By - Habeeb Ibrahim
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that Augustine Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the NFF, will take charge of the Super Eagles for their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, following the collapse of negotiations with German coach Bruno Labbadia.
The NFF’s decision comes after stringent German tax regulations derailed the finalization of Labbadia’s contract to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Team.
According to NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the tax obligations imposed by German authorities proved insurmountable, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the deal.
“We have been on the tax issue for the past three days,” Gusau said in a statement on Friday evening. “I told him clearly that there was no way the NFF would agree to offset the concomitant tax percentage on his salary that would be demanded by German tax authorities. It is not possible for us to shoulder the responsibility of shelling out another amount, between 32% to 40% of his salary, after paying the agreed monthly wage.”
Gusau further explained that while the NFF and Labbadia had initially reached an agreement in principle, the tax details were never part of their discussions. The issue only emerged later, with Labbadia insisting that the NFF cover the full tax amount, a demand the federation found untenable.
In light of the failed negotiations, Eguavoen, who has previously managed the Super Eagles on three occasions (2005-2007, 2010, and 2022), will now lead the team in their upcoming AFCON qualifiers. The Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic in Uyo on September 7th, followed by a match against Rwanda in Kigali on September 10th.
Eguavoen’s appointment marks his fourth stint in charge of the three-time African champions. Known for his deep understanding of Nigerian football and his past experience with the national team, Eguavoen’s leadership will be crucial as the Super Eagles aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
