Former chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Chris Green has strongly criticized the organization’s leadership for what he describes as the unprofessional conduct in the handling Bruno Labbadia’s appointment saga.

Green’s comments come after the NFF announced that Labbadia was set to take over as head coach of the Super Eagles, only for the deal to fall through due to unresolved issues regarding the coach’s contract and payment terms.

Green highlighted the lack of transparency in the NFF’s initial announcement, pointing out that it failed to provide crucial details about the coach’s contract, including whether it was signed, the financial terms involved, and other related conditions.

Bruno Labbadia also coached VfB Stuttgart.
(Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

“The statement didn’t tell us if he signed the contract. That statement didn’t tell us the worth of the contract, the amount he’s going to collect, and the other conditions that are incidental to such appointments. And I started to wonder, as somebody who has been there before, it is not the style.”

“It was shrouded in such secrecy that one would not even know if, actually and truly, the technical committee did recommend that, or if he was headhunted by the headships of the NFF and all that,” Green remarked, expressing concern over the secrecy surrounding the process.

He also criticized the NFF’s decision to bring back Augustine Eguavoen as interim coach following the collapse of the Labbadia deal, suggesting that this move could be a way for the NFF to shift blame if things do not go well.

Former NFF Technical director, Chris Green. Photo | Sportsnow

“It’s marks of lack of professionalism and all that. And so, coming again, hearing that, the contract wouldn’t go through because there are issues bordering on payment and all that for the German coach. And I begin to wonder, you announced that the coach has been taken and it all seemed all good and that everything has been done. You’ve dotted your I’s and crossed your T’s. Only for us to hear that it’s not a done deal.”

“I don’t know the kind of impression they’ll be living in the minds of Nigerians. Now you bringing back Augustin Eguavoen, I don’t understand this. I think it’s another big joke or being played on me in the sense that if it doesn’t go well, they’ll heap it up on him.”

Green’s comments reflect growing frustration among stakeholders and fans regarding the NFF’s management and decision-making processes, especially in relation to the Super Eagles’ coaching appointments.

The situation has raised questions about the organization’s professionalism and its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Super Eagles will be looking to concentrate on the immediate task of beating Benin Republic in Uyo and then Rwanda away from home this week, kicking off their AFCON 2025 Qualification campaign.