Controversy Trails New Super Eagles Coach, Bruno Labbadia Who Has Been Sacked Nine Times

The appointment of German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, as the Super Eagles coach has sparked controversy due to his history of being sacked nine times.

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Bruno Labbadia‘s immediate appointment as the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles.

Labbadia got the appointment following the resignation of Finidi George just four games into his tenure.

His appointment is seen as a move to improve the team’s chances in upcoming tournaments, including the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic on September 7 and Rwanda three days later.

Although Labbadia has extensive experience managing top German clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg, and VfB Stuttgart, he has never coached a national team or worked in Africa.

The Former Bayern Munich striker has been dismissed from several managerial positions throughout his career.

His most recent dismissal from VfB Stuttgart after only four months added to concerns about his suitability for the Super Eagles.

The decision to appoint Labbadia was controversial, with some senior officials claiming it was forced on them by NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and sports minister John Enoh, rather than being a collective decision.

Members of the NFF technical committee and board expressed concerns that they were not included in the decision-making process.

The NFF board meeting on Monday, where the president announced Labbadia’s appointment, was brief and didn’t allow for any discussion.

Officials believe that the sports minister likely finalized Labbadia’s appointment during his recent visit to Germany, where he met with the country’s athletes preparing for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris

“This was just a two-man show We did not know what was happening,” one of the senior officials simply told SCORENigeria.

These officials also pointed out that Labbadia’s lack of experience in African football contradicts the NFF’s original requirements for the role.

The NFF’s official statement did not include details of Bruno Labbadia’s contract, such as its duration or his salary, further fueling the controversy.

See some reactions below:

Bruno Labbadia https://t.co/xE50maU38L pic.twitter.com/7eEYMfUUC0

— POTAM™️ 💙 (@potam1304) August 27, 2024

Super Eagles New coach – Bruno Labbadia

He use soap bath for the interview?

🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/heP8ILZW2D

— Radio Friend (@ogunmilorokenny) August 27, 2024

Finally

NFF Appoints former German footballer and VFL Wolfsburg manager, Bruno Labbadia as new Super Eagles Coach.

His most recent position was at Stuttgart, when he was appointed in December of 2022.

May Nigeria Succeed🇳🇬🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/LR3ULx5Vbl

— Arewa 🪐 (@abbkar_ai) August 27, 2024

Dear Bruno Labbadia – listen up:

You're not our first, second or even third choice manager but somehow you're here.

You have our support but never forget this rule:

Whatever you do – even if we miss out of the AFCON or World Cup –

DON'T EVER LOSE TO GHANA OR SOUTH AFRICA! pic.twitter.com/egJv0n16xn

— Mr. Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) August 27, 2024

How did the NFF come up with the decision to choose Bruno Labbadia to coach Super Eagles?

We have alot of talents and we need a great coach. We can’t be taking Fearless Energy Drink to watch every Nigeria match haba.

I might even prefer Mikel the podcaster to this man!! pic.twitter.com/VWKtY18v8A

— Elder Seun (@iamseunalaofin) August 27, 2024

So new Nigeria coach Bruno Labbadia has never worked outside Germany before nor has he ever handled a national team. A risky gamble or calculated risk? pic.twitter.com/vjBAMqZM6P

— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) August 27, 2024

By the way I wish Bruno Labbadia the best of luck as the new coach of Nigeria. I hope he delivers by taking us to the Afcon and the World Cup.

– I don’t care who they appoint. I just want us to do well.

Because you don’t like the NfF doesn’t mean you wish the team bad.

— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) August 27, 2024

NFF will whine us but we won’t panic. Bruno Labbadia 👏😂 pic.twitter.com/xN5rivIAk9

— Yimzy (@oyimzy) August 27, 2024

I woke up to the news that the NFF has appointed Bruno Labbadia as our new head coach. I decided to check because I’ve never heard the name before, only to find out he’s yet another “journey man” just like Jose Peseiro. Why do they keep making these ridiculous appointments? Why?

— Mazi Olisaemeka C. ™ (@OlisaOsega) August 27, 2024

While we were all asleep, little-known Bruno Labbadia became Super Eagles head coach.

The NFF has said the agreement was reached in the early hours of Tuesday and the appointment was announced before we even woke up.

Sounds like they've been losing sleep but who is this!!? pic.twitter.com/DYJGt8tKbh

— Abiodun Adewale (@ASA_iflyer) August 27, 2024

As I told someone yesterday, when it comes to Nigeria, there is seldom cause to worry. Worry is a stress response to the possibility of a negative outcome. But when the negative outcome is no longer hypothetical, what is there to worry about?

Welcome, Bruno Labbadia.

— Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace) August 27, 2024

Why Did the NFF Choose Bruno Labbadia?
The Man Labbadia:
In Germany, Bruno Labbadia is known as a "firefighter" for his ability to calm chaotic situations. He has inspired a renaissance in struggling clubs, making off-field problems seem to fade away. But pic.twitter.com/kUgkuU0scw

— Tolu Oguntimehin (@Tolu_TOTSPORTS) August 27, 2024

Labbadia took over from Finidi George who resigned after failing to secure significant wins with Super Eagles in two critical matches during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.