…..Nigerian fans query NFF’s decision to hire Labbadia
The Nigeria Football Federation early Tuesday morning announced German tactician Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.
This followed a long wait of suspense, speculations, and uncertainties following the unexpected resignation of Finidi George in June.
The former Nigeria international quit his role after NFF announced its plan to appoint a foreign technical adviser as head coach of the three-time African champions.
Punch reports that the decision came after an outcry by the football-loving populace following the team’s poor performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including a shock defeat to Benin Republic.
Since Finidi’s exit, several names have been linked with the job, with former head coach of the France women’s national team, Herve Renard, and Swede Janne Andersson the two leading names for the vacant post.
Surprisingly, the NFF on Tuesday announced Labbadia, much to the disappointment of many football enthusiasts who queried the decision of the football body.
Aside from not previously coaching a national team, the 58-year-old, who boasts a wealth of experience in club football, having managed several German clubs since 2003 (21years ago), has not worked outside Germany prior to his appointment by Nigeria, which provoked questions by Nigerian football fans.
Mayowa Balogun wrote on X, “Who is this guy? What qualifies him for this job? Where did you find him?”
Jaymighty added, “Every time the NFF announces a coach for the Eagles, we always need to search Google for the information because we know anything about them. Who is this new coach now?”
Oluwangbemiga Koretomiwa wrote, “This is why we need someone who has played the game or knows about football as head of the NFF or becomes minister of sports. How on earth will you appoint someone who is not even in the calibre of Siasia? You are toying with our emotions.”
We are urging NFF to do better with the national team. Ikuomola Omoniyi said, “NFF should please be serious with the Super Eagles too; they should not break our hearts because many of us love the Super Eagles more than any football team in the world. For instance, I am an Arsenal fan, but I prefer to watch the Eagles when both are playing at the same time.”
Also questioning NFF’s choice, Daniel Ikwuagwu wrote, “This is the best you (NFF) could do for Nigeria? Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s CV is far more compelling than this. What is this sham really about?”
“You are the problem of Nigerian football, always hiring coaches that will ride on the wings of the Super Eagles to prominence. Always tell us coaches that we’ll have to search Google to know who they are, and their results are always the same = MEDIOCRE!!! GIVE US RENA!!!” Gomis wrote.
Authentic Ojomuyiwa said, “This one you people are announcing head coach like a thief at night while men slept! Hope he’s not black-market o? He should better deliver.”
Labbadia, the sixth German coach to manage the Eagles, now faces the daunting task of preparing the team for their two AFCON qualifiers next month. Nigeria will host the Republic of Benin on September 7, followed by a trip to Rwanda three days later.
Called: The Punch
