- Bruno Labbadia declines the Super Eagles head coach role three days after appointment
- Labbadia was expected to succeed Finidi George as the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles
- Augustine Eguavoen has been named as interim Super Eagles coach for AFCON qualifiers
In a Nollywood-esque twist, Bruno Labbadia has turned down the role of Super Eagles coach just three days after his appointment was announced by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
The news was revealed on social media via the sports federation’s handle on X on Friday, August 30.
This situation, which has been described as a “comedy” by some section of Nigerian fans, has raised questions about the federation's recruitment approach.
The NFF had proudly declared, “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 federation's General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, 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."
Labbadia was set to become the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles, following the resignation of the former coach, Finidi George.
Afterwards, the NFF announced after the federation’s X handle tweeted that talks had broken down with German coach, Labbadia and that an old face in Augustine Eguavoen will subsequently take charge of the three-time African champions as they face the Benin Republic in Uyo on September 7th and Rwanda in Kigali on September 10th.
This marks the fourth time Eguavoen will be in charge of the Super Eagles, having previously managed the team during stints in 2005-2007, 2010, and 2022.
His wealth of experience with the national team makes him a familiar face on the sidelines and might be particularly helpful during the upcoming qualification matches.
The NFF, in a statement released on Friday, disclosed the reason behind Labbadia's abrupt departure. The federation's president, Ibrahim Gusau, explained that the issue arose over the coach’s salary tax, which was not factored into the initial contract negotiations.
Gusau was quoted saying, “The federation cannot offset the concomitant tax percentage on the German coach’s salary. This issue of offsetting the coach’s tax was not part of the initial agreement before the announcement of his appointment.”
Had Labbadia accepted the role, he would have become the sixth German to manage the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of notable names like Karl-Heinz Marotzke, who had two stints between 1970 and 1974, Gottlieb Göller in 1981, Manfred Höner from 1988 to 1989, Berti Vogts from 2007 to 2008, and Gernot Rohr from 2016 to 2021.
It should be noted that the federation has announced 3 coaches for the role of head coach this year.
Nigerians wasted no time in lambasting the lack of professionalism by the country’s sports federation for officially announcing a yet-to-be-finalised contract.
Nigerians react to Labbadia’s contract breakdown
TheRadar has compiled below some reactions from Nigerians over the latest series of announcements by the NFF.
“You people are comedians, then why did you go ahead to announce when all is not signed and sealed,” @CharlnMD stated.
“Nigeria is just an all-round tragic comedy. Everything is going south,” @AnyarogbuJ said.
“Chai.
We are just plagued in this country. God abeg.
Chai.
If wishes were horses.
Metcheeeeeeeww,” @Ejyksolo commented.
“Are there no good NPFL coaches?
Why must it be Eguavoen always,” @jundunllah stated.
“How this Eguavoen keeps accepting to come back as interim coach beats me…Looks like he keep begging for it..He should put some rest to his name..Nawa. Man just cheap,” @obinna_ugo60837 mentioned.
“Thanks for the clarifications, this happened because you guys aren't professional enough. If I have the singular authority to do so, I would have fired you guys first thing tomorrow morning. None sense,” @PurifiedTope commented.
“Eguavoen again the same Augustine Eguavoen that has been awful whenever he's given a task. No way Nigeria is qualifying for the next Afcon,” @Maleekcille 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) was 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.
