Labbadia has rejected the Super Eagles’ coaching job, shunning Nigeria’s offer. Get the details on his decision.
According to the German magazine Kicker, Bruno Labbadia has rejected the offer of becoming Super Eagles manager just days ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Earlier this week, Labbadia’s appointment as the successor to Finidi George was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The NFF confirmed their agreement with him to lead the team and described him as the 37th head coach of Super Eagles. This announcement came after Finidi George stepped down in May.
Yet, as the AFCON qualifiers versus Benin and Rwanda draw near, it appears that the NFF acted too hastily. As per Kicker’s report, even though they had for the most part finalized financial details of Labbadia’s appointment; unsettled logistical issues prompted him to refuse leading Nigeria’s team.
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Negotiation insiders revealed that Labbadia and NFF commenced talks over the weekend, which initially held promise. Although the federation made an announcement, Labbadia did not confirm or sign any contract formally.
While Labbadia was initially drawn to the job’s possibilities, its unsettled matters ultimately presented too great of a barrier. As a result, the NFF is now confronted with finding a new manager prior to September’s qualifiers.
Before Labbadia made his announcement, there were rumors that ex-coach Austin Eguavoen could become the temporary replacement. Additionally, Samson Siasia – a former Super Eagles coach who had just finished serving a five-year ban from football – was also seen as possibly filling in on an interim basis.
The NFF has released a list of 23 players for the upcoming qualifiers, which includes Victor Osimhen from Napoli and Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest. William Troost-Ekong will also make his return to the squad as stand-in captain after being absent due to injury for an extended period of time.
