Bruno Labbadia has explained why he declined the opportunity to manage the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He was appointed head coach by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on August 27, 2024, but withdrew from the agreement just three days later.
The 58-year-old German coach cited financial differences as the reason for his decision to turn down the NFF’s request.
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Labbadia has now provided insights into his decision to step back from the role.
“I wanted to go abroad now. The basic premise for me was, i have 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 also reflected on his discussions with the NFF.
“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 100-percent concentration. That’s why I said goodbye.”
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