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Former Bayer Leverkusen manager Bruno Labbadia will lead the Super Eagles out in a must-win AFCON 2025 qualifier next month.
In the early hours of Tuesday, August 27th, Nigerian football fans were greeted with the news of Bruno Labbadia's appointment as the new head coach of the national team.
The 58-year-old replaces former coach Finidi George after the ex-Ajax winger failed to live up to expectations in his role.
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have some crucial games upcoming, beginning with the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin on Saturday, September 7th. Three days later, Bruno Labbadia's team will travel to Kigali to battle the Wasps of Rwanda.
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16:25 - 27.08.2024
Bruno Labbadia Net Worth: Age, Profile, Career, Achievements, Salary, and Records of Super Eagles New Coach
Super Eagles’ new coach Bruno Labbadia’s net worth, profile, age, career, salary, achievements, and records.
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09:02 - 27.08.2024
Bruno Labbadia Tactics: What to expect from Finidi George's replacement in the Super Eagles
The NFF has finally confirmed German coach Bruno Labbadia as Finidi George's replacement in the Super Eagles. But what can you expect from him?
Bruno Labbadia has one of the toughest jobs in the world, as he has just 10 days to prepare Nigeria for a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier. His immediate challenge is returning the Super Eagles' lost confidence after they failed to win in their last three games.
Nigeria's last game was an embarrassing 1-2 defeat to minnows Benin Republic in the quest for a place at the 2026 Edition of the FIFA World Cup.
That being said, let's examine how the Super Eagles are likely to line up under Bruno Labbadia.
Super Eagles likely set-up under Bruno Labbadia
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Bruno Labbadia is well-known for a safety-first approach that favour ball possession, patient build-up play and short passes. However, he will need Super Eagles stars to buy into his style quickly so he can achieve his aim in the shortest possible time.
Goalkeeper
Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali appears to have the number one position locked down. However, he will face stiff competition from Udinese's Maduka Okoye, who is in impressive form.
I won't be surprised if Maduka Okoye gets the nod ahead of Stanley Nwabali because the former plays in one of the top four leagues in Europe.
Defence
I expect the formidable back four of Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemachi to remain unchanged.
However, we will have to wait and see if AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament Williams Troost-Ekong will be recalled to the squad.
Midfield
Alex Iwobi is expected to be the leader of the pack, supported by the likes of high-rising Dele-Bashiru, who plays for Lazio, and Wilfred Ndidi to shield the back four.
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05:44 - 26.08.2024
Naija Stars Abroad: Osimhen remains banished, Lookman missing, Dessers on fire as Iwobi 'hams' Ndidi
It was a quiet weekend for Naija Stars Abroad with a few standout performers led by Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers and Alex Iwobi.
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07:46 - 27.08.2024
Bruno Labbadia: 5 things to know about the new Super Eagles manager who has been sacked nine times
Here are five things you should know about the new Super Eagles Coach.
There could also be a case for Raphael Onyedika to replace the ageing Ndidi and the 'tank' himself, Frank Onyeka, to claim a place in midfield.
Forward
Victor Osimhen will most likely miss out because of his current transfer quagmire with Napoli. Victor Boniface should get the nod to lead the line in his absence.
Rangers' Cyril Dessers is also another viable option, as he's been banging in the goals recently.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, who recently returned from a long injury layoff to score for Nantes, would provide support from the flanks.
Bruno Labbadia's Predicted Super Eagles 11:
Maduka Okoye; Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemachi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Dele Bashiru; Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface.
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