The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. Labbadia, who has managed top European clubs, will lead the team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, starting with matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The NFF Executive Committee approved the decision following a recommendation from the Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
Labbadia, a former German international born on February 8, 1966, in Darmstadt, Germany, has an extensive coaching career that includes stints at prominent clubs such as Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen. He holds a UEFA Pro License, making him a well-qualified candidate to lead Nigeria's national team.
Labbadia becomes the sixth German coach to manage the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Göller, Manfred Höner, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr. His immediate challenge will be to prepare the team for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Benin Republic in Uyo on September 7 and Rwanda in Kigali on September 10, with additional qualifiers to be played in October and November.
Labbadia’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the Super Eagles aim to secure a spot in the next AFCON tournament, and he will be expected to bring his European coaching experience to bear on the team’s performance.
