Feyenoord axe coach of Nigerian descent ahead of UCL playoff with AC Milan

The move was preceded by a string of dismal losses that ultimately sealed the fate of head coach Brian Priske.

Although Priske and Babalola led the team to a convincing 3-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam over the weekend, it proved to be a case of too little, too late. 

The damage had already been done, with Feyenoord suffering heavy defeats at the hands of Lille (6-1) in the Champions League, as well as losses to Ajax in the Eredivisie and PSV, which resulted in their ousting from the KNVB Beker.

Ahead of the Feyenoord UCL clash with AC Milan, the club released a statement about the sacking of their manager and his coaching staffs.

According to Feyenoord on X, the statement reads, “It is very disappointing for all parties that we had to come to this decision.

“Although Feyenoord achieved some impressive results with Brian, especially in the UEFA Champions League, the first team’s performance has been far too inconsistent in recent months, and unfortunately, we see too little structural progress.”

Babalola, who had been with Priske at Slavia Prague, was a vital member of the backroom crew.

Last season, Sparta Prague was able to win both the league title and the domestic cup, thanks in large part to the Danish-Nigerian coach.

After Arne Slot moved to Liverpool, Priske took over at Feyenoord and insisted on taking Babalola along because he appreciated his tactical acumen and analytical skills.

However, with his time in the Netherlands now abruptly over, the team is frantically trying to find a new coaching staff in time for their crucial game with AC Milan.