The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, announced the appointment of the German tactician on Tuesday as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
The announcement was made in a statement by the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The statement reads in part, “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The appointment is with immediate effect.”
The appointment has, however, continued to spark diverse reactions from football fans. While some argue that Labbadia’s past record as a coach does not qualify him for the job and that a foreign coach is unnecessary, others are optimistic that the leadership of the German tactician will be beneficial for the Nigeria national football team.
Reacting to the development on X, a user, Tvsl Espana tweeted, “Have you ever seen Spanish looking for foreign coach? What is wrong with our country leaders that we didn’t know what to do. Why must we use foreigners as our national coach, does that sound very good.”
Another user, Joseph Onuorah, wrote, “Thoroughly disappointed with this recruitment. Why not sign an Amunike that has tasted glory in the age grade teams or Samson Siasia. What is really NFFs interest in signing no-result and no-impact foreign coaches since last 2 decades.
“You people should just pick coaches from our league, this man’s record is so poor.” defemmi wrote.
“The only teams he coach more than a year are SV Darmstadt 98 and VfB Stuttgart, they are always sacking him after a year in a team or to put is nicely, he is always leaving after a year. I hope the nff knows what they are doing this time around. They have always gotten it wrong.” damola_ade77 opined.
Sistaliano wrote, “Based on the coach’s current record, in the next 20 games as Super Eagles coach, the estimated outcomes would be approximately: 9wins (44%), 4draws (21%), 7 losses (35%). We deserve better than this.”
“As a player,Bruno Labaddia was a prolific striker, you gotta give it to him. Same can’t be said of his record as club manager. He’s been fired on 5 different ocassions for poor performances,the last being 2023 at Stuttgart FC.Hope this tactical past won’t rub off on the S/Eagles.” yusuf zone tweeted.
On the other hand, while expressing optimism that the new coach will perform if given the needed support, Georgesly4 wrote, “If he will be allowed to choose the players he wants to play with. He will do well.”
Another user, atriky2 tweeted, “I am not so happy about this but he has my support. Now let’s qualify for the wc!!!”
Teeflash0707 noted, “Welcome to Nigerian national team and wishing him all the best.