The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that Augustine Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles player and current Technical Director, will assume the role of 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, who was recently appointed as Finidi George’s successor earlier this week. Labbadia declined the position due to unresolved issues related to German tax laws.
The NFF revealed late Friday, via a statement on X, that these tax complications were the primary obstacle preventing the finalization of the agreement with Labbadia.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau provided further insight, stating, “We have been discussing the tax issue for the past three days. I made it clear that the NFF cannot shoulder the responsibility of covering the additional tax percentage on his salary, which would be demanded by German tax authorities. It would be impossible for us to pay another 32% to 40% on top of his agreed monthly wage.
“The NFF and Mr. Labbadia had reached an agreement in principle before we announced his appointment as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The tax details were never part of our initial discussions, and he had personally agreed to all terms before this issue arose. While we tried to be flexible in our negotiations, he was insistent that the NFF cover the full tax amount, which we simply cannot do.”
Despite the coaching change, the NFF has named a 23-player squad for the upcoming qualifiers, featuring notable returns from Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, and stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong, all of whom have been out due to extended injury absences.
