Bruno Labbadia
Why Labbadia rejected Super Eagles’ coaching job – Source
Bruno Labbadia has declined the role of Super Eagles manager just days before the team’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, as reported by the German magazine Kicker.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had announced Labbadia’s appointment earlier this week, naming him as the successor to Finidi George, who stepped down in May. The NFF’s announcement described Labbadia as the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles and confirmed their agreement with the German coach to lead the team.
However, with the AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda fast approaching, it seems the NFF might have acted prematurely. According to Kicker, while the financial aspects of the deal were mostly agreed upon, unresolved organizational matters led to Labbadia’s decision to turn down the position.
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Sources close to the negotiations noted that talks between Labbadia and the NFF began last weekend and showed initial promise. Despite the federation’s announcement, Labbadia had not formally committed or signed any contract.
Though Labbadia was initially attracted by the job’s potential, the unresolved issues ultimately proved insurmountable. The NFF now faces the challenge of finding a new manager before the qualifiers start in September.
Prior to Labbadia’s announcement, there was speculation about former coach Austin Eguavoen possibly taking over on an interim basis. Another former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, who recently completed a five-year ban from football, was also considered a potential temporary solution.
Meanwhile, the NFF has named 23 players for the upcoming qualifiers, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, and stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong, who are returning to the squad after lengthy injury absences.
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