- The Nigeria Football Federation appoints Bruno Labbadia to lead the Super Eagles
- Labbadia is a former Bundesliga winner with Bayern Munich and has international experience
- The appointment has, however, provoked Nigerians as many have aired their views which do not support the German’s appointment
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially agreed to appoint Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, marking another step towards the team’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
The incoming coach, born February 8, 1966, in Germany, is a former footballer who played as a striker.
His playing days were highlighted by winning the DFB-Pokal with 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 1990 and clinching the Bundesliga title with FC Bayern Munich in 1994. On the international stage, he earned two caps for the German national team.
Transitioning to management, Labbadia began his coaching career at Darmstadt 98 from 2000 to 2003, with his last role being the head coach of VfB Stuttgart during the 2022/23 season.
Joining an exclusive list, Labbadia is the sixth German coach to lead the Super Eagles, following Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Göller, Manfred Höner, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr. Notable among his predecessors, Höner guided Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, while Rohr successfully led the team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Labbadia’s first test will come quickly as he prepares to oversee the Super Eagles in two crucial games, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Benin Republic on September 7 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and against Rwanda on September 10 in Kigali.
With four more matches to complete the qualifying round in October and November, the German coach will have a challenging task ahead.
The NFF confirmed Labbadia's appointment via their X handle on Tuesday, posting, “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.”
Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, added, "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.”
With this appointment, Labbadia becomes the 37th coach in the history of the Super Eagles, following the resignation of Finidi George, who was unveiled as the team’s coach in May 2024.
Nigerians react to NFF’s appointment of Labbadia
TheRadar has compiled below some of the reactions from Netizens.
“How did the NFF come up with the decision to choose Bruno Labbadia to coach Super Eagles?
We have alot of talents and we need a great coach. We can’t be taking Fearless Energy Drink to watch every Nigeria match haba.
I might even prefer Mikel the podcaster to this man!!” @iamseunalaofin lamented
“On the quest of looking for a white coach, we don go sign Italian Frank Lampard 😢😢,” @Nwafresh said
“Have you ever seen Spanish looking for foreign coach? What is wrong with our country leaders that we didn't know what to do. Why must we use foreigners as our national coach, does that sound very good,” @TvslEspana stated
“This man with bad management records, always win 4 match , draw 4/2 then loose the remaining games.
Super Eagles reject him
We Nigerians reject him,” @Wewe_Of_Lagos said.
“Thoroughly disappointed with this recruitment. Why not sign an Amunike that has tasted glory in the age grade teams or Samson Siasia
What is really NFFs interest in signing no-result and no-impact foreign coaches since last 2 decades,” @JosephOnuorah mentioned.
“Who is this guy? What qualifies him for this job? Where did you find him?” @Sweeegu asked
“You should have just used the money to invest in agriculture because we actually won't qualify for the world cup. It's late,” @Kemisanwo lamented.
“Who does it cost you to appoint Hervé Renard as head coach of the national team , a proven winner with African nations at both continental and international competitions.
Giant of Africa right?” @DipoSpeak asked.
“Labbadia won just 1 out of 11 games in charge of Stuttgart. He was sacked in 2023 after just 4 months in charge as the team sank to the bottom of the league,” @nigerianoise stated.
Super Eagles head coach saga nears end as Swedish coach prepares to take over
Previously, TheRadar reported that after an extensive month-long search, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is on the brink of naming a new head coach for the Super Eagles.
According to reports, an agreement has been reached, and the official unveiling is expected by the end of next week. Although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement, it appears the NFF has finally identified the right candidate.
