The Super Eagles' shocking defeat to Benin Republic in a World Cup qualifier has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football. Social media is ablaze with calls for the immediate dismissal of head coach Finidi George.
While the result is undeniably disappointing, it raises a more fundamental question: is Finidi George on the verge of becoming another casualty in a long line of short-lived Super Eagles coaches?
Finidi George's appointment as the permanent coach in April 2024 was met with cautious optimism. A Nigerian football legend himself, his brief stint as interim manager yielded mixed results. However, with only four games under his belt, judging his performance solely on statistics – one win – it might not be out of place to sack him due to the task at hand.
A history of coaching carousels: A troubling pattern
Finidi if booted wouldn't be the first Super Eagles coach to experience a short reign. Nigerian football has a well-documented history of coaching carousels. Names like Manfred Höner (1987-1988), Philippe Troussier (1997), and Sunday Oliseh (2015-2016) all had relatively brief stints. This constant churn raises serious concerns about continuity and the ability to implement a long-term strategy for the national team and not just immediate result.
Philippe Troussier: The true shortest reign
The information available reveals a troubling fact – the coach with the shortest reign, based on the number of games managed, is Philippe Troussier. Offered the role in 1997 after Shaibu Amodu, Troussier managed the team for a mere four games during the 1998 World Cup qualifiers before being replaced by Bora Milutinović.
This instance underscores the alarming pattern of impermanence within Nigerian football leadership. This constant change disrupts team development and makes it difficult for coaches to build a cohesive playing style and implement their vision.
Other short-lived reigns: A revolving Door of Coaches
Manfred Höner Jan 1, 1988 – Sep 30, 1988 (5 games managed):
Höner managed the Nigeria national team from 1987 to 1988, leading the team to second place at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Cameroon in the final. He was head coach when Nigeria made an appearance at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Sunday Oliseh: Jul 11, 2015)- Feb 26, 2016 (7 games managed)
In 2015, Sunday Oliseh took the helm of the Super Eagles, appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Despite a brief tenure lasting only eight months, his impact was undeniable. Under his leadership, the team boasted a strong record, suffering just two defeats in 14 matches.
However, this promising period was abruptly cut short due to reported issues with the NFF. Allegations of contract violations, lack of support, and unpaid wages for Oliseh, his assistants, and the players themselves ultimately led to his resignation in February 2016, just a month before a crucial AFCON qualifier.
The coming World Cup qualifiers will be a defining moment for Nigerian football. Can Finidi George, despite his potentially short window of opportunity, pull off a miracle and guide the Super Eagles to the World Cup? Or will the team's struggles continue, prompting a renewed search for a long-term solution?
