Former Eyimba FC coach, ex-Heartland FC player… meet Super Eagles new coach Finidi George

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has appointed former Enyimba FC coach Finidi George as their new head coach, succeeding Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro. 

George, a former Champions League winner with Ajax in 1995, served as an assistant to Peseiro for the past 20 months, including during the Africa Cup of Nations final where Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast. 

He initially took charge on an interim basis for two friendlies in March, leading the team to a victory over Ghana and a loss to Mali. 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed George’s appointment, citing his extensive experience and understanding of the team and local players. 

George, a member of Nigeria’s Class of 1994, faces the immediate challenge of guiding the Super Eagles in crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin. 

His goal is to strike a balance between the team’s formidable defense and its need to create scoring opportunities, given the wealth of attacking talent at his disposal.

“We knew had been with the team for a while, he understands the team and the players and it would have been foolish to bring someone from outside with no time to prepare them for the qualifiers,” the source said.

Read also:

• NFF appoints Finidi George… Here’s what to know about him
• FIFA rankings: Argentina remains top globally, Morocco leads Africa,  Nigeria drops
• José Peseiro’s highs and lows as Super Eagles coach
• AFCON: How Super Eagles can qualify from group after draw against Equatorial Guinea

“Finidi has proven himself with Enyimba FC and he knows our local league inside out, so he should be able to see good players to invite to the Super Eagles,” NFF said.

Things to know about Finidi George:

1. Finidi George, a dazzling winger of the 1990s, gained prominence with Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
2. His pivotal role in Nigeria’s first World Cup qualification in 1994, alongside Emmanuel Amuneke, marked a significant achievement.
3. Originally positioned as a central midfielder, Finidi’s adaptability and speed led him to excel as an outside right winger, following advice from senior teammate Friday Ekpo.
4. Before his European ventures, he contributed to Heartland’s league title in 1990 and showcased his talent with the Super Eagles.
5. Ajax became his stage for glory, where under Louis Van Gaal, he clinched the UEFA Champions League in 1995, along with Eredivisie titles and Dutch Super Cups.
6. Finidi’s performances at the 1994 World Cup were pivotal, underscoring Nigeria’s emergence as a footballing power.
7. His vision, pace, and skill on the wing were evident in iconic moments like his assists in Nigeria’s World Cup debut against Bulgaria.
8. Despite a stellar Ajax tenure, his later club career at Real Betis, Real Mallorca, and Ipswich Town lacked the same luster, though he still made an impact.
9. Highly regarded by peers like Marc Overmars, Finidi was praised by Louis Van Gaal for his impact and the modest transfer fee Ajax paid for him.
10. Finidi’s ethos of hard work, both on the field as a player and now as a coach, underscores the value of dedication and effort in achieving success.