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

Okpebholo Bags SWAN Governor of the Year Award

Published

3 hours ago

October 29, 2025

Editor

National Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has named the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the Distinguished Governor of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.

The award will be formally presented to the governor on Friday, October 31, during SWAN’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary.

Edo State Chairman of SWAN, Comrade Kehinde Osagiede, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin when he led members of his executive on a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua.

Osagiede said the visit was aimed at officially introducing the Edo SWAN Executive — which assumed office about a year ago — to the commissioner and to strengthen collaboration between the association and the state government.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo was carefully selected for this honour because of his remarkable contributions to sports development in Nigeria within his first year in office.

“We also came to congratulate you, Mr. Commissioner, on your well-deserved appointment, and to inform you, as the spokesperson of the state government, about the forthcoming award to the governor,” he said.

He further assured that the Edo SWAN chapter would continue to collaborate with the state government to promote sports development across the state.

In his response, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, thanked SWAN for the recognition accorded Governor Okpebholo and for its support towards sports promotion in Edo State.

Afegbua, who disclosed that the governor was currently on official duty in Ekiti State, promised to brief him about the honour.

He urged sports journalists in the state to give balanced and positive coverage to the activities of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Edo Queens, and other sporting programmes initiated by the state government.

“The Edo State Government will continue to partner with SWAN to advance sports development in the state,” the commissioner assured.

Sports

Deputy Gov Pledges Support For Edo Queens

Published

14 hours ago

October 28, 2025

Editor

Edo state deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has pledged continued government support to the victorious Edo Queens FC.

The deputy governor made this pledge when he received the team in government house following their impressive third-place finish at the 2025 1st Governor Douye Diri Women’s Preseason Football Tournament in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa was presented with the team’s third-place trophy during the visit to the state government house.

He praised the players for their determination and exceptional performance throughout the week long football fiesta, which ran from October 18 to 25, 2025.

He said the government led by Sen. Monday Okpebholo will continue to do all that is necessary to encourage the team for greater success.

“We are here as a government to always encourage you, and we appreciate this cup you have presented to me on behalf of my principal,” Idahosa stated.

The Deputy Governor also lauded the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele, along with the board members, civil servants, technical crew, and Head Coach Mr. Moses Aduku, for their tireless efforts behind the scenes.

“The Edo Queens FC have made us proud again. On behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, I congratulate you all. You are great ambassadors of our state,” he added.

Idahosa further applauded Enabulele’s leadership for guiding both Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance FC to prominence, noting Bendel Insurance’s fifth-place finish last season and expressing optimism for even greater achievements in the currentseason.

In his remarks, Enabulele explained that the Bayelsa preseason tournament served as a valuable testing ground to assess and strengthen the squad ahead of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season.

“Team Edo did very well. We were the only side that did not concede a goal throughout the tournament,” he noted.

Edo Queens Head Coach, Moses Aduku, while unveiling the team’s new slogan, said, “Second is not an option.”

He expressed confidence that Edo Queens FC would build on their preseason form to challenge for top honors when the new league season begins.

Sports

[FULL LIST] U-17 W’ World Cup: Nigeria Face Italy As Knockout Stage Begins

Published

3 days ago

October 26, 2025

Editor

The knockout phase of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Flamingos drawn against Italy in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Nigeria.

Their qualification follows an emphatic 4–0 victory over Samoa in Rabat on Saturday.

The Flamingos will now aim to build on their impressive group-stage campaign as they continue their push for a historic first world title.

Host nation Morocco will also be in action the same evening, taking on South Korea at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Sale, where home fans are expected to create a charged atmosphere in support of the Atlas Lionesses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brazil will battle China PR, while the United States square off against the Netherlands, both matches slated for 4:30 p.m. in Sale.

The game continues on Wednesday, October 29, with Mexico facing Paraguay at 4:30 p.m., while defending champions Spain meet France in a mouthwatering all-European clash at the same time and venue.

Later that night, Canada will take on Zambia, and Japan, one of the tournament’s top contenders, will lock horns with Colombia to round off the Round of 16 fixtures.

All matches will be staged across venues in Rabat and Sale, with global coverage available via major sports networks and FIFA’s digital platforms.

As the competition enters its decisive stage, only four wins now separate the remaining 16 teams from lifting the prestigious U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Eight winning teams in the round of 16 will move to the quarter-final stage starting Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Full Round of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Brazil U17 vs China PR U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

United States U17 vs Netherlands U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Italy U17 vs Nigeria U17 – 8:00 PM (Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat)

South Korea U17 vs Morocco U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2, Sale)

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Mexico U17 vs Paraguay U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

Spain U17 vs France U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Canada U17 vs Zambia U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Japan U17 vs Colombia U17 – 8:00 PM (Venue TBC)