Sports

10 Things To Know About New Eagles Coach Bruno Labbadia

Published

1 year ago

August 27, 2024

After a search of over two months, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

Earlier today, that NFF confirmed Bruno Labbadia’s appointment via the NFF’s X handle. on Tuesday, August 27.

Below are the 10 interesting facts about Bruno Labbadia:

1. Prolific striker in his playing days: Although Bruno Labbadia may not be as renowned as some of the world’s top strikers, his playing record is impressive. Over a distinguished career in Germany, he scored 229 goals in 599 appearances. His peak seasons included 29 goals for Arminia Bielefeld in 1998-1999 and 21 goals for Darmstadt 98 in 1986-1987. This goal-scoring prowess suggests he might bring an attacking flair to his coaching role.

2. Success at top-tier clubs: Throughout his managerial career, Labbadia has led several prestigious German clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, and VfL Wolfsburg. Notably, he guided Stuttgart to a sixth-place Bundesliga finish and a spot in the UEFA Europa League. Despite facing challenges, his ability to achieve respectable results speaks to his competence at the highest levels of football.

3. Italian roots, German discipline: Born to Italian parents who moved to Germany as guest workers, Labbadia blends Italian passion with German discipline. This combination influences his managerial style, balancing tactical rigidity with creative freedom—an approach that could suit the Nigerian team’s need for both structure and spontaneity.

4. Tactical flexibility and pragmatism: Labbadia has earned a reputation as a manager who adapts his tactics to fit his team’s strengths. Whether navigating a relegation battle or aiming for European qualification, he has demonstrated both pragmatism and flexibility. His work with clubs like VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg highlights his ability to switch formations and strategies effectively.

5. Record of mixed results: Labbadia’s managerial career includes both successes and challenges. He has faced multiple sackings, most recently from VfB Stuttgart due to a poor run of results. Nevertheless, his resilience and ability to secure roles at other top clubs reflect his respect in the football community. Nigerian fans can expect a coach who is both risk-taking and experienced in high-level management.

6. Connection to youth development: Labbadia has a strong track record in developing young talent. At VfL Wolfsburg, he played a key role in nurturing players like Josip Brekalo and John Brooks. His ability to integrate young players into the first team could benefit Nigeria, which boasts a growing pool of talented young footballers.

7. Relegation specialist: Labbadia is often labeled a “relegation specialist” due to his consistent success in rescuing teams from relegation. Whether saving Hamburg in 2015 or leading Wolfsburg to safety in 2018, he has proven his capability to stabilize teams in crisis. While Nigeria is not currently facing relegation, Labbadia’s experience in high-pressure situations could be valuable for the Super Eagles.

8. Focus on defensive organisation: Labbadia is known for his emphasis on defensive organization. While his teams may not always play the most thrilling football, they are generally solid at the back. For a Nigerian team that has struggled with defensive consistency, Labbadia’s focus on a structured defense could be crucial in improving the Super Eagles’ performance.

9. A new chapter in African football: Labbadia’s appointment as Nigeria’s head coach marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is his first role outside Germany and in African football. European coaches have had varied success in Africa, but Labbadia is determined to make an impact by leading Nigeria to continental and global success.

10. Upcoming challenges: With Labbadia starting immediately, he will oversee Nigeria’s qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, beginning with a match against Benin Republic on September 7 and another against Rwanda three days later. His first task will be to select a 23-man squad and devise a strategy for these crucial matches, setting the tone for his tenure with the Super Eagles.

Sports

Tobi Amusan Clinches Silver At World Championships In Tokyo

Published

8 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Tobi Amusan clinches silver at World Championships in Tokyo
Nigeria’s sprint queen, Tobi Amusan, delivered a sensational performance in the women’s 100m hurdles final at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships, clinching silver with a blazing 12.29s finish.

The 28-year-old sprint icon delivered a powerful race from start to finish but was narrowly beaten to the line by Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stormed to gold in a national record time of 12.24s.

