Bruno Labbadia withdraws as Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach amid negotiation issues

Background: Less than four days after being announced as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Bruno Labbadia has stepped down from the role.

Labbadia, who was expected to lead the team in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, has decided to withdraw due to unresolved organizational issues with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

According to reports from German news outlet Kicker, the NFF prematurely announced Labbadia’s appointment before finalizing key aspects of the agreement. Despite his interest in the job, the unresolved challenges led the 58-year-old German coach to pull out.

With Labbadia’s withdrawal, the team’s technical director, Augustine Eguavoen, is now likely to take charge of the upcoming matches.

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It would be recalled that on Tuesday, the announcement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) naming Labbadia new head coach of the Super Eagles.

According to German news outlet, Kicker, the NFF failed to reach an agreement with the 58-year-old before making the announcement.

The former striker, according to the publication, started negotiations with the NFF last weekend but the hasty announcement is a major reason for his pull out.

Labbadia was said to be attracted to the job despite the challenges.

The offer from the NFF was also attractive, especially from a sporting perspective, but both parties could not reach agreement due to organizational issues that could not be resolved in the short time available.

Labbadia was earlier expected to be in charge of the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, but as it stands, Technical director, Augustine Eguavoen might just take charge.