NFF Appoints Interim Coach After Labbadia Deal Collapses

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Austin Eguaveon as the interim coach of the Super Eagles.

This decision comes after negotiations with German manager Bruno Labbadia fell through due to tax-related complications.

Eguaveon, a familiar face to Nigerian football fans, has previously led the Super Eagles on three separate occasions, including two stints as interim coach.

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His appointment marks the latest chapter in a tumultuous search for a permanent successor to Finidi George, who resigned earlier this year.

The NFF had initially expressed excitement about bringing Labbadia on board, but the deal was ultimately scuttled by German tax laws that would have required the federation to cover a significant portion of the manager’s earnings.

With the international break looming, the NFF was forced to pivot and opt for a more familiar option in Eguaveon.

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The Super Eagles will look to Eguaveon to guide them through their opening matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The team will be aiming to start their campaign on a positive note under the leadership of a coach who was also top defender for the Super Eagles in his prime.