Grace Stark of the United States secured bronze with 12.34s, while Masai Russell came fourth in 12.44s.

Tobi Amusan, who made history in 2022 by becoming the first Nigerian and African to win the 100m hurdles world title in Oregon, was aiming to reclaim her crown.

Though she fell just short of gold, her silver medal further cements her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats, adding to her world record (12.12s), multiple Diamond League titles, and Commonwealth Games gold.

After missing the final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Amusan’s performance in Tokyo is a resounding response to critics and proof that she remains among the world’s best.

Nigeria’s medal hopes in Tokyo are not over yet.

Ezekiel Nathaniel advanced to the semifinals of the men’s 400m hurdles after running 48.37 seconds in the heats.

The 21-year-old, one of Africa’s fastest-rising hurdlers, kept his composure in a competitive race and will look to qualify for the final on Wednesday as he sets his sights on a podium finish.

Sports

Idahosa Hails Insurance 1-0 Thrashing Of Niger Tornadoes

Published

1 day ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has hailed Bendel Insurance over their 1-0 victory against Niger Tornadoes in the week 4 fixture of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo The deputy governor described the match played at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin on Saturday as a “hard fought victory” for the Benin Arsenals.

Idahosa said he was pleased with the players’ performance, who needed an extra time of six minutes to scored the goal that made the difference in the game.

He said the players should be motivated with the victory to enhance their performance in subsequent matches for the season.

“Though there is room for improvement, but am not the less impressed with their performance in the game against the Niger team.

“With their display, it is clear that Bendel Insurance this year and this season will do extremely well. We will be here to support and encourage them,” he stated.

Idahosa who noted that though his presence might not be the key determinant of this match result, however asserted, “They played passionately, but, if my presence would encourage them, I would be coming every now and then.”

He congratulated the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele for doing a wonderful job.

Similarly, Enabulele said that Insurance made their hunger for victory known right from the very first minute of the game.

According to him, “From the very first minute, Bendel Insurance FC played the Match, it was clear that they were going to win.

“Today, the boys did not only show that they were ready for Continental play this season, but they showed what they are made up of. I was impressed with their good ball possession from the blast of the whistle.”

Sports

Enabulele Applauds Team Edo Deaf Athletes For Performance At W’Africa Championship

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

Editor

Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Enabulele, has commended Team Edo deaf athletes who represented Nigeria at the just-concluded West Africa Deaf Athletics Championship in Abuja.

At the close of the championship, Nigeria secured six gold medals in total, with Team Edo contributing three gold and four silver medals.

Enabulele, in a statement signed by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, and made available to newsmen in Benin on Friday, described the athletes’ performance as outstanding and a source of pride for both Edo State and Nigeria.

“I am particularly thrilled by Deborah Ighawuanre’s exceptional performance in the female category, winning two gold medals at the championship,” Enabulele said.

He also commended the exploits of other Edo athletes, including Victory Odokara, who clinched gold in the women’s 400m event; Okpaise Nathaniel Junior, who won two silver medals in the men’s category; and Assurance Omoria, who claimed silver medals in both the 100m and 400m events.

Enabulele emphasized that the team’s success reflects the outcome of targeted investment and support from the state government.

“This feat is a clear testament to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development in Edo State,” he stated.

The sports commission chairman who expressed optimism about the future of the athletes, said: “Our athletes have distinguished themselves at this championship, and I am confident these victories will inspire even greater performances in upcoming competitions.”

Enabulele disclosed in the statement that four of the seven athletes selected to represent Nigeria at the upcoming Deaflympics, scheduled for November 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, are from Edo State.

Adding his voice in the statement, Dr. Sunny Aimufua, Head Coach of the Edo Deaf Athletics Team, praised the athletes for their dedication and resilience.

“The athletes have made Edo State proud, and we are committed to doing even more in future competitions. I must commend Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele for his dynamic leadership and unwavering support for deaf sports.”

The West Africa Deaf Athletics Championship was organized to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS, bringing together top deaf athletes from across the sub-region for a historic and highly competitive event in Abuja.