Bruno Labbadia Appointed as 37th Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the appointment of German tactician Bruno Labbadia as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Football Team. Labbadia, who succeeds Finidi George, becomes the 37th individual to take on this prestigious role.
Labbadia’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as the Super Eagles look to rejuvenate their campaign in the ongoing AFCON 2025 Qualifiers. Finidi George, who had only been in charge for about a month, resigned in June following disappointing results in the qualifiers. Labbadia’s first major test will be on the 7th of September when Nigeria hosts Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A Glimpse into Labbadia’s Coaching Journey
Bruno Labbadia, born in Darmstadt, Germany, brings with him a wealth of experience from various European football leagues. Before taking on the role with the Super Eagles, Labbadia managed several notable teams in Germany, including Hamburger SV, VfB Stuttgart, and Hertha BSC. He is particularly known for his ability to stabilise struggling teams and steer them away from relegation zones.
Labbadia began his managerial career in 2003 with Darmstadt 98, where he made an immediate impact. His managerial journey continued with successful stints at Greuther Fürth, Bayer Leverkusen, and Wolfsburg, among others. Throughout his career, Labbadia has earned a reputation for his tactical acumen and his ability to motivate players to perform at their best.
With Labbadia at the helm, the NFF and Nigerian football fans are hopeful that the Super Eagles will return to winning ways and secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be hosted in Morocco. His appointment marks a new chapter in the team’s history, and expectations are high for the experienced German coach to make a positive impact.
