The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made a significant appointment, naming former Super Eagles winger Finidi George as the new head coach of the nation’s senior men’s national team.
This decision, announced in a statement on Monday, marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian football as the 52-year-old takes charge of the prestigious role.
Finidi George, renowned for his illustrious playing career with clubs like Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis, brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
Having served as an assistant to the outgoing José Santos Peseiro for 20 months, George stepped into the role of interim coach following Peseiro’s departure after the Super Eagles’ commendable performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
During his interim tenure, George led the team through two friendly matches in Morocco last month, where they secured a historic victory against Ghana, ending an 18-year winless streak, before facing a setback against Mali.
In a statement released by the NFF, George’s remarkable achievements as a player were highlighted, including his pivotal role in Nigeria’s ‘Golden Generation’ that clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title and made a mark in the FIFA World Cup finals in the same year.
With 62 caps for Nigeria, George’s contributions to the national team are deeply ingrained in the country’s football history.
As he takes on his new role, George’s immediate focus will be on guiding the Super Eagles to success in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic.
The matches, set to take place in Uyo and Abidjan, are crucial for Nigeria’s campaign, with the team currently trailing behind in third place in Group C of the African qualifiers.
The appointment of Finidi George reflects the NFF’s commitment to nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for former players to contribute to the development of Nigerian football.
With his experience and passion for the game, George is poised to lead the Super Eagles to new heights and inspire a new generation of footballers in the country.