The appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia as Super Eagles coach has raised various concerns on social media and among pundits.
Labbadia was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday, August 27, and will lead the team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Their first match will be a Group D tie at home against neighbors Benin in Uyo. The team will also play an away match in Rwanda three days later.
Many stakeholders have reacted differently to his appointment, with some questioning his coaching pedigree.
The 58-year-old has previously coached at Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, and Hertha Berlin. This will be his first coaching job outside of Germany.
As a player, Labbadia was a prolific scorer, scoring at least 200 goals in his career, which included a spell with Bayern Munich.
He replaces Finidi George, who was in charge for four matches earlier this year.
Popular Arise TV broadcaster Rufai Oseni mocked Labbadia's appointment stating that he lacks pedigree because he has been sacked from most of his coaching jobs.
"See, Mr. Labbadia if you do not win your next match in 12 days maybe we may be here singing... The man doesn't have pedigree. They sacked him in most of his jobs," he stated on Arise TV's morning show.
Another soccer fan on X whose post has gone viral wrote: "Dear Bruno Labbadia - listen up: You're not our first, second or even third choice manager but somehow you're here. You have our support but never forget this rule: Whatever you do - even if we miss out of the AFCON or World Cup -DON'T EVER LOSE TO GHANA OR SOUTH AFRICA!"
Dear Bruno Labbadia - listen up:
— Mr. Nigerian Football 🟦 (@AJSilverCFC) August 27, 2024
You're not our first, second or even third choice manager but somehow you're here.
You have our support but never forget this rule:
Whatever you do - even if we miss out of the AFCON or World Cup -
DON'T EVER LOSE TO GHANA OR SOUTH AFRICA! pic.twitter.com/egJv0n16xn
German, Bruno Labbadia, becomes 37th Head Coach of the @NGSuperEagles
Dear Bruno Labbadia - listen up:
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) August 27, 2024
You're not our first, second or even third choice manager but somehow you're here.
You have our support but never forget this rule:
Whatever you do - even if we miss out of the AFCON or World Cup -
The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that it has reached an agreement with German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles. pic.twitter.com/AKq92upW4g
