The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have announced the appointment of German Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Nigeria men's national team.
The Super Eagles had been without a substantive head coach since former international Finidi George stepped down from the role in June, following a defeat to Benin in 2026 World Cup qualifying that left the three-time African champions second-from bottom in Group C.
After weeks of speculation, taking in candidates such as two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Herve Renard and former Sweden manager Janne Andersson, the NFF have plumped for former Germany international Labbadia. The 58-year-old will take charge of the Super Eagles “with immediate effect”, per official communication.
Labaddia, who was most recently in charge of Bundesliga side Stuttgart, is the sixth German in history to take charge of the Nigeria men's senior national team.
What is Bruno Labbadia’s mandate as new Super Eagles coach?
The former Bayer Leverkusen boss will take charge of the Nigeria national team for their September internationals against Benin and Rwanda, on the 7th and 10th respectively. Those matches serve to open the qualification series for the 2025 AFCON, which is set to kick off in December, 2025.
The Super Eagles will then play a doubleheader in October against Libya, before rounding out the series in November with the reverse fixtures against Rwanda and Benin, wrapping up qualification for the AFCON.
The real challenge, however, will come in March 2025, when Nigeria resume 2026 World Cup qualifying. Under the combined efforts of Jose Peseiro and Finidi, the Super Eagles are winless in their opening four matches in Group C, boasting three draws and one defeat.
In March, should he still be in charge, Bruno Labbadia will be tasked with rescuing Nigeria’s hopes of reaching North America and not only overhauling runaway leaders Rwanda, but getting a result away at bitter rivals South Africa.
