Meet Super Eagles Interim head coach Finidi George
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has appointed experienced Enyimba coach Finidi George as the interim coach for the Super Eagles ahead of their friendlies against Ghana and Mali.
The Super Eagles are set to face their West African rivals in what promises to be an exciting encounter known as the Jollof Derby. The highly anticipated match will take place on Friday, March 22nd, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. Following this, the team will square off against Mali at the same venue on Tuesday, March 26th.
With the NFF still in search of a permanent head coach, Finidi George steps in as a temporary solution to lead the team.
Here are five key things to know about the new Super Eagles interim coach:
Former Super Eagles Star:
Finidi George is a familiar name in Nigerian football, having had a successful playing career with the Super Eagles. As a former winger, he represented Nigeria in numerous international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
European Football Experience:
Finidi George gained valuable experience playing in top European leagues, particularly with Ajax Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Real Betis in Spain. His time in Europe exposed him to high-level football and honed his skills as a player.
Coaching Career:
Following his retirement from professional football, Finidi George transitioned into coaching. He has served in various coaching roles, including as an assistant coach to Jose Peseiro. His coaching experience and understanding of the game make him a suitable candidate for the interim coaching role.
Managerial Role at Enyimba:
Currently, Finidi serves as the Chief Coach of Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s leading football clubs. His tenure at Enyimba has provided him with firsthand experience in managing a team and handling the complexities of football management. He led Enyimba to their ninth Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title last season.
Interim Appointment:
Finidi George’s appointment as the interim coach of the Super Eagles comes after the departure of Jose Peseiro. With his wealth of experience as both a player and a coach, George is expected to guide the team in the right direction temporarily. A successful stint in these friendlies could potentially bolster his chances of securing the Super Eagles job on a permanent basis.
