Nigeria has named former Stuttgart manager Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the men’s national football team, ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The 58-year-old German coach was selected after talks with other candidates, including Swede Janne Andersson and Frenchman Herve Renard, fell through.

While a contract has yet to be signed, Labbadia’s first match in charge is set for September 7, when Nigeria will face Rwanda in a Nations Cup qualifier in Uyo, followed by a return fixture in Rwanda three days later.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) considered several candidates, including Gustavo Poyet, Aitor Karanka, and Fabio Cannavaro, before settling on Labbadia, who holds a UEFA Pro License and has previously managed clubs such as Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg, Hamburg, and Bayer Leverkusen.

Labbadia is the sixth German to coach the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Goller, Manfred Honer, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr. However, he faces significant challenges, including managing high expectations, addressing issues with player allowances, and navigating difficult World Cup and Nations Cup qualification campaigns.

The NFF has approved Labbadia’s appointment with immediate effect, as confirmed by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.