Nigeria has named seasoned German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, making him the third coach to take charge of the national team this year. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Labbadia’s appointment on Tuesday, just 12 days before Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign kicks off with a home match against Benin in Uyo.

Labbadia, a former Bundesliga coach with stints at Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, and Hertha Berlin, brings decades of experience to the role. Known for his tactical acumen, the 58-year-old will focus on securing Nigeria’s place in the next AFCON finals, scheduled for late 2025 in Morocco, before turning his attention to the challenging World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria is currently top-seeded in their AFCON qualifying group, which also includes Libya, and needs to finish in the top two to secure a spot in the finals. However, Labbadia faces a tougher task in the World Cup qualifiers, with the Super Eagles winless after their first four matches in Group C, sitting fifth out of six teams. The team still has six games remaining to turn their fortunes around and clinch a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in North America.

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Labbadia replaces Finidi George, who managed the Super Eagles for four matches earlier this year. The NFF’s decision comes after the departure of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left following Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, have a rich history but missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Labbadia’s appointment marks a new chapter for the team, as they seek to return to their former glory on both the continental and global stages.