NIGERIA: Bruno Labbadia turns down Super Eagles coaching role, leaving NFF in search of a new manager ahead of AFCON qualifiers

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Bruno Labbadia, who was recently appointed as the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has unexpectedly turned down the role just two weeks before crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier announced that “Bruno Labbadia will be the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles,” positioning him as the replacement for Finidi George. However, as reported by Kicker, despite financial terms being “mainly agreed upon,” significant unresolved organizational issues led Labbadia to reject the offer.

A source familiar with the situation noted that while Labbadia was “attracted to the job’s sporting prospects,” the unresolved matters ultimately became a “dealbreaker.” With Labbadia’s refusal, the NFF now faces the urgent task of finding a new coach, with former Super Eagles coaches Austin Eguavoen and Samson Siasia being considered as interim options. Meanwhile, the NFF has called up 23 players, including key stars like Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, for the upcoming qualifiers.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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