Stricter German tax regulations have derailed the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) agreement with Coach Bruno Labbadia, who was set to become the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

"We've been dealing with the tax issue for the past three days, and I clearly informed him that the NFF cannot cover the additional tax burden imposed by German authorities. It is unfeasible for us to pay an extra 32% to 40% of his salary on top of the agreed monthly wage," stated NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Friday evening.

Gusau explained that although an agreement in principle was reached with Labbadia before the announcement, tax considerations were not initially discussed. Labbadia had agreed to all terms before the tax issue arose, but he insisted that the NFF cover the full tax amount as well. The NFF, however, could not accommodate this demand.

As a result, Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen will now oversee the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Uyo, September 7) and Rwanda (Kigali, September 10).

This will be Eguavoen’s fourth term as the team’s head coach, having previously managed the team in 2005-2007, 2010, and 2022.