In a dramatic turn of events in Nigerian football, less than three days after the NFF announced German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, both parties have parted ways due to issues related to tax payments.
It appears the announcement was premature, as crucial contract details were unresolved, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
Reports from Labbadia’s camp indicate that he declined the position due to organizational reasons, while the NFF president cited German tax laws as the primary issue.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau explained, “I told him clearly that there was no way the NFF will agree to offset the concomitant tax percentage on his salary that will be demanded by German tax authorities.
It is not possible for us to shoulder the responsibility of shelling out another money, between 32% to 40% of his salary, after paying the agreed monthly wage.”
“The NFF and Mr. Labbadia reached an agreement in principle before we made the announcement that he would become 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 came up.” President of NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said on Friday evening.
Amidst this confusion, Augustine Eguavoen has been reinstated to lead the Super Eagles. This will be his fourth stint with the team, having previously taken charge on three occasions.
His last tenure ended in disappointment with Nigeria’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON and failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Looking to restore past glories, the three-time African champions will face Benin in Uyo and then Rwanda in Kigali in their upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
