Augustine Eguavoen will lead Nigeria as they seek vengeance against Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which start on Wednesday.
Former Bundesliga manager Labbadia was initially set to face off against compatriot Gernot Rohr, who led Benin to a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier three months ago, but the deal fell through following the Nigerian Football Federation’s refusal to cover his tax expenses.
The victory was especially significant for Rohr, 71, who previously spent five years as Nigeria’s head coach before being dismissed due to poor performance.
Nigeria’s loss to Benin resulted in the departure of former star Finidi George after just four matches as the Super Eagles coach.
Nigeria was the runner-up in the 2024 Cup of Nations final, and the team possesses a wealth of attacking talent, including reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman, whom Eguavoen can select for the Group D showdown.