Former Super Eagles coaching target Bruno Labbadia has explained the reasons behind his decision to reject the opportunity to become Nigeria’s national team head coach. Softfootball mentioned that the German tactician insisted his withdrawal was driven by organisational concerns rather than financial issues.
The 58-year-old was initially announced as the new coach of the three-time African champions but pulled out of the agreement just three days later. While reports suggested financial disagreements with the Nigeria Football Federation were behind the collapse, Labbadia has now provided his own version of events.
Speaking on the Flatterball podcast, the former Hamburg manager revealed that he had planned to travel to Nigeria before officially taking charge in order to familiarise himself with the country’s football environment.
According to Labbadia, he wanted to spend four or five days in Nigeria before the players assembled so he could better understand the working conditions and prepare adequately for the task ahead.
However, he explained that the proposed schedule became increasingly difficult to execute, leaving him with little time to organise his plans before the national team gathered.
Labbadia admitted that the growing organisational challenges made him uncomfortable and ultimately convinced him that accepting the role would not allow him to give his full commitment.
The German also dismissed suggestions that money was the deciding factor, stressing that his discussions with the NFF were positive throughout the process.
He maintained that the decision was based solely on his personal feeling that he would not have enough time to prepare properly and give the job the complete focus it deserved.
Labbadia’s comments provide fresh insight into why the deal collapsed, bringing clarity to one of the most talked-about coaching appointments in Nigerian football.
