The Super Eagles have announced their 23-man squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
On Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation announced the immediate appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia.
He replaces Finidi George, who led the team for four games earlier this year. On the same day, Labbadia’s 23-man squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualification was announced, featuring Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigerian football legend George took over from José Peseiro, who left after his contract expired. Peseiro had led Nigeria to the final of this year’s Cup of Nations, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in February. The position marks Labbadia’s first coaching job outside of Germany, where he has managed clubs including Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg and Hertha BSC. His most recent role was a brief five-month stint in Stuttgart, which ended in April last year.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON qualification campaign with a Group D match at home against neighbors Benin in Uyo on September 7. Three days later, they will face Rwanda on September 10.
