The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Finidi George as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, following the recommendation from its Technical and Development Committee. George’s immediate responsibility is to lead the team in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, taking place in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively, within the next five weeks.
George served as an assistant coach under José Santos Peseiro, who recently stepped down after achieving a runner-up position in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. In the interim period, George managed the squad during two friendly matches in Morocco, securing a 2-1 win against Ghana but falling to a 0-2 defeat against Mali.
A celebrated figure in Nigerian football, George was part of the ‘Golden Generation’ that clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and played a significant role in Nigeria’s debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA. He earned 62 caps and competed in the 1994 and 1998 World Cup tournaments, along with several AFCON competitions where he won gold, silver, and bronze medals.
The 52-year-old George had a distinguished club career with Ajax Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Real Betis in Spain. He made his debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in 1991 and contributed to the team’s success, including assisting in the nation’s first World Cup goal in 1994.
George’s top priority will be to guide the Super Eagles to victories in their upcoming matches, which are essential for their advancement in the African campaign. Currently, the team sits in third place in Group C, trailing behind Rwanda and South Africa.
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