Fresh Update On Labbadia’s Coaching Deal Emerges As NFF President Reveals Final Decision

Strict tax regulations in Germany have compelled the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to cancel its agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia, who was set to become the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Team.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau explained the situation, saying, “We have been dealing with the tax issue for the past three days. I made it clear to him that there was no way the NFF could agree to cover the additional tax percentage on his salary that would be required by German tax authorities. It’s simply not feasible for us to shoulder the responsibility of paying an extra 32% to 40% of his salary after already agreeing to a monthly wage.”

Gusau further clarified that while the NFF and Labbadia had reached an agreement in principle, the tax details were not discussed beforehand. “He had personally agreed to all terms before the tax issue arose. We tried to be flexible in our discussions, but he insisted that the NFF pay the full tax amount as well. We simply cannot do that,” Gusau added.

This marks the third time that a foreign coach has failed to take charge of the three-time African champions after being announced by the NFF. In 2016, Frenchman Paul Le Guen denied having any agreement with the NFF despite being announced as the Super Eagles’ coach. Similarly, in 1995, Brazilian Carlos Alberto Torres was named head coach but never took up the role.

As a result of this latest development, the NFF’s Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, will now step in to lead the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic on September 7th in Uyo and Rwanda on September 10th in Kigali.

This will be Eguavoen’s fourth stint in charge of the Super Eagles, having previously led the team from 2005 to 2007, in 2010, and again in 2022.

Earlier this week, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi had announced, “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The appointment is with immediate effect.”