Nigeria have announced today that Bruno Labbadia will take over as the new men’s head coach, taking charge just ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The appointment of the German coach brings an end to the long search for a new manager following Finidi George’s decision to resign in June, just two months after signing a two-year contract as manager, after a poor start to World Cup qualification.
58-year-old Labbadia was one of several options to take the role, alongside Fabio Cannavaro and Gus Poyet, but the German was reportedly Nigeria’s top choice for the job.
With Labbadia assuming the role with immediate effect, here’s a fact file on the seasoned German coach:
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Bruno Labbadia
Date of Birth: 8 February 1966
Nationality: German
PLAYING CAREER
Position: Striker
Clubs: Darmstadt 98 (1984-87), Hamburger SV (1987-88), 1. FC Kaiserslautern (1988-91), Bayern Munich (1991-94), 1. FC Koln (1994-95), Werder Bremen (1995-98), Arminia Bielefeld (1998-2001), Karlsruher SC (2001-03)
Total Appearances: 626
Goals: 241
COACHING CAREER
Labbadia brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the Super Eagles manager, having taken his first managerial job in 2003 and leading nine clubs throughout the German football leagues in the 11 years since.
Previous Clubs Managed: Darmstadt 98 (2003-06), Greuther Furth (2007-08), Bayer Leverkusen (2008-09), Hamburger SV (2009-10), VfB Stuttgart (2010-13), Hamburger SV (2015-16), VfL Wolfsburg (2018-19), Hertha BSC (2020-21), VfB Stuttgart (2022-23)
While Labbadia has been unable to win any trophies in his time in management, the German has finished runners-up in multiple trophies and is best known for being a ‘relegation specialist’, often hired to save clubs who are facing relegation, demonstrating a great ability to stabilise teams when they are in difficult situations – a quality that could be vital as the Super Eagles manager.
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Labbadia is set to take charge of his first match as Super Eagles boss on the 7 September when they face Benin in their opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The German will also have to manage Nigeria’s difficult position in the World Cup qualifying campaign, with the Super Eagles currently fifth in the table with just three points from four games, though the next World Cup qualifying game takes place in March 2025.
Are you happy with this appointment? Comment below with your views!
2 Comments
by Ogar valentine
Yes
by Edeh mark Friday
That’s great, congratulations