Presently ranked 30th in the world and distant third in Africa behind Morocco and Senegal, many are hoping and praying for a new dawn for the Super Eagles under their new coach, Finidi George.
Though the Super Eagles went all way to the final at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire before succumbing to the host, the team is yet to regain the full confidence of many fans who over the years have endured watching mediocre displays from the country’s national teams.
The exit of erstwhile Super Eagles coach José Peseiro left Nigeria’s most senior football team managerial position vacant for over a month, with several applicants jostling to replace the Portuguese.
Aside from ex-Super Eagles stars like Finidi George, Emmanuel Amunike and Emmanuel Agbo who threw their hats in the ring for the job, a high number of expatriate managers also indicated their interest in coaching the national team of the most-populous black country.
After several weeks of drama and name dropping, the country’s football highest governing body, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), finally settled for Finidi George, an assistant to Peseiro and Eyinmba FC’s manager, as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
As expected, Finidi’s announcement elicited different reactions, with many asserting that the ex-Eagles player deserved the appointment more than other applicants who sent their applications to the country’s football governing body.
Impressive record
Finidi has an impressive record as a footballer, having plied his trades for respected football teams in Europe, such as Mallorca and Betis in Spain, Ipswich in England and Ajax in the Netherlands, where he won a few trophies and lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League gong. The exceptional right winger with enthralling skills also played for two teams in the Nigerian league, including Calabar Rovers and Sharks of Port Harcourt.
Before quitting national football to find a career in coaching, the Eyinmba FC coach represented Nigeria at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. He was among the star-studded and record-breaking squad that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations. That same year, he joined the list of Nigerians who have scored in the World Cup after he scored a match-winning goal against Greece.
As a coach, the former Super Eagles star led Eyinmba FC to win the Nigeria Premier League in June 2023, less than three years after he was appointed. However, some believe the Super Eagles job is much more than that and requires an experienced coach. Some analysts say he has gathered enough experience, having played in Europe and deputised the former national team coach, José Peseiro.
When Peseiro resigned, Finidi George stepped into his position as the acting coach and during the period, he played two matches, which analysts say were his litmus test. He won Nigeria’s archrival, Ghana 2-1 but lost the game against Mali. Analysts say the results were not good enough, considering the fact that he also applied to be offered the Super Eagles job.
First tasks
Sources from the NFF said the former Betis winger was appointed because of his performance at the country’s league and wealth of experience. They say Finidi’s first task is to lead the Super Eagles to victory in the next two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively.
In less than five weeks, these crucial games will be played and determine Finidi’s journey as the substantive coach of Nigeria’s most senior football team.
With his wealth of experience and impressive record, can Finidi lead the team to victory and restore fans’ confidence? Time will tell…
