German professional football manager, Bruno Labbadia, has provided insight into his decision to decline the opportunity to coach the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
On August 27, 2024, Labbadia was named head coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
However, Labbadia withdrew from the agreement just three days later.
Speculations were that the German coach rejected the NFF’s offer due to discrepancies in financial terms.
Labbadia, a former Hamburg manager, has now elaborated on his choice to turn down the offer to lead the Nigerian national men’s team.
“I wanted to go abroad now. The basic premise for me was I had to go to Nigeria to see everything firsthand. That didn’t happen anymore after it was announced,” Labbadia told Flatterball podcast.
“It wasn’t about the salary anymore either. There were several organizational issues, which were problematic. It then got worse and worse, so I didn’t have two days left to meet the national team. Then I pulled the reins because the feeling was getting worse and worse.
“I wanted to be in Nigeria four, five days ahead of time, before the players arrives, to look at the experiences. That didn’t work,” Labbadia noted.
Labbadia also reflected on his conversation with the NFF.
He added: “They were good conversations. And it matters to me: It was one and only my feeling that I didn’t have the time I needed to focus 100 per cent. That’s why I said goodbye.”
