NFF demotes Finidi George, seeks foreign coach for Super Eagles amid poor WCQ performance
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to part ways with Finidi George following a disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
This decision was made during an executive committee meeting on June 12, where the NFF addressed the team’s poor performance and announced plans to hire a foreign technical adviser.
Summary of Events:
Finidi George’s Tenure:
- High Expectations: Appointed with high hopes due to his history as an Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist.
- Poor Performance: Recorded only one win in four matches, leading to criticism over squad selection and results.
- WCQ Struggles: Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been lackluster, earning only three points from a possible twelve.
NFF’s Statement:
- Apology to Fans: The NFF apologized to fans for the team’s poor performance.
- Hiring a Foreign Coach: Announced plans to bring in a foreign technical adviser to improve results.
- Focus on AFCON: Emphasized the need for better results in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Implications for Finidi George:
- Potential Demotion or Removal: While not explicitly stated, it is likely that Finidi will be demoted or removed from his current role.
- Viewed as a Failure: His tenure is seen as unsuccessful due to the team’s inability to secure wins against Benin and South Africa.
Future Plans:
- High-Profile Coach: The NFF aims to hire a high-profile foreign coach to revitalize the Super Eagles.
- Immediate Challenges: The new coach will focus on turning around the World Cup qualifying campaign and securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Restructuring: The NFF plans to restructure the technical department and enhance scouting efforts for players eligible for Nigerian citizenship globally.
Finidi’s Reign and Future Prospects:
- Struggling Stint: Finidi George’s short stint as head coach saw the Super Eagles struggle in their World Cup qualifiers, leading to their current fifth-place standing in the group.
- Commitment to Improvement: The NFF’s decision to replace him underscores their commitment to quickly turning around the team’s fortunes. Hiring a foreign coach is seen as a step towards regaining a competitive edge and ensuring Nigeria’s presence in major international tournaments.
Conclusion
The NFF’s decision to replace Finidi George with an expatriate technical adviser marks a significant shift in their approach to managing the Super Eagles. The new coach will face the immediate challenge of rescuing Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign while also preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The restructuring of the technical department and an enhanced scouting program indicate a broader strategy to strengthen Nigerian football in the long term
