With the unveiling of the new Super Eagles coach by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, you may wonder who Finidi George's assistants are.
In this article, we'll provide all the information you need to know about the Super Eagles' backroom staff.
Two weeks ago, the NFF revealed the appointment of Finidi as the Super Eagles coach, yet they didn't disclose the details of the agreement.
George was given a one-year contract and has been leading the Super Eagles since March. He is anticipated to continue preparing the team for the pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin next month.
Finidi has already selected Daniel Amokachi and Benjamin James as assistant coaches, along with Olatunji Baruwa as the goalkeepers' trainer, Chima Onyeike as the fitness trainer, and Mehmet Ozturk as the analyst.
In the coming days, George is expected to announce the addition of two foreign individuals to his backroom staff, whose identities are yet to be revealed.
It's noteworthy that George represented the Super Eagles from 1991 to 2002, amassing 62 appearances and scoring six goals. He was part of Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations-winning team in 1994 and participated in two World Cups.
Finidi George's assistants
In this piece, we introduce you to Finidi George's assistants who will help him lead the Super Eagles to the promised land.
Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi, who lives under the moniker ‘The Bull,' had a successful playing career that saw him play in Belgium, England, Turkey and the United States of America (USA).
In his international career, he was a member of the Super Eagles squad that took part in both the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and secured victory in the 1994 African Nations Cup.
He also played a significant role in winning the Olympic championship in 1996, notably scoring in the final against Argentina.
Since retiring from playing, Amokachi managed Nigerian clubs Nasarawa United (his last playing club before retirement in 2005) and later Enyimba of Aba.
In April 2007, he resigned from his role as assistant coach of the Nigeria national team. On April 10, 2008, Amokachi was reappointed to the Super Eagles as assistant coach under Shuaibu Amodu, and later served as assistant to Stephen Keshi.
Furthermore, Amokachi took charge of Ifeanyi Ubah in 2015, but resigned after five weeks. In January 2016, he was appointed manager of JS Hercules.
On February 4, 2020, Amokachi was appointed Nigeria’s football ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He played 44 times for Nigeria, scoring 13 goals.
Benjamin James
James, much like Amokachi, started as a footballer, primarily playing as a centre-back for Shooting Stars, Stationery Stores, and Plateau United.
Nicknamed ‘Olopa' Policeman for his skill in thwarting opposing attacks, James also had stints in Italy and Germany with Catania, Carl Zeiss Jena, VFR Mannheim, and SV Weingarten.
He retired from professional football in 2003. In terms of coaching, James gained experience as an assistant manager with Hoffenheim's Youth team.
Olutunji Baruwa
George has retained Olutunji Baruwa as the goalkeeping coach for the Super Eagles. The two collaborated closely under Peseiro, with George serving as one of the Portuguese's assistants.
Baruwa assumed the role, replacing former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu, just in time for Nigeria's AFCON 2023 qualifier double-header against Guinea-Bissau.
Chima Onyeike
Born in Zeist, Netherlands, to a Nigerian father, Onyeike had a distinguished playing career, representing clubs such as DEV, WGW, HRC, HFC Haarlem, Dordrecht, Excelsior, VVV-Venlo, TOP Oss, Cambuur, and Quick Boys.
Upon retiring from professional football, Onyeike pursued higher education in sports, earning his diploma in fitness.
He then transitioned into personal training, working with renowned players like Roy Makaay and Aleksandr Kerzhakov. In July 2011, he assumed the role of fitness coach at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.
In June 2013, Onyeike joined Greek club PAOK as their fitness coach. On November 25, 2014, he began working as the fitness coach for VfB Stuttgart. From July 2018 to June 2022, he served as the Conditioning Coach for Dutch side Willem II.
NFF president emphasises commitment to indigenous talent
In a press conference held at their headquarters in Abuja, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau addressed the media, shedding light on the meticulous selection process that led to the appointment of Finidi George.
Gusau said, “When we returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, we began the search for a new Head Coach. 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. 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.”
Finidi George outlines vision for Super Eagles: Targets World Cup qualification and accentuates player relationships
At his unveiling, George outlined his immediate objectives and vision for the team as they embark on a new journey under his leadership.
The 53-year-old said, “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 Benin Republic. 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.”
On the subject of relationships with the players, George said, “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 relationship 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 continued.
“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.”