NFF Tax Woes Scuttle Labbadia Deal, Eguavoen Takes Reins for Qualifiers

• The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) unable to hire Bruno Labbadia as Super Eagles coach due to tax obligations imposed by German authorities.
• Augustine Eguavoen appointed interim head coach to lead the team in upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been forced to abandon its plans to appoint German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The deal, which was initially agreed upon in principle, hit a snag over stringent tax regulations imposed by German authorities.

According to NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the federation was unwilling to bear the additional tax burden of 32% to 40% of Labbadia's salary, which would have been demanded by German tax authorities. Despite efforts to find a middle ground, Labbadia remained insistent that the NFF should cover the full tax amount, leading to a deadlock in negotiations.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches looming, the NFF has swiftly moved to appoint Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles. Eguavoen, who has previously led the team on three occasions, will take charge of the upcoming matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The NFF's decision to prioritize fiscal responsibility over the appointment of a high-profile coach has raised eyebrows, but Gusau remains resolute in his stance. "We cannot compromise our financial stability for any individual, no matter how highly touted," he emphasized.

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Benin Republic and Rwanda, fans will be watching with bated breath to see how Eguavoen's fourth stint in charge unfolds. Meanwhile, the search for a permanent head coach continues, with the NFF determined to find a candidate who aligns with their financial and technical requirements.