Former Enyimba International coach Finidi George has resigned from his position as the head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, per multiple reports.
Finidi George’s Career Highlights
As a player, Finidi George was known for his vibrant right-wing play, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He also achieved notable success with Ajax, winning the UEFA Champions League and the Super Cup.
Coaching Tenure at Enyimba and Super Eagles
After a brief stint in Spain, Finidi returned to Nigeria to manage Enyimba International, where he led the team to a league title in his second season. During this period, he also served as an assistant to Jose Peseiro, the then head coach of the Super Eagles. When Peseiro’s contract was not renewed post-AFCON, Finidi stepped in as interim head coach.
Interim Role and Permanent Appointment
In March, Finidi guided the Super Eagles to a 2-1 victory over Ghana but subsequently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mali in Morocco. Following a thorough review by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), he was officially appointed as the head coach with the primary goal of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
World Cup Qualification Challenges
Under Finidi’s leadership, the Super Eagles faced a tough start in the World Cup qualifiers. They drew 1-1 against South Africa in Uyo and lost 2-1 to Benin Republic, coached by former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr. These results left the Super Eagles in 5th place in their qualification group with three points from four games.
Resignation and Future Prospects
Reports indicate that Finidi has resigned following the NFF’s decision to hire a foreign technical adviser. This decision appears to have influenced his choice to step down from his role. The NFF and the Super Eagles will now look to stabilize the coaching situation and refocus on their World Cup qualification campaign.
