Bruno Labbadia’s debut as Nigeria's Super Eagles head coach could be delayed due to unresolved contract issues with the Nigeria Football Federation, Soccernet.ng understands.
Although the NFF announced Labbadia’s appointment earlier this week, it has now emerged that the German tactician has yet to officially sign a contract.
This situation casts uncertainty over whether Labbadia will be available to lead Nigeria in their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic on September 7th in Uyo and Rwanda on September 10th in Kigali.
BBC reporter Shina Okeleji shed light on the matter, stating,
“Nigeria is hoping to finalise contractual details with German coach Bruno Labbadia on Friday to enable him to travel to Uyo and take charge of the Super Eagles in AFCON qualifying fixtures against Benin & Rwanda.
“The desperate NFF announced Labbadia’s appointment without sorting T&C & contract.”
Nigeria hoping to finalise contractual details with German coach Bruno Labbadia on Friday to enable him travel to Uyo and take charge of the Super Eagles in AFCON qualifying fixtures v Benin & Rwanda.
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) August 30, 2024
Desperate NFF announced Labbadia’s appointment without sorting T&C & contract. pic.twitter.com/DMiy7oZEHl
The delay in finalising the contract has sparked concerns among football fans and media alike, who question the NFF’s decision to announce Labbadia’s appointment before all terms were agreed upon.
Despite these concerns, the NFF remains optimistic that an agreement will be reached in time for Labbadia to oversee the qualifiers.
Labbadia, a former Bayern Munich striker with extensive Bundesliga coaching experience, was brought in to bring tactical expertise and a fresh perspective to the Super Eagles as they aim to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
This situation echoes past instances where the NFF prematurely announced coaching appointments.
In 2016, the federation named Paul Le Guen as technical advisor, only for the Frenchman to reject the role, citing unmet terms and conditions.
Similarly, in 2017, Randy Waldrum was announced as the Super Falcons coach, but he too declined due to unresolved contractual matters, leading to the eventual appointment of Swede Thomas Dennerby.
Even Jose Peseiro, who led Nigeria to a second-place finish at this year's AFCON, was initially announced without finalising his contract, leading to weeks of uncertainty before he officially took on the role.
The NFF’s handling of coaching appointments has drawn criticism over the years, and the current situation with Labbadia only adds to the concerns.
As negotiations continue, Super Eagles fans will be anxiously waiting to see if Labbadia will be in the dugout for Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
