Bruno Labbadia, the newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, has agreed to take charge of Nigeria’s upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Labbadia’s appointment on Tuesday, following intense discussions to ensure the German coach leads the team for these crucial fixtures.
Initially, NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen was expected to manage the Super Eagles for the matches against the Cheetahs of Benin and the Amavubi of Rwanda. However, the NFF successfully persuaded Labbadia, 58, to step in and guide the team, despite his initial reluctance. Labbadia will now arrive in Nigeria with his assistants to work with the provisional squad assembled by Eguavoen.
The Super Eagles are set to face Benin on September 4, 2024, at home, before traveling to Rwanda three days later for the second match of the qualifying campaign.