ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Bruno Labbadia, former VfB Stuttgart manager, as the new head coach of the men’s national team, the Super Eagles. The 58-year-old German takes the helm ahead of crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches, with his first game scheduled for September 7 against Benin in Uyo.
NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi announced the appointment, 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.”
The decision comes after negotiations with other high-profile candidates, including former Sweden coach Janne Andersson and two-time AFCON winner Herve Renard, fell through. BBC Sport Africa reports that while a contract with Labbadia has not yet been signed, the German emerged as the preferred choice among final contenders that included Gustavo Poyet, Aitor Karanka, and Fabio Cannavaro.
Labbadia, who holds a UEFA Pro License, brings extensive Bundesliga experience, having managed Hertha Berlin, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen. He becomes the sixth German to lead the Super Eagles, following a lineage that includes Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Goller, Manfred Honer, Berti Vogts, and most recently, Gernot Rohr.
The new coach faces significant challenges as he takes over a team struggling in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Nigeria currently sits near the bottom of Group C, with only Zimbabwe faring worse after four rounds of matches. The unexpected difficulty in what was perceived as a comfortable qualifying group has increased pressure on the team and federation.
Labbadia must also contend with infrastructural and administrative issues plaguing Nigerian football. The national team lacks a permanent home ground, with recent fixtures hosted in Uyo by default. The absence of a dedicated national training facility comparable to those of other football powers further complicates preparation efforts. Additionally, ongoing issues with player allowances and match bonuses persist within the current squad.
The German tactician will have little time to acclimate to his new role before facing critical qualifiers for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup. Despite the limited preparation time, expectations for immediate results remain high among Nigerian football fans and officials alike.
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, who had been intensely negotiating with other candidates, now turns to Labbadia to revitalize the Super Eagles’ fortunes. The appointment represents a crucial decision for Nigerian football, as the team seeks to reclaim its position as a powerhouse in African football and secure qualification for major tournaments.
As Labbadia prepares to take charge, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles’ performances in the upcoming qualifiers. The new coach’s ability to quickly implement his tactics and motivate the squad will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s football future on the continental and global stages.
