“Embarrassing and regrettable” – Nigeria’s Minister slams NFF for Labbadia’s Super Eagles appointment fiasco

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Enoh, has voiced his frustration over the failed appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia as the head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation had announced Labbadia’s appointment in August 2024, only for the former German international to withdraw just days later, citing that he would not be taking the role.

Labbadia’s unexpected decision came after the NFF publicly confirmed his appointment. The federation later explained that the deal fell through due to their refusal to cover Labbadia’s taxes owed to the German government.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Enoh revealed his displeasure at the handling of the situation.

“This was very embarrassing and regrettable,” the Minister said.

“I quickly reached out to the NFF to ask why they announced the coach’s appointment before finalising everything. Their response was that they had received a commitment from the coach.”

Following Labbadia’s withdrawal, Augustine Eguavoen stepped in as interim head coach, taking charge of the Super Eagles for the fourth time.

Under Eguavoen’s guidance, Nigeria secured an emphatic 3-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo and a draw against Rwanda in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Despite Eguavoen’s solid performance with the team, the NFF is likely to continue their search for a permanent head coach.

Eguavoen, meanwhile, has reiterated that his role as Technical Director of the NFF remains unchanged, and his involvement with the national team is strictly temporary.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to return to action in mid-October when they face Libya in crucial back-to-back AFCON qualifiers.