German tactician Bruno Labbadia has been appointed as the new head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles.
The 58-year-old takes over from Finidi George, who resigned in June following a disappointing run of results.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Labbadia’s appointment in a statement on Tuesday morning, announcing, “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development sub-committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.”
German, Bruno Labbadia, becomes 37th Head Coach of the @NGSuperEagles
The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that it has reached an agreement with German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles. pic.twitter.com/AKq92upW4g— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) August 27, 2024
Labbadia steps into a challenging role as the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles, with the immediate task of reversing the team’s fortunes in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Nigeria struggled under Finidi George during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, failing to secure a win in their first four matches, which has left them fifth in Group C with just three points.
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Before George’s tenure, Portuguese coach José Peseiro led Nigeria to the final of the 2023 AFCON, where they were defeated by Ivory Coast.
Bruno Labbadia will aim to turn things around, starting with Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2025 qualifier against Benin on September 7, followed by an away fixture against Rwanda.
The NFF and Nigerian fans are hopeful that Labbadia’s experience will help restore the Super Eagles to their former glory on the continental and global stage.
