Former Super Eagles winger, and Assistant Manager to Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, stepped into the spotlight as he was officially unveiled as the 41st manager of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, in a grand ceremony held on Monday in Abuja.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, led by Ibrahim Gusau.
While the specifics of the contract remained undisclosed, it is believed to span an initial 12-month period, possibly aligning with the upcoming Nations Cup tournament in Morocco.
“As a student of the University of Calabar in those days, I used to go to the UJ Esuene Stadium to watch Calabar Rovers, which included Finidi George. I am excited to see him seated here as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles,” stated Mr Enoh.
Finidi’s immediate concern, though, is getting the Eagles back on track in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, as he said, “My first target is to make sure that we are in line to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the upcoming two matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.”
He continued, “The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will soon start and we must also be prepared for those as well. I know what the NFF wants, as it is boldly written in the contract, and I will work very hard to add value to the team and put myself in the position to earn even more than I will be earning from the take-off.”
The NFF President disclosed that they received a multitude of applications for the position following the expiration of Jose Peseiro’s contract in March.
He emphasized that Finidi’s appointment was the result of a meticulous selection process that commenced after the team’s return from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
“There was a plethora of foreign applicants, far more than the indigenous applicants. However, we undertook a thorough process that has produced an indigenous coach, and we are very happy about that. Finidi George was part of the technical crew that came close to winning the AFCON, and we have faith in him that he will lead the team to the title next time.”
Finidi emphasized that only the best players would be selected for national assignments under his leadership. He expressed his continued amicable relationship with all players, highlighting that his transition from assistant coach to head coach had not altered his approach or character.
“There will be no controversy regarding a relationship with the players. These are professional players and we have to give them what they’re used to in Europe; you don’t need to slap anyone to get him to do the right thing.
“I will try my best to ensure the team starts functioning properly and we start winning games again. There is no pressure on me; I have tough skin. I just want to call for your support. I know this is not an easy job, but with the support of everyone, we can achieve our objectives,” Finidi added.
The Super Eagles are gearing up for two crucial matches, with a home game against Bafana Bafana scheduled for 7 June, followed by an away match against Benin on 10 June.
Currently placed third in Group C with two points, the team is trailing behind Rwanda, who leads the group with four points, and South Africa, who sits in second place with three points.
