The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has appointed former player, Finidi George, to lead the team as the new manager after parting ways with former coach, Jose Peseiro.
Following the Super Eagles’ runners-up finish at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Football Federation decided to part ways with Jose Peseiro on mutual consent after 20 months in the helm of affairs, leaving the role vacant.
However, Finidi George, who was part of Jose Peseiro’s coaching staff and has been heading Nigerian giant Enyimba Fc since September 2021, was seen as the most viable candidate to fill Pesiro’s void.
George, who was a former player of Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis, is privileged to be among the selected few Africans to have had the honour of winning the coveted Uefa Champions League trophy in 1995 with Ajax.
Additionally, George played an inspiring role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON winning team, delivering at the time of need for the Super Eagles en-route to continental dominance.
His appointment has been received with mixed feelings back home, with some Nigerians of the view that he is not yet cut for the pressure that comes with managing at the highest level, while others make a claim for him with his Nigerian Premier League title triumph in June 2023 with Enyimba Fc.
In spite of the grumblings from some Nigerians, George— who oversaw Nigeria’s March International friendly games as a caretaker coach— is tasked with securing World Cup qualification for the Super Eagles at the next global showpiece.
Finidi George and his new-look Nigerian team will hope to please his employers and silence his critiques when they do take on South Africa and Benin in their 2026 World Cup qualifying games, respectively.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh
