It’s been official for some time now that Finidi George has been appointed as the substantive coach of the Nigeria national team after he used the March international friendlies to audition for the job.
The 53-year-old was officially unveiled on Monday, May 13, 2024, following a short ceremony held at the media centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. In the presence of Nigeria’s Sports Minister John Enoh and the top brass of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), George received a warm reception as he began his tenure in earnest.
While in a caretaker capacity, the former Real Betis and Ajax Amsterdam forward impressively led the Super Eagles to a 2-1 victory over Ghana, ending Nigeria’s 17-year winless run against the Black Stars. However, he was handed a reality check against Mali, who humbled Nigeria via a 2-0 defeat a few days later.
There is no doubt about the quality of footballer that George was during his playing days. For a man who won everything at Ajax, including three Eredivisie titles, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup, there is not really much any of his players can show off against him.
At the international level, too, he was part of the Super Eagles’ golden generation that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1994 and reached the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup that same year.
Since venturing into management, George has done well for himself, having won the Nigerian league with Enyimba FC in 2021 but the fact still remains that the Super Eagles job is the biggest he’s occupied in his career and by extension the most daunting of all. Having been officially unveiled as the national team’s substantive head coach, Afrik Foot brings you five things we learned from Gorge’s outdooring:
Finidi George given short-term contract
The NFF has decided to give George a one-year contract to prove himself. The length of the contract can, however, be viewed two ways: It’s either the NFF do not trust him enough to reward him with a long-term contract or they are playing it safe to avoid a hefty compensation, should things not go according to plan. Either way, a one-year contract doesn’t send a good message.
It’s too short a time for any coach to build a winsome team and certainly not ideal for a coach trying to implement his own style of play. Many Nigerians were not enthused by the Super Eagles’ pragmatic style under Jose Peseiro and George, who is seen as a more attack-minded coach, would need time to get this team playing his way.
It’s worse when you realise George has just four competitive games to prove himself within that one-year period (excluding international friendlies). It’s as if the NFF has tasked him to win and will only judge him on results, which is not an ideal situation for a coach looking to build a team and imbibe a new style.
Finidi George picks both local and foreign coaches as backroom staff
Meanwhile, after weeks of divided opinion on who will be part of George’s backroom staff, the 53-year-old has finally unveiled his choices. He has chosen to go with a diverse backroom staff that consists of both local and foreign coaches.
Daniel Amokachi is the most popular among George’s assistants, as he has vast experience in the role and was part of the technical team that led the Super Eagles to win their third AFCON trophy in 2013 and also qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Two more Nigerians form part of George’s assistant coaches, with Olatunji Baruwa appointed as goalkeepers’ trainer while Chima Onyeike (who was born in the Netherlands but has Nigerian roots) will also serve as the team’s fitness trainer.
George’s backroom staff is complemented by a foreign pair – Benjamin James, a youth coach at German side Hoffenheim also with Nigerian roots, will serve as his first assistant, with Mehmet Ozturk from Turkey also joining as an analyst.
NFF promises Finidi George free hands to work
Another thing we learned from George’s unveiling was the NFF’s unwavering support. While they might have been playing to the gallery, as they’ve done several times in the past, it’s only fair to give them the benefit of doubt.
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau said George would receive all the support he needs to succeed and promised that the 53-year-old would be given free hands on key decisions like player selection.
“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,” Gasau said, as quoted by Arise News.
“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. Our objective now is to ensure the enthronement of excellence at all levels of the National Teams.”
Super Eagles to go for the kill against South Africa, Benin
George’s unveiling also saw him lay down the gauntlet ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin. The Super Eagles haven’t started the qualifying campaign well and currently occupy the third position in Group C after drawing against Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
This, therefore, adds an extra layer of importance to the upcoming games against South Africa and Benin. Nigeria will host Bafana Bafana on June 7 in Abuja before taking on the Squirrels three days later.
George gave Nigerian fans a sneak peek of what to expect, insisting his target is to win both games. The former Real Mallorca winger said the Super Eagles will go all out against South Africa and Benin as they aim to get their World Cup qualification hopes back on track.
“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 the Benin Republic,” George said, as quoted by Premium Times.
“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.”
Finidi George opens doors for NPFL players
Meanwhile, George has also promised to only invite players who are active at the clubs. This could mean an end to Ahmed Musa’s international career, with the former Leicester City star’s inclusion in the last AFCON sharply dividing opinion.
George’s position on call-ups, however, is that once a player is good and playing actively, he has a chance with the national team. He noted that players from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) will also get a fair chance to stake their claim.
Having managed in the local league for some time now, George is abreast with the quality of the NPFL and knows the best players in the Nigerian topflight after visiting every league centre with Enyimba. On managing the big egos in the Super Eagles dressing room, George said he already enjoys a good relationship with the players and will strive to keep it that way.
“I have always had a cordial relationship with all the players as an assistant coach. I am still the same person even as head coach now, only that the title has changed. There will be no controversy regarding relationships 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,” he said, as quoted by Naija Times.
“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.”
George was also backed by the Sports Minister to open his doors to players who are excelling in the local league.
