‘Super Eagles problem is not foreign coach’ – Onigbinde reacts to Labbadia’s hiring

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Adegboye Onigbinde, has weighed in on the recent appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new manager of the Super Eagles.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Labbadia’s appointment as the successor to Finidi George in a press release on Tuesday.

Onigbinde expressed reservations about the decision, pointing out that the core issue facing Nigerian football is not merely a matter of technical or administrative expertise but rather deep-rooted internal problems.

“It is only the people who made the decision who can truly explain why Labbadia was chosen as the Super Eagles head coach,” Onigbinde told Complete Sports.

“As I’ve always maintained, the challenges in Nigerian football are not just about technical administration. Even the most capable coach cannot succeed if the administrative aspects of the game are not properly managed.”

Onigbinde underscored that Nigeria has consistently boasted a wealth of football talent. He recalled his own experience managing the Super Eagles, emphasizing that despite having a talented roster, the results did not always reflect the potential.

“We’ve had a plethora of great talents in the Super Eagles, but what have the results been?” he asked.

“When I first took charge, I worked with a promising group of young players. It’s not just about having talent; it’s about how the entire system supports and nurtures it.”

Labbadia, who will officially begin his tenure with the Super Eagles, is set to lead the team in their upcoming matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.

The outcome of these games will be crucial as Nigeria aims to secure a spot in the 2025 tournament in Morocco.