Eguavoen to lead Super Eagles as Bruno Labbadia deal with NFF hits the block

Bruno Labbadia’s deal to take over the Nigerian national team has hit the blocks following a strict German tax

The Nigeria Football Federation has been forced to abandon its agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia to lead the Super Eagles, citing complications arising from strict German tax regulations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The deal fell apart after the NFF refused to shoulder the additional tax burden, which could have amounted to between 32% and 40% of Labbadia’s salary.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau revealed that while both parties had initially reached an agreement in principle, the unexpected tax issue became a sticking point.

“We have been on the tax issue for the past three days, and I told him clearly that there was no way the NFF will agree to offset the concomitant tax percentage on his salary that will be demanded by German tax authorities,” Gusau said. “We were doing our best to be flexible in the discussions, but he was adamant that the NFF had to pay the full tax amount as well. We simply cannot do that.”

With the Labbadia deal now off the table, the NFF has turned to its Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

Eguavoen, who is stepping in for his fourth stint as head coach, will guide the team in crucial matches against Benin Republic on September 7 in Uyo and Rwanda on September 10 in Kigali.

Eguavoen’s appointment brings a familiar face back to the helm of the three-time African champions, but the sudden change in leadership just days before the qualifiers has raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

NPFL: Shooting Stars end ugly 20-year record against Rangers as Remo Stars, Abia Warriors record big wins

Matchday 18 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across the country… Read More

18 minutes ago

What Tolu Arokodare said after helping Genk set a new club record with dominant win over Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight at being part of history-making at KRC Genk after… Read More

2 hours ago

Why PSG will not sign Victor Osimhen

French Ligue 1 champions PSG may decide against signing Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, as… Read More

2 hours ago

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

14 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

15 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

15 hours ago