Bruno Labbadia Named Nigeria Football Coach

Nigeria has appointed German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the men's national soccer team, effective immediately, to address the team's poor performance in World Cup qualifying. Labbadia replaces Finidi George, who resigned after failing to secure any wins in the qualifiers, leaving Nigeria second from bottom in their group. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) hopes Labbadia will revitalize the Super Eagles as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September. Labbadia's previous coaching experience includes stints with several Bundesliga clubs, and he was last employed by Stuttgart before his dismissal in April 2023. He will lead the team in crucial matches set for September 7 and 10, 2024. The Super Eagles are under pressure to improve their standings after a series of disappointing results under previous management.