‘ Dont impose assistants on Finidi George ‘ – Mutiu Adepoju warns NFF

Former Real Sociedad star, Mutiu Adepoju has cautioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against taking actions that could undermine Finidi George’s position as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

Following Jose Peseiro’s departure after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Finidi George was appointed as the new manager of the Super Eagles by the NFF.

He has already overseen friendly games against Ghana and Mali and is preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

However, there has been no announcement regarding Finidi’s backroom staff, leading to speculation that the NFF may choose his assistants for him. Adepoju, in an interview with Newscentral, advised against this, emphasizing the importance of allowing Finidi to select his own team.

“A coach knows who he wants to work with, who he is confident in,” Adepoju stated. “With the help of the NFF, they will be able to choose the suitable backroom staff for him. I believe he has to have a say in choosing his backroom staff, not just imposing coaches or anybody on him.”

Adepoju stressed the significance of Finidi having confidence in his support staff and suggested that the NFF should facilitate this by allowing him to pick his own team.

“It remains to be seen if the NFF would allow Finidi to bring in his preferred backroom staff ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next month,” Adepoju added.

The decision regarding Finidi’s backroom staff will be key to determining the success of the Super Eagles under his leadership.