The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of German tactician Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Team. The decision was made effective immediately, according to NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
“Labbadia’s appointment is a recommendation from the Technical and Development Sub-Committee, approved by the NFF Executive Committee,” Sanusi stated.
Born on February 8, 1966, in Darmstadt, Germany, Labbadia has an extensive playing and coaching career. He won two caps for the German national team and triumphed in the German Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in 1994. Labbadia has coached prominent teams like Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen, holding a UEFA Pro License.
Labbadia becomes the sixth German to lead the Super Eagles, following Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Göller, Manfred Höner, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr. His immediate challenge is to guide the Super Eagles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September.
The appointment comes after the Super Eagles’ recent draw against Benin Republic in the qualification race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Labbadia will aim to redeem the team’s fortunes, having suffered recent misfortunes, including a disappointing loss to Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With Labbadia at the helm, the Super Eagles will face Benin Republic, Libya, and Rwanda in Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, which begin in September and end in November 2025. The competition will be held between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026.
