Bruno Labbadia: NFF Taps Ex-Leverkusen Boss as New Super Eagles Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially named Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national soccer team. The 58-year-old German, known for his long career in Bundesliga management, was announced as the team’s leader on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Labbadia is set to use his deep knowledge to guide the Super Eagles in upcoming international games, starting with a key Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin.

Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF’s General Secretary, confirmed Labbadia’s appointment in a statement. “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the Technical and Development Sub-Committee’s suggestion to name Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Super Eagles Head Coach. The appointment takes effect immediately,” Dr. Sanusi said. The NFF thinks Labbadia’s experience and tactical skills will greatly help the Super Eagles as they get ready for future tournaments.

Labbadia is the sixth German to lead the Super Eagles. He follows other German coaches like Karl-Heinz Marotzke, who coached twice between 1970 and 1974, Gottlieb Göller in 1981, Manfred Höner from 1988 to 1989, Berti Vogts from 2007 to 2008, and most recently, Gernot Rohr from 2016 to 2020. Each of these coaches brought their own style to the team, and Labbadia is expected to do the same with his unique approach.

Bruno Labbadia has had a long and varied soccer career, both as a player and a coach. As a player, he was a star in the German Bundesliga, playing for teams like Bayern Munich, Hamburger SV, and Werder Bremen. After retiring as a player, Labbadia became a manager, leading several top-tier clubs. He has coached Bayer Leverkusen, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Darmstadt 98, among others. Known for his ability to steady