Bruno Labbadia has been appointed as the new head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). His first task will be to lead the team in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The NFF hopes Labbadia's experience will revitalize the squad for upcoming competitions.
In a surprising turn of events, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, following Finidi George's resignation two months ago. This decision comes as Labbadia returns to football after a 16-month hiatus since leaving VfB Stuttgart in April 2023.
Labbadia is tasked with leading the Super Eagles through crucial upcoming matches, including their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The NFF had considered several prominent candidates, including former Ivorian coach Hervé Renard and Janne Andersson, the ex-Swedish national team coach, who had shown interest in the role. Andersson even expressed enthusiasm about managing a talented African team, confirming discussions with the NFF.
However, complications arose with Andersson’s availability, as he could not commit until November due to personal matters. Renard also encountered obstacles in finalizing a contract amid other offers. As the need for a new coach became urgent, the NFF swiftly moved to secure a suitable candidate, ultimately choosing Labbadia for his extensive managerial experience and UEFA Pro License.
