Bruno Labbadia Named Nigeria's New Football Coach

Former German international Bruno Labbadia has been appointed as Nigeria's new football coach. The Nigeria Football Federation announced the decision on social media, with Labbadia set to start immediately. This comes 12 days before Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins.

Bruno Labbadia, a former German international, has been appointed as Nigeria's new football coach, the Nigeria Football Federation announced on social media on Tuesday. The appointment takes immediate effect, although details of the contract duration were not disclosed.

Labbadia steps into the role just 12 days before Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins with a Group D match against Benin at home in Uyo. The team is also scheduled to play away in Rwanda three days later. At 58, Labbadia brings extensive Bundesliga experience, having coached Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, and Hertha Berlin. This will be his first coaching job outside of Germany.

He replaces Finidi George, who managed the team for four matches earlier this year. (Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Barbara Lewis)