Former Super Eagles player Victor Ikpeba has shed light on the Nigerian Football Federation's decision-making process behind appointing Finidi George as the new Super Eagles coach.
The Super Eagles' managerial position became vacant following the departure of Jose Peseiro, whose contract with the NFF ended in February.
The NFF advertised the vacant position and invited interested coaches to apply. While several managers, both expatriates and locals, were linked with the job, it was George who ultimately secured the role.
George is familiar with the role, having served as one of Peseiro's assistants during the Super Eagles' second-place finish in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
He was also assigned the responsibility of leading the Super Eagles in March's international friendlies with Ghana and Mali.
The 53-year-old supervised the Super Eagles' victory against the Black Stars of Ghana and their defeat to the Eagles of Mali.
However, during Monday Night Football on Super Sports, Ikpeba, a member of the technical committee that endorsed George, explained that the NFF opted for him due to financial limitations.
Ikpeba's insights following Finidi George's appointment as Super Eagles coach
Shedding light on George's appointment, Ikpeba provided insight into the deliberations and offered a glimpse into the complexities faced by the committee in their pursuit of the ideal candidate.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate Finidi George on his appointment as the Super Eagles coach,” Ikpeba began.
“However, it was a difficult task because we initially wanted a foreign manager. However, we settled for Finidi because of the finance. It’s not like we don’t have confidence in our own coaches back home. We thought there should be continuity in the way Peseiro took the team to the final of the 2023 AFCON.”
“So, eventually, we were guided by the NFF President to look inward. It’s not that we can’t afford a foreign manager, but Nigerians back home want a Nigerian coach, and that is what we have now.”
What are Finidi George's immediate tasks as Super Eagles coach?
Finidi George's immediate challenge will be to lead the Super Eagles to success in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.
These matches will take place in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively, in just over five weeks. The Super Eagles find themselves in a must-win situation, currently trailing in third place in Group C of the African campaign, behind both Rwanda and South Africa.
The Super Eagles will host South Africa on June 3 and play as guests of Benin a week later.
Is Finidi George the right man for the Super Eagles job?
The appointment of Finidi George as the head coach of Enyimba F.C. in September 2021 marked a significant milestone in his coaching career.
Transitioning from his illustrious playing days to the demanding role of a coach, George embarked on a journey filled with challenges and opportunities.
Fast forward to June 11, 2023, and George achieved his first triumph as a coach, winning the Nigeria Premier League title for Enyimba in a thrilling match at the iconic Onikan Stadium in Lagos.
However, as the spotlight now shifts to George taking the helm as the head coach of the Super Eagles, questions linger: Is he the right man for the job?
While George early success as a coach is undoubtedly promising, the role of leading a national team comes with its own unique set of challenges.
The Super Eagles, with their rich history and passionate fan base, require a coach who can not only deliver results but also navigate the intricate dynamics of international football.
George's experience as both a player and a coach provides him with invaluable insights into the game.
His leadership qualities and tactical acumen were evident during his playing days, and his transition to coaching suggests a keen understanding of the nuances of the sport.
while Finidi George's coaching journey has shown promise, the question of whether he is the right man for the Super Eagles job remains open for debate.
Only time will tell whether he can rise to the challenge and lead the team to new heights on the international stage.
