By Emmanuel Banafemi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially named Finidi George as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, succeeding Jose Peseiro.
Finidi, a former assistant coach, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served alongside Peseiro for 20 months.
His appointment comes after Peseiro’s departure following a successful African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, where Nigeria clinched a silver medal.
In his brief stint as interim head coach, Finidi led the Eagles to a thrilling 2-1 victory against Ghana, showcasing their resilience and determination on the pitch.
However, they faced a tough challenge in their second game, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Mali. Despite the setback, Finidi remains focused on refining the team’s strategies and fostering a winning mentality as they prepare for future fixtures.
The NFF’s Technical and Development Committee endorsed his candidacy, citing his stellar playing career and coaching credentials.
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Renowned for his wing play, Finidi represented Nigeria for over a decade, contributing to the nation’s AFCON triumph in 1994 and its debut in the FIFA World Cup.
He also boasts a UEFA Champions League title with Ajax.
Transitioning from player to coach, Finidi obtained a UEFA A Coaching Licence, honing his skills at clubs like Real Betis and Real Mallorca.
His recent success with Enyimba FC, guiding them to a league title, further underscores his coaching prowess.
Now, Finidi sets his sights on guiding the Super Eagles through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Despite a slow start in the campaign, he aims to rally the team and secure their path to the global stage.
