The Nigeria Football Federation has been forced to abandon its agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia to lead the Super Eagles, citing complications arising from strict German tax regulations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The deal fell apart after the NFF refused to shoulder the additional tax burden, which could have amounted to between 32% and 40% of Labbadia’s salary.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau revealed that while both parties had initially reached an agreement in principle, the unexpected tax issue became a sticking point.

“We have been on the tax issue for the past three days, and I told him clearly that there was no way the NFF will agree to offset the concomitant tax percentage on his salary that will be demanded by German tax authorities,” Gusau said. “We were doing our best to be flexible in the discussions, but he was adamant that the NFF had to pay the full tax amount as well. We simply cannot do that.”

With the Labbadia deal now off the table, the NFF has turned to its Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

Eguavoen, who is stepping in for his fourth stint as head coach, will guide the team in crucial matches against Benin Republic on September 7 in Uyo and Rwanda on September 10 in Kigali.

Eguavoen’s appointment brings a familiar face back to the helm of the three-time African champions, but the sudden change in leadership just days before the qualifiers has raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.