other entitlements.
The NFF had been optimistic about concluding these negotiations by the end of the week, with the aim of having Labbadia take charge of the Super Eagles in time for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September.
Unfortunately, the final round of talks did not yield a consensus, leading Labbadia to withdraw from the role.
At present, the NFF has not issued an official statement addressing this latest development, which has generated significant concern among fans and stakeholders alike.
With the AFCON qualifiers fast approaching, the lack of a confirmed head coach could disrupt the team’s preparations, raising doubts about their readiness for the crucial matches ahead.
This situation adds to the ongoing difficulties faced by the NFF in securing a permanent coach for the Super Eagles.
The federation is now under pressure to swiftly identify alternative options to ensure that the team remains focused and well-prepared for their AFCON 2025 campaign.
