NFF Shuts Down Bruno Labbadia Return Rumors, Backs Eguavoen as Interim Coach



The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has firmly denied rumors of Bruno Labbadia's return as the Super Eagles coach. Recent speculation was fueled by a social media post from the German tactician, hinting at a "new chapter" in his career, accompanied by the Nigerian flag. This stirred up conversations about his possible reappointment. However, the NFF has quickly dispelled these rumors, stating that there is no truth to Labbadia's return to the Nigerian national football team.

On August 27, 2024, the NFF initially appointed Bruno Labbadia as the new coach of the Super Eagles. The announcement created excitement among fans and stakeholders who were eager to see how the experienced coach would lead the national team. Unfortunately, just a few days after the announcement, Labbadia withdrew from the position, citing complications related to Germany's tax laws. This sudden withdrawal left the Super Eagles without a permanent head coach, leading to uncertainty about the future leadership of the team.

Labbadia’s recent Instagram post, which showcased a photo of himself with the caption “new chapter” and included the Nigerian flag, reignited speculation about his return. However, both the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and the General Secretary, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, have refuted these claims. In a direct response to inquiries from the media, the NFF leadership emphasized that there have been no discussions or plans to reappoint Labbadia as the head coach. Gusau succinctly stated, "It's not true," while Dr. Mohammed expressed surprise, noting that he was hearing about the rumors for the first time.

Following Labbadia's withdrawal in August, the NFF appointed Austin Eguavoen, the federation’s Technical Director, as the interim coach of the Super Eagles. Eguavoen stepped in to stabilize the team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. His debut as interim coach saw a solid start, with Nigeria defeating Benin Republic 3-0 in their opening match. However, the team’s momentum was checked in the subsequent game, where they were held to a goalless draw against Rwanda.

The NFF’s swift dismissal of the Labbadia rumors underscores the federation’s commitment to maintaining stability within the Super Eagles setup. With Austin Eguavoen at the helm for the time being, the focus remains on ensuring the team qualifies for the 2025 AFCON tournament. As the qualifiers continue, there is a growing emphasis on finding a permanent solution to the coaching situation that aligns with both the team’s needs and logistical considerations.

In conclusion, despite the rumors sparked by Labbadia’s social media post, the NFF has made it clear that there are no current plans to bring the German coach back. The federation is focused on supporting Eguavoen as interim coach while working towards long-term solutions for the national team’s leadership. As the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming matches, stability and clarity in the coaching structure remain top priorities.

Post a Comment

0 Comments