The newly appointed manager of the Super Eagles, Bruno Labbadia, has declined the position.
This shocking event happened just under two weeks before important Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin and Rwanda, as the German publication Kicker reported.
Recalls that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier announced Labbadia’s appointment, designating him as the replacement for Finidi George, who stepped down in May.
“Bruno Labbadia will be the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles. The NFF confirms an agreement with the German coach to lead the senior national team,” the NFF’s statement read.
However, with only a few days remaining until he was set to assume his role, the NFF may have acted prematurely.
Reports from Kicker indicate that while the financial aspects were mainly agreed upon, significant organizational matters were still pending, ultimately leading to Labbadia’s decision to decline the offer.
Sources familiar with the negotiations disclosed that talks between the former Stuttgart coach and the NFF commenced last weekend and initially appeared promising.
Nevertheless, despite the federation’s assertions, Labbadia never provided a formal commitment or signed any agreement.
The German coach was reportedly attracted to the job’s sporting prospects, but the unresolved issues ultimately became a dealbreaker.
The NFF must now seek a new manager before the AFCON qualifiers begin in September. Prior to Labbadia’s announcement, there was speculation that former coach Austin Eguavoen might temporarily take over.
Additionally, another former Super Eagles coach and international player, Samson Siasia, who recently completed a five-year ban from football, was also considered as a potential interim solution.
In the meantime, the NFF has summoned 23 players for the upcoming qualifiers, including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, and stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong, all of whom are returning to the squad after extended injury absences.
