After an extensive search, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. His primary task will be to guide the team to qualify for the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here are ten important facts about the new coach:
- Age and Origin: Bruno Labbadia was born on February 8, 1966, in Darmstadt, West Germany, making him 58 years old.
- Playing Career: Labbadia was a striker who played for eight different clubs, including Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, and 1. FC Köln. He also made two appearances for the German national team.
- Goal Scoring Record: Throughout his Bundesliga career, Labbadia scored 103 goals in 328 games, with notable contributions of 50 goals for Arminia Bielefeld and 44 for his hometown club, Darmstadt 98.
- Top Season: His most successful season as a player was in 1998-1999 when he netted 29 goals for Arminia Bielefeld.
- Coaching Career: Labbadia began his managerial career at Darmstadt 98 in 2003 and has since managed several German clubs, including Greuther Fürth, Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, and Hertha BSC.
- Recent Role: He last managed VfB Stuttgart during the 2022-2023 season.
- German Legacy in Nigeria: Labbadia is the sixth German coach to lead the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Göller, Manfred Höner, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr.
- Coaching Credentials: He holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching certification in European football.
- Italian Roots: Though of Italian descent, Labbadia chose to represent Germany at 18, aligning with his birth country.
- Historical Appointment: Labbadia becomes the 37th head coach in the history of the Nigerian national team.
