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

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

2 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.

Sports

Salah A ‘Disgrace’ For Liverpool Outburst – Carragher

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher labelled Mohamed Salah “a disgrace” on Monday after the Egypt star’s stunning outburst at Reds boss Arne Slot.

Salah said he had been “thrown under a bus” and had no relationship with Slot after he was left on the bench for last Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds.

It was the third successive game that Salah had been kept out of the starting line-up by Slot amid the forward’s loss of form this season.

In response to Salah’s astonishing rant to reporters, Liverpool axed the 33-year-old from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Inter Milan.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher, a 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool, said: “I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game.

“Some people have painted it as an emotional outburst. I don’t think it was. I think whenever Mo Salah stops in a mixed zone, which he has done four times in eight years at Liverpool, it’s choreographed with his agent to cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position.

“He’s chosen this weekend to do this now, and he’s waited I think for a bad result… everyone involved with the club (feeling) like they’re in the gutter, and he’s chosen that time to go for the manager and maybe try to get him sacked.”

Salah is a two-time Premier League champion with Liverpool and has also won the Champions League during his iconic eight-year spell at Anfield.

But, although he only signed a new contract in April, Salah hinted he might have played his last game for Liverpool as he prepares to jet off to the African Cup of Nations after their Premier League clash with Brighton at Anfield on Saturday.

Salah has been linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League and and Carragher added: “What he’s done off the pitch, I think the club have made the right decision in terms of him not going abroad. Whether he will play for Liverpool again, I don’t know.

“I hope he does, because he’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever had, but if you continue like that, and statements like that, if he doesn’t play, who knows.”