The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that Augustine Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles player and Technical Director, will take over as head coach for the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. This decision follows the unexpected withdrawal of German coach Bruno Labbadia from the role.
Labbadia, who had been named as Finidi George’s successor earlier this week, reportedly declined the position due to unresolved issues with German tax laws.
In a statement on X late Friday, the NFF revealed that these tax complications were the primary barrier to finalizing the agreement. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau explained, “We have been discussing the tax issue for the past three days, and I made it clear that the NFF cannot cover the additional tax percentage—ranging from 32% to 40% of his salary—that would be required by German tax authorities. It is impossible for us to take on the responsibility of paying this extra amount on top of the agreed monthly wage.
“The NFF and Mr. Labbadia had reached an agreement in principle before we announced his appointment as Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The tax details were not part of our discussions, and he had personally agreed to all terms before the issue arose. We tried to be flexible in the negotiations, but he insisted that the NFF must pay the full tax amount as well. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate that.”
The NFF has also named a 23-player squad for the upcoming qualifiers, with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, and stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong returning after extended injury absences.