The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Augustine Eguavoen, a former player and Technical Director of the Super Eagles, as head coach for the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
This decision follows the unexpected withdrawal of German coach Bruno Labbadia from the role.
LabBadia was previously named as the successor to Finidi George earlier this week.
The NFF revealed late Friday via a statement on X that these tax concerns were the main obstacle to finalising the agreement.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau explained, “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.
“It is not possible for us to shoulder the responsibility of shelling out another money, between 32% and 40% of his salary, after paying the agreed monthly wage.
The NFF has named a 23-player squad for the upcoming qualifiers, with Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, and stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong making their return after extended injury absences.
