Ex-Bayer Leverkusen coach Bruno Labbadia rejects Super Eagles job – Report

German tactician Bruno Labbadia has recently been appointed as the new head coach of the Nigerian national team

The Nigeria Football Federation is facing a major setback after former Bayer Leverkusen coach Bruno Labbadia reportedly walked away from the Super Eagles managerial role, just days after his appointment was made public, Soccernet.ng reports.

On August 27, the Nigerian Football body announced that they had secured the services of the experienced German tactician to lead the Nigerian national team.

However, the announcement appears to have been premature, as Labbadia has now halted contract negotiations with the federation, citing unresolved issues per reports.

Reports circulating in the Nigerian media suggests that talks between Labbadia and the NFF hit a stumbling block, leading the 57-year-old to reconsider taking up the job. Despite the NFF’s public declaration, the terms of the contract had not been finalized, leaving key details unsettled.

This development comes at a critical time for the Super Eagles, who are set to face Benin Republic and Rwanda in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in just seven days.

The uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation has thrown Nigeria’s preparations into disarray, raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the important fixture.

Labbadia’s decision to put negotiations on hold has cast doubt on the NFF’s handling of the situation, particularly given the federation’s eagerness to announce his appointment before securing a firm agreement.

The NFF now faces the daunting task of resolving the impasse or finding a suitable replacement in time for the upcoming qualifier.

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

Trabzonspor make fresh transfer decision on Bruno Onyemaechi as Boavista insist on ₦4.7 billion deal

Trabzonspor's bid to secure Nigerian international Bruno Onyemaechi from Portuguese side Boavista has reportedly stalled… Read More

9 minutes ago

Crystal Palace vs Stockport: Super Eagles’ Bright Osayi-Samuel reacts to Eze Eberechi’s standout performance

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has praised the performance of Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze… Read More

29 minutes ago

Nigeria-eligible Chelsea midfielder closes in on Borussia Dortmund move following Maresca’s statement

Nigeria-eligible Chelsea midfielder, Carney Chibueze Chukwuemeka, is nearing a move to Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund,… Read More

54 minutes ago

“We’re not taking any chances” – NFF President confident Super Falcons can win WAFCON 2024

President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has backed the Super Falcons to take… Read More

2 hours ago

“I truly believe it” -Éric Chelle optimistic about Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, is confident he can lead the three-time… Read More

3 hours ago

“It was important” – Fulham head coach explains Bassey’s exclusion from FA Cup win over Watford

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, has revealed why he opted not to field Super Eagles… Read More

4 hours ago