The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Augustine Eguavoen, former player and Technical Director of the Super Eagles, will take on the role of head coach for the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
This change follows the unexpected withdrawal of German coach Bruno Labbadia from the position.
Labbadia, who had been named as the successor to Finidi George earlier in the week, reportedly declined the role due to unresolved issues concerning German tax laws.
In a statement released late Friday on X, the NFF explained that these tax issues were the main hurdle in finalizing the agreement.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated, “We have been addressing the tax issue for the past three days, and I made it clear to him that there was no way the NFF could agree to cover the additional tax percentage on his salary demanded by German tax authorities. It’s not feasible for us to take on the responsibility of paying another amount, ranging from 32% to 40% of his salary, on top of the agreed monthly wage.
“The NFF and Mr. Labbadia had reached an agreement in principle before we announced him as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The tax details were never part of our discussions, and he had personally agreed to all terms before the tax issue arose. We tried to be flexible in the negotiations, but he insisted that the NFF should pay the full tax amount as well. We simply cannot do that.”
The NFF has announced a 23-player squad for the upcoming qualifiers, including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, and stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong, all of whom are returning after extended injury absences.